Dolomites

Bizarre rocks and majestic peaks characterise the “pale mountains”

The Dolomites are characterised by rugged rock formations and are a mountain chain of the southern Limestone Alps which can harken back on a 200 million year long history. This mountain range belongs to five different Italian provinces, which are South Tyrol, Trentino, Belluno, Udine and Pordenone.

At sunset the “monti pallidi” (pale mountains), how they are often called due to the rock calcification, appear in a red light, which is really amazing. However, due to the beauty and special geology, which gives an insight into several different stages of the history of earth, the Dolomite mountains have been officially added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage list on Friday, June 26, 2009.

Another characteristic of the Dolomites is the abrupt alternation of bizarre rocks and gentle meadows. Moreover the Dolomites are perfect for alpine sports like hiking, not only due to the fact that ten different high paths traverse the mountain chain.

Highest peak: Marmolada (3,342 m)
First escent Marmolada: 3rd August 1802 (Don Giovanni Costadedòi, Don Giuseppe Terza, Don Tommaso Pezzei)
Major massifs: Sella, Catinaccio, Gruppo Puez Odle, Sciliar, Gruppo Latemar, Dolomiti di Braies, Dolomiti di Sesto
Location: South Tyrol, Trentino, Belluno, Udine, Pordenone (all in Italy)