It will not be a lie if I say that Italy is lucky because the Alps are also gifted to it. Thanks to them, a mild climate of the Apennine Peninsula was formed in Italy, they defended from ancient times from the raid of enemies, from unusable weather conditions... On Christmas Day, the weather is spring all over Italy, but in the Alps it is cold enough and it snows - a real winter fairy tale is guaranteed. In August, and indeed in summer, when there is absolutely nothing to breathe in the cities, the Alps give coolness and sunny days.
In summer, I advise you to visit the provinces of Trentino and South Tyrol, which are visited by more than four million tourists per season, which is four times the population of the region. Here are several reasons why you should visit the Alps not only in winter, but also in summer.
Summer is the season when the mountain routes of the Alps are open. Moreover, the routes are always in order, there are numbering and signs indicating the directions and time of passage of the sections. The work is carried out by the Alpine communities. Trekking enthusiasts go to the Italian Dolomites, which are popular and famous for their natural beauties. The area here is different from other parts of the Alps. These are the most ancient peaks in the mountains. Dolomite mountain peaks amaze with their unusual shapes and beautiful colors during sunset. Via ferrata is also practiced here. For beginners, visit the Dolomites in Palais di San Martino. Another famous cycling region is the Zillertal.
You can hike for a week from the San Pellegrino Pass around Val di Fassa through all the dolomite massifs of the area. Traveling with specialists you will be completely safe. Alpine hospitality is very pleasant, here people are kind and welcoming, no one is surprised when a stranger greets him.
Rest on the lakes. There are enough lakes in the Alps where you can go with the whole family; from the recommended ones, you can single out Molveno in Trentino, this is a quiet lake with all the conditions created for a quiet family vacation... The recommended Lake Garda is also worth a visit.
Lovers of cycling will also find many routes of all difficulty levels, and you can also organize more simple trips in valleys for which there is no need to have a mountain bike. For this, there are specially designated paths for the safe movement of the whole family along them. Popular place for cycling also in the Dolomites.
Lovers thermal springs attracted by the same Alps, since there are sources here since the time of the Romans, but they were developed only in the second half of the 19th century. Then the entire European elite rested on the waters. The springs are located in the city of Merano, attracts the city with its climate, rich cultural program and enchanting landscapes. The quality of the services provided is excellent, since these resorts are considered the hallmark of the Alps.
Throughout the summer, various holidays and festivals take place on the territory of the Alps.
The most striking is the "Sounds of the Dolomites" music festival; concerts are held in the mountains surrounded by the Dolomites. It is also worth visiting the Settembre Rotalian wine festival in the city of Mezzocorona, in the place where Teroldego is produced, it is considered one of the best wines in the Alpine region.
Affordable prices for tourists are also considered an undoubted advantage.
Italy is that special world where an atmosphere of joy, fun and romance reigns, this is an acquaintance with the pages of history and ancient culture. Italians are considered the most spoiled nation, because almost two-thirds of the historical and cultural property Europe, the historical homeland of Romeo and Juliet, the world of love and romance, beautiful people, sonorous voices and fashion brands. The country is washed by five seas: the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Adriatic and the constituent parts of the Mediterranean. Lovely seaside resorts With nice beaches... Fine wines and Italian cuisine add their own flavor to your holiday. But there is also natural objects when you see them you fall in love with them forever.
Dolomites - world famous Mountain chain of unique beauty, located in the north-eastern part of Italy. Many millions of years ago, in the place of these mountains, waves of a warm gentle sea splashed, Africa gradually approached Europe, the sea became shallow, and then the water left it completely, but left traces of coral reefs, fjords, lagoons - an amazingly beautiful and varied terrain. This is the Dolomites, a mountain range that is included in the list of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. The object is a natural phenomenon, a space of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance. The local mountains are like sharp bizarre rocks with coniferous trees perched on the ledges. The Dolomites are the southern spurs of the declining Alps, at the foot of which there are green short-cropped meadows (here almost pedantically groomed Austria), lakes with unrealistically blue water.
Alta Pusteria is one of the most famous winter resorts in Italy, located among the Dolomites, part of the Dolomiti Superski ski region and consists of seven villages, each of which has its own ski area. All of them are connected by cable cars and have excellent pistes with high quality snow cover.
The main landscape attraction of Alta Pusteria are three majestic mountain peaks, which are clearly visible from any point the region and have a corresponding name - Drei Zinnen. At their foot is small town Hochpustertal having an important historical meaning... On his market square to this day, a pillar of shame rises, to which in the Middle Ages all the guilty were tied.
Summer is a time for holidays and festivals in the Alps. These are festivities in honor of the patron saints of alpine cities, and wine and cheese making festivals, and music festivals. Particularly popular are the Sounds of the Dolomites music festival with concerts in the mountains surrounded by the Dolomites and the Settembre Rotaliano wine festival in Mezzocorona, where Teroldego, one of the region's best wines, is produced.
16 INTERNATIONAL CHOIR FESTIVAL ALTA PUSTERIA. JUNE 2013
Since the first festival in Val Pusteria in 1998, more than 900 outstanding choirs and some 40,000 singers from 39 countries and five continents have performed here. The festival program includes no less than 60 performances, such as "Open concerts on the summits with a height of 2200 m", performances in concert halls and Catholic cathedrals, concerts on the lakeside, in medieval castles and in the Alpine caves d "Ampezzo, in the heart of the Dolomites. The richness of cultures, musical genres, a variety of performances, numerous events and an extremely rich repertoire have made this festival not only one of the most spectacular festivals of international choral art, but also a unique opportunity for fruitful exchange between different musical cultures.This year, colorful performances were performed by choirs from the USA (Arizona), a male choir from France, choirs from Ireland, Israel, Italy and a choir from Great Britain, who performed the song "Mama" by F. the time of the performance of which a six-month-old baby was peacefully snoring. For civilized Europeans, singing in a choir is a discovery of a new self, an introduction to an important part of world culture, a very prestigious occupation, which is not accessible to everyone due to the presence or absence of musical talent. To be part of the high idea of uniting musical cultures honorable. Not for nothing that the general sponsor of the festival I have traditionally performed by Raiffeisen Bank.
