DOLOMITES ROAD TRIP
THE PERFECT GUIDE
TO EXPERIENCE THE DOLOMITES
Climbing, skiing, rafting, excursions, paragliding, trekking, nature, Spas and so on.. all this and much more are the Dolomites. A destination for both sports lovers and for those who loves to regenerate and immerse in complete relax. Perfect destination both during summer with its lush green lawns; in autumn when its woods color themselves with all orange and yellow grading and during winter when a white cloak covers the peaks of the mountains and when ski slopes get packed.
This year I set myself the goal of seeing much more of my native country, Italy, and after a tour of South Italy's beauties of which I've written about in my previous article, this was the time to reach its northern part, more precisely in Trentino Alto-Adige at the foot of the Dolomites, in which we've passed 12 days to its discovery between hiking and relax. Although we are still on Italian soil it actually seems to been catapulted in a completely different country due to its proximity with Austria and to the deep german influence that this part of national territory had during the years. Among the several options, we opted for a road trip with our second-hand car starting from the bottom of Italy all the way up, 15 hours, and 1000km at our back, with a good dose of unexpected events.
As a base camp for our road trip, we choose the sunny plateau of Maranza, the perfect starting point for our excursions and the perfect destination for trekking lovers.
Maranza is a nice and quiet center to enjoy sunny days all year round at the discovery of its huts and shelters, where to relax enjoying a bath in a jacuzzi or a hot sauna after a tiring hike; your body won't desire anything else.
Go at the discovery of the many hiking trails and huts all around, such as the trail that leads to Grobberghutte's hut; a 1 hour and 20 minutes walk from Maranza. You'll find yourself surrounded by lush lawns, cute llama and alpaca farms, green valleys kissed by the sun, and crossed by a river. Here you can restore in the hut by tasting one of their many delicious tyrolean meals made with fresh ingredients; will be the perfect reward after your hike.
The Dolomites truly are a following of amazing and beautiful places all to see and enjoy, here are the must-see.
RIVA WATERFALLS:
As a waterfalls lover, of course, I had to start my road trip from Riva waterfalls. In Alto-Adige there is really the embarrassment of choosing which waterfall visit.
Riva waterfalls are a complex of three different waterfalls on three different levels. The first one high 10 meters, the second and third ones are high 50 meters. The waterfalls are easily seen by foot in an hour or so, you can choose to start your hike from the first one and then make your way up till the last one, and if you are an adventurer you could get back by flying using the skyline that only operates in the summertime.
Riva waterfalls are really a must, three waterfalls in one shoot, one more beautiful than the other one, immerse in the deep of the woods, they are really majestic. Visitable all year round; during summertime when there is a higher water level and during wintertime when it possible to climb the glaciers that form on the side of the waterfalls.
BOLZANO:
Getaway of the Dolomites, coexist in it multicultural urbanization and gothic buildings, it is also in its museum that lies the famous mummy named Otzi; to see, the gothic Cathedral and Maraccio Castel; while during wintertime a must-see are the winter markets.
CASTLE TOBLINO:
One hour and twenty from the city of Bolzano towards Trento has situated Castle Toblino one of the most Instagram-able spots in the Dolomites thanks to its magical position on a lake that seems to come out from a Camelot setting. The castle stands on a patch of land and in ancient times when the water level was higher the only way to reach it was with a boat. Along the road, there is a clearance where you can park your car and from here following by foot the panoramic road along the lake.
Unfortunately, the castle is not open to the public since it has become a restaurant. It still remains a magical place to visit due to the numerous legends and stories around it.
LAVAREDO'S THREE PEAKS:
The three peaks are one of the most famous mountain complexes in the entire Dolomites, UNESCO heritage, definitely unmissable. There are three options to reach them: you can either go to the train station in the city of Dobbiaco and from here jump on bus number 444, or leave your car near the toll booth following the direction for the hut Auronzo and then follow on by foot or paying 30 euros at the toll booth. In this last case, i suggest you arrive pretty early in the morning or in the early afternoon since the road that reaches the hut will be closed to traffic during summertime subject to availability at the parking lot. The parking has a limited spot and usually, there is a very long queue to reach it.
