When you type National Park of the Belluno Dolomites into google, the first thing that comes up is a review, entitled; "It's the most beautiful place I've visited on Earth." That's all we need to say. If we described the Belluno Dolomites national park in one word, it would be "Beautiful".
Less than two hours drive from the noise and bustle of Venice, lies one of the few areas of wilderness still to be found in North East Italy. To this day only 88 people call the Belluno Dolomites home, mother nature has had a free hand in the 32,000 hectares of land that span the 15 municipalities of the central section of the Piave valley. The park was established in 1990 to protect the 'stupendous natural panorama' from being ruined by tourist industries.
The Dolmonties are a collection of several mountains groups; the Vette Feltrine, containing Cimonega (2,547 m) and Pizzocco-Brendol (2,187 m); the Pizzòn-Monti del Sole, translated as 'Mountains of the Sun', each mountain reaching around 2,000 metres: the Schiara (2,565 m), Talvena(2,542 metres), the Pramper (2,409 m), Mezzodì (2,324 m), and last but not least, the beautiful Tamer at (2,550 metres) and Cime di San Sebastiano (2,488 metres). What makes the Dolmonties unique is that the mountains are different colours owing to the soil nature and the chemical nature of the rocks that make up the mountains.
The National Park of the Belluno Dolomites does not actually cover the entire area of the Dolomites, rather an outlying area. It's terse, rocky nature has meant that the region has always been sparsely populated and there are several small abandoned villages that you can explore.
Known for it's wild, untamed beauty, the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites is home to many diverse species of flora. Botanists flock to study the rare plants that dot the slopes and valleys of the Dolomites.
There are some areas of the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites that need a special mention for their beauty is unsurpassed. Majestic forests giving way to rising peaks and strong cliffs punctuate the Monti del Sole and glaciers litter the area around Monte Pavione (2,334 metres) and we can't forget the Monte Pizzocco (2,187 m), with peaks rising like citadels out of the mist above the cave-ridden Piani Eterni.
Whether you're looking for snow covered peaks that rival the Alps, sweeping slopes of flora ridden grass, flowers that will take your breath away, sights that will leave you stunned at the panoramic awe or you simply enjoy meandering through nature and exploring forgotten villages, the Belluno Dolomites National Park has something for everyone.
There are many, trails to climb and traverse in the Belluno Dolomites national park, there are also cable cars and, scattered here and there, a few tourist attractions such as a museum on the Great War nestled in the folds of the Rocca Pietore. Rocca Pietore has other hidden gems such as a magnificent city carved out of ice. An unforgettable, magical experience. Restaurants dot the tourist hotspots and the quaint, welcoming villages offer comfortable hotels so that you can enjoy a hot shower and some delicious Italian food after a day's hike. There are many levels of trails, mountain climbs to tempt the mountaineers or gentle hikes for the uninitiated, punctuated by museums, cable cars and awe inspiring views. Dams and rivers, lakes and forests make for some of the most varied walks and trails.
If you make it to the top of any of the Dolomites' many peaks, you will see golden eagles soaring above you with their characteristic grace and agility, sights few can claim to have seen. The highest and most difficult to reach peaks afford the untouched, pure and sought-after natural surroundings, but the valley floor and other areas are more than accessible for the inexperienced climber or those who simply want to take it easy while still enjoying a gorgeous view, with flowing streams and carpets of beautiful, rare plants. Many trails are cycle-friendly.
When planning a trip to the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites, you should try for Spring or summer when the flowers and in full bloom, but the icy beauty of winter is still sure to delight.
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