Nature Park Hike in the Dolomites Northern Italy Italy Experiencing nature – idyllic Mountain lakes, lush Mountain pastures, green forests and the legendary Dolomites will guide you through three Nature Parks during your hike. Not without reason, were the Dolomites declared a Natural World heritage site. As a preamble to the hike, you are greeted by Lake Pragser Wildsee, in whose crystal-clear waters the whitewashed walls of the Seekofel, are mirrored. All those who believe that nothing more can top this experience, be well advised that high above Cortina d`Ampezzo, the pearl of the Dolomites you can view and glance over some of the most striking summits. The Cristallo Group of mountain peaks; the Pinnacle on Mount Tofane and the summits around the Fanes Mountains, all wrestle for the attention of the observer. Naturally, an excursion to the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) cannot be left out, the encompassing hike around the celebrated trident promises fascinating impressions of the Sesto Mountains ranges of the Dolomites. Finally, we will introduce you to the splendours of Sesto, the valley of the mountain climbers and mountain guides. This is an easy and accessible hiking tour through well-marked trails. It is suitable for anyone in good basic physical condition and climbing experiences are not necessary. Highlights ✓ The Dolomites – UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site ✓ Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park ✓ Dolomite Ampezzaner Nature Park ✓ Sesto Dolomites Nature Park ✓ Mountain lakes: lake Pragser Wildsee, lake Misurina ✓ Mountain pastures at high altitudes: Plätzwiese, Nemesalm ✓ Cortina d’Ampezzo, the pearl of the Dolomites ✓ Massif Rock Features: Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) ✓ Natural sun dial in Sexten Walking Tour Meeting: Niederdorf or Toblach (at the hotel in Hochpustertal) Airport: Innsbruck Transfer: Riders: Min 2 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Because this is a self-guided trip, participants are expected to arrive independently to their hotel in Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco
Individual arrival at the hotel.
Meals included: none (if half board supplement booked, dinner is included)
Overnight in Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco

Day 2: Villabassa/Dobbiaco – Pragser Tal/Valle di Braies – Plätzwiese
Your hiking holiday starts by the idyllic lake Pragser Wildsee, which fascinates the sightseer with the crystal clear turquoise waters of the lake. Here you get a first impression of the Pragser Tal; with its dark-needled coniferous forests and the whitewashed walls of the mountain rocks, it counts to the pearls of the Dolomites. The way leads you to the alpine pasture Rossalm and then to Plätzwiese.
Beside calm and nature you encounter here also a panoramic view: In the vastness you can see the mountains Cristallo, Tofana and the world-famous Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks).
Leisurely walkers have the possibility to choose a shorter variant for the first stage, at which they are taken to the guesthouse Tuscherhof and start their walk from there. Following the river Stolla they pass the guesthouse Brückele, the homonymous hut Stolla and rock paintings (cases of erosion, which are produced by the constant influence of water and the different composition of the rock) to get to the Plätzwiese.
Ascent: approx. 1100 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 580 m / approx. 6-7 hours OR Ascent: approx. 790 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 0 m / approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast (if half board supplement booked, dinner is also included)
Overnight in Plätzwiese

Day 3: Plätzwiese - Strudelkopf or Dürrenstein
Starting point of today’s stage is the alpine pasture Plätzwiese, which together with the mountains Hohe Gaisl and Kreuzkofelgruppe counts as the most treasured and revered hiking areas in the country; the charismatic magnetism of the unusual flora and natural lakes, have an enthralling charm on the discerning visitor. The bizarre and fascinating fables according to legends of the ancient tribes of Fanes Empire are relevant here.
In the Nature Park Fanes-Sennes-Prags, the largest nature park in the Dolomites, you can make your choice between two options. Starting at the Plätzwiese depending on the variant you reach either the Strudelkopf (short variant) or the Dürrenstein (longer variant). Both options offer you a spectacular view on the Hohe Gaisl, the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks), the Tofana and the Monte Cristallo.
Ascent: approx. 360 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 360 m / approx. 3-4 hours OR Ascent: approx. 850 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 850 m / approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast (if half board supplement booked, dinner is also included)
Overnight in Plätzwiese

