If traveling to the Italian Alps, visiting the Dolomites is an absolute necessity. In fact, you can make an entire trip out of just seeing what these mountains have to offer. Here are five reasons hiking the Dolomites deserves a spot on your Bucket List.
- Unparalleled Scenery
While some might prefer to gaze at stretching ocean shorelines or bask in neon lights beneath the shadows of towering skyscrapers, others find solace in traversing up the mountains where jagged, rocky surfaces are plentiful and one can experience 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Majestic and monumental, the Dolomites are considered by some to be the most beautiful mountains on Earth. Snow-covered peaks, lush, grass-covered hills, and sparkling lakes are only a few of the beautiful scenes you’ll be able to see up close or admire from afar.
- Trails of Varying Difficulties
Whether your hiking shoes are worn from years of use or you’ve only ventured out into the mountains a few times before, Dolomites hiking offers trails suitable for novice and expert hikers alike. While beginner trails such as the Lago di Braies are primarily flat and can be completed in about an hour, other paths such as the Via Ferrata Mesules, require steep climbs and should only be attempted by experienced climbers.
- The City of Belluno
The most important city located within the Eastern region of the Dolomites, Belluno serves as a base to many of the hikes in the surrounding mountains. Apart from serving as the gateway to the Dolomites, the city itself is worth exploring with landmarks such as the Cattedrale di San Martino, the Torre Civica, and the Piazza del Mercato.
- Relaxing Resorts
When not hiking or enjoying all that the mountains have to offer, there are many resorts in the Dolomites that offer a variety of amenities to hikers. Many locations have on-site swimming pools, saunas, spas and more, so you can end a day of hiking in complete relaxation.
- Nature Parks
Home to a variety of fauna and flora, there are several different nature parks located within the Dolomites. The most popular locations to visit include The Three Peaks Nature Park, The Fames-Senses-Prags Nature Park, the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, and the National Park Dolomites of Belluno. All of these locations have beautiful natural landscapes full of unique animal and plant life in their natural habitats.
If you enjoy hiking and spending time in the mountains, the Dolomites will feel like something out of a picture book. You certainly don’t want to miss out on this top travel destination.
