If Everest Base Camp felt like touching the sky, the Dolomites felt like stepping into a dream painted in bold strokes of stone, grass, and sky. I thought I knew what mountains were—then I went to the Dolomites.
First Impressions: Jaw-Dropped and Jet-Lagged
Flying into northern Italy, I expected beauty. I didn’t expect to gasp out loud when the jagged, storybook peaks of the Dolomites pierced the horizon.
Even from the highway, it was impossible not to stare. They’re not just mountains—they’re sculptures. Ancient, weathered, wildly dramatic.
I based myself in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the perfect combo of charming alpine town and serious hiking hub. Cappuccinos in the morning, mountains by afternoon? Yes, please.
Trails, Tales, and Too Much Cheese
The Dolomites aren’t just for hardcore climbers. They’re for dreamers, walkers, and lunch enthusiasts like me. Some highlights:
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Iconic, massive, and somehow even better in real life. Hiking around these towering peaks felt like being inside a nature documentary.
- Seceda Ridge: I still can’t believe this place is real. Standing on the edge, I saw folds of emerald hills tumble down into sharp, prehistoric cliffs.
- Lago di Braies: The most photogenic lake I’ve ever seen. Honestly, it felt unfair to other lakes.
Between trails, I filled up on speck, pasta, and gelato, always paired with views that made me sit down just to properly admire.
Weather: Nature's Drama Queen
In the Dolomites, the weather changes its mind faster than I do at a gelato shop. One minute: sunshine and perfect skies. Five minutes later: mist rolling in like a scene from a fantasy movie. I learned to love the unpredictability. It made every hike feel even more like an adventure.
Lessons from the Land of Peaks and Prosecco
- You’re never too tired for a hike if there’s strudel at the next rifugio.
- Good boots = good mood.
- When in doubt, stop, stare, and eat more pasta.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. The Dolomites felt like nature showing off—and I was just lucky enough to be there, boots on the ground, eyes wide open.
Guest post written by Hiro Taka
Chef Hiroshi Tanaka isn’t just a master of Japanese cuisine—he’s a globetrotter with a passion for discovering new flavors.
