Walking Dolomites – Sharon Burns – 2025

Day 1 : Start Dobbiaco
Pick up at Trieste airport to match Ryanair flight FR9319 arriving at 12h35 from Dublin, and transfer to the Dolomites – 3h30 transfer. Arrive at the charming Hotel Tschurstschenthaler (indoor swimming pool and excellent food and service) in the picturesque village of Dobbiaco. At an altitude of 1,256m, Dobbiaco is known as the “Gateway to the Dolomites”. The town is spread over a high plateau and is open and sunny in summer months, with spectacular views of the Dolomite range.
It is in Dobbiaco that the composer Gustav Mahler spent the summers from 1908 to 1910: it is here that he composed the Ninth and Tenth Symphonies (the latter one left unfinished), and the famous Song of the Earth (“Das Lied von der Erde”). A plaque commemorating the composer can be seen at the Trenker House in the village.
During the First World War, the area around Dobbiacio was scene to intense fighting, due to its situation on the Austro-Italian border. Many historical remains can still be seen in the area.
Dinner included. Day 2 : Bonner Hutte and Pfannhorn
Today’s trek takes us to the 2,663m Pfannhorn, via the Bonner Hutte with it’s magnificent panoramic views of the Tre Cime. The view from the Pfannhorn is arguably the best panorama of the Dolomites – a 360-degree of the range and the Austrian Alps. Short private bus transfer.
Walk: 1300 m ascent 15 km distance.
Breakfast and dinner included. Picnic lunch not included. Day 3 : Lago di Braies
Today we head for the Ampezzo National Park. The park is run by the “Regole di Ampezzo”, an ancient consort of families whose origins date back to the Middle Age. The protected area comprises mountain groups which are among the most mythical and celebrated in the Dolomites, both for the mountaineering epics they saw and for the events revolving around WW1. We set off from the Lago di Braies (or Pragser Wildsee). Then it is possible to climb up to Seekofel by good weather, amazing views on the top before descending to Ponticello.
Walk: 1450 m ascent 14 km distance.
Breakfast and dinner included. Picnic lunch not included. Day 4 : Tre cime – The Three Peaks
The Tre Cime (2999m) is one of the most renowned places of the Dolomites, and one of its most iconic symbols. The three jagged peaks dominate the surrounding landscape, and are an unmistakable landmark that can be seen for miles around. Today’s route takes us towards the peaks of Cime Nove and Cime Ganda, to San Candido and along an old military route from the First World War, with fortifications and gun emplacements from the period.
Walk: 1250 m ascent 14 km distance.
Breakfast and dinner included. Picnic lunch not included. Day 5 : Free day
This will be a day to relax at the hotel or in Dobbiaco. You can also rent a bike to cycle to Lienz, Brunico or Cortina, or take the bus to Innichen or Sexten. You can aslo take the train to Brunico and visit the famous Alpinist Messner museums including one at the top of cable car with a fabulous panorama.
Breakfast included. Dinner and Picnic Lunch not included. Day 6 : Plätzwiese – Strudelkopf (2307 m)
Short transfer to Brückele (20min), and prato Piazza. The walk takes the direction of Monte Specie. At the summit cross, also called “Croce die Reduci”, you will enjoy the fantastic Panorama over the Tofane, Monte Cristallo and the Tre Cime with the remaining Sesto Dolomites. Some of the huts in this valley are open for stop during or after the walk.
Walk: 1125 m ascent 15 km distance.
Breakfast and dinner included. Picnic lunch not included. Day 7 : Monte Lungo 2280 m
Public bus transfer to the start of the walk.
Monte Lungo (2280m) rises above the meadows of Bad Altprags / Bagni di Braies, inside the Prags / Braies Dolomites. Its west face is a sheer, 700m limestone face rising like a sentinel above the easy ski runs of the area. Round trip around this amazing peak.
Walk: 870 m ascent 12 km distance
Breakfast & dinner included. Picnic lunch not included. Day 8 : FAREWELL!
Morning transfer to Venice.
Breakfast included.