I'm going to Florence for a couple of days. I want to fit in some mountains, and I'm torn on Dolomites for a few days versus training over to the Berner Oberland. Any advice on making the choice? I wonder if Dolomite scenery and hiking is as impressive as Berner Oberland. And, where to go in the Dolomites for a hiking experience? Thank you.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17440 posts
The Dolomites offer fantastic hiking. Some of it is more remote and rugged than the Berner Oberland, and you have the choice of a via ferrata if that appeals to you. The scenery is rugged and dramatic, but without the glaciers and snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps---other than Marmolada, the highest peak, it's all bare rock, rising about velvety green pastures.
The areas we have hiked are Alpe di Siusi and Val Badia; Val Gardena also offers nice hiking, and is easily accessible (along with Alpe di Siusi) from Bolzano (by regular bus service to Castelrotto).
My first choice as a place to stay is Alpe di siusi, but be aware there's not really a village there, so it's best to take half-board at your hotel.
Posted by
NYC area
2981 posts
Hi Dennis,
We're not hikers but we've been to both, the Berner Oberland once and the Dolomites 4 times. It's a tough choice, but either way you "win". We never used public transportation in the Dolomites, but I'd recommend staying in one of the 3 towns/villages of the Val Gardena... Ortisei, St. Christina and Selva.
I'm posting this link (a "live" trip report), as I think it's a great resource for hiking and getting around by bus in the Dolomites:
Sorry I can't really advise which area (BO or Dolomites) to choose, as they are both spectacular but quite different. If I HAD to choose... I'd probably go to the Dolomites. They are just so different (in a good way!) than most areas of the Alps.
Paul
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
I would go to the Dolomites.
I would go to the Berner Oberland.
I'm conflicted.
Like Paul I am not a hiker but he put it well when he said either way you "win". If you go to the Dolomites it would be closer. If you train to Bolzano you could rent a car and spend a few days in the Dolomites and take a drive on the Great Dolomite Road or at least part of it. It is a beautiful area.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17440 posts
An advantage of the Dolomites is that the travel time from Florence would be a lot less than going to the Berner Oberland.
If you like hiking in the Sierras, I think you would like the Dolomites as well. The Dolomites are white and pink limestone instead of white granite, but the ruggedness of the mountains is similar.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I love both for diff reasons.. BO can be more expensive for lodging. Go to which ever fits your schedule and routing well. then visit the other some other time as neither should be missed. It can be somewhat difficult to go by public transport to Dolomites so plan carefully. Also it is very seasonal so many lodgings close up. check first.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
In your scenario, I would plan around logistics... in which case, any Italian Alpine region would win, not just the Dolomites. Really, it´s like comparing 4-star movies. Go with the one that´s most readily available.
Also, consider that the South Tirol usually experiences just under 300 sunny days per year. The Berner Oberland? Usually under 200. If your itinerary is tight, you are less likely to lose days to bad weather on the Italian side.