Great Dolomites Road

I have to disagree somewhat on the fact that the highlight of any trip to the dolomites is driving the dolomite road. My opinion is that hiking the dolomites is a must. And I have good reasons for that. They're called via ferrata. These are hiking routes that require some climbing but provide protections to do this climbing. In practice this means that you can get to places you would only contemplate from below in other mountains (unless you're a mountaineer). The first via ferrata were set up by the austrian and italian armies during the first world war. These "historical" via ferrata are visited for this only reason. More recent via ferrata do not obey to strategic requirements but take you instead to the most scenic point of view. Any bookshop in the dolomites has books (some of them in english, many of them in german) about this topic.

I'm from Italy, i've travelled many times in the dolomites roads and i must say it's a joy to drive these roads. But if you came here you can't go away whitout Hiking in the mountains, drive the car thrugh these beautiful places is wonderful, but strolling aruond the mountains or reaching the highest peeks is amazing. Here are some of the most beautiful place toy can go by car: passo Falzarego, passo Sella, passo Gardena, passo Pordoi ( if you want you can drive across these beautiful places in a single day ). And here some amazing hiking ways: Tofana di Rozes ( I can't describe what you can see from it's top, simply breathtaking ), Pisciadù (in the Sella Guppe). Just for telling you some of this places.. In fact when you come here you'd like to never go away. If someone would like to have some oder informations please e-mail me at mauro_cattelani@tin.it I'll be glad to respond you.

I totally agree with the comments of Mauro Catellani ! I did already a lot of hiking in the Alps and finally I have to conclude that the Dolomites region is really the most beautiful mountain scenery you can experience (certainly from a photographic point of vue). Some highlights : the Val Gardena (Selva Gardena,Seiser Alm, Sella Gruppe,Langkofelgruppe), the Sexter Dolomites ( Drie Zinnen, Fischleintall), Rosengarten Gruppe etc. Best way to experience this marvellous country : hiking ! (even for not experienced mountaineers). I can reassure everybody : once you have been there you will return ! André Beernaert - Belgium