Dolomites Diaries: Hiking, Biking & Beyond!
Just back from an incredible week in the Dolomites – hiking, paddling, cycling, and feasting! We went at the end of September, and the first snow had already dusted the Seceda peaks. The autumn colors are breathtaking! Be warned, it's getting chilly!
Seceda & Alpe di Siusi: Adventures Await
- We spent 3 glorious days hiking, biking, and foraging for mushrooms around Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.
- Pro Tip: Cable cars close at 5 PM on Seceda and 6 PM on Alpe di Siusi. Keep that in mind, or you might end up like us – trekking 10+ km back to the hotel. Not so fun! 😝
- Foodie Alert: Ditch the usual pizza and pasta for polenta (a cornmeal dish served with cheese). Also, try tagliatelle (similar to fettuccine) and venison. Delicious!
Ortisei Charm
Make time to explore the charming town of Ortisei. We had a fantastic and reasonably priced meal at Turonda restaurant.
Bolzano's Allure
Dedicate a day to Bolzano – a beautiful city with an amazing fruit market! Warning: the prices are 2-3 times higher than the supermarket, but the quality is worth it. Huhu!
Lakes Braies & Misurina: Picture-Perfect
A day trip is sufficient for visiting both Lake Braies and Lago di Misurina. At Braies, you can rent a private boat for €50 (includes two cute magnets!) or share one for €15 per person.
Armentara Meadows Trail: Proceed with Caution!
Hikers, be warned! The Armentara Meadows trail has no cable car access for the descent. You'll be hiking down for 2-3 hours. If the weather turns bad, you're in for a tough time! 😅 The road up is narrow and steep (though not as much as Lake Como!), and if the fog rolls in, you won't see a thing.
Santa Magdalena/St Maddalena: A Relaxing Stroll
Definitely set aside a day for a relaxing walk in Santa Magdalena (St Maddalena). Even families with young children can manage it. The trail is a gentle slope, taking just over an hour. The grass is still lush and green – absolutely gorgeous!
Gear & Wheels
- Bike rental: €77 from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Car rental (Sixt): Approximately €80+/day for a brand-new 2024 BMW 5 series.
Dolomites Driving Tips
When parking, prioritize open-air lots. I've heard stories of break-ins in underground parking garages. The route from Munich, through Innsbruck, to the Dolomites is easy to navigate. The Passo Gardena pass has some hairpin turns, but I didn't find it too challenging, and the views are stunning!
Travel Tales
I didn't meet many fellow travelers until I reached Lake Antorno, where I bumped into a stylish Vietnamese couple. Overall, the Dolomites are breathtaking and worth exploring! Now is an amazing time to visit. In a couple of weeks, the fall foliage will be even more spectacular!
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