"SERGIEV POSAD" CONQUERED DOLOMITAL ALPS
The festival was attended by 70 choirs from all over the world. Russia was represented with dignity by the chamber choir "Sergiev Posad" under the direction of N. Makarova (House of Culture named after Gagarin). The team, accustomed to performing at traditional venues, covered long distances on ski lifts and on foot, enjoying magnificent panoramic views that only the Alps can give, performed on the snow-capped peaks of Kronplatz (height 2275 m). Spiritual chants, performed on the alpine peaks, traditionally dispersed the clouds, enlightening the sky and souls.
A colorful parade of choirs with national flags, coats of arms of cities and banners of collectives became the most solemn part of the event. According to the Russian parade participants, pride and high responsibility for the country was comparable to the feelings of Russian soldiers-liberators, or at least athletes of the Olympic team! The quintessence of the celebration was the performance of the Italian prayer song Signore delle Cime (“The Lord mountain peaks"). It was written by the famous Italian musician Giuseppe De Marzi in 1958 when he was 23 years old. He dedicated the song to his friend Bertagnoli, who died while climbing Mount Piatta. The simplicity of the song and its great emotional impact ensured its inclusion in the repertoire of many polyphonic choirs. Traditional harmony combined with sensual lyrics have become a symbol of nobility and Christian devotion.
THERMAL RESORTS ON GUARD: SIRMIONE, COLA, GUARD
There are more than ten thermal spas on the territory of the Italian Alps. All of them, in addition to traditional general health and aesthetic treatments, offer specialized treatments for complex diseases based on properties mineral waters... Sirmione is located on Lake Garda, an hour's drive from Milan. Small old town on a peninsula that goes deep into a picturesque lake. In 1889, a Venetian diver named Procopio sank to a depth of 20 meters into Lake Garda and became the discoverer healing key Sirmione. In 1900, a thermal center was built on this site, today the hot springs of Sirmione feed the pools of two complexes (Catullo Spa, located in the very center ancient city, and the Virgillio Spa, which opened in 1987, specializing in the treatment of bronchopneumopathy), as well as the best hotels in the resort - Sirmione Spa Hotels. Free time in Sirmione can be devoted to walking, cycling, excursions to nearby cities - Verona, Padua, Milan, Lake Como. Not far from Sirmione is the most large park entertainment in Italy "Gardaland". Today the city of Sirmione is famous for its baths with bromine-iodine water, the villa of the opera diva Maria Callas and the recently built villa of President Vladimir Putin. In the lake purest water, snow-white swans swim and springs healing. Modern thermal spa personifies comfort and coziness.
Thermal complex in the city of Cola offers guests to swim in thermal lakes with natural grottoes, located in a forested area. In the eponymous city of Garda, the innovative aqua center Gardaqua was built in the form of a huge glass dome, which has indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, saunas and comfortable areas for relaxation and sunbathing.
10 THINGS TO DO IN SUMMER IN NORTHERN ITALY
- Take a lift to the mountains and take photos of the Three Peaks (Drei Zinnen), symbols of the Dolomites.
- Master the art of windsurfing on Lake Garda and visit the local King of Lake competition, where windsurfing stars from all over the world give a master class.
- Visit the vintage car rally in Painting of Dampezzo.
- Swim in the thermal baths, luxuriating and indulging in hedonism.
- Sing in the amphitheater in Verona, feeling like a famous singer.
- Take a gondola ride in Venice, visit the Cathedral of San Marco, find Casanova's house and the little Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- In Padua, visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and the University where N. Copernicus taught
- Learn the secret of making Prosecco champagne by tasting this drink in its homeland, Conegliano.
- Watch a unique dolphin show at an amusement park Gardaland.
- Refresh your wardrobe at the outlet with a professional shopper if it's a custom size or you're not quite in fashion ...
Not too long ago summer rest in Italy it was considered a pleasure for rich people and few could afford such a luxury. Today Italy has become more accessible, every year it is visited by everyone large quantity tourists. It ranks second in the world in terms of attendance among other world resorts.
Holidays in Italy in the summer are the most attractive for tourists from all over the world. A wonderful option for those who are tired of the polluted air of the city, from the bustling crowd of people rushing about their business. Romantics, pilgrims, as well as true connoisseurs of nature and art come here. Italy is the country where everyone will find for themselves what suits them.
Text by Svetlana KHARITONOVA
In the summer to the sea - how commonplace. We suggest you change your landmarks and go to the mountains, where the air is clean and fresh, and around there is healing peace and quiet, sometimes vital during your vacation. Dolomites and its respectable resort Cortina d'Ampezzo will be a suitable place for summer mountain holidays, the impressions of which you will share with your friends for a long time to come.
"This is the most beautiful natural architecture in the world" - a brilliant architect wrote about the Dolomites Le Corbusier. Now these white rocks, mesmerizing with their beauty, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Coming here in the summer is a special experience, without crowds of skiers and snowboarders, queues for lifts and other tourist fuss.
