The Dolomites / Monti Pallidi

 “There are mountains, and then there are the Dolomites,” Le Corbusier's succinctly summarised his appreciation of the Dolomites, located just south of the main mountain chain of the Alps. The nine mountain ranges of the Dolomites are shared between three Italian provinces: South Tyrol, Trento and Belluno.

The region itself is often divided into two subcategories: the Western and the Eastern Dolomites, separated by a line following the Val Badia – Campolongo Pass – Cordevole Valley axis. Their modern name originates from Déodat de Dolomieu, a geologist who carried out the first mineralogical-chemical analysis of the mountain rocks. Towards the end of the 18th century, he discovered that the mountains consist of particularly magnesium-rich limestone, which is what gives them their pale colour – they are often referred to as the “pale mountains”, or “monti pallidi” in Italian.

The explanation can be found in the earth’s geological development: More than 50 million years ago, the mountains were located much further south, in the earth’s tropical zone and part of a giant coral reef underwater. As the tectonic plates shifted, what was once under water gradually became large mountains, with stone and cliffs in strange shapes and unusual colours. This is why the Dolomites are so different from any other kind of mountain, and why they are considered the most beautiful mountains of the world.

Within the Dolomite Mountains, there are 42 peaks that reach over 3,100 metres, and an additional 90 peaks that reach over 2,200 metres. Most are a shade of grey-white, over time transformed into a fine-grained carbonate mineral (named “dolomite”, after its scientific discoverer).

The cliff walls of layered sediments stand in contrast with the dense, green forests, deep valleys and alpine pastureland. 40 percent of the region consist of mountain crags, snowfields, boulders and scree. In the winter, it is a popular ski destination, but it is almost more beautiful in summer, when the waterfalls and streams flow through the landscape. 

The reason for Le Corbusier’s distinction between the Dolomites and other mountains – he also claimed that this area was the most beautiful example of nature’s own architecture – is in large part due to the unique combination of dolomite and crystals, glowing in different shades of white, grey and pink, together with the sculptural shape of the mountains.

Driving a car or riding a bike in the Dolomites is similar to being inside a vertical maze with spectacular views, and a landscape that shifts according to weather and time of day.

A particular light phenomenon of the area is “enrosadira”, beginning at dusk when the sun starts to set, and the sky turns into a glowing field of red and pink nuances, reflected in the pale mountains. 

The highest peak is Marmolada (3343 metres), followed by Antaleo (3264 metres). On a clear day, the former can be seen from as far away as Venice.

Local Legends and Supernatural Elements

Because of the dramatic mountain landscape, many parts of the Dolomites have been difficult to access, which is why people for centuries have lived here in relative peace, preserving their way of life and ancient myths and superstitions. The local legends often refer to the Dolomites as the home to supernatural elements, including witches, dwarfs with magical powers, ogres and fairies. It is bad luck to leave your front door open, as this means risking getting struck by an ogre or the curse of a witch.

The paleness of the mountains is explained in local mythology not through geo-history but as related to the homesickness of a princess, who moved there from the moon to live with her prince. To alleviate her homesickness, the night gnomes wove the moon light and wrapped it around the mountains, so that they would resemble the moon landscape. Ever since, they have been as pale as the moon.

And the reason why the Lago di Carezza still glows with a luminous green is because of a clumsy wizard, who one day caused a rainbow to collapse into the lake.

Another lake, Lago di Braies on the northern edge of Parco Naturale di Fanes-Sennes-Braies, is said to hold the gateway to another dimension, accessible only when the moon is full, when the mountains open up and a boat suddenly appears on the lake.

Many of the legends have been told through generations in the Rhaeto-Roman language of Ladin, descendent from the Latin spoken by Roman legionaries who marched through these valleys thousands of years ago. Ladin evolved parallel to French and Italian, but has traces of German in its pronunciation. Today, 30,000 people speak it, and Dolomite newspapers still include one page of news in Ladin. The language of Ladin, inspired by both Latin and German, is representative of how the Dolomite cultural heritage reflects the cultural development of this part of Europe.

A Hybrid Culture

Though the Dolomites are officially part of Italy, the local culture has strong Germanic influences (noticeably not least in that many towns have both Italian and German names, in addition to Ladin ones) and is more practical and logical.

Historically, there have been tensions between the Italian and Austrian communities, but over time, this has subdued. Until 1918, Bolzano (or Bozen in German) was an Austrian town, and in 1927, it became the capital of the province. In 1948, it was granted even greater freedom, as the South Tyrol (or Alto Adige in Italian) region was granted autonomy. In 1995, it formed a semi-independent area with borders corresponding with the old country of Tyrol, even having its own liaisons with the European Union.

Cycling, Climbing, and Hiking

The mountains influence everything in the Dolomites, from the serpentine-roads and breathtaking views to the distances you have to travel to get from one village to another.

Even though there are a number of villages and towns (one of the most beautiful being Trento) in the region, the main reason to visit is to discover the wonders of nature, from the forests and lakes to the mountain peaks and cliffs.

