From the southern peaks “Vette Feltrine” to the high summits, between valleys and meadows
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 for their aesthetic and scenic value and scientific importance in terms of geology and geomorphology, a large part of the Dolomites belongs to the Belluno area, which includes meadows, valleys, grasslands, forests and vertiginous rock faces.
The Belluno Dolomites National Park offers various routes to discover the area on foot, by bicycle (cycling is prohibited on the trails) and on horseback. Many are the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) paths and ferrate (fixed-rope routes) that cross the area.
Near Forno di Zoldo, the Sentiero Natura Val Pramper (Pramper Valley Nature Trail) will take you to the “Malga” (typical type of local mountain hut) of the same name, through the woods of Castelaz and rock towers, surrounded by wild nature. During the winter this excursion can be done with snowshoes.
Enjoy typical dishes at Malga Pramper, where you will also have the opportunity to buy locally produced dairy products.
Another interesting excursion you can take near Longarone is to discover the Cajada Forest, which for centuries supplied the Serenissima Republic of Venice with logs for the masts of ships. The path, shrouded in white fir woods and inhabited by woodpeckers, martens and deer, will lead you to the Queen of Cajada, a centuries-old white fir tree more than 35 metres high.
The Via degli Ospizi connects the Piave River Valley and Agordino area through a path that will allow you to take a leap back in time and identify with the wayfarers of the past. Starting from Ponte Mas (Mas Bridge) the route follows the course of the Cordevole Torrent where you will encounter hospices of medieval foundation, and reach the Mines of Val Imperina. Nearby you can make a stop at the Risto-pub Fabbrica in Pedavena Valle Agordina (that serve the official Dolomiti beer) before taking the return route, also through the use of the bus service.
If you are an experienced hiker, the ‘Circhi delle Vette‘ trail is perfect for you. Starting from the Refuge Rifugio Dal Piaz , you can admire the basins of glacial and karst formation that characterise the slopes of the Vette Feltrine, where you will come across a large number and variety of fossils.
A short distance from Belluno, the hike to the summit of Mount Terne will offer you a unique panorama of the Schiara mountain group and the entire Valbelluna Valley. Starting from Case Bortot, the forest will guide you uphill to a viewpoint over the city of Belluno. Climbing further, a section equipped with a metal cable will take you out of the forest. Among sloping meadows and steep slopes you will reach the crest, where the view will be worth the effort.
As one leaves the Belluno Dolomites Park, there are several routes that lead to the discovery of the Marmolada, the Queen of the Dolomites. Trekking, but also walks with gentle ascents allow you to admire the landscape, with the possibility of stopping at refuges.
Thanks to the ski lifts, in the winter months you can ski here surrounded by a unique panorama.
An excursion that is not too difficult is the one from Malga Ciapela, near the Fedaia Pass, to the Refuge Rifugio Falier through the woods along the Marmolada face. At the Refuge you can stop for a tasty break or spend the night.
Nearby you can enjoy a break at the Tabià Restaurant in Canale d’Agordo, the Livia Pizzeria Restaurant in Falcade, or at the various “malghe” (typical local mountain huts).
If, on the other hand, you prefer adrenaline and fun, always in Falcade you will find the Italian Ski &Snowboard School ready to give you new experiences and emotions in the snow.
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) also offer various experiences in that you can live and enjoy.
The Tre Cime tour is also an excursion suitable for those who are not very fit but wish to enjoy the beauty of nature. Starting from the refuge Rifugio Auronzo, you will reach the refuge Rifugio Lavaredo, from where you can possibly continue on the path to the border with Trentino Alto Adige.
In addition to trekking (for which some trails are more challenging than others), it is also possible to practice climbing, and some trails can also be travelled by mountain bike. During the winter, snowshoeing and ski touring are popular sports at the destination.
Near these majestic peaks, you can make stops at Malga Rin Bianco in Auronzo di Cadore and you can stay at Chalet and Restaurant Lago Antorno in Auronzo di Cadore and Active Hotel La Torre in Comelico Superiore in the hamlet of Padola.
