Dolomites in early June

Early June is early but probably not "too early." the Seiseralm cablecar up from Siusi starts running May 21, and the cablecar from the village of Ortesei up to Seiseralm starts May 28. Those dates are an indication that things are opening up then. I see from several websites that hotels in the Seiseralm area have "wildflower weeks" begining around June 12, so the meadows must be nice and green by then.

As for which town, that depends on your transport options (renting a car or using the excellent bus system) and what you want to do there (hiking? photography? cycling?)

Lola,Thanks!I want to mostly walk/hike.I also want to visit the towns in the region.You seem to know your stuff so I am all ears.I will be using trains to get there and local transportation.Steve's suggests Castelrotto as a base.Dennis

You probably will want to visit Val Gardena on one of your days; have a look around and then ride a lift up for some hiking. Only a few lifts will be open, but you will have a couple of choices. Here is the Val Gardena lift schedule for summer 2010:

http://www.val-gardena.com/download/gardena/pdf/Sommer2010/Lifts_Summer2010.pdf

The cablecar up from Ortesei (No. 11 on the list) is the one I referred to above. This schedule shows it opening even earlier in May than I thought.

On another day head to Siusi and take the cablecar up from there. These two lifts will take you to two different areas of the Alpe di Siusi, so it's worth doing both. You can see what hiking is open when you get up there.

There is also an open lift up from Santa Cristina to a pass, but I am not familiar with that area.

Lola,you are a gem!Have you any other suggestions for me?I will do as you suggest.Dennis

Hi Dennis,

While Rick Steves recommends Castelrotto, it's really not "in" the Dolomites. I'd suggest staying in one of the 3 villages/towns (Ortisei, St. Christina, Selva) of the Val Gardena. They are just a few miles (minutes) from one to another.

We stayed at and can recommend the Garni Ariston in St. Christina. The bus stop is very close to the Ariston. You can look at (or download) maps on the Val gardena website.

www.garniariston.com

www.val-gardena.com

The Mont Seuc cable car leaves right from Ortisei to the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi. The cable car opens on May 28, 2010. If you like hiking and walking, this area is good for a day or two alone. We went twice on one of our 4 night stays.

www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/index.html

www.worldisround.com/articles/351565/index.html

You need to get used to everything being in multiple languages in the Dolomites. Usually German is first, then Italian and then Ladin. You will find some English here also.

Here's another link to the lifts timetable in Val Gardena.

www.valgardena.it/en/lifts/page65.html

Here's a link to an excellent "trip report" by the "go" family of their week stay in the Val Gardena. It's full of tips on public transportation, hiking, etc.

www.fodors.com/community/europe/live-trip-report-from-the-dolomites-and-beyond-by-mrgo-msgo-daughter.cfm

Hope this helps.

Paul
.

Paul,I cannot thank you enough!Did you get to Bolzano/Bressanone/Sankt Ulrich?I really do want to walk a great deal with some moderate hiking.What else to do there and how many days do you recommend?Where did you go from there?Dennis

Hi Dennis,

Sankt Ulrich is Ortisei. All the towns/villages have multiple names due to multiple languages. Bressanone is also called Brixen. Bolzano is also called Bozen.

Our main reason to visit Bozen/Bolzano was to see the "Ice Man" exhibit at the Museum of Archaeology. We walked around a bit, but didn't spend much time in Bozen/Bolzano. By the way, Bozen/Bolzano is not "in" the Dolomites either. In the region, yes; the mountains, no.

www.iceman.it/en/oetzi-the-iceman

www.bolzano-bozen.it

Our favorite "old town" in the Dolomites is Brixen/Bressanone, no contest. It's only about 40 minutes from the Val Gardena.

We've been to the Dolomites 4 times since 2003. We have always had a rental car and our "typical" trip is to fly into/out of Munich and includes Bavaria, Austria and the Dolomites.

How many nights to stay? That's subjective and I couldn't answer for someone else. I will say we've spent about a dozen or more nights in the region and still look forward to going back. The Dolomites are like nothing else you'll see in the Alps. Totally unique. It was a part of Austria until the end of WWI, when it became a part of Italy, hence the Austrian feel/atmosphere (and German language) in the area.

Ok, for how many days... I'll give it a go... I'd say a day for Bozen/Bolzano, a day for Brixen/Bressanone and a couple of days to spend in the mountains. Sankt Ulrich is pretty small so an hour or so would do (for me). 4 or 5 days would give you plenty of time for the outdoors (sunny days) and a couple of days in old towns (Brixen/Bressanone and Bozen/Bolzano) in case of not so nice weather. If all the days are sunny, good for you!

Hope this helps.

