The incredible Dolomites
The Dolomites, a mountain range in the South Tyrol Region, Northern Italy, is without doubt one of the most magnificent places I've ever visited. Majestic mountains, translucent lakes, breathtaking scenery. The destination is trendy, but that doesn't take away the beauty of the show. On the contrary, everything is in place for an exceptional stay: the hiking and biking itineraries are endless, the facilities and equipment are modern, the choice of accommodation is vast, and some of the hotels are quite simply among the finest in the world.
When to go to the Dolomites:
All year round! We visited the Dolomites for the first time during the summer, and again in early autumn at the end of September. We really enjoyed both seasons. However, if you want to see the magic of autumn colors, I recommend waiting until mid-October. Thanks to its many ski resorts, the region is also very popular in winter.
The must-haves:
The region is full of beautiful places, and it would take several weeks to visit them all. Nevertheless, here are a few not to be missed.
Lago di Carezza:
This small alpine lake with its crystal-clear waters is well worth a visit. We went there during the evening for a picnic, and were lucky in that we were practically alone. The lake is about 25 km from Bolzano. The road leading to the lake is magnificent, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Alpe di Siusi:
This is the highest mountain pasture in Europe. It's a wonderful place for a bike ride or a hike. Since it's a plateau, there's very little altitude differential. You can access this place by car or bus, as cars are not allowed between 9am and 5pm. I recommend going for the sunrise, as the light seeping through the hills makes the experience even more magical.
Lago di Braies
Ce petit lac alpin de la vallée de Braies est une vraie pépite. Ses eaux turquoises entourées de montagnes imposantes font de ce lieu une étape incontournable. Cependant, il faut savoir que la destination est très touristique. Je vous conseille de vous y rendre en toute fin de journée ou au lever du soleil pour éviter les foules et profiter de la beauté du paysage en toute quiétude.
En journée, il est possible de louer des petites barques pour une balade sur le lac. Vous pouvez également faire le tour du lac à pied, c’est une marche de 3.5 km accessible à tous. Pour les plus courageux, le lac est également le point de départ pour la randonnée au sommet du Seekofel.
Plose:
The gondola lift to Plose is less than 10 minutes' drive from Bressanone. Once at the top, you'll be able to admire a breathtaking 360° view. There's plenty to do here: wonderful hikes, numerous mountain bike trails, a descent in mountain carts (a cross between a go-kart and a bike), or simply relax at the La Finestra restaurant and why not try the famous bike "O" looping.
Les Dolomites
