The pinnacle of emotion
Experience the “most beautiful mountains in the world” live!
Reinhold Messner is not alone in this belief. For centuries, the pale grey, jagged walls of rock have captivated all who gaze upon or climb them. Since 2009, the Dolomites - spanning three Italian provinces - have been designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and enjoy special protection.
At sunset, the pale walls of the Dolomites glow deep red. This natural spectacle, most striking in autumn, is known in Ladin as “Enrosadira” - the moment the mountains turn rose-coloured.
Every mountain in the Dolomites is a work of art.
Witnesses of history
Around 250 million years ago, the Dolomite region lay beneath the sea. As tectonic plates collided, the layers of rock were pushed upwards and piled into mountains. Even today, fossilised corals and marine creatures can be found in the Dolomites. The rock itself is named after the French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu, who studied it in the 18th century.
A rich cultural landscape
Three linguistic groups are at home in the Dolomites. Until only a few decades ago, traditional agriculture and livestock farming were the main sources of income. Today, this extraordinary landscape draws visitors passionate about nature and the outdoors: 18 peaks over 3,000 metres, endless hiking trails, thrilling via ferrata routes following the traces of the First World War, and the largest ski carousel in Europe promise unforgettable experiences throughout the year.
