Are you planning to spend three or four days hiking the Dolomites? There might be some things to expect, and as a local I'd be happy to help you make most of your trip.
General advice for hiking the Dolomites
This is a very general introduction to mountains that applies to the entire Alpine mountain range and the Apennine mountains (the mountain range that extends from northern to southern Italy). Keep in mind that mountaineering originated in the Alps as a form of scientific exploration, which later evolved into a sport and only then in a form of tourist attraction.
Due to the high population density of the Alpine areas and almost 200 years of mountaineering activities across the range, you will find detailed information, established trails, and mountain refuges nearly everywhere you go. Therefore, you won’t have to struggle too hard with compasses and maps if you decide to stick to the main paths.
Italian mountain culture is a phenomenon in itself. It is common for people to camp out for days in mountain refuges, and multi-day, if not week-long, hikes are not only for athletes.
Most of the information you might need on paths and mountaineering security can be found online or by contacting the local CAI offices. CAI stands for Club Alpino Italiano (Italian Alpine Club), which is the organisation responsible for marking and maintaining paths, operating mountain huts, and protecting the alpine environment. Founded in 1863, it has since marked tens of thousands of mountain paths and currently operates 433 mountain huts and bivouacs.
Your local CAI office may also offer guided tours and hikes, so it's worth looking into and considering signing up for their yearly membership program if you decide to join their tours. Fun fact: the Italian Alpine Club guided the first expedition to ever summit the K2 in 1954, but fortunately, you won’t have to go that far.
Safety
Safety first, always. You can’t win against a mountain as fit and strong as you think you might be, learn to feel your body and be brave enough to turn around and go home before reaching your limits.
I’m not qualified to offer detailed safety tips, but here are some of the best guides I could find online.
A 3 day summer itinerary
1st day - Lake Carezza
Begin your first day at Lake Carezza, a small alpine lake nestled in the Ega Valley, situated at an altitude of around 1500 metres. It is located 20 kilometers by car from Bolzano, the region's largest and busiest city, which is easily accessible by train or car.
Lake Carezza, also known as the "Rainbow Lake" in the local dialect, is renowned for its deep green colours and the picturesque panorama that surrounds it. Like most of the other alpine lakes, Lake Carezza does not have any tributary rivers; it relies on a system of underground springs for its water source.
Encircling the lake are the peaks of the Latemar Massif, a grey wall of limestone and dolomite. Dolomite is a type of sedimentary carbonate rock first observed in the Dolomites, from which they derived their name.
Day 2 - Pordoi Pass to Misurina Lake
Moving on from the Pordoi Pass, you'll arrive at Misurina Lake, the largest natural lake in the area. From the lake's banks, you'll have a view of the Lavaredo Peaks. You've probably seen them hundreds of times online and on social media; it's the iconic image often associated with the Dolomites, and for good reason.
Day 3 Rolle Pass
Another day, another pass. To reach this valley, you’ll have to go through the Paneveggio Natural Reserve, where the local animals live seemingly undisturbed.
The pass is surrounded by the Pala group, the largest mastiff in the Dolomites and home to some of the most beautiful peaks in Northern Italy.
These peaks are so stunning that the entire geological system of the Pale was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The Pala massif is also home to the so-called “Matterhorn of the Dolomites,” a steep, jagged tower of dolomitic rock that earned its name due to its resemblance to Europe's highest peak.
Two lakes and two mountain passes, not bad for a weekend away from the city. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellant and double the amount of sunscreen you think you might need!
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