There are ten long-distance footpaths that traverse the Dolomites, numbered 1 to 10, the most popular being Alta Via 1 in the eastern Dolomites, which is 150 kilometres long, running from Pragser Wildsee to Belluno.

Along the way are huts, where it is possible to rest overnight. Those with a more adventurous inclination might prefer mountain climbing, hiking, cycling or even paragliding. Every year, in the first week of July, the single-day road bicycle race Maratona dies Dolomites is arranged, with 9,000 cyclists taking over the roads that are closed for the particular day. Twice a year, Sellaronda Bike Day is organised, again in collaboration with the region, which closes down traffic for this particular event. The Giro d’Italia was first held here in 1937, and has been back more than 40 times since.

Many, however, come here to do as little as possible – the Dolomites are well known for their many excellent spa hotels, where people check in for an extended stay, for several days or even weeks, relaxing in this secluded area, away from the rest of the world.

Miramonti Boutique Hotel – Spa and wellness overlooking the town of Merano.

Villa Arnica – With only ten bedrooms, this 100 years old villa, with heated outdoor pool, is a perfect place to relax. Adults only.

1477 Reichhalter – A classic Dolomites-institution was given a second chance by restauranteur Klaus Dissertori.

Castel Rubein Merano – Only 20 minutes walk from the city centre of Merano, this castle hotel offers both relaxation and easy access to nearby places such as Verona, Venice and Lake Garda. 

Castel Fragsburg – A comfortable stay in a hillside castle, complete with its own large, private garden. Offers a half-board option.

CastelBrando – Just outside the Dolomites, an opportunity to stay in one of Europe’s oldest castles and part of the UNESCO world heritage. 

To Eat and Drink

Rifugio Col Alt – Traditional local cuisine served in a ski lodge from 1938, reachable by cable car.

Costner Schwaige  – Run by the Muisner family, serves only local, homemade products.

Rifugio Edelweiss – Timberlodge ski lodge, served in Tyrolean loden dress.

El Brite de Larieto  – The chef Riccardo Gaspari began as a cheesemaker, and still handcrafts his cheeses, served at his family’s farmhouse restaurant.

AlpiNN – Perched on top of a mountain cliff, AlpiNN offers spectacular views of the South Tyrol.

To Visit 

Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen – Three iconic mountain peaks and the symbol of the Dolomites. Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail for the best view. 

Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee – In summer, you can rent a car and enjoy the view of the lake from the water. 

Lago Di Dobbiaco – Another picturesque lake, less popular with tourists and thus not as crowded as Lago di Braies. 

Puez-Odle Natural Park – The nicest mountain, with the most beautiful view, is Geisler Alm.

Lago di Sorapis – Beautiful lake, albeit slightly difficult to access as it requires a hike. 

Marmolada – The highest mountain, also known as Queen of the Dolomites. 

Passo Gardena/Grödner Joch – A very scenic mountain pass. 

Passo Pordoi – The highest road in the Dolomites, with 28 hairpin bends. 

Cortina d’Ampezzo – The most popular mountain resort in the Dolomites. 

Lago di Misurina – Beautiful lake, close to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. 

Vineyard Visit – Azienda Agricola Foradori

The Zierock family has owned the Azienda Agricola Foradori (founded in 1901) since 1939, or for four generations. Through the years, they have learned to not impose their own ideas or desires on the soil or the vines, but instead to listen and follow the natural order and flow of things.  

The vineyard’s 28 hectares are located on the southern slopes of the Dolomites, but divided in two: one part, with alluvial soils, for the production of red grapes, the other, on the clayey limestone hills, dedicated to white grapes.

The family has been producing wine in a biodynamic way since 2002 and seven years later, they received the Demeter certification, ensuring that their production is up to biodynamic standard, stating that, “our ultimate goal is to create harmony between man and nature.”

When making wine in accordance with a biodynamic mindset, the farming is centred around the movements of the sun, following how the sun affects the growing vines and the climate in general. This has consequences not only för the product but also för the people farming the land.  

In the vineyard, nothing unnecessary is added, instead the wine is allowed to express itself, engage in dialogue with the acacia and oak wood of the casks.

The microorganisms in the soil are allowed to flourish and to create a healthy environment for the plants. The branches of the vines are not pruned anymore, and neither are the leaves near the grape bunch cut. Wild grasses and flowers grow freely between the rows.

One of their most popular wines is Lezèr, which in the local dialect indicates “lightness”. Produced since 2017, it was originally developed to save a large quantity of grapes that had been hit by a strong hailstorm, but today, the wine has become synonymous with the vineyard and their way of respecting nature and the grapes.

Lezèr: With a subtle taste of cherry, this is a light and fresh interpretation of the historic blend Teroldego (which constitute 68 percent of the wine, with 32 percent being other red grape varieties). Every year, they experiment, tweak and explore the production of this wine, in particular regarding the short time allowed for maceration. 

Granato: A rich, red wine, the name is derived from the union of grapes and pomegranate, which both have common origins and are often found growing together. 

Nosiola: The only white grape variety that is native to Trentino. Once, it was widespread throughout the region. It is made from a variety of white grapes, produced after about eight months of contact with the skins, in Spanish terracotta amphora called tinajas.