Discovering the Enchanted Dolomites: A 7-Day Adventure 🏔🌍
Nestled in the heart of Europe lies a natural wonderland that has captivated the hearts of adventurers for generations – The Dolomites. Imagine a place where alpine beauty meets the charm of Italian culture and the hearty greetings of German tradition. That’s the magic of the Dolomites! ✨
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The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, form a striking part of the Southern Alps, extending across northern Italy’s provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno. Picture pizzerias and schnitzel houses harmoniously coexisting, where every valley echoes with the cadence of Italian and German, creating an atmosphere unique to this enchanting wonderland.
But the Dolomites are more than just a geographical meeting point; they are a haven for adventurers, hikers, and nature lovers. Imagine exhilerating hikes, tranquil lakeside moments, and heart-pounding alpine vistas – these mountains offer it all.
Join us as we share our experiences and discoveries in this mesmerizing region, where every day was an adventure and every view left us in awe!
Day 1: Setting foot in Ortisei 👣
Our journey began with excitement as we set out from the Netherlands, embarking on a road trip towards the Italian border. The drive was long but filled with enthusiastic chatter, dreams of alpine adventures, and the promise of Italian cuisine.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we arrived in Ortisei or Urtijëi in Italian, a charming alpine village in the heart of the Dolomites. In the evening, we found a bustling pizzeria close to our hotel, Cascada Restaurant, where we relished our first taste of authentic Italian pizza.
With satisfied appetites and a sense of achievement, we retreated early to our lodging, ready to embrace the wonders of the Dolomites after a good night’s rest.
Looking for a hotel in Ortisei? Find one here!
Day 2: The Enchanting Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm 🐮
Eager to explore the beauty that awaited, we awoke to a sunny morning in Ortisei. After a hearty breakfast, we walked to the cable car station, destined for Mount Sëuc. The ride was a spectacle in itself, offering glimpses of the breathtaking landscapes that lay ahead.
We alighted at Mount Sëuc, a vantage point for the expansive Alpe di Siusi, the largest alpine meadow in Europe. A 10 km hike through this natural marvel was a journey of discovery, every step revealing a new facet of its beauty. We walked through the major grass fields, besides the grazing cows, over exciting paths, and sometimes we felt like we were the only ones in the world. After a while, we found ourselves back at Mount Sëuc, where we enjoyed the views a bit more while sipping on a well-deserved Aperol Spritz.
Dinner awaited at our hotel, Hotel Hell, although the culinary experience left room for improvement. Despite this, the day had been a true testament to the beauty of the Dolomites and we couldn’t wait for the days ahead.
Want to get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Alpe di Siusi? Get more information about the hike here!
Day 3: Tranquility Amidst the Odle Peaks 🌄
In search of tranquility and pristine landscapes, we set off by car to Zannes Car Park in Val di Funes. Our destination was the Adolf Munkel Trail/Via Delle Odle, a 9 km hiking trail offering a serene communion with nature.
The trail led us through winding paths, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Odle Mountain group. The sense of calm and isolation from the bustling world was wonderful. As the day waned, we found ourselves back in Ortisei after a fulfilling day. In Ortisei we indulged in delightful Italian cuisine at Vedl Mulin. Pizza and pasta never tasted so good as we reflected on the serenity of the day.
Curious about our peaceful hiking experience? Catch the serene vibe here!
Day 4: Summit Wonders at Seceda Mountain 🪂
Day four, oh what a thrill! The day dawned with a promise of adventure as we ascended Seceda Mountain via cable car. This station is easy to find by foot from Ortisei, but costs you quite a bit of money. However, the views you get from the minute you get out of the cable car are unbelievable and worth every penny.
We embarked on a 10 km trek through breathtaking landscapesn. Climbing a small part meant for climbers and encountering cute donkeys were amazing. It was one of the best days in the Dolomites for us. We completed this inspiring day with dinner at Vedl Mulin in Ortisei again.
Dive into more details of our Seceda Mountain escapade here! An unmissable adventure!
Day 5: A Scenic Drive to San Vito di Cadore 🚗
We bid farewell to Ortisei, embarking on a scenic drive to our new haven in San Vito di Cadore, a destination that promised even more enchanting experiences in the heart of the Dolomites. The road unveiled the stunning Gardena Pass, treating us to one of the most picturesque drives in this region.
After a couple of hours on the road, we arrived at our new accommodation, perched at a perfect vantage point. In the afternoon, we decided to explore Cortina d’Ampezzo, a bustling town renowned for its charming shops and delightful eateries. Fun fact: this city will host the Olympic Winter Games in 2026. There, we immersed ourselves in some shopping and culminated the day with a comforting pizza meal, adding another delightful Italian dining experience to our journey.
