Aloha! While I do understand that Italy never disappoints, I am trying to pick the best place to get an intro to northern Italy. My husband and I will be using trains and buses, and will have already been to some cities in Italy, so will be ready for some hiking as well as relaxing and enjoying nature at this point in the trip. Lake Garda is catching my eye! But also the Dolomites...but from what I am reading, some of the lifts don't open until the end of May-does that mean less access to hiking trails? Castelrotto is also catching my eye.
Any advice much appreciated on where we should best spend late May in northern Italy. Keeping in mind we won't have a car. Thank you so much in advance!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2576 posts
The lifts don’t open until May in the Val Gardena area, but you can still hike UP the mountains if you want a really good workout! Not what I would chose, but possible…. Yes, your access to trails will be severely restricted if you only want to hike downhill. You may also run into some snow on the trails, depending on the weather.
Since the lifts are closed, you may find other tourist facilities (shops, restaurants, hotels) are closed during this time.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2316 posts
Less access to hiking trails - yes. Many of them will still be snow-covered in late May. But not all. And the Dolomites are truly wonderful. My husband and I stayed in Ortisei June 5-10 in 2019 and found plenty of hiking opportunities. And we used public transportation. But keep in mind that transportation in the Dolomites and the more northern reaches of Lake Garda can be complicated without a car. You have to move more slowly. With your limited time, you might rather concentrate on some more easily reached areas. Take a peek at Merano.
Posted by
5109 posts
I've done a lot of hiking in Italy in late May, but not in the Dolomites or lakes regions. Since the timing is somewhat iffy, if you want to share your itinerary so we can add other spots where some nature might fit in, feel free to do so.
I'm a huge fan of shoulder season touring/hiking, but after doing some hiking in Switzerland in October where the town's funicular was closed, I know it can make things tough sometimes!
Posted by
North Carolina
2501 posts
Merano is a fine suggestion. I stayed there awhile back, walked the Promenades along the river, and one of the Waalweg trails to and from the Gardens at Trauttmannsdorf Castle. There are lots of other hiking opportunities as well, and an extensive regional bus network. The town is at a relatively low elevation, but you can see the mountains all around. To get there, I took the train from Verona to Bolzano, and another train to Merano.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2576 posts
I just noticed your specific dates. The lifts opened in Val Gardena on May 14, 2022, so they may be open for your dates.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you all! You have given me new places to check out-Merano-the river looks beautiful! And looks like Selva would be the place to stay for Val di Gardena-pictures online of both places are just breathtaking. So hard to make a choice!
Posted by
Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
473 posts
We love Selva. Going back in late June for a week. We are staying at the hotel Sun Valley for a second time. Beautiful place.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you! After more research and playing around on airbnb for a few hours, I have decided upon Ortisei. I appreciate all the help!
Posted by
Vignola, Modena, Italy
559 posts
Hiking trails are always opened. Are closed only if there are dangers: storms, floodings, avalanches... A lot of Italians like to hike starting from the villages where they sleep during the night than take a lift, but of course need much more time and is more challenging. In May is possible some trails still be snowy, but probably only over 2500m.