Dolomites in Autumn

Dolomites National Park is located in the South Tyrol region in northern Italy and is one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers, especially during the autumn foliage season, which generally occurs from late September to mid-October. Highlights of Autumn Foliage in the Dolomites 1. Natural Colors • The pine forests and various trees change colors from green to shades of yellow, gold, orange, and red, creating picturesque views like a painting. • The scenery of the colorful leaves against the white limestone peaks and the blue sky. 2. Lakes Reflecting Autumn Colors • Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee): A popular lake that often reflects the autumn leaves and mountains clearly. • Lago di Sorapiss: A stunning turquoise blue lake amidst the autumn foliage. • Lago di Misurina: A lake with views of the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks. 3. Hiking Trails • Autumn is perfect for hiking due to the cool weather and the colorful surroundings. • Recommended trails: • Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop: A loop trail around the three peaks (~10 km). • Val di Funes (St. Magdalena): Meadows with the backdrop of the Geisler/Odle Group mountains. • Seceda Ridge: A ridge with outstanding views, perfect for sunset watching. 4. Villages and Small Towns • Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo: Beautiful villages with views of the autumn foliage. • Santa Maddalena: A small village with a viewpoint of the St. John in Ranui church. Weather • Temperature: Daytime 10-15°C / Nighttime 0-5°C (can be lower in higher areas). • Clothing: Prepare warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing, as well as suitable hiking shoes. Travel • Nearest airports: • Venice Marco Polo Airport • Innsbruck Airport (Austria) • Munich Airport (Germany) • Car rental: The best option for exploring various viewpoints. Best Time to Visit Travel between late September and early October as the autumn foliage reaches its peak during this period, and the sunlight is perfect for photography. Dolomites National Park is a paradise for photography, especially during the autumn foliage season with vibrant colors contrasting with the limestone mountains and serene lakes. Below are the top photography spots not to be missed: 1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) • Highlights: The three peaks that are the symbol of the Dolomites. • Popular photography spots: • From the Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte area, which offers views of all three peaks with the surrounding scenery. • Sunrise/sunset views where the peaks turn golden (Alpenglow). • How to get there: • Start from Misurina and drive or take a bus to the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot. • Hike for about 1-2 hours to Rifugio Locatelli. 2. Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) • Highlights: An emerald green lake surrounded by mountains and pine forests. • Popular photography spots: • The wooden pier and rowboats: Capture the reflection of the mountains on the water. • Views from the walking path around the lake (~1 hour), offering beautiful scenery. 3. Seceda Ridge • Highlights: A distinctive ridge that looks like the tip of a sword, with green grass contrasting with the limestone peaks. • Popular photography spots: • The viewpoint on the ridge (take the Seceda Cable Car from Ortisei).