Looking for a hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo? Find one here! Or one in San Vito di Cadore?
Day 6: Conquering Lago di Braies with a Challenging Hike 🏊♀️
Day six began with a determination to explore one of the region’s most beautiful lakes, Lago di Braies. The scenic drive to the lake was a treat in itself, winding through the majestic Dolomites.
Opting for a challenging 10 km hike with a significant elevation gain over 600 meters, we embraced the adventure with enthusiasm. The hike unfolded through awe-inspiring landscapes, rewarding our efforts with breathtaking panoramic views. The highlight, undoubtedly, was the refreshing dive into the lake’s crystal-clear waters, rejuvenating our spirits.
An additional leisurely stroll around the lake allowed us to absorb the beauty from every angle. The day concluded with a hearty meal of schnitzel and fries at a local eatery near the lake’s parking lot, adding the perfect ending to an incredible day. We can say the most wonderful day of our trip! 🤫
Dive into the details of our exhilarating hike at Lago di Braies here!
Day 7: Unexpected Adventures at Lago di Sorapis 🥾
Our seventh day in the Dolomites began with an attempt to hike Tre Cime/Drei Zinnen. Though the parking lot at Rifugio Auronzo, the starting point for the hike, was completely full. Undeterred, we decided to embrace spontaneity and opted for a different adventure.
Driving back a bit, we found ourselves at the trailhead for Lago di Sorapis, a journey that would turn out to be as rewarding as it was challenging. The hike tested us with its steep ascents and rocky terrain, and at times, the crowds made it a bit hectic. Yet, every step was worth it.
As we reached the culmination of our hike, we were greeted by a sight that words struggle to describe. Lago di Sorapis lay before us, a gem nestled amidst the rugged Dolomite landscape, unveiled it’s blue waters – leaving us captivated.
After a break by the lake, where we reveled in the tranquility and soaked in the natural beauty, we embarked in a leisurely stroll around the lake. The return journey mirrored the initial hike, totaling a remarkable 14 kilometers. While the trek had its challenges, the memory of Lago di Sorapis continued to motivate us.
On our way back to the hotel, we couldn’t resist passing through the charming town of Cortina d’Ampezzo once more. There, we discovered a local bar serving some of the best burgers, a delightful deviation from the Italian cuisine we had been enjoying. It was the perfect end to a day filled with unexpected adventures.
Do you want to overcome unexpected turns? Read all the details about the Lago di Sorapis hike here!
Day 8: A Majestic Finale at Tre Cime/Drei Zinnen 🚵♀️
On our final day of exploration, we set our sights on the grand finale – the Tre Cime/Drei Zinnen hike. Eagerly driving to Rifugio Auronzo, earlier than the day before, we were met with a full parking lot again, presenting a small setback. Adapting to the situation, we parked at an alternative location and hopped on a bus to reach the starting point.
The vistas from Rifugio Auronzo were nothing short of spectacular, setting the tone for the day’s adventure. We commenced our hike around the three peaks, each step revealing the natural wonders of this iconic trail. The awe-inspiring beauty of the Tre Cime was a sight to behold, leaving an indelible mark on our memories.
The journey continued with a climb to Cadini di Misurina, offering even more extraordinary views, you definitely should add it to your route. As the day came to a close, we reluctantly bid farewell to the Dolomites, concluding our journey with a pasta dinner in San Vito di Cadore. Despite the minor culinary letdown, our hearts were brimming with the incredible experiences of our adventure.
Find out everything you need to know to get to see the breathtaking beauty of Tre Cime/Drei Zinnen and Cadini di Misurina here!
One Last Adventure 🌉
We left the Dolomites in the middle of the night to drive back home quietly. Slowly the mountains appeared as the sun rose. During our drive we set out for one last adventure – the heart-pounding Highline179 in Austria, walking over this wire bridge not only woke us up from any lingering fatigue but italso tested Nolan’s fear of heights, leaving us with an adrenaline rush and some more unforgettable memories. It was a perfect closure to our remarkable journey through the Dolomites, reaffirming our love for the thrill of exploration.
Ready for Future Adventures 🗺
With the Dolomites now a cherished memory, our hearts and minds are already set on the horizons of our next great adventure. In a few short months, we’ll be embarking on a journey to the breathtaking landscapes of South America.
Our journey in the Dolomites was a test-holiday, a taste of excitement that awaits us in our future adventures. The challenging hikes, the awe-inspiring vistas, and the thrill of the unknown were mere glimpses of what lies ahead.
Looking for more exciting acitivities in the Dolomites? Discover a world of fun adventures on GetYourGuide!
Stay tuned as we gear up for our next grand adventure, embracing the vast landscapes and cultures of South America. The Dolomites were just the beginning; the world beckons, and we are ready to answer the call!
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