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Three years ago, I fell in love with the Dolomites.
From behind a screen, naturally, as I did my rounds of wistful Pinterest scrolling, a head full of dreams and a mouth full of ice cream or donuts – likely both… This was before any of my real European travels, and I thought that pin would be it – another faraway dream about a faraway place that would never become reality.
Well the joke’s on past-Christina, because I now live only a few hours’ drive away… and just two weeks ago, I finally fulfilled that Pinterest dream.
We visited at precisely the right time, just as autumn colours engulfed the dramatic Italian landscape like flames, painting everything with the hues of golden hour. And so, this spontaneous road trip (planned literally the day before) turned out to be one of my favourite trips I’ve taken this year.
Here are some of the best photos I captured. Enjoy!
The Dolomites are a stunning mountain range in Northeastern Italy, spanning across the provinces of South Tyrol, Belluno and Trentino. Road tripping through the Dolomites brought back a sense of childlike wonder and at times, disbelief. Here are some of the incredible sights we packed into a short weekend:
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike
I need to start from photos taken during my Tre Cime di Lavredo hike. Hiking around these three iconic peaks (some would say the Dolomites’ most well known) was by far one of the most stunning hikes I’ve ever done in my entire life. Dramatic, jagged mountains, alien-like landscapes and an incredible sunset to boot. Mother Nature showed off with this one, let me tell you.
Lago di Braies (also known as Pragser Wildsee)
Next up: Lago di Braies, known in German as Pragser Wildsee. Honestly, seeing it in real life made me giddier than a sugar-high preteen. Those of you who have seen photos will know that this lake is normally a bright turquoisey blue, but we visited just as the sun had dipped behind the mountains, so the water looked a touch more ominous.
… But as hipster as it sounds, I almost preferred it this way – I got some unique photos that don’t look exactly like the rest 😉
Lake Misurina
En route to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, you drive past the stunning Lake Misurina. A loop around the lake won’t take you more than an hour… unless you stop incessantly for photos in which case, bring a tent 😉
I even got to bust out my drone…
The most scenic driving routes…. ever
And last but not least, we need to talk about how ridiculously gorgeous the driving routes are. It could have been the spontaneity, the autumn colours or the twenty million Red Bulls, but I couldn’t help but constantly think: this might just be the most scenic road trip I’ve ever done. With every twisting turns, sweeping mountains and adorable small town, I yelped and squealed like a fangirl, even forcing my boyfriend to pull over on occasion. What can I say? Woooorth t.
So thank you dear Dolomites, for being even prettier than Pinterest in real life.
So thank you dear Dolomites, for being even prettier than Pinterest in real life.
Have you ever been to the Dolomites? Or fancy a trip there now? Let me know in the comments!
Beautiful! I spent the better part of a week this October in Val Gardena and completely agree – the Dolomites are magical. I can’t wait to go back and explore more of the area.
Same! I’d love to go back again next year and explore everything more in depth. Thanks for reading, Claire!
What a beautiful, beautiful place. I loved all the photos, but especially the one of Lake Misurina. The waters are so clear!
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
https://charmainenyw.com
Yes! I saw a photo of it once and knew I needed to go. Luckily it was right along the way to the hike I wanted to do. Life just works out great sometimes haha.
Beautiful pictures! I lived in Lake Louise, Canada for 3 years and that is my most beautiful mountain memory. I think this view could possibly knock it to #2. I am Canadian though, so it would be hard to admit. <3
Thank you for sharing these great photos.
Thanks, Angelina!! And ahh it’s impossible to compare and pick favourites. Let’s just conclude that they’re both out of this world wonderful haha.
Just stumbled upon this post while surfing the web during lecture (oops… 😉 ), but now I want to be anywhere but here! Every one of these pictures is so perfect and beautiful!!! How is it possible that such pretty places exist?!?
Hahaha sorry for distracting you!! But RIGHT? It was honestly one of the most unbelievable places I’ve ever been. Those colours – just wow!
WOW!!! Christina, these photos are stunning!! I need to recreate this trip, like yesterday!!! Which in reality will be more like in a couple years…womp. The struggles of living halfway around the world. But seriously, thanks for the inspiration. Dolmites Fall 2019, I’m commin for ya!
Hahaha you are hilarious. Thanks for this great comment. You REALLY need to go though. It’s amazing. 2019 can’t come soon enough!
Wow! Thanks for showing me a place I always wanted to go and never knew it! I plan to go visit distant relatives in Toscana… now looking to add the Dolomites to the itinerary. As an Alaskan, I have a huge appreciation for beautiful mountains.
I’ll now be researching to find out how accessible they are to a 55+ someone who works all the time but never works out. 2018 might require some treadmill time!
So happy to hear this post inspired you to add the Dolomites to your itinerary, Laura! <3 I hope you have an amazing time 😉 The hike was relatively flat so I hope you love it as much as I did.
Oh yes, the Dolomites are gorgeous. Previously my favorite mountains were the Rockies, but after visiting Cincehnegie with a friend I was introduced to the Dolomites. They are such a spectacular range, which can’t be surpassed in my oopinion.
Wonderful photos! What were your dates? Just trying to figure out the peak fall period.
This trip was from October 29-Nov 1 two years ago. Hope that helps!
Wonderful photographs and info! What were your dates of travel?