Traveling from Lake Garda to the Dolomites

Italy Destination: Dolomites Lake Garda

To see the unseen and to know the unknown is inherent in human nature. This curiosity leads men to travel from one place to another. By traveling to new places we can know new people and learn many new things. Travelling opens new vistas of experience and understanding for us. So, people like to visit new places whenever they find time and opportunity. Italy is famous for its rich culture, cuisine, history, fashion and art, its beautiful coastline and beaches, its mountains, and priceless ancient monuments. Planning a trip from Lake Garda to the dolomites, my excitement level was on peak.

Dolomites

I planned to see much of the Italian beauty these days, so picked some of the famous spots like Lake Garda and the Dolomites. Lake Garda is an important tourist area in the shadow of the Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy. At just over 50 km long it is the largest lake in Italy and at its deepest point has a depth of 350 m. I reached the southern part of the lake by train. It took 15 minutes to get from Verona’s Porta Nuova station to Peschiera del Garda, a town of Lake Garda. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy the north of the lake is narrow and surrounded by mountains and is well known for its water sports and outdoor activities. I must say the choice is endless when it comes to Lake Garda, sailing, kite surfing, windsurfing, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, etc. I tried almost all the things I can in this short period. The south of the lake is wider and with gently rolling hills.

The Gardaland Theme Parks were amazing, which are based near Lazise in the southeastern corner of the lake and there are many campsites in the area. A few small man-made beaches around the lake was also a sight to the eyes. I experience unspoiled nature and the Northern Italian culture, which was heavily influenced by Austria and Germany. The visit to popular ski towns and wander the medieval Old Towns of Belluno, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Bolzano was memorable. One of the most favorite parts was about Sirmione, a town of Lake garda, walking from the castle grounds on the east side, around the peninsula following the water edge, playing on the beach, and stopping for a snack or a drink along the way was the best things of this trip. This peaceful and serene part of Sirmione felt like a different place to the busy town center! One of the reasons for this is because the walking route isn’t accessible. 

Dolomites

The coastal path is uneven and part of it involves climbing over small rocks, a gravel track, and ancient stone staircases.
Verona to the Dolomites by train isn’t a direct train journey though, you’re best to take the Frecciargento train from Verona to Bolzano and then board a bus to Val Gardena, where you can find yourself in the heart of the mountain range. Dolomites tour from Verona was a hectic journey, but it was worth it.
I Departed Lake Garda and started my journey towards the Dolomites mountain range, stopping en route in the towns of Moena or Cavalese. Also got some time to window shop and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate before traveling to the Pordoi Pass, which was 2,240 meters above sea level.

Italian Dolomites

The Italian Dolomites are without a question one of the most dramatic alpine destinations in the world. Each mountain group is uniquely shaped. So, I tried to spend enough time in the region, and learn each mountain by its name and surely appreciated every vantage point, trail, and mountain pass that yields a different view of that mountain. Beyond the sculpturesque shapes, it’s the unique coloration of the Dolomites that captivate. The dolomites day trip was the best idea as the light and time of day revealed different shades of crimson, peach, rose, white, and violet in the rock.
We traveled for hours, connecting to the gravel trail of “The Long Way of the Dolomites”, a former railway, with a short stop at the historic Ospitale Refugio to eat a plate of beet ravioli with poppy seed sauce, typical of the unique cuisine found in the region here at the Italian-Austrian border. At the end of the bus tour of the Dolomites, we snaked our way through small villages on the outskirts of Cortina. Before descending into town, we took a sharp left up a steep uphill and found ourselves rolling along a single-track through a field of pink and lavender crocuses. I stopped and lay down in the cool grass, running my hands over the wildflower petals. I Got stunning vistas of the mountains, including the summits of Marmolada, Sella, and Catinaccio. Enjoying that free time for lunch and to soak up the views. The trip to a typical mountain resort in the afternoon and discovering of the wood carvings and beautiful wooden buildings of the village of Ortisei. Also bought a souvenir from the Dolomites in one of the delightful shops before the return trip to Lake Garda.

Italian Dolomites

Conclusion

The dolomites trip bought myself to have a closer look at nature. I would say it was the best trip to repair my soul and heal myself. The best time to hike in the Dolomites is from the end of June until the end of September. The mountain huts are open for overnights and food. It’s also when most cable cars are in operation. There are many ways to experience the Dolomites. For those that want to experience the culture of the valleys and the towns, I will recommend staying in farm stays. For those seeking a luxurious getaway, look no further than the region’s 5-star spa hotels. I will recommend sleeping in mountain huts for hikers who want to traverse long distances.