About Dolomites
Dolomites, Italian Alps Dolomitiche, mountain range in the east of the Italian Alps, bounded by the valley of Isarco (to the north-west), Pusteria (north), Piave (to the east and to the south-east), Brenta (south-west). and Adige (west). The range includes an impressive number of mountains, 18 of which rise above 10,000 feet (3,050 meters). The highest point is Marmolada (3,342 meters), whose southern face has a cliff of 2,000 meters (610 meters). The range and its characteristic rocks take their name from the 18th century French geologist Dieudonné Dolomieu, who made the first scientific study of the region and its geology. Geographically, the mountains are light colored dolomitic limestone, which has been carved into incredible shapes by erosion.
The resulting landforms include fractured slopes, igneous rocks, scree (debris accumulations) of limestone debris, deep pits, and numerous rock faces. is low. Glacial features occur at higher levels; 41 glaciers are found in the area. Most of the lower, gentle slopes are forested; However, only the wooden house is still assembled with grass. The main valley offers easy access to many parts of the Dolomites.
The main north-south route uses the Campolongo pass (1,875 meters). The east-west route passes the famous peaks of Pordoi (2,239 feet), Falzarego (6,906 feet [2,105 meters]), Tre Croci (5,935 feet [1,809 meters]), Sella (7,346 feet [ 2,257 meters]). ), and Gardena (6,959 feet [2,121 meters]). The main center of the tourist area in the mountains is Cortina d’Ampezzo. Other ports are Auronzo, San Martino di Castrozza and Ortisei, with narrow gauge railways. To the west and southeast, respectively, are the large cities of Bolzano and Belluno.
Many of the peaks were first climbed in the 1860s and 70s by English mountaineers. Landslides after heavy rains in the southern Dolomites twice caused the Vaiont reservoir (on the Piave river) to overflow in the town of Longarone, causing the loss of more than 2,500 lives in 1963 and the destruction of buildings and communications. 1966. In 2009, the Dolomites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
MAIN TOWNS IN THE DOLOMITES
There are many small towns in the Dolomites. Below, we highlight some of the larger ones that provide a great base for exploring the area.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
This is one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites. It is a large city with a list of hotels and restaurants, including a few Michelin restaurants. The town makes an ideal base for exploring the Dolomites, with a great location close to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, the Croda da Lago circuit and Lagazuoi.
While in Cortina d’Ampezzo, take a walk along Corso Italia, the pedestrian street that runs through the city center. Go shopping, visit the Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo and take the Faloria bus or bus to Tofana di Mezzo.
SELVA DI VAL GARDENA & ORTISEI
Both towns are located in Val Gardena, not far from the Puez-Odle Natural Park. Like Cortina d’Ampezzo, there are many hotels and restaurants to choose from.
From here you can go to Seceda, Val di Funes, Alpe di Siuis and go to Puez-Odle Altopiano.
How to get there
The Dolomites straddle the northeastern border between Italy and Austria, passing through the Italian province of Belluno, Alto Adige (also known as South Tyrol) and Trentino.
The highest point of the mountain rises almost 11,000 feet above sea level. The journey from Milan to Bolzano takes more than three hours by car or train. Although most of the Dolomites can be seen by train or local bus, many travelers prefer to drive to discover small towns and natural areas that are not available on public transport.
Activities in the Dolomites
Filled with spectacular slopes and pristine lakes, rivers, forests and lush grasslands, the area attracts visitors year-round, many for summer or winter sports.
Here is a list of some great things to do in the Dolomites. Fantastic ski and snowboard slopes: Its clean air, beautiful scenery and high mountains make the Dolomites a great place for all kinds of outdoor winter sports. Depending on the annual rainfall, the slopes may open in autumn and remain open until spring. Securing a via ferrata : A via ferrata (sometimes referred to in the plural via ferrate) is a protected climbing route that is attached to a rock face by an iron rope, which climbers can use to protect themselves. . Everyone from via ferrata uses difficulty – determined by the gradient and the length between the holds. The most popular via ferrates are near Cortina, Alta Badia and Val di Fassa.
Take an exciting drive on the Great Dolomites Road: One way to see the Dolomites up close is to organize a trip on the Great Dolomites Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti). Technically, the road crosses the mountains starting outside Bolzano and ending in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Barrel Downhill on a Bike: Mountain biking is a popular pastime in milder weather during the summer months. Whether you’re on a bike tour or walking on your own, you’ll have great views of the windy road and bike path.
Flying over the snow-capped mountains in a hot air balloon: From the beginning to the middle of January, the sky above Dobbiaco is filled with hundreds of hot air balloons taking part in annual Hot Air Balloon weekend festival. Book a private hot air balloon tour that will take you for a bird’s eye view of the Dolomites valley from Alta Pusteria.