Paul

Sankt Ulrich is Ortisei---just an example of the language thing Paul mentioned. Most places have at least two names on signs, maps, etc.; one in German and one in Italian. sometimes the ladin name is there too, just to make things interesting I found this more in Val Badia than in Val Gardena or up on the Alpe di Siusi.

Speaking of Val Badia . . . it is also worth a visit. You can do a nice loop from Val Gardena, over Passo Gardena to Val Badia, then up to Bruneco where you connect to a route back to Blozano via Bressanone/Brixen.

Hi again Dennis,

If you're interested, we have photo's from most of our Dolomite (Sud Tirol) trips at:

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/index.html

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/travel15.html

Paul

Paul and I were posting at the same time.

As for how many days . . . I would love to pend 2 weeks there, but can never make that much time. A week would be great. Follow Paul's suggestions for what to do. If it is cloudy/rainy where you are, check the webcams and see if it is sunny just over the next pass.

Dennis,

Quick question... It seems like you'll be in Munich before the Dolomites. Where are you going after the Dolomites?

Paul

Paul and Lola thank you so much!I have been grappling whether to stay around the France/German border or to take the 3 hr train to Munich for 3 nights and then on to The Dolomites which is 3 hrs.I can spend at least 6 nights in the Dolomites.Is this your favorite place if you could go anywhere in Germany,Eastern France(also Paris) or Austria?Dennis

Paul would you stay in Brixen for several nights or where you originally suggested in the Val Gardena?Are all these towns equally great?Dennis

Paul your photos are awesome on Worldisround!My wife and I will check all of your photos!Thanks for the tip.I really want to visit Catholic Churches also and I know this region is full of them.Any you really like?Dennis

Hi Dennis,

You asked:

Is this your favorite place if you could go anywhere in Germany, Eastern France (also Paris) or Austria? Now that is one tough question!!! We've liked everywhere we've been so far! To put them in order of preference... that would be impossible for us! The Dolomites are just something different. In Italy, reminds us of Austria, with scenery that's simply spectacular.

I think Brixen/Bressanone is worth a full day. The "Diocesan Museum Brixen" is worth a few hours alone. Fantastic museum of religious artifacts, paintings, sculptures, etc. We spent a day in Brixen/Bressanone and loved it, although we never stayed overnight as visited from where we were staying in La Villa, Alta Badia.

www.brixen.org

If you're heading back to Germany after the Dolomites, I'd suggest renting a car when leaving Munich and use it for the Dolomites and return in back in Germany. One of the "thrills" for us is driving the Dolomite Passes. Fun to drive (for me at least!) and fantastic up close Dolomite scenery. Here's a link to some great info on the Dolomite Passes:

www.alpineroads.com/dolomites.php

With a car, I'd suggest basing in Alta Badia. We think the scenery there is the best, plus our favorite place to stay is there... the Ciasa Montanara in La Villa, Alta Badia.

www.montanara.it

Hpe this helps.

Paul

Paul,you are awesome with your input!I do not want to drive since I am solo.I will be arriving munich from Baden-Baden for a couple of nights.Any suggestions on Munich places to stay?Here is my itinerary:3 nights Baden-Baden at a monastery.My wife will be there 2 weeks before me but will be home and then I leave.Then I was heading by train to munich for 2/3 nights.I want to hike to Andech's monastery. In munich I want to see the museum there with the Italian artists and visit the churches and the park and that is it.Is Innsbruck worth a visit?I have enough on my plate so I thought 3 areas would suffice.Any tips I will use.I am very fit and can hustle around.Thanks!Dennis

Hi Dennis,

Not crazy about Innsbruck itself, but the area is very scenic. Innsbruck has a small old town and is a pretty big/busy sprawling city. If you wanted to stay in the Innsbruck area for a night (or two) and are travelling by train, I'd go with either Mittenwald, Germany (45 min. away) or Hall in Tirol, Austria (15 min away). Otherwise, just pass through and head for the Italian Dolomites! Both Brixen/Bressanone and Bozen/Bolzano are nicer than Innsbruck (IMO).

Paul

What happened to Lola?

Lola where are you?
Paul we just looked at your pictures of the Dolomiti again and WOW!!!Mittenwald is gorgeous.Perhaps I can get off for a couple of hours and then continue on either going or coming.Forget Innsbruck....Dennis
Paul,we wrote to the Abbazia da Novacella in Brixen and they confirmed they received my reservation request but never heard from them.I will write again but I will pursue Val Gardena also.

Hey Dennis,

If you are staying in Brixen/Bressanone, I'd suggest splitting your time and also staying in the Val Gardena. Just a note... Brixen/Bressanone isn't "in" the Dolomites. Very worthwhile old town, but to see the mountains, they are in the Val Gardena.