In the summer, everything is somehow measured here: vacationers drink wine and a syringe on the terraces of cafes, walk with small dogs along the pedestrian streets, sunbathe in the meadows near the lake and ride bicycles. And, of course, they gaze at the mountains, better than which, as they say, there are only mountains.
The heart of the Dolomites and one of the most picturesque resort towns - Cortina d'Ampezzo, popular in the last century among wealthy Italians. It is most convenient to get to it from Venice by car, on the way for 2.5 hours you can watch from the window the incredible landscapes of the opening hills, and then the mountains. The journey from Innsbruck and a little longer from Verona will take about the same amount of time.
The Cortina Express bus connects the resort with Venice Airport and railway station Venice-Mestre.
In 1956, the resort hosted the Winter Olympics for the first time since the war, thus becoming the first Italian Olympic capital. This, of course, is very proud of here. The town itself is very cozy, cute and picturesque. On the balconies, terraces and in the windows - however, everywhere - you can see bright flowers, pedestrian streets are paved with paving stones, in the center - according to tradition - there is a small church with a towering bell tower. Everything is in the best Alpine traditions.
There are few Russian tourists in the summer - they are mainly on the coast, and this is another reason to come here on vacation.
The Dolomites surround the town on all sides. During sunrises and sunsets, the white cliffs turn pink, revealing a truly extraordinary landscape that can be photographed from day to day - so changeable is the palette of pink shades.
Where to stay
If you ask the locals what best hotel in Cortina, everyone will no doubt call Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf... The White Palace, located at the edge of the forest just above the city itself, is famous throughout the region. The hotel is more than a hundred years old and during this time has experienced many bright events and moments.
In the 70s, the local trendy nightclub Monkey was sparked by the golden youth. Champagne flowed like a river, love stories were tied. At night parties one could meet artists, writers, actors and industrialists. It was an absolute must visit in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Now the restored Monkey is no longer a place for noisy parties, but rather a lounge zone - a cigar room is open here. But guests can always organize their own private party.
Indeed, the hotel feels the romance of yesteryear. Heavy keys to the rooms, frescoes and paintings on the walls, playing the piano in a bar in the evening remind of her ... A mood of mood permeates in every piece of interior, as if referring to the greatness of those years.
The rooms offer a view of the beautiful and majestic Mount Tofana, which you can admire over a cup of coffee on the balcony.
In the panoramic restaurant Gazebo, you can taste both Italian hits and purely regional Dolomites, such as ravioli with beets, potatoes and turnips - casunziei.
Before dinner, you can enjoy an aperitif at the bar, where live music is played in the evenings. In addition to the cocktail classics - a syringe aperol or a bellini - the bar menu includes the signature Cristallo cocktail. It contains rosé champagne, lychee liqueur and precious pearl powder that makes the drink foam a little. The color of the cocktail is reminiscent of the white cliffs of the Dolomites at sunset.
After playing golf or trekking in the mountains at the hotel, you can relax in the spa center, based on the Swiss Transvital cosmetics. The hotel also has a large fitness center, swimming pool, hammam and Aldo Coppola beauty salon.
Things to do
In summer, the Dolomites are no less interesting than in winter. Mountain bikes and Nordic walking poles are replacing skiing and snowboarding. There are kilometers of routes of varying difficulty around Cortina for cycling and trekking. In the city center, you can rent a bike, including an e-bike, and take a scenic route through lakes, flowering valleys and forests. When choosing a route on Tofana di Rozes, get ready to meet marmots and chamois.
The Dolomites are also famous for their excellent climbing conditions, by the way, the film with Sylvester Stallone "The Climber" was filmed here.
Experienced instructors will teach you the basics on the training rocks, but if you are no longer a beginner, you can conquer the Cinque Torri or the Via Ferrata routes. Alternatively, you can combine mountain biking and climbing for a true adventure.
Among less extreme entertainment- mountain fishing, golf, yoga and Pilates classes, combined with trekking. A must-see is an ascent to one of the nearby mountains - Tofana, Cristallo or Faloria, from where you can admire the valley and mountain ranges. If the choice falls on Tofana and her three stages of ascent, plan lunch at Col Druscie at a local panoramic restaurant - the cuisine here is excellent.
History lovers will certainly be interested in the museum under open air dedicated to the First World War. Cortina d'Ampezzo was located directly on the border of Austria-Hungary, and military operations were unfolding nearby. Here you can see real trenches and shelters of troops, military warehouses and fortifications. The museum stretches for 5 km between Lagazuoi, Cinque Torri and Sasso di Stria. You can explore the route dedicated to the First World War on foot or by bike.
Cortina is also home to an astronomical observatory with two domes, equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes, where you can approach the starry sky on a clear night.
Where to go from Cortina
It is very convenient to explore the beauty of the Dolomites by car - bus network not very well developed here. The freedom to move will allow you to see stunning mountain landscapes, green meadows with grazing cows, lakes and forests.
From Cortina, we advise you to go to Lake Braies, which is striking in its emerald color. In hot weather, you can even swim in it, if you are not afraid of cold water. Or at least take a romantic boat trip on the lake.
Among the lakes, it is also worth highlighting Mizurina with an opening view of extraordinary beauty the Tre Cime di Lavaredo mountain range.
You can also ride to the lovely town of Dobbiaco, which is more Austrian than Italian, as well as to Passo Giau, from where you can see the majestic Marmolada - the highest mountain in the Dolomites.
Olga Bebekina, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Last year, one extremely significant event happened in my life - I fell in love! And finally, irrevocably and at first sight - in general, in the best traditions. The object of my senses was the northeastern part of the Italian mountains, which wears beautiful name Dolomiti, in Russian - Dolomites. I remember them not only for their incredible beauty but also with some authenticity - this place is not yet quite teeming with tourists.