Day 4: Plätzwiese – Knappenfußtal – Gemärk/Cimabanche – Cortina d‘Ampezzo
You hike through the high plateau of the Plätzwiese and descend through the Knappenfußtal to Cimabanche – the frontier between South Tyrol and Belluno. Here are two possibilities to continue: either the direct way using the public transport path to Cortina d’Ampezzo or the longer variant to the hut Ra Stua and under the Col Rosa to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Your today’s destination, the former Olympic city, impresses with its unique location in the middle of famous Dolomite peaks.
Along the way there are other possible alternatives to shorten the stage.
Ascent: approx. 0 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 460 m / approx. 2 hours OR Ascent: approx. 610 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 1,300 m / approx. 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 5: Circular Track or cable car Faloria (ticket included)
The panorama of the starting point of this stage is quite simple and stunning. The giant rocks of the Ampezzo Dolomites reach into heaven; the Monte Cristallo and the Cristallogruppe, the Tofana and the Fanesgruppe are the leading actors of this spectacle.
There are two options for the day: the longer one leads you towards Forcella Faloria and the shorter one is following the new Dolomieu Panoramic Trail. Both of them are heading towards Passo Tre Croci. The descent to Cortina is equal for both routes.
Let yourself be enchanted by the natural beauty of the fascinating environment of the impressive Dolomite peaks.
If you don‘t want to take the cable car, you can take a nice circular walk around Cortina.
Long variant: ascent approx. 270 m / descent approx. 1.150 m / approx. 5 hours
Dolomieu-Trail: ascent approx. 100 m / descent approx. 990 m / approx. 3 - 4 hours
Roundtour Cortina: ascent approx. 650 m / descent approx. 640 m / approx. 4-5 hours
Cinque Torri: ascent approx. 570 m / descent approx. 350 m / approx. 3.5-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 6: Cortina d’Ampezzo – Rifugio Auronzo Hut – Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) 
By bus, youget to the Auronzo Hut, situated directly below the world-famous rock massif of the Three Peaks. The imposing peaks, which were fiercely fought over as part of the front between Italy and Austria-Hungary during the First World War, probably the best-known rock formation in the Dolomites. From here you hike leisurely down the Rienz Valley to the Dreizinnenblick and return by bus to the starting hotel of your hiking tour in Dobbiaco/Villabassa.
For the more leisurely, there is the option of walking around the famous Three Peaks and returning by bus from the Rifugio Auronzo to Dobbiaco/Villabassa (ticket not included in the price).
Ascent: approx. 120 m / descent: approx. 1000 m / approx. 3.5 - 4.5 hours OR Ascent: approx. 350 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 350 m / approx. 3-4 hours (Three Peaks option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 7: Departure
Individual departure or extension of your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Cortina d'Ampezzo area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	32	36	45	52	61	68	72	70	63	53	41	32
Average Low Temperature (°F)	18	20	27	33	41	47	51	50	44	37	28	20
Average High Temperature (°C)	0	2	7	11	16	20	22	21	17	12	5	0
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-8	-7	-3	1	5	9	11	10	7	3	-2	-6
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	3	2	4	5	8	10	9	9	6	5	4	4

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The climate is sub-continental, mild and pleasant in every season thanks to the mitigating action of the sea and to the Alpine barrier sheltering it from the North winds. There are 2 main climatic areas: the Alpine area, with fresh summers and often snowy winters, and the hilly and plain area characterized by an almost continental climate. The milder areas, with a Mediterranean climate, run along the coasts of the Adriatic sea and around Lake Garda. Summers can be humid, above all in the plains and in the Venetian lagoon.

In Veneto you will find cool or mild temperatures in spring and autumn, whereas in summer (June-September) the climate is definitely hotter and more humid with a good possibility of cooling rains.

Equipment list

Documents
• Validpassport or ID card
• Money, Cheques and/or credit card
• International travel health insurance certificate

Hiking equipment
• Backpack
• Small backpack pharmacy
• Hiking poles (depending on taste)
• Pocket knife, picnic dish, cup/mug
• Water bottle(s) 1 – 2 litres per person
• Food (eg bread, salami, cheese, chocolate, dried fruit, nuts)
• Handkerchiefs
• Camera or Digital Camera (film, batteries /do not forget memory card)
• Mobile phone and charger
• Sunglasses

Clothing
• Hiking shoes
• Functional sports underwear
• T-Shirts
• Scarf (if required)
• Hat or cap – Sun protection is important!
• Jacket (Windstopper)
• Shorts
• Hiking socks
• Raincover
• Warm clothing
• Towel
• Toiletry

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Accommodation
Accommodation in good quality hotels of a 3***, sometimes 4**** category. Please note, in case of non-availability of the below mentioned Hotels on the requested dates, similar ones will be used.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco
Night 2 & 3: Hotel in Plätzwiese
Night 4 & 5: Hotel in Cortina d‘Ampezzo
Night 6: Refuge in Auronzo di Cadore
Night 7: Accommodation in Villabassa or Dobbiaco

Niederdorf/Villabassa - Hotel Rose
The Hotel Rose has 25 comfortably furnished rooms. Some of the rooms are older but still pleasantly spacious, and all rooms come with private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.