Paul

I'm here. . . Had an eye doctor visit late today and my eyes are still dilated---having trouble with the fine print. I'll be back tomorrow.

Paul,Thank you for all the tips.I feel an affinity for Bressanone and Bolzano!You cannot go wrong anywhere in this region.You can't go wrong anywhere in Italy!
Lola,I hope that your eyes are better.Why dilation?
Dennis

Dennis,

Paul and Lola pretty much have you covered on your Dolomite trip so I cannot add much other than to tell you that our visit there in 2007 was one of the highlights of a 3 week trip. Beautiful scenery. We drove from Venice to Cortina d Ampezzo and the Great Dolomite Road on down to Bolzano. Bolzano is worth a short visit to see the ice man but to get a better feel for the Dolomites I would follow Paul and Lola's advice in one of the towns they recommend. Our intentions were to drive from Venice to Bolzano via the Great Dolomite Road in one day but the place just captivated us so that we took 3 days and spent two nights stopping what seemed like every 3 miles or so to take photos. One night we stayed in Canazei and the next night in the Alpi di Siusi at the Alpen Hotel some 6,000 feet high with a great panorama view. We did not hike but saw many hikers in the area. Since we were there in May the lifts were closed. There are shuttle buses that run to towns in the Dolomites but I don't know if public transportation does the whole Dolomite Road trip. Since you are a hiker you will find many good hiking trails to enjoy. Below are a couple of links to videos that you may enjoy. Be sure to click on the HD version and watch in full screen. Warning though: After watching you won't be able go soon enough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKuYDJ5wL0k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP2nSdS9YXQ&feature=related

Not much to add! As you can see, this area is much-loved by those of us who have been there. I wish I could go more often, but my family wants to see some new places.

Bolzano is a lovely city worth part of a day, to see the town squares and the Ice man museum if you are interested. It was hot and humid in August but should be nice in early June.

If you are interested in churches, you might try to get to the Wieskirche in Bavaria, not far from Fussen. Plain on the outside, Rococco on the inside; people describe it as amazing. Check the schedule for services so you can either attend Mass if you wish, or avoid those times if you want to walk around inside the church. The website gives public transport options from Munich and other places in Bavaria.

http://www.wieskirche.de/eframset.htm

There might be some nice village festivals going on in the Dolomites in June. I'll post back if I find any.

You all have been so gracious with your input!I have been to Weiskirche with my wife years ago yet I do not know that I did fullt appreciate it.Paul where is Loper?Those Church pics are awesome!Can I get therw w/o a car.I am Catholic and I really do love visiting Churches.Thanks for all you have done for me.Any tips anyone on staying in Munich?I want to hike to Andechs monastery.
Dennis

Hi Dennis,

Lofer is close to Berchtesgaden. Pretty much out of the way. If Churches are high on your sightseeing list, visit the one in Brixen/Bressanone and then go to the "Diocesan Museum Brixen". I think you'll love it! So much to see there, especially the religious artifacts. The churches, for the most part, are all fantastic. The church at Andechs Monestary is spectacular also. We've been twice in the last 4 years. The outdoor beer gardens are also nice at Andechs. I'd plan on spending 2 hours or so there. Your going to have to come back to the Helpline and let us know how it went!

Paul

Paul,Lola,Lane.You are probably wondering am I really going?I arrive Germany 31/5.You have been great to me.I wish you were with me since going solo is a bit....Any other input is appreciated.I read where I can get to Andech's walking 5K.I don't want to get lost.Dennis

Paul,I read the comments of people about too much time on trains.How many days in Munich do you recommend?It looks like I have to backtrack to stuttgart my arrival city.Am I going too far if the ride is 6hrs one-way?Dennis

Hi Dennis,

No, I wasn't wondering if you were really going.

Munich, I can't really say how long to stay. We stayed 1 night in Munich in 7 trips to Germany, etc. so far. We really have no interest in Munich I guess.

You're leaving to go home from Stuttgart How about spending 2 nights Munich, 5 nights Dolomites, another night Munich (or Mittenwald) and then head to Stuttgart? This would break up the long train trip, although we took the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt in 1 day (in Switzerland) once, 9 hours!

We've only been to Andechs by car, so I really don't know about walking/hiking to it.

I only wrote let us know since I'm sure we'd be curious how you liked it and how it went for you.

Paul

Hi, Dennis,

I will be going to Dolomites (Arabba/Alta Badia) for hiking since 25 June, so I will keep an eye on your thread.:)

When I am looking at the Tre Cime webcam - http://www.umbriameteo.com/trecime/

I wonder whether there still be snow in late June (I bet there will be some, but I hope that there will be no fog or many clouds at least...)

