5 Tage
Dolomites Guide for First Time Visitors
What you'll do
Besides being a wonder of nature, the Dolomites is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Italy. There is so much to do and see since the Dolomites area is quite vast. Creating an itinerary can be overwhelming when visiting for the first time and it can be challenging to resist the temptation to see every location. Therefore, I created this guide from a locals perspective and prioritised some of the MUST SEE places for those of you who are visiting the Italian Alps for the very first time.
Day 1
On your first day, you visit the stunning Alpe di Siusi. This location will give you breathtaking views and the possibility to visit countless mountain huts scattered throughout the meadow. My favourite time to visit is early in the morning; there is nothing quite like witnessing the first rays of sun touching the lush grass and seeing nature come alive. I suggest booking your accommodation in Siusi, Ortisei or directly on the Alpe di Siusi.
The traffic on the Alpe di Siusi is limited to locals and guests staying in accommodations directly on the alpine pasture. The Kompatsch parking lot is the best option if you stay in Siusi or elsewhere. If you are staying in Ortisei, I suggest taking the cable car from the town. The last option is to book your hotel on Alpe di Siusi; you'll have stunning views from your hotel room. Staying in a hotel will allow you to drive your car to the Alpe di Siusi.
After Alpe di Siusi you should check out the Lago di Carezza; it will take you about an hour to drive to the lake from Alpe di Siusi. Once you arrive at your destination, park your car, and after a short walking distance, you'll be standing in front of the Latemar mountains and Emerald lake.
Besichtigung
Alpe di Siusi
Sunrise at one of the most beautiful meadow in the alps
When people ask me about my favorite spot in the Dolomites, this is usually the spot that comes to mind first. However, there is something about this scene that I can't get enough of!
To visit the Alpe di Siusi, you have different options. The first option is to take the cable car from Ortisei
I find the best time to visit is early in the morning. Sunrise here is just something else. The cable car doesn't run that early, so the second option is to drive to the Kompatsch Parking lot. You'll have to walk for about 45 minutes to an hour to get to the famous views. Once you park your car and are ready to walk, aim for the Malga Sanon. To find the best viewpoint of the Alpe di Siusi, type in "Belvedere dell'Alpe di Siusi" and you'll get to the exact location. You will be walking on a concrete road, but this road is closed to private traffic. You need a special permit to drive around Alpe di Siusi. If you get caught, you can get a fine of up to 200€.
A way around this is to stay at one of the hotels on Alpe di Siusi. With your reservation, you have a free pass to drive to your hotel. You should check out Hotel Icaro for your stay.
For photographers, some of the best conditions I've gotten were at sunrise with a low fog dancing around the grass. If you have flexibility in your itinerary, try to plan your visit after a rainy day and pray for good sunny conditions in the morning. That is usually when the low fog appears, but it depends on the weather. Fingers crossed!
Besichtigung
Lago di Carezza
The Fairy-Made Emerald Lake
Lake Carezza or Karersee is a magnificent alpine lake in the Dolomites.
This lake immediately wins you over with its colors: from emerald green to deep blue, passing through a thousand shades of blue. And because of this peculiarity, it is also known by the name "rainbow lake." The water is clear, and the mountains are reflected as if it were a mirror.
Getting to Lake Carezza is easy, and the walk around the lake is also very easy. If you love hiking, longer paths start from the lake to walk through the woods, accompanied by the sounds and scents of nature.
The lake is located along the road leading to the Costalunga Pass and then to Val di Fassa, and once you park your car, you just have to walk for 2 minutes. Too easy and too beautiful not to visit!
Due to its popularity and easy accessibility, I would highly recommend visiting the lake at sunrise. You will most likely have it all to yourself, maybe one or two early bird photographers. You'll have the first sunlight hit the peaks directly for a beautiful Alpenglow. If waking up early is not on your agenda, don't worry, sunset can be super beautiful.
Hotel
ICARO Hotel
Wake up on the famous Alpe di Siusi and find spectacular views right at your doorstep
This is the perfect hotel if you want to wake up on Alpe di Siusi and walk for a few minutes to snap the famous view of the meadow. The hotel is located in the Alpe di Siusi National Park and as a guest you have the possibility to drive around on the mountain roads on the meadow that are closed for the public.