15 uplifting and inspiring reasons why you should experience the Dolomites sometime soon!
The majestic Dolomites in Italy are nothing short of magical and a place that everyone should experience at least once. (More than once is highly recommended!)
There’s enough pristine nature, fresh air, and alpine charm to last you a lifetime.
It’s a place you can readily disconnect from the world and immerse into enriching & mindful travel experiences. The kind that recharge the mind & body and transform your life. The kind that so many of us crave these days!
If you have been thinking about a trip to The Dolomites, dive into this post to discover some of the reasons you should. You’ll leave inspired, I promise!
Located in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites are one of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful mountain ranges.
I love the Dolomites and have been fortunate enough to spend years crisscrossing the nine mountain groups that majestically stretch across the regions of Trentino Alto-Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
They’re a stunning part of Italy and one of its best kept secrets.
Come and see for yourself!
Italy & The Dolomites
My home is in Friuli, near the easternmost part of The Friulian Dolomites.
Where I spend a lot of self-care time enjoying the green waters of Lago di Barcis and Cellina Nature Gorge Reserve.
And I often venture further afoot to the charming mountain hamlets of Sappada and Sauris, which are amongst my favorite Dolomite day trips.
The Dolomites are an engaging place to be mindfully present and explore. They deserve a spot on everyone’s bucket list.
Here’s why!
Finding Wellness in The Dolomites
Time in nature is ideal for disconnecting and worth seeking out as a regular part of a self-care routine. That’s because studies show it’s good for our health & well-being.
Since I’m a firm believer in travel as a way to well-being, the mountains are often on my bucket list. They have plenty to offer in regards to wellness travel.
It’s truly not hard to plan wellness travels when there are so many beautiful spaces to digitally detox and mindfully explore.
Honestly, when I sit down and ask myself some wellness travel questions to see what would fit my current needs, often times the mountains are the perfect match!
15 Reasons to Visit The Dolomites
The Dolomites are so much more than the handful of places that have risen to IG fame over the last 5 years. They are an engaging place to explore.
Truly, there are more than enough surprises here to keep coming back for a lifetime.
So come and see for yourself the many reasons why mindfully exploring The Dolomites should be on your Italy bucket list!
Photography
If you’re into photography, The Dolomites are a must see travel destination.
From rolling green meadows to dreamy turquoise lakes, capturing the landscape is an amazing way to focus on the details of nature.
Add in the ever-changing light and the alpenglow of rose-hued sunsets, it’s bliss.
A photo hike in any season offers an immersive experience and should have a place on everyone’s bucket list.
WW 1 History
Given the fact that The Dolomites & Italy were a battlefront in WW 1, history is around every corner.
The network of tunnels and trails left behind provide opportunities for the modern-day visitor to experience the landscape and appreciate the many aspects of the war.
Both Cinque Torri & Lagazuoi near Cortina are ideal places to explore these historic battlegrounds.
There’s Something for Everyone
The versatility of the Dolomites is one of it’s most enduring features.
Known for its natural landscapes, there are plenty of outdoor activities and pursuits for every age, level, and ability.
In addition, mountain traditions like ceremoniously bringing the cows down from high pasture in the fall and farm to table meals, make the list of things to do never-ending.
Engaging Resort Towns
Storybook resort towns like Cortina, Corvara, & Ortesei are ideal places to base yourself while in The Dolomites.
They have everything you need in one location including a wide range of accommodations, as well as artisan shops and cafes.
Oh, and plenty of spa facilities where you can relax & unwind after your daily adventures.
If you crave something quieter, towns like San Candido and Siusi offer a more local flare with close proximity to major hikes like Tre Cime & Alpe di Siusi.
Charming Villages
Hamlets and villages with colorful flower boxes, painted houses, & wood carvings are plenty in The Dolomites.
If villages are your thing, don’t miss the fairytale villages of Castelrotto, Chiusa, & Vipiteno. Spending time here is like in these villages is like stepping into another world.
The Wellness Culture
The Dolomites are well-established as a wellness travel destination. Many of the hotels have basic spa facilities and spa resorts are abundant.
The miles of pristine outdoors bring ample opportunities that promote rest, relaxation & the chance to reboot. Mindful travel opportunities are everywhere and it feels like slow travel central!
In short, everywhere you turn is good for the mind & body. And even simple weekend getaway here is enough restore you for a while!
Delicious Alpine Cuisine
Food in The Dolomites is a unique (and yummy) fusion of Italian & German.