By car
Many tourists go to the Dolomites region directly in their car from Russia - I saw a lot of cars with Moscow and St. Petersburg numbers.
From Moscow
If you take the city of Bolzano as the end point - although not the very heart mountain range, but a fairly large settlement, you can see that the route from the capital of our vast homeland is almost 2600 km long, and in time it will take more than a day.
From St. Petersburg
To the same Bolzano, the mileage is less - a little more than 2500 km, and on the contrary, it is more time - 28 hours.
If you follow this route, you will pass through the territory of all three Baltic countries - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as Poland, Germany, Austria and Italy.
Clue:
Dolomites - time is now
Difference in hours:
Moscow 1
Kazan 1
Samara 2
Ekaterinburg 3
Novosibirsk 5
Vladivostok 8
When is the season. When is the best time to go
Dolomites in summer
In summer, in the Dolomites, the mark on the thermometer is kept in the region of + 20-25 ° С. As for me, it is perfect weather- when you do not need to look for a shadow to hide from the stuffiness. This temperature is perfect for a variety of activities (hiking, cycling) and for ordinary walks in the cities.
It will also not be superfluous to say that sometimes it rains in the region, and the sky is overcast - in this weather there is no point in going to the mountains, it is better to try to wait a little - the weather can change in literally one and a half to two hours.
Dolomites in autumn
In autumn, it becomes much cooler in the mountains, the indicator on the thermometer usually drops to + 15 ° С in September-October, and to + 10 ° С in November. In the mornings it is especially chilly - in the 10th of October, somehow outside the window it was only +5 degrees Celsius. In addition, the first snow may fall already in the middle of this month, although this usually occurs closer to November.
I think that the first weeks of autumn are almost the best time to visit the region because most of tourists go home, but the nature is still beautiful, and the temperature is comfortable. By the way, the golden autumn here really shimmers with all shades of this color.
Dolomites in spring
In spring, the region, and especially in the mountains, is still cool, and the temperature warms up only by May - up to about + 15 ° С. Sometimes it still snows in March, and in 2016 at night the thermometer showed about 10 ° C below zero.
However, gradually sunny days are becoming more and more, flowers bloom, various plants begin to bloom, and soon the skiers in the mountains are replaced by hikers - this, one might say, symbolizes the approach of the summer season in the Dolomites.
Dolomites in winter
Winter in the region, as a rule, is not too cold - usually the temperature is kept in the region of -5-10 ° С, but sometimes it drops to -20 ° С. However, according to statistics, sunny days there are more than cloudy ones - 8 ° С versus 2 out of 10.
On the mountain tops, the sun shines so brightly that most skiers and snowboarders are forced to wear sunscreen, but they still return home with slightly tanned faces after rest.
Clue:
Dolomites - monthly weather
Conditional areas. Descriptions and features
In fact, there are no districts in the Dolomites - unless you can conditionally divide the region into "mountains" and "cities".
The mountains
In fact, it is here that the main attractions of the region are located - lakes, hiking trails, bicycle routes, amazing views. From December to mid-spring, ski resorts work here, attracting thousands of fans to the region. winter species sports. I will tell you more about them at the very end of the article, but one thing you need to know for sure - the local resorts are not inferior in quality of tracks and infrastructure to those located on the border with France, and at a price they are somewhat more pleasant.
Of the features, I can only note that in the warm season, the weather here, as I said, can change in an hour and a half. Therefore, when going to the mountains, be sure to check the forecast for the day, even if the sun is shining brightly in the morning. In addition, it is worth knowing that there is great hotels with high-quality service, a magical view from the windows and, like in any other place, the corresponding price - from 120-130 EUR per night and indefinitely (you can compare the cost of rooms, but you can book the one you like conveniently). But I advise you to look at something different - try staying at least one night at the Gasthaus. Usually they can be found in Germany or Austria, but given the proximity to the latter and the shared historical past, it is not surprising that they appeared here as well. A guesthouse is a house whose owners live in it or somewhere nearby, and rooms are rented out to guests. This type of accommodation will help you really feel the atmosphere of South Tyrol, and fresh pastries from the hostess will leave the most “delicious” impressions in the morning! In addition, for those who travel by car, a pleasant moment will be the fact that, unlike city hotels, in 99% of cases there is free parking near the guest houses. You can search for offers, for example,.
Cities
As for recreation in cities, it should include precisely large settlements that, although they are not located directly in the Dolomites, are still surrounded by them - these are, first of all, Bolzano, Brixen, Trento, Udine, and dozens of smaller ones. ... There is more choice of places to live here, but as a result, there are more “urban” problems - we immediately felt this when we had to pay 20 EUR for parking next to our hotel in Bolzano. There are, of course, positive factors - more options cultural pastime - museums, exhibitions, after all, an ordinary walk around the city and sightseeing, a large selection of cafes and restaurants.
In short, unlike highlands, here you can always find something to do if you are not lucky with the weather. It seems to me that those who travel around the region for public transport, you should definitely stay at a hotel near the train or bus station.
What are the prices for rest
As in any other place, prices in the Dolomites region directly depend on your pastime and your preferences - there are always many different options for every taste and budget. I will briefly discuss the most important ones in this section.
Hotels and hotels
Prices for one night in a double room in a two- or three-star hotel on average vary from 50 to 80 EUR, but you can always find a cheaper option, or vice versa - expensive and luxurious. As I said, consider staying at the Gasthof - very authentic and quite budgetary.