Paul thanks!Mittenwald sounds like a place to spend 4hrs or a night.No interest in Munich?Maybe I'll find a place near there or something else.
One last thing on hiking.Is there light stuff?I would like to walk alpine/rolling perhaps 6miles/day and nothing too strenuous.I do run and walk a great bit but I am only bringing a Backpack and my running shoes.Can I survive on a backpack or bring a small suitcase?Thanks for all....Dennis

Its cold in germany!My wife is currently in Baden-Baden.What will Bolzano be like in 3 weeks?I do not want to pack for winter!Should I have a contingency plan?What of a constant rain forcast?I know these weathere reports are usually way-off I have packed for the cold and showed-up to warm weather.HELP!

Paul help!I went to the forum and read.Wow!These lifts are not good for me I like to keep my feet on the ground.The weather ia terrible in early june and volatile.Can I choose light/moderate walking/hiking.My kids still need me they are young.I would love to walk 5-8 miles/day but no mtn. climbing-honest!I think this area needs plenty of planning and I haven't done it.Bozen and Brixen seem more my speed no joke.Dennis

Hey Dennis,

Went to what forum and read what? The cable car (Mont Seuc) up to the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi from Ortisei (Val Gardena) is great. The walks from the top into the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi are perfectly tame. You walk on paved "roads" with no steep drops at all. Actually, no drop-offs at all. We've been there twice. You can walk all day and never feel unsafe.

www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/index.html

My advice, don't wory so much about the weather. For our trip last Sept., the forecast was for rain practically every day of our trip. It wound up raining on one day. Only one day. Dress in layers and you should be fine. Three weeks time can make a big difference in temps and weather.

Personally, I think it would be a shame to be in Bozen and Brixen and not experience the spectacle that is the Dolomites.

Paul

Paul,you are correct 3 weeks can't make a big differemce.Fodor's forum.The exchange there is great.I saw your name several times.The Ciampinoi lift I was referring to.They said they are tele booths going straight-up with your stomach in your mouth for 5 full minutes.I have a degree in Anthro so I would like to see the Iceman.St. Christina is the place or Ortisei not that I questioned you but it was all there.I only read a morsel I will try and finish!Dennis

I think you're reading the "mrsgo" and the "gofamily" trip report. Excellent report with terrific info.

Paul

Paul you are correct!!!Dennis

The Go family (on Fodors) sought out tough and adventurous hikes. Most of the lifts they used will not even be open in early June. The two lifts that will be open, the ones that take you up to Alpe di Siusi, are not little phone booths, they are substantial and very secure. The Alpe itself is a huge meadow, with lots of nice nearly-level walking (or bike riding, even horseback riding. The mountains surround this meadow in a very picturesque way.

Lola makes an excellent point.

Paul,excellent,simply excellent!Flip a coin.Dennis

I didn't mean to say "flip a coin". I already mentioned my preference for the Garni Ariston in St. Christina.

Thanks both of you immensely!!!Now one last question since I wrote all the high-points down.Where do I get the 2 lifts that are open to alpi suisi?Ortesi?Is St.Christina easy to get to via public transport?
Is Selva the village to consider.
Paul I read about Munich and no seems to be blown away by it.Also,what is this traffic "stau" I was reading on the go-forum?Dennis

Hey Dennis,

"Stau" refers to vehicle traffic meaning a "back-up".

The lift I that I know will be open is the Mont Seuc cable car, which is on the main road through Val Gardena in Ortisei. Pretty hard to miss. Big red "bubble" cable cars.

www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/index.html

The other one Lola refered to is in Siusi. Not far from the Val Gardena at all. It looks as if there are 2 open there... the Panorama and Marinzen.

www.valgardena.it/en/lifts/page65.html

All the villages (Ortisei, St. Christina, Selva) are easy by bus, plus they are less than 5 minutes from one another. Have a look at:

www.val-gardena.com

Click on "Maps" on the right hand side of the website. You'll see they have a map of each town. Open one and click on a map to enlarge it. You''ll notice the BLUE BUSES... they are the bus stops (not a bad idea to print them out on your printer). I can say again that we stayed at and can recommend the Garni Ariston in St. Christina. Nice place, good location, nice people, good buffet breakfast. The bus stop is just down the street from the Ariston.

www.garniariston.com

www.worldisround.com/articles/351565/index.html

As for which town to stay in, I don't think it really matters. All are convenient to one another and all have a selection of restaurants, etc. Ortisei is a bit different from the other 2 because it has a small "old town" pedestrian zone. Just matters what you prefer. For instance, if you stayed in St. Christina, in 5 minutes by bus you could be in either Ortisei or Selva. St. Christina is in between Ortisei and Selva.

Paul

OK I'll check their availability and rates!Thanks.