Visiting the mountains puts you in touch with rustic local foods like mushrooms, polenta, and barley. And mixed plates of cheese, speck (smoked ham) & salami are commonplace.
You’ll also find more traditional foods like sausages, game, goulash, and dumplings. And if you have any room, there are fantastic baked treats for dessert! Apple strudel anyone?
Wonderful Wine
When you’re in Italy, wine is always on the menu!
Wine tastings and thematic dinners aren’t hard to find in the Dolomites, especially in South Tyrol region. Which is home to the well-known Lagrein and Gewürztraminer wines, both are must-tries varieties.
As a bonus, there are plenty of scenic locations to make the experience even more authentic & sublime.
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are one of the best things about the holiday season in The Dolomites. It’s a fairytale land of fresh-made food, artisan products, and festive spirit all wrapped up in one place!
Smaller than their German counterparts, they are long on charm and local flare. Making them an ideal opportunity to experience the Dolomite culture.
Set amongst spectacular mountain backdrops, some of my favorite markets are Merano & Bressanone.
Breathtaking Scenery
If you are looking to be awe-inspired, then this is the landscape for you.
Stunning, jaw-dropping, dreamy, ethereal, other-wordly, and sometimes unbelievable describes The landscapes..
What else can you say, other than you will feel serene, grateful, & inspired. It’s vacation time that anyone would love to experience.
Road Trip Heaven
If you are a road trip kind of person, then The Dolomites are a perfect match for you.
With top of the world mountain pass views and switchbacks galore, exploring The Dolomites by car is exhilarating!
Driving is a wonderful way to appreciate the endless landscape.
You’re able to stop at your leisure, explore where you want, and dine at the many rifugi (mountain huts) along the way.
In addition, road trips are ideal for those who want to take in the scenery but aren’t keen on logging lots of miles on foot.
Four Season Splendor
There is something to experience every season in The Dolomites.
The spring brings the alpine snowdrops and crocuses to appreciate as you hike and rejuvenate with the season. Summertime is an invigorating outdoor playground. In the fall, the larch trees light up the landscape with their golden glow. And the winter is exceptionally beautiful.
While some will undoubtedly hit the ski slopes, it’s also a great time to savor the food & wine with family & friends. Next to a fireplace or ceramic stube, of course!
All in all, the four seasons make The Dolomites ideal to cater to your own seasonal preferences.
Via Ferrata
A via ferrata is a unique way to access some of the most amazing vistas in The Dolomites!
Italian for “iron way”, a ferrata is a steep hike with sections of climbing. The invigorating routes are equipped with steel cables, steps, ladders, and fixed anchors to facilitate passage over difficult terrain (like vertical rock faces).
There are over 700 routes of varying levels in the Dolomites, including beginner routes. Equipment for the more difficult routes can be rented locally and guided excursions are also available.
My favorite is Via Ferrata Marino Bianchi, a medium difficulty route near Cortina. The only thing you hear when you are 3000 meters above sea level is the wind. It’s mindful bliss.
Click here for a great planning resource.
Epic Hiking
The Dolomites are a dream destination for those who love to hike.
With thousands of kilometers of trails, there is something for everyone. Places like Lago di Braies , Alpe di Siusi, & Val Fiscalina offer easy walks.
If you crave a bit more altitude change, Seceda or Croda da Lago deliver a great day out. And don’t forget The Dolomite High Routes (Alta Via) for multi-day excursions.
You can’t go wrong no matter which you choose, as every single one of them comes with fresh air & inspiring views!
Unique Museums
Museums may not be what you think of when you think of The Dolomites in Italy. Yet, there are some unique historical & cultural gems in this small geographical area.
Explore history in The Open-Air War Museum near Cortina, or visit Otzi the oldest known mummy in The Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano.
Or find high altitude culture at The Lumen Photography museum, which is housed in a former funicular station on top of Mount Kronplatz.
Be sure not to miss the jewel in the crown of Dolomite museums, The Messiner Mountain Museum.
Each of the museums in this network of six focuses on a different aspect of mountain life. Making them truly extraordinary.
Tell me, which one of these ideas for The Dolomites in Italy inspires the travel bug inside of you?
Whichever it is, come & experience the magic for yourself. Then you’ll have some memories too.
If you know someone who could use some inspiration, share this with them today! And be sure to check out 12 Essential Travel Tips For Visiting The Dolomites.
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
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