Active pastime
As for, for example, hiking - my favorite form of recreation in the mountains in the warm season, here you can also save a lot if you start your journey not from the last stop of the lift, but from the very bottom - but you need to understand that this method will take much longer , and requires some physical training.
Moving around the region
You can greatly facilitate the travel budget in the field of movement around the region. The faster you buy your train or bus tickets, the cheaper they will be. Also, if you plan to rent a car, try to make your booking as early as possible - the closer to the desired date, the more expensive the rental will be. I strongly advise you to find in advance free or at least inexpensive parking lots near the places where you are going to leave your car - as practice shows, this cost item is often omitted by travelers, and then, parking after parking, more than a dozen EUR is spent on it.
Cafes, restaurants and their alternatives
If you eat 2-3 times every day in cafes and restaurants, even if they are small and inexpensive, it is highly likely that you will spend a fabulous amount of money on food for the entire trip. To avoid this, consider staying in an apartment. In this case, you will have to spend time preparing food, but you can save a lot on restaurants, which is usually the largest component of the travel budget after spending on tickets and accommodation.
Major attractions. What to see
You can probably spend your whole life in the Dolomites, and still not have time to see all that the region is so rich in. In this section, I will try to talk about what you definitely need to include in the must-see list when planning a trip to northern Italy in order to get the most complete picture of this area in a relatively short time.
Top 3
The most important attraction of the Dolomites is nature and everything that was created by it. That is why all three points in my "top" are associated with it, and not with the results of human activity.
By the way, a little tip. If suddenly you are worried that you will not be able to make a souvenir photo of this place from the desired angle, write down: (I think that you will find the church itself without any problems, so I will start from it) stand facing its entrance, turn left and further, keeping a little to the left, walk literally 500-600 meters uphill. When the road turns left, you will see a bench - the view from this place seemed to me the most photogenic.
Beaches. Which is better
Since the Dolomites have no access to big water, there are no sea beaches here - you need to go to neighboring regions for them (you will read about them in just a few paragraphs). And you won't surprise anyone with a seaside vacation - it's hot, stuffy, crowded. Whether the lake is about - pleasant coolness, the absence of screaming sellers of sweets, masseurs. So I thought until I faced reality :)
The fact is that I have been to the Austrian lakes more than once and I really love this kind of rest - calmness and silence are provided, for me it is The best way relaxation. Inspired by this experience, I devoted one day of our trip to rest on the lake. Lago di Braies became my "victim" - somewhere I read that in the summer there is even nothing there. Alas, my expectations were not destined to come true.
Firstly, the water there is not that cool, but very cold. Secondly, yes, I dreamed of solitude, but I never expected that it would be only on the water - that is, numerous tourists walked around the lake itself, which did not contribute much to the authentic atmosphere. And thirdly, there was no swimming infrastructure - no sun beds, no sand, no changing cabins ... maybe I expected too much, or maybe I chose the wrong lake. But on none of the others where I was after, I did not see people swimming - and after that I concluded that the lakes of the Dolomites are not very suitable for relaxing on them - it is much better to swim on them on a boat or admire them from the shore.
Churches and temples. Which are worth visiting
Since Italians are one of the most religious peoples in Europe, there is at least a small church in almost every city. Personally, I was most impressed by two religious sites.
Museums. Which are worth visiting
Frankly speaking, I am not a "museum" person, and the Dolomites are not with the Louvre and not with the Prado, where museums are part of the mandatory program. Dolomites are primarily about nature. But since nature sometimes throws up unpleasant surprises in the form of bad weather, instead of the planned hiking, we had to quickly invent an alternative pastime on the spot.
- Somehow it turns out that despite the fact that I am not an amateur contemporary art, I often visit the relevant museums - and Bolzano was no exception. Museumon, or Bolzano Museum of Contemporary Art was opened in 1985. The first exhibitions were devoted to the history of Tyrol, then the works of Italian artists were presented there, and today's exhibitions tell visitors about modern cinema, architecture, and even theaters. The museum building itself also receives special praise for its futuristic design and a work of art in itself. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Thursday until 10 p.m. Admission costs 7 EUR for adults, 3.50 EUR for students and seniors.
- In addition, we managed to visit Archaeological Museum Bolzano... It will surely appeal to connoisseurs of history, since it presents various things that, as it were, in themselves retell the stages of the development of the region since antiquity. Particular attention of visitors is paid to the mummy of Otzi - the ice man, Iceman. This exhibit, for a second, is more than 5 thousand years old - it was discovered in the early 90s in the Dolomites. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm in all months except July, August and December, during which time it is open daily. Entrance ticket costs 9 EUR, for students and pensioners - 7 EUR.
Parks
On the territory of the Dolomites there are several national and natural parks - both large and very small. The most famous and at the same time the most beautiful (in my humble opinion) are the Dolomiti Bellunesi Park and the Tre Cime Park.
Neighboring regions
At the very beginning of the article, I said that according to the administrative-territorial division of Italy, the Dolomites are not a separate region. They are located in the territories of Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, which in turn border on Lombardy and Emilia Romagna.
Nearby islands
Since the Dolomites, as I have already mentioned, are landlocked, talking about the nearest islands is completely meaningless :)
Food. What to try
Neighborhood with Austria and shared history has greatly influenced the traditional cuisine of the region. Being in a restaurant, at some point it may seem to you that you are far from Italy - traditional pizza-pasta is not on the first pages of the menu, and for some reason the waiters do not say "prego". Instead of lasagna, you will be offered national Tyrolean dishes - dumplings, dumplings, various soups (even goulash is eaten here!), And they will advise you to replace tiramisu - what would you think? Of course, apple strudel - it will certainly be served with ice cream. But do not think that the local cuisine is exclusively borrowed from the German-speaking neighbor - there is also a lot of Italian here. For example, antipasti, traditional Italian snacks, have been preserved here. Most often these are olives, olives, bruschetta with a variety of flavors, cheeses, baked vegetables. Risotto, ravioli, meat and fresh fish dishes are especially fond of Italian in the region.
