Nestled in the heart of the Veneto region, the Belluno Dolomites offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. With their stunning landscapes and diverse activities, they provide an unparalleled experience for mountain enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or a summer escape, the Belluno Dolomites have something for everyone.

Introduction to the Belluno Dolomites

The Belluno territory hosts the majority of the Dolomites mountain groups, encompassing approximately 70% of the most famous mountains in northeastern Italy. This vast natural heritage is a source of envy worldwide. To protect this unique environment, the Belluno Dolomites National Park was established in 1990. Located in the southeastern part of the Dolomites, the park features elevations ranging from gentle hills to peaks over 2000 meters. The area is characterized by valley meadows, rocky walls, prairies, woods, and forests. With few inhabited centers, humans are still guests here, and nature triumphs, making it an ideal destination for those seeking fresh air and rejuvenating activities like hiking, biking, climbing, and horseback riding.

 

Belluno Dolomites National Park: A Closer Look

Geography and Boundaries

The Belluno Dolomites National Park spans approximately 32,000 hectares in the central-southern part of the Belluno province. It stretches between the Cismon Valley to the west, the Piave Valley to the east, and the Maè Basin and Lower Agordino to the north. The park includes mountain groups such as the Feltrine Alps, Pizzon-Feruch-Monti del Sole, Schiara-Pelf, and Talvena, with Monte Schiara being the highest peak at 2565 meters. Fifteen municipalities in the Belluno province fall within the park’s territory, including:

• Belluno
• Cesiomaggiore
• Feltre
• Gosaldo
• La Valle Agordina
• Longarone
• Pedavena
• Ponte nelle Alpi
• Rivamonte Agordino
• San Gregorio nelle Alpi
• Santa Giustina
• Sedico
• Sospirolo
• Sovramonte
• Val di Zoldo

These municipalities are part of five mountain unions: Agordina, Belluno Ponte nelle Alpi, Cadore-Longaronese-Zoldo, Feltrina, and Valbelluna.

Popular Attractions

Some well-known locations often associated with the Belluno Dolomites, like Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Alleghe, Auronzo di Cadore, and Lake Misurina, are not within the national park but are part of other protected areas. These destinations offer additional opportunities for exploration and have dedicated pages for more detailed information.

Activities in the Belluno Dolomites

Trekking

The Belluno Dolomites are a trekker’s paradise. The park is crisscrossed by a dense network of trails and trekking routes, offering something for every level of hiker. Beginners can start with the “Two Steps at the Park’s Gates” trails, short loops perfect for stretching your legs, or the “Nature Trails” in low and mid-mountain areas. For those with specific interests, thematic trails delve into the territory’s morphology, archaeology, military routes, forest vegetation, foothill churches, and more. Besides the routes created by the park authority, you can walk on over 200 km of trails managed by the CAI-Italian Alpine Club: there are 52 trails and 5 via ferratas that wind through the Belluno Dolomites. For those seeking longer adventures, the Dolomites High Routes No. 1 and No. 3 offer challenging multi-day treks.

• Dolomites High Route No. 1: This challenging trekking route covers about 125 km with 7,300 meters of ascent, divided into 12 stages. It starts at the famous Lake Braies in Bolzano province and ends in Belluno.
• Dolomites High Route No. 3: Slightly shorter but still demanding, this route spans approximately 100 km in eight stages, from Villabassa-Niederdorf to Longarone, with numerous variants for experienced hikers.

Climbing

The Belluno Dolomites have a rich history in Italian mountaineering. Enthusiasts can test their skills on cliffs and vertical walls, though most routes are for experienced climbers due to technical difficulties and long approach times. It’s essential to research the difficulty of climbs to ensure they match your physical capabilities. The region’s epic charm attracts climbers eager to challenge themselves on these historic walls.

Biking

Cycling within the Belluno Dolomites Park is allowed, but some simple rules must be followed. Cycling is unrestricted on state, provincial, and municipal roads, generally permitted on forestry roads (with some exceptions), but prohibited on trails. Despite these prohibitions, the park offers 11 suggested MTB routes, allowing cyclists to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.

Skiing

While the famous ski resorts like Civetta Superski, Cadore-Auronzo-Misurina, and Cortina are not within the Belluno Dolomites, skiing remains popular in the park’s municipalities. The Forcella Aurine ski area in Gosaldo and Monte Avena in the Feltrino area provide excellent skiing opportunities. These areas offer a range of slopes for different skill levels, ensuring a great experience for all skiers.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is also possible within the Belluno Dolomites Park, but only in certain designated areas (zones C and D) and on forest roads in other areas (with some exceptions). The park authority has created three horseback riding itineraries:

• Salet Area: An easy 4 km route on flat terrain.
• Rifugio Dal Piaz to Malga Monsampian: A 28 km route offering more challenge.
• Costa Pinei to Rifugio Bianchet: A 14 km route through the Val Cordevole to the Pian dei Gat basin.

 

Must-See Places in the Belluno Dolomites

Val di Zoldo

Val di Zoldo is the main center of the valley, nestled between Lake Pontesei and the Civetta and Pelmo mountains. It’s an excellent destination for both winter and summer vacations, with SkiCivetta nearby for skiing and high-altitude trails accessible via lifts during the warmer months. For those seeking a challenge, the Anello del Zoldano offers a six-stage trekking route.

Feltre

Feltre is an ideal base for a comfortable mountain vacation, offering easy access to services and numerous excursion opportunities. The city is surrounded by the magnificent Feltrine Alps, with Monte Alvis and Monte Pavione as notable peaks. The historic center is charming, with museums, monuments, and a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year. Feltre provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit.

Pieve di Cadore

Pieve di Cadore, the historic capital of Cadore, is known for its WWII history and as the birthplace of the famous painter Titian Vecellio. The town offers cultural attractions like the artist’s birthplace and the Eyewear Museum, dedicated to the history of one of the area’s main economic activities. Its location makes it a perfect gateway to the Belluno Dolomites Park, with various excursion options, including the Alta Via di Tiziano and Alta Via di Grohmann.

Monti del Sole

For a wilder, less touristy experience, the Monti del Sole offers pristine natural landscapes between the Mis Valley and Val Cordevole. The trails are less traveled and often suited for experienced hikers seeking a more rugged adventure. This area provides a true escape into nature, with breathtaking views and challenging trails.

Pedavena Brewery

After a day of outdoor activities, treat yourself to a visit to the historic Pedavena Brewery. Established in 1897, it is one of Italy’s largest breweries. Enjoy a guided tour, taste local dishes, and perhaps embark on a 39 km MTB route starting from the brewery to Rifugio Dal Piaz. The brewery’s festive atmosphere and rich history make it a perfect spot to unwind.

Conclusion

The Belluno Dolomites offer a diverse and enriching experience for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for adventure, cultural exploration, or simply a place to relax and enjoy nature, this region has it all. Plan your visit to the Belluno Dolomites and discover why they are considered one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in the world. With a variety of activities, stunning landscapes, and charming towns, your trip to the Belluno Dolomites will be an unforgettable adventure.