…the Dolomite Mountains, Italy.
My husband and I have begun planning a week-long hiking adventure for August, but we’ve been so overwhelmed with options (that’s Switzerland for you) that it has been difficult to choose one area. Lately, we’ve been stuck on the idea of hiking in the Italian Alps and I’m secretly pushing for the Dolomites–a mountain range with 18 peaks above 9,000 feet, as well as deep valleys and strikingly blue glacial lakes.
The Dolomites boast as much scenic drama as the Swiss Alps, but with an Italian flair. A bowl of pasta and a glass of Chianti after a day of hiking sounds like a dream to me. Moreover, the dormitory-style hiking lodges in the Dolomites are some of the nicest in the Alpine region. I may be adventuresome, but I like a nice place to crash at the end of the day. Like the Fanes Huts…
…or in an Architectural Digest-worthy rental home in the tiny village of Domodossola.
Have you traveled in this area? We’re developing an itinerary and I’d love recommendations.
As far as packing, I’ll want to keep it very light since I’ll be carrying my belongings on my back. Nothing like the promise (threat?) of a daily 10-mile hike to force you to pack lightly! I’m thinking:
I can’t say enough good things about my Osprey Kyte 46 pack. Perfect for a petite girl like myself.
Patagonia’s Featherstone Shirt is lightweight and absorbent–but still looks stylish on the trail.
Developed by hiking company prAna, these Michelle Shorts look as good off the mountain as on.
Can one be obsessed with socks? Well, I am a SmartWool fanatic–these socks are heavenly.
My Merrell Moab Hiking shoes provide just enough technical support, without too much weight.
The Swiss love hiking poles and I’ve been keeping my eye on Komperdell’s compact version. I hope you are able to get outside this weekend and enjoy the sunshine…but for now, a few links:
- Hiking Italy’s Dolomites (National Geographic)
- Hot Spots of Italy’s Dolomites (Travel + Leisure)
- Camping 101: Packing for an overnight (Bakersfield Blonde)
Bakersfield Blonde 
Wow. That looks like a beautiful spot. Check with Carl and Margaret Pfeiffer. Carlpfeiffer@earthlink.net
Sent from my iPad
Great! Thank you!
This post has just gave me another addition to my bucket list.
Did you guys go?? My fiancé and I are planning our honeymoon, hiking the Dolomites and surrounding area and are wondering if you have any feedback!! Thanks!
Hi! No we haven’t been yet–hoping to this year. A friend of mine hiked the Dolomites in 2015 and reported back that the hiking huts in Italy are far less luxurious than in Switzerland (if that’s a concern!). I thought this was a great piece on what it is like to travel through the Dolomites (including lodging ideas): http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/activityandadventure/9879819/Summer-in-the-Dolomites.html Best of luck planning!
Hiked the Dolomites last year. Scenery is to die for. They are very different than the Swiss Alps in terms of rock formations. Not many places on earth look like the Dolomites. Definitely a bucket list destination.
I came across a Belgium blogger named Jurga. She travels all over the world with her family and one of her blogs describes “5 stunning Day hikes in the Dolomites”. She includes level of difficulty as well as length. If you are interested here is a link to her blog. https://fullsuitcase.com/dolomites-best-hikes/
Hope this helps. I am a Dolomite convert LOL