The Hidden Side of the Dolomites
The Dolomites are world-famous.
Lush green meadows, vast pine forests, and stunning white limestone mountains define this iconic region. And, of course, crowds of people at any time of the year… or so I thought.
I visited the Dolomites a few years ago when my sister was working at a high-altitude mountain hut at the base of Mount Pelmo. While I enjoyed the experience, I found the area overly commercialized and crowded. So, when my sister suggested returning to the Dolomites, I wasn’t immediately convinced.
But, as it turns out, it didn’t take long for her to change my mind.
To the south of the Dolomites lies a lesser-known mountain range, only partially within the Dolomites themselves, called Lagorai. This range is a mix of lush greenery and rugged rock formations. The plan? To hike part of the Translagorai route, traversing the high-altitude section of the range from left to right—apparently without encountering a single soul. Now, this sounded much more appealing.
The hike turned out to be simple, beautiful, and incredibly enjoyable from start to finish.
The Dolomites offer two major advantages for amateur hikers like us:
Well-marked trails: Everything is clearly signposted, making navigation a breeze.
Free mountain shelters: Scattered along the trails, these refuges range from cozy cabins to cave-like shelters—or even quirky metal boxes!
If you’re debating where to plan your next trek in the Alps, this would be my top recommendation. The Lagorai range offers a quieter, more authentic experience of the Dolomites, far from the crowds, and full of natural beauty.
Sometimes, the hidden corners of a famous destination are where the real magic happens.
Tap the photo to explore this trail on Wikiloc