The owner of the guesthouse where we stayed for a couple of nights gave us one very important tip in choosing the right place for lunch or dinner. He said that if you want to taste the real traditional cuisine of the region and not get into the usual tourist place, of which there are a lot all over the world and which cannot be distinguished from each other, firstly, pay attention to the language of the menu. Only German? Great, you've come to the right place! German and Italian? Also very good. But if the menu is provided in English, or even worse, in Russian - in this case, you should look for another place. Secondly, according to him, everyone's favorite pizzas and pastas at the very beginning of the menu can become a wake-up call. He argued that after the multilingual menu, this is the main signal that the institution is aimed at tourists who are not too interested in the culture of the region. However, this indicator did not seem very important to me personally - if I love pizza and eat it with pleasure in Russia, why not eat it in her own homeland? Even if they do not speak Italian there.
Features of the mentality
The proximity of Austria also influenced the mentality local residents- they are much more hardworking, law-abiding and less hot-tempered than, say, southerners. In general, the population of the Dolomites is very similar to people who live in neighboring regions -,. Residents of provinces such as Campania or Campania claim that the northerners are so immersed in their work that they do not know how to enjoy life at all, that they are boring, unfriendly and unfriendly people. Perhaps the author of such a statement met with some wrong northerners, but whenever we, lost our way, or simply needing help, asked the local residents for advice, they happily gave answers to all our questions. Therefore, we did not notice any snobbery, but, perhaps, this manifests itself in other situations - I cannot say. But I will say for sure - in trouble you will not be left alone here.
Holidays
Honestly, I have never heard of any unique holidays that are celebrated exclusively in the Dolomites and nowhere else in Italy. However, there is a lot of talk about how the New Year is celebrated here! Since a huge number of skiers come to the region precisely on the eve of the main winter holiday, local resorts are trying to put on an incredible show for their guests. Fireworks, restaurants, concerts, holiday festivities until late at night, the colorful, magically decorated streets will be remembered by tourists for a long time. At the same time, I must say, the local population itself New Year does not particularly celebrate - much preferable for them Christmas. It, like almost everywhere in Europe, takes place with the family, no one goes to restaurants, but the streets are magically decorated, but you yourself have probably heard a hundred times about cozy pre-Christmas Europe.
Have new year holidays there are two disadvantages in the Dolomites, and quite significant ones - prices and the number of tourists. Not only is the cost of a room in a more or less decent hotel starting from 100-120 EUR per night, but getting it shortly before the required dates is almost impossible. Therefore, start looking for a place to stay almost a year in advance - this is the only way to book a room in good hotel at a good price. But with queues on the slopes, alas, nothing can be done.
Safety. What to watch out for
Since Bolzano has been leading the list of the most comfortable cities to live in Italy for several years, I think it is pointless to talk about safety in the city itself - this is not the thing to worry about. Safety on the slope is another matter.
- Be sure to purchase special health insurance which covers injuries from extreme species sports.
- Also, no matter whether you are a professional or you are a beginner, always ride in a helmet.
- Arriving at ski resort for the first time, do not be stingy and spend on a few lessons with an instructor... After that, do not overestimate your capabilities and do not try to conquer the black slopes right away - start with simple, gentle ones, and then gradually move on to more steep ones.
- Even if you like to move off the main tracks and, so to speak, conquer the unconquered, I ask you, be sure to follow the signs, because they are there solely for your safety.
Things to do
Despite the fact that mainly people come to the Dolomites in order to enjoy all the gifts of nature and to retire with it, this region can offer many alternative recreation options - active and not so.
Shopping and shops
Well, I'll be honest. For me, the Dolomites is about active pastime, about conquering mountain peaks in trekking boots, and shopping somehow did not fit into such a program. But if suddenly you want to combine the almost incompatible and have a couple of days left, then, of course, you are on the road to. Fortunately, it is not so far away - only 3 hours drive from the Dolomites. You can read more about shopping in the world capital of fashion.
If you think that leaving Italy without shopping is not comme il faut, and for one reason or another you are not going to go to, then go to. There are two streets here - Lauben and Dr Streiter Lane, where you will find boutiques of world-famous brands of clothing and footwear, as well as shops of unknown local designers with very nice and high-quality items. Also, take a look at shopping center Greif Center - during the discount period, here you can find branded clothes at ridiculous prices, but the rest of the time it amazes with a variety of brands.
Bars
In more or less large cities in the evening you can go to a bar and spend a couple of hours tasting local cocktails. Fans of spirits should pay attention to Flieger, a mixture of Red Bull and vodka, while those who do not want to lose their mind too much usually drink cocktails like Estivo (white wine + soda water) or Bellini (prosecco + peach puree). In most establishments, prices do not bite - from 3 to 6 EUR for a cocktail. As such, there are no special rules for visiting in the region - but it is better to replace hiking boots and tracksuit with jeans, a shirt or a T-shirt.
Clubs and nightlife
They say that there are so many clubs in Bolzano that people come here to hang out on weekends even on weekends. Frankly, I'm not at all strong in this area of recreation, so I suggest you familiarize yourself with the list of recommended establishments in the article.
Active pastime
In this area, the guests of the region definitely have where to roam! In winter, of course skiing and snowboard, but I will talk about them in detail at the very end of the article.
