The Dolomites, part of the southern Limestone Alps, are characterised by rugged and bizarre rock formations and can harken back on a 200-million-year long history
Image gallery: Dolomites
The world-famous mountain group of the Dolomites belongs to the five Italian provinces South Tyrol, Trentino, Belluno, Udine and Pordenone. Bizarre rocks and majestic peaks characterise the Dolomites, also referred to as "Pale Mountains", or "Monti Pallidi" in Italian language. At sunset they appear in a red light, which is an amazing natural spectacle. Due to the beauty and special geology, which gives an insight into several different stages of the history of earth, the Dolomite mountains have officially been added to the World Heritage Site list on June 26, 2009.
Another characteristic is its abrupt alternation of bizarre rocks and gentle meadows. Moreover the Dolomites are perfect for alpine sports such as mountaineering and hiking. There are for instance ten different long-distance hiking trails snaking in this mountain group.
Highest peak: Mt. Marmolada (3,342 m a.s.l.), first ascent on August 3, 1802, by Don Giovanni Costadedòi, Don Giuseppe Terza and Don Tommaso Pezzei
Major subgroups: Sella Group, Catinaccio, Puez Group, Odle Group, Sciliar, Latemar Group, Braies Dolomites, Sesto Dolomites
Area: South Tyrol, Trentino, Belluno, Udine, Pordenone (all of them in Italy)