To avoid this situation we decided to leave our car near the toll booth on the edge of the road and follow by foot along the path that leads to the "hut Auronzo" at 2300 m of altitude; the trail is about two hours to reach the three peaks. It is quite an easy one for the trained one but even for those who are not; it will undoubtedly be pretty tiring due to an inequality of the ground but you'll be rewarded by a feeling of accomplishment like no other and by an amazing view all along.
From the deep wood to the rocky and mountainous peaks of the Dolomites at your side with the warm sunlight hitting these cold giants, to green and lush valleys, and if you will be lucky enough you'll be rewarded by the company of gorgeous herds of horses grazing; a bucolic landscape like no other.
Near the city of Dobbiaco few kilometers down you can relax and enjoy the crystal water of Lake Landro, a beautiful lake with an amazing view of the mountains; while at 15 minutes by car you can enjoy a delicious and amazing meal at restaurant Samyr which tasteful dishes will be the perfect ending of the day.
VIPITENO:
A small medieval village, a little gem in which to spend a morning strolling around or enjoying a coffee with a side of apple strudel in one of the many cute cafes in the city square.
LAKE OF BRAIES:
20 minutes by car from the city of Dobbiaco, the lake of Braies has been made famous thanks to the Italian tv show "one step from the heaven", and with the launch of Instagram, has made this spot one of the most photographed in all the Dolomites, claiming hundreds of tourists, where its magic and tranquillity have left space to crowds of people in search for the perfect selfie. One more time, proof of how over-tourism and the lack of respect from men can ruin the beauty of nature.
If you still don't wanna miss the chance to see it i highly suggest you arrive at the dome or late in the afternoon so to enjoy this place with almost no one. In the year 2020, the lake's parking lot is available only through online booking since its spots are limited and they fill really quick, or you can park your car down the street and follow by foot on the signed trail of 25 minutes.
The lake of Braies is also the starting point for many hiking trails, or you can choose to enjoy a picnic on its edges or rent a ride boat for 29 euros for one hour or for the more adventurous one take a dip in its water, but mind my word, its water is the coldest one i've ever experienced even during summertime but will be a refreshing and regenerate swim for sure.
CHIUSA:
Premiated the most beautiful medieval village in Italy, this entitles really suits it. It's a small village with narrow streets in which the old towers of an ancient medieval castle and of a benedictine monastery stands out in all their imposing. This little gem seems to have been frozen in time and you would almost aspect to hear the loading voice of the people in the streets and see squires and wayfarers drink beer in old wooden mugs inside taverns. Chiusa is also the starting point for many hiking trails to the discovery small villages all around.
After a stroll through its streets, you can't miss the chance to restore yourself by drinking an artisanal beer to really immerse yourself in the atmosphere inside one of the many pubs around.
I personally suggest taking a stop at "Gassl Brau", a brewery used as a restaurant/pub in which indulge sipping one of their many artisanal beers, one of their specialty is the chestnuts beer, and tasting one of their delicious meals.
LAKE OF CARESSE:
We left this attraction as the last stop of our road trip, it wasn't exactly on our itinerary at the beginning but so happy that i decided to not miss this beauty. There are many lakes in Alto-Adige, this definitely deserves a place, it really surpassed my expectation, also thanks to the quiet around it.
Caresse lake is an emerald, here nature seems to have put on its own filter; its bright colors and the mountains reflex on it, are an astonishing view for the eyes.
Getting here is pretty easy, and you can park your car in the parking lot near the lake; the parking spot is free for 15 minutes while you just have to pay 1 euro for one hour which is pretty much all the time that you'll need to appreciate this lake. From the parking, there is an underpass that leads directly to the lake.
The Dolomites are a place where nature explodes in all its astonishment and beauty, and they deserve to be visited, appreciated, and respected; here nature made of this slice of Italy its personal canvas. This guide only took in examine some of the most beautiful spots, they are a good starting point for visiting and appreciate at its best these amazing mountains, plus the entire trip is possible in much fewer days than the one that i took.
Hope you’ll enjoy them as much as i did!