If you go during the warm season, first of all, the already mentioned hiking and trekking is at your disposal, first of all, a thousand times. By the way, if suddenly you do not know the difference between them - it lies in the fact that the first is a short hike through the mountainous terrain, most often this is a one-day route, but sometimes it means spending the night in a tent or a house (rifugio). Trekking, on the other hand, is a much more serious activity, you go to the mountains for several days with a large backpack filled with food, spend the night in cabins or special base camps... Hiking is much more popular in the Dolomites, but trekking enthusiasts can also find routes to their liking.
In addition, hiking can sometimes be combined with recreation on the lakes. So, on Lake Braies, which I have already mentioned, you can not only freeze in the water, but also take a boat ride and go around the lake. Usually people come to the lake for some 15-20 minutes, take a couple of photographs as a souvenir and move on, but I strongly recommend that you spend two hours on Braies - during this time you will have time to move away from the crowds of tourists and inspect the lake from all sides - it is from there that the most beautiful, seemingly unearthly views open up. In addition to Braies, I strongly advise you to see Lake Misurina, which is very peaceful and quiet place.
Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate the corresponding routes in the Dolomites. In almost all major settlements you can rent such a vehicle and ride it both in the city and in the mountains. The rental price is always different, but on average it does not exceed 7-12 EUR per day. I rented a bike from the official travel agency in, and it cost, if I'm not mistaken, about 5 EUR per day. 
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
Not a single tourist trip is complete without this, of course. Frankly speaking, the Dolomites did not surprise me personally with anything special in this regard - but in addition to the standard magnets and postcards that you find in any souvenir shop, look at wines like Vino Santo and Trentodoc and local cheeses in gourmet shops.
But in fact, the best that can be brought from a trip to the Dolomites is hundreds, if not thousands of photos, gigabytes of video, many interesting stories and vivid memories.
How to get around the region
The easiest way to get around the region is by car, but the public transport system is very, very well developed, so you shouldn't be upset if you don't have the opportunity to rent a car.
Taxi. What features are there
In the mountains, the taxi system is not developed at all (which is logical), and in local cities the best way to get around is on foot. But, for example, if you need to get from the airport to the city, then this is a good option. However, this pleasure is expensive - for example, a taxi from Bolzano airport to the city center costs about 30 EUR.
Public transport
The Dolomites has an excellent public transport system, and this site will help you figure it out. In addition, I advise you to use the RomeToRio website. On them, you can make a route from almost any point in the region to the place you need, since they cover not only the railway, but also the bus line.
Tickets for transfers are not too expensive - for example, a route from Brixen to Lake Braies costs about 11 EUR, and a bus from Ortisei costs only 6 EUR.
Transport rental
A car is, of course, the best opportunity to see everything that is in the Dolomites and get to places that cannot be reached by public transport. There is no need to adjust to the timetable of trains that do not always run at the right time for you. Also, the car allows you to select attractions in the route of the trip by interest, and not by transport accessibility.
You can rent a car at any airport immediately after arrival, as well as at any big city region. And for this you need the following documents:
- Driver's license.
- International passport.
- Credit card.
- Moreover, it is necessary that your driving experience is at least one year.
You can also search for offers in advance on the Internet (for example).
During vacation, of course, you don't want to think about possible problems and difficulties and relax as much as possible. But if you travel by car, and even more so in the mountains, then you automatically take on some responsibility, therefore, I think it will not be superfluous to remind you of important points for drivers.
Driving in the mountains requires some preparation, so do not expect that you can just relax and drive along an empty highway to your favorite music - you must always be extremely attentive and careful.
Rules road traffic in the Dolomites and Italy, in general, are quite similar to the Russian ones. In settlements, you can move at a speed of no more than 50 km / h, on a country road - 110 km / h, on toll roads - 130 km / h. Fines in Italy are quite high - for speeding you need to pay from 40 to 3300 EUR, for wrong parking- from 35 to 90 EUR.
Concerning toll roads, here it is only one - A22. There is no specific price, so to understand how much you have to pay, multiply the fare unit, which depends on the class of your vehicle(for example, for a car it is 0.08432 EUR / km) for the number of kilometers traveled, and then add VAT 22%.
And finally - as of July 2017, one liter of 95 gasoline costs 1.62 EUR, diesel - 1.51 EUR.
Dolomites - Holidays with children
In the Dolomites, I saw many families with children, and they all looked quite happy with life, did not cry or scream. Based on this, I can conclude that it is possible and necessary to go here with little travelers! If your children love active pastime, then they will like walks in the mountains, but choose not too difficult paths - the kids can get tired and ruin the mood both for themselves and for you. If you are traveling to the region in winter, be sure to enroll your children in school. skiing or to a separate instructor. In a word, there is space for little fidgets - they often return to the hotel in the evening in a half-asleep state, which is rather a good sign. As one friend of mine says: "Sleeping children are happy parents!"
As for the cultural program, in the aforementioned Museum of Contemporary Art in Bolzano, various educational programs are arranged for the smallest connoisseurs of beauty, where children are taught about the history of art and the importance of cultural development and are given the opportunity to create something wonderful themselves in a variety of master classes.
Ski vacation
Ski resorts are the main reason why travelers from all over the world travel to the Dolomites in winter. This region is called Dolomiti Superski, and it unites 12 ski areas - Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Cronplatz, Alta Badia, Arraba Marmolada, Val di Fiemme, San Martino, Civetta, Alta Pusteria, Vale Isarco and Tre Valley. In such a large area, you will find tracks for both professionals and not quite experienced athletes.
