Do you need to get away? I mean really get away. If you've never heard of the Dolomites, you're not alone. But once you see them you will never forget. Tucked away in the northern Italian Alps, this mountain range in South Tyrol boasts jaw-dropping scenery, amazing hiking paths, colorful villages, and crystal-clear alpine lakes. Whether you love the outdoors, travel for culture, food, and wine, or just the quiet and tranquility, the Dolomites area should top your travel bucket list.
Ortisei
Ortisei is in South Tyrol, a province in northeastern Italy. Val Gardena is a valley within South Tyrol that is home to three villages, with Ortisei being the largest. Visitors to Ortisei can learn more about the history, culture, and nature of Val Gardena at the museum de Gherdëina.
While there is not an airport in Ortisei itself, the village is easily accessible from nearby airports. Fly into Bolzano, Italy and you’ll get to Ortisei via car in approximately one hour. If traveling from abroad, Verona and Milan are the international airports in Italy. Another option would be Innsbruck International Airport in Austria, which is the largest in the Tyrol region.
Visitors can expect partly cloudy skies year-round in Ortisei. Summer months bring rain and winter months bring freezing temperatures. On average, the temperature ranges from 17 to 65 degrees so pack layers.
Winter months bring snow and many opportunities to ski, while the summer months are a perfect time to hike the hundreds of miles of trails! If rain falls during your visit, retreat to one of the many spas or wellness centers in town. The center of the village is home to excellent shopping and dining. There is something for everyone at any time of year!
Romantic Lakes
Imagine the tranquility of rowing a boat through Pragser Wildsee. Peaceful, romantic, and stunningly beautiful. If you need to unplug and de-stress, this is the place to do it. A multitude of lakes means so much to see. These blue-green gems pop up all over South Tyrol! The most visited are: Pragser Wildsee, Lake Misurina, Toblacher See, Lago Sorapis, Karersee, Dürrensee, and Lake Molveno.
Colorful Towns
The colorful towns surrounding the Dolomites may feel more like a fairytale than real life.
Did someone say ski season? The Dolomites range only gets better in the snow and South Tyrol bursts to life in the wintry months, with vibrant holiday markets and cozy lodges in nearby villages.
Hiking and Biking
The Dolomite range is synonymous with adventure. The hilly, aromatic alpine roads make incredible hiking and biking paths! And, if you ask me, a little exercise means a little more gnocchi and ravioli come dinner time.
Bordering Austria
If you're thinking, "that looks like a scene from The Sound of Music," you're not wrong. In fact, the Dolomites are located on the border of Austria, where much of the classic movie was filmed! Because Austria's just a hop, skip, and jump away, you'll notice lots of Austrian influence in the food and architecture in South Tyrol's villages.
In addition to being well-known for skiing and hiking, Ortisei is also famous for its emphasis on health and wellbeing. With the village being so deeply immersed in nature, many of the spas believe that relaxation treatments are the perfect complement to the landscape here. Saunas, massages, and beauty treatments of the highest quality are available to you in Ortisei. What better way to fully embrace a vacation here than with physical outdoor activities, mental relaxation, and a little pampering?
So next time you think of Italy, remember the Dolomites and their majesty.
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