Family Adventure in the Dolomites: Exploring Italy's Majestic Peaks

Chasing Waterfalls and Mountain Highs

Today was a symphony of sights, sounds, and flavors, perfectly encapsulating the magic of the Dolomites. From the cascading waters of Cascate Schiavaneis to the panoramic views from Spiz de Soforcela, every moment was a feast for the senses. It’s days like these that remind me why I love to travel, to explore, and to share these experiences with my family.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cascate Schiavaneis, a stunning waterfall in the Dolomite Mountains, ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Rifugio Fuciade. This place is like something out of a fairy tale, an ancient barn transformed into a gourmet retreat. The views of the Pale di San Martino and Col Margherita were simply breathtaking. Aisha was particularly thrilled; she loved watching the small animals roam freely around the terrace. Hans and I enjoyed the local cheeses and freshly baked bread, fueling up for our day of adventure. I even managed to try out a new German idiom I learned recently, telling Hans that the breakfast was Spitze!—top-notch! He chuckled, appreciating my attempts to integrate into German culture. The Rifugio is reachable via a pleasant walk, which also makes it suitable for families with strollers.


Experience authentic Italian alpine cuisine at Rifugio Fuciade, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Dolomites.

After breakfast, we set off to Cascate Schiavaneis. The drive there was stunning, with winding roads offering picturesque views of the valleys. Finding the waterfalls was an adventure in itself. We parked near Pian Schiavaneis and followed a trail that led us through a forest. The sound of rushing water grew louder as we approached, and soon we were greeted by the sight of the magnificent Cascate Schiavaneis. The water cascaded down the rocks with such force, creating a refreshing mist that kissed our faces. Aisha was mesmerized, and even Hans, who usually prefers mountain peaks, was impressed by the raw power of nature. I captured a few photos, trying to capture the beauty of the moment, knowing that no picture could truly do it justice. The falls are easily reachable from the road to Passo Sella, approximately 25 minutes from Canazei by bus.


Next on our itinerary was Spiz de Soforcela. We drove to Alba di Canazei and decided to take the Ciampac cableway up, which shortened our hiking time considerably. The trek to Spiz de Soforcela was challenging but rewarding. The trail, marked with the number 2361, took us through the Crepa Valley, a quiet and grassy area. As we ascended, the views became more and more spectacular. The fresh air, the rugged terrain, and the stunning vistas made me feel alive and invigorated. Aisha, ever the little trooper, kept pace with us, her little legs working hard. We took several breaks to catch our breath and hydrate, enjoying the wildflowers that dotted the landscape. The Dolomites are known as the pale mountains because of the color of the Dolomite rock, which reflects the sun's rays at sunrise and sunset.


Discover the stunning views and adventurous spirit of Spiz de Soforcela, a must-visit destination in the Dolomites of Canazei.

Reaching the summit of Spiz de Soforcela was an exhilarating experience. The 360-degree panorama was simply breathtaking. We could see the entire Val di Fassa, from Colac and Vernel to the Sella Group. Aisha pointed out Piz Boè, while Hans identified Sassolungo and Sassopiatto. I felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that we had conquered this majestic peak as a family. The peak is made of black volcanic rock.

Sometimes, the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take.

After our mountain adventure, we were famished. We drove to Baita Al Lupo for lunch. I had heard wonderful things about their traditional Ladin cuisine, and I was