It doesn't matter if you are completely new to this field - here you have the opportunity to learn how to ski or snowboard completely from scratch - there are several ski schools at the resort, where you can sign up for a group or take a personal instructor. It is not cheap at all - an hour of private lessons costs between 30 and 40 EUR. But it is very important not to skimp on this in order to avoid injuries and other unpleasant situations.
Ski passes
The Dolomiti Superski system unites 12 ski areas, 1200 km of trails of various levels and 450 lifts, and all this requires a single ski pass. Sounds like a dream vacation, doesn't it? With just one card, you get so much variety and such amazing features.
It is not very profitable to buy a lift pass for one day - it costs 47 EUR. Expensive, and you won't have time to appreciate all the diversity of the resort. It would be more correct to immediately purchase a card for the entire stay in the region - for example, a ski pass for a week costs 250 EUR, and in this case one day of skiing will cost you only 35 EUR, and for 10 days - 335 EUR, and then a day pass will cost you 33.5 EUR.
Trails
The tracks in the Dolomites are very well-groomed, equipped with modern lifts and, importantly, quite varied! Novice skiers and snowboarders will feel comfortable here, and professional and experienced athletes will like the large selection of black and red sections of the slopes, where they can hone their skills and tickle their nerves pretty much - I hope, only in the good sense of the word. To avoid unpleasant situations, firstly, be sure to purchase special insurance in advance, even if you "rode a hundred times and everything was fine." And secondly, adequately and soberly assess your strengths and capabilities. Even if you are confident in skiing / snowboarding, for the first time go down the mountain in a new section carefully and slowly, so to speak, get to know the track. And after a successful "acquaintance" you can ride with a breeze :)
5 must-do things in this region
- Complete the must-do of every tourist and climb to the three peaks in natural park Tre cime di lavaredo.
- Stroll through cozy streets small towns, as if lost among the mighty Alps.
- Take a photo with a classic view of the village of Santa Maddalena.
- Take a boat trip on the magical Lake Braies.
- Fall in love with the Dolomites and promise yourself to come back here again!
August 2nd, 2013, 06:53 pm
Hello everyone! Do you love the Alps? I just love it! I have long dreamed of coming to Austrian Carinthia, Swiss Bellinzona or some Bavarian Bad Tölz in the summer instead of the Mediterranean, but my wife spoke harshly: "the sea." But finally they managed to find a compromise and combine the sea with the Alps.
The road from Lido di Jesolo to Cortina is very scenic and takes about 2.5 hours. These are the lakes you come across on the way 
Sitting on such a terrace with a cup of cappuccino and admiring the scenery is the best reward for dull Moscow traffic jams. 
And here is Cortina d "Ampezzo (hereinafter Cortina) in person. Cortina is a winter resort in the Dolomites, located at an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level. 30,000 people. 
Paradise landscapes are complemented by sedate padros who make their promenade along the main street of the city 
The architecture, of course, is fundamentally different from the Mediterranean. Typical alpine houses around 
Until 1918, the valley in which there is modern city, was part of the Habsburg Empire. But the inhabitants retained the Italian language. 
Italy hesitated in its decision which of the opposing factions that had developed by the beginning of the 20th century to join. After receiving assurances from the Entente that it guaranteed the transfer of South Tyrol and other territories of Italy, the decision was made. After serious battles, traces of which are clearly visible even now in the vicinity of the city, at the end of 1918 Italian troops entered the city, which has now been annexed to the Belluno region of the Veneto province.
The cars are really more and more German :) Yes, and German in this region is spoken at least no less than Italian 
Some semblance of Lueftmalerei, as in Switzerland or Bavaria 
The 1944 Winter Olympics were supposed to take place in Cortina d'Ampezzo, but were canceled due to the Second World War. Only in 1956, the city hosted the Winter Olympic Games, where the USSR national team took part for the first time. 
I was struck by the fact that despite the proximity to the sea, the weather was radically different from the weather on the coast. Although not surprising, Cortina lies at an altitude of more than 1000 km above sea level. In the city, the weather was about 18-20 C. 
In general, the town is one of those where it is pleasant to spend 1-2 days, and then you can go crazy with boredom 
But getting away from the coastal heat for a day is just the thing! 
In 1963, the film "The Pink Panther" was filmed in Cortina d'Ampezzo 
Not much has changed since then :) 
In principle, apart from boutiques and hotels, there is nothing else in the city ... And nothing else is needed here. 
Not only on Kutuzovskoe you can find corteges. For example, this train of 4 Porsches with Stuttgart license plates looked very impressive. 
Well, we decided to take the funicular up that mountain, which is at an altitude of about 2300 m above sea level. 
The ticket costs 12 euros there back. You can buy it for 6 euros, but only there .... Joke :) 
On the mountain, besides having a meal in an institution with a gorgeous panoramic view, there is nothing to do 
And here is the specialty of this region - Foloria (Piato Foloria). Three balls - this is polenta, an analogue of corn porridge or hominy, mushrooms on the right, then grilled parmesan and pieces of meat with the taste of smoked sausage ... Satisfying isn't it? This pleasure costs 16 euros. I was generally struck by the abundance of corn fields in the Veneto region. It turns out that this polenta is almost a national dish. Everyone associates Italy with pasta, but here on you, mamalyga :) 
It was no more than 15 degrees here ... 
Is it worth going up here? It's up to you, personally, I have no regrets! 
Just dress warmly! It’s hard to believe that somewhere very close to the sea and the sun 
Well, we went downstairs to go to the nearby village of Misurina with the lake of the same name. More on this in the next issue. 
Thank you for your attention!
