When you crash into the "Garden of God"

G! This summer, I actually broke into the "Garden of God" 🌿✨ The beauty of the Dolomites is truly no exaggeration! This fairy tale world hidden beneath the Alps (Northern Italy, coordinates 46.6199°N, 11.9208°E), every snap looks like a Windows desktop wallpaper, a must-visit spot for fairies✨ | Must-visit spots | Opening hours | |-----------------|---------------| | Lago di Braies | Open all day | | Seceda | Open all day | | Tre Cime | Open all day | ✨ Bonus tips: - Summer: June to August is the golden hiking season - Transportation: Renting a car for self-driving is recommended - Accommodation: Alpine huts are recommended - Must-bring: Sunscreen + sunglasses + hiking boots The Dolomites are a gem of the Italian Alps, famous worldwide for their unique limestone peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and distinct four-season outdoor experiences. Below is an in-depth travel guide with the latest information to help you plan an unforgettable Dolomites trip: 1. Best Time to Visit - Summer (June to September): The golden hiking season, temperatures 15-25°C, alpine meadows full of wildflowers, all cable cars open, perfect for climbing Seceda and exploring the Marmolada Glacier. - Autumn (September to November): Fewer tourists, forests turn golden and fiery red, late September to mid-October is the best time for photography, ideal for hiking Val di Funes to capture the morning mist and autumn leaves. - Winter (December to March): A world-class ski destination, Dolomiti Superski offers 1,200 km of slopes, Cortina d'Ampezzo hosted the Winter Olympics, and you can enjoy alpine hot springs after skiing. - Spring (April to May): Valleys bloom with fresh flowers, great for cycling or light hiking, and the traditional Blumenfestival in Bolzano at the end of April is worth experiencing. 2. Core Attractions and Experiences 1. Natural Wonders - Tre Cime di Lavaredo: The most recognizable landmark of the Dolomites, three limestone peaks glow golden at sunset, a moderate 3-hour hiking loop. - Lago di Braies: Known as the "Emerald of the Dolomites," the lake changes from blue to green with the light, rowing in the morning mist feels like a fairyland, free entry but parking requires reservation. - Val di Funes: A postcard-perfect fairy tale scene, with the Church of St. Magdalena and the Geisler Group peaks complementing each other, recommended to visit early morning to avoid crowds. - Marmolada: The highest peak in the Dolomites (3,342 meters), summer glacier hiking and winter skiing paradise, accessible by cable car plus hiking, professional guides recommended. 2. Outdoor Adventures - Hiking: Hundreds of trails with varying difficulty, from the cliff paths of Seceda (Via Ferrata gear required) to leisurely walks in Val di Funes, download the "Dolomiti Mobil" app for real-time route info. - Skiing: Dolomiti Superski includes 12 ski areas, the Sella Ronda circuit is recommended, crossing four mountain passes; in the off-season, it becomes a cycling route (e.g., Sella Ronda Bike Day on June 7, 2025). - Cycling: Pros can challenge the Giro d'Italia classic routes (like Pordoi Pass), beginners can cycle around Lake Misurina, rental cars available at Rental Tofana or Morotto. 3. Culture and Cuisine - Bolzano: The capital of South Tyrol, blending German and Italian cultures, visit the Ötzi Museum, taste Trentino sausages and Tyrolean dumplings, and try the 600-year-old German-style barbecue stalls. - Cortina d'Ampezzo: A luxury resort town preserving the vintage charm of the 1956 Winter Olympics, Corso Italia street gathers high-end brands and Michelin restaurants like "Da Fiore" for truffle pasta. - Belluno Honey and Wine: The wildflower honey from Belluno is sweet and rich, paired with biodynamic wines from South Tyrol, recommended to visit the SKYWINE viewing pavilion for tastings overlooking vineyards and the Dolomites panorama. 3. Suggested Itinerary Planning Classic 5-day Tour - Day 1: Arrive in Venice, drive 2.5 hours to Ortisei, take the cable car to Seceda in the afternoon, shoot the sunset. - Day 2: Full day in Val di Funes, photograph the church and peaks early morning, stroll in St. Magdalena village in the afternoon. - Day 3: Row at Lago di Braies, drive to Cortina d'Ampezzo in the afternoon, explore the town and book dinner. - Day 4: Hike the Tre Cime loop, return to Ortisei in the evening, enjoy a mountain hut dinner. - Day 5: Half-day in Bolzano, visit museums and the old town, then return. In-depth 7-day Tour - Additional activities: Marmolada Glacier hiking, Sella Ronda cycling, winery visits in Belluno, and Ladin culture experience in Alta Badia. 4. Transportation and Accommodation Transportation - Self-driving: The most convenient way, 2 hours from Venice via A27 highway, SUV rental recommended for mountain roads, parking fees around 10-20 euros/day. - Public transport: - Flights: To Venice (VCE) or Innsbruck (INN), then transfer by bus. - Train + Bus: Take train from Milan or Bologna to Belluno, then Dolomiti bus to core scenic spots, schedules available on the "Dolomiti Bus" website. - Regional passes: Dolomiti Super Summer Card (65 euros/day) includes cable cars and buses, winter ski passes can be purchased online in advance with a 5% discount. Accommodation Recommendations - Ortisei: Family-friendly town, recommended "Hotel Alpenroyal" with panoramic terrace and spa, 5-minute walk to cable car. - Cortina d'Ampezzo: Luxury choice "Hotel de la Poste," historic and close to ski slopes. - Alpine huts: Such as "Moseralm Dolomiti Spa Resort," experience traditional Ladin architecture with private terraces and mountain views. 5. Practical Tips 1. Gear Recommendations: - Hiking: Non-slip hiking boots, windbreaker, sunscreen, trekking poles (some routes require Via Ferrata gear). - Skiing: Waterproof gloves, goggles, portable ski gear bag (rentals available). 2. Safety Tips: - Mountain weather is changeable, carry rain gear, winter skiing insurance is a must (e.g., Dolomiti Emergency, annual fee 22 euros). - Emergency numbers: Europe-wide 112, mountain rescue 118, download "SOS Alpino" app for location. 3. Booking Reminders: - Popular restaurants (like Da Fiore) require booking 1-2 weeks in advance, Lago di Braies parking spots should be reserved via the "ParkBraies" app. - Summer cable cars and winter ski lessons should be booked online in advance to avoid queues. The charm of the Dolomites lies in its perfect blend of stunning natural scenery and rich cultural experiences. Whether feeling the adrenaline rush on Seceda or quietly watching the sunset in Val di Funes, this World Heritage site offers a feast for body and soul. Before you go, check "Dolomiti.org" for the latest events and road conditions. May your journey be as magnificent and unforgettable as the peaks of the Dolomites! Promise me! You must see a golden sunrise at least once—the mountains lit by the sunset are truly breathtaking!