Pragser Wildsee

Cortina d'Ampezzo is situated at around 1,200 meters in a wide valley basin of the Ampezzo Dolomites, surrounded by Tofane, Pomagagnon, Cristallo, Faloria, and Sorapiss.Winter and OlympicsThe Olympic Winter Games were held here in 1956, and in 2026, Cortina, together with Milan, will again host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The ski area is part of the Dolomiti Superski network.Summer in the MountainsCable cars ascend Faloria and Tofana, and from Passo Falzarego, to Lagazuoi. Popular destinations in the vicinity include the Cinque Torri, Lake Misurina, and the Drei Zinnen. During World War I, the front line ran along Lagazuoi, and tunnels and emplacements are preserved to this day.Mountain SafetyWeather and trail conditions in the high mountains change rapidly. Before tours, inquire with local sources; current safety and health advice for Italy can be found via the link to the Auswärtiges Amt on the country page.

The Dolomites are a mountain range of the Southern Alps in northeastern Italy, spread across South Tyrol, Trentino, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Their light limestone and dolomite rocks rise as towers and walls from green alpine meadows; since 2009, they have been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The highest peak is the Marmolada at 3,343 meters, and among the most famous formations are the Three Peaks, the Sella, and the Rosengarten. In summer, hiking trails, via ferratas, and mountain huts attract visitors, while in winter, the ski resorts around the Sella do. In valleys like Val Gardena and Alta Badia, Ladin is spoken alongside German and Italian.

The Drei Zinnen are three freestanding rock towers in the Sesto Dolomites, on the border between South Tyrol and the Province of Belluno. The Große Zinne reaches 2,999 meters. Their north faces are among the most famous climbing destinations in the Alps; for hikers, the circular trail around the towers is the main objective.HistoryDuring the First World War, the front line between Austria-Hungary and Italy ran through here. Remains of fortifications, tunnels, and paths can be found on Paternkofel and Monte Piana.VisitingMost visitors start at the Auronzo Hut, which is accessible via a toll road from Misurina; an online reservation is required for car access. The huts along the circular trail are generally open from June to September; outside this period, snow may be present on the paths. Check the weather and trail conditions before your tour; current safety and health advisories for Italy can be found via the link to the Federal Foreign Office on the country page.

The Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi) is a wide high plateau at roughly 1,680 to 2,350 meters with an area of about 56 square kilometers, and is considered the largest high alpine meadow in Europe. Administratively it is a fraction of the municipality of Kastelruth. Its southern parts belong to the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park.SummerA dense network of trails, alpine pastures and huts makes the Alm a destination for families and leisurely hikers. The tours up the Schlern are more demanding.WinterIn winter the Seiser Alm is a ski area with about 60 kilometers of slopes, part of Dolomiti Superski and connected to St. Ulrich in Gröden by a gondola lift.AccessThe road from Seis to Compatsch is closed to private traffic uphill between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., while you may drive downhill at any time. Since the end of June 2026, an online reservation is mandatory for the parking lots P1 Spitzbühl and P2 Compatsch. The easiest way is to take the cable car from Seis to Compatsch. Guests of accommodations on the Alm receive an access permit from their host. You can find the current rules at Seiser Alm Marketing.

With a total drop of 380 meters in three stages, the Krimmler Waterfalls are the highest in Austria. They are located in the Hohe Tauern National Park, and a wide, partly steep path leads upwards alongside the falls; they carry the most water in July and August.