Niederdorf/Villabassa - Hotel Bachmann
Located in Villabassa, Hotel Bachmann offers 3-star accommodations with a garden and a bar. This property also provides free WiFi. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Niederdorf/Villabassa - Hotel Adler
This hotel has been a local favorite for over 400 years. All rooms have been tastefully furnished with loving attention to detail. Every room has its own individual style. The rooms are well appointed with all modern amenities, including Wi-Fi connection, a mini-bar and a satellite TV. The wellness area features an indoor swimming pool and a sauna.

Toblach/Dobbiaco - Aparthotel Germania
This family-run hotel is located in Dobbiaco offers unique views of the Dolomites. This mountain-style building offers a wellness center and rustic accommodations. Rooms and apartments feature warm parquet floors and private bathrooms.

Toblach/Dobbiaco - Hotel Sonne
The Sonne Hotel is furnished with over 47 rooms. All the rooms are equipped with a TV, a safe deposit box, a desk and a lounge area. The bathrooms are furnished with WC, a shower or a bath tub as well as a hair-dryer. Furthermore, free WLAN access is offered in the whole area of the hotel. The use of the swimming pool and the fitness facilities is also free.

Toblach/Dobbiaco - Hotel Moritz
Set in the centre of Dobbiaco, this family-run hotel offers a traditional restaurant and a small wellness area. All classic-style rooms offer free Wi-Fi and are equipped with up-to-date furnishings and feature shower/WC, satellite TV, telephone and hair-dryer.

Plätzwiese - Hotel Hohe Gaisl
Located in the South Tyrol area and surrounded by the Dolomites, Hohe Gaisl offers an indoor pool, a sauna and free Wi-Fi in public areas. Each room at Gaisl Hohe has traditional mountain décor and light-wood furniture. They all overlook the surrounding mountains and come with satellite TV, heating and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.

Cortina d‘Ampezzo - Hotel De La Poste
Born in 1835 as a refreshment place for postal coaches, the Hotel de la Poste in Cortina, nowadays a historic site of Italy, has made of hosting its most important value. Each of the 72 rooms offer a TV, Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. The hotel’s interiors vary from classic furniture and chandeliers to areas completely decorated in wood.

Cortina d‘Ampezzo - Hotel Victoria
Hotel Victoria is owned and managed by the Girardi-Angeli family since 1892. Since the 50s numerous transformations have taken place. They were all aiming to improve the comfort of the guests and more recently with a strong commitment in environmental issues. All bedrooms are en suite & feature a TV. Free wi-fi is also available at this property.

Auronzo di Cadore - Rifugio Auronzo
The Alpine hut “Auronzo” is located at an altitude of 2,333 m. It has 25 comfortable rooms with a minimum of two beds to a maximum of six sleeping berths with a total of 104 sleeping places. The scenery surrounding the hut is an incredible. The hut has a large dining room with 130 seats from whose windows the visitor can admire in the foreground the pinnacles of the Cadini di Misurina Chain.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if you are travelling on your own.
Triple occupancy is possible at all accommodations based on availability.


Meals
7 breakfasts are included in the cost of your trip. Dinners can be booked at an additional cost (except in Cortina).
For meals other than breakfasts, it is possible to shop at the supermarket in each excluding when staying at Hotel Hohe Gaisl (Plätzwiese) where there is NO shop around. In this case there is the option to buy a picnic from the hotel or at huts/inns/restaurants along the route. You will be given restaurant suggestions.

Dietary Restrictions
The hotels can usually cater to special diets if informed in advance.

Tack:		--
Horses:		--
Pace:		This is an easy and accessible hiking tour through well-marked trails. It is suitable for anyone in good basic physical condition and climbing experiences are not necessary.
Level:		(2 to 2.5 out of 5)    Easy to Moderate
Age:		Min 12
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

Characteristics of the route
This is an easy and accessible hiking tour through well-marked trails. It is suitable for anyone in good basic physical condition and climbing experiences are not necessary.
The tour is suitable for children from the age of 12.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passport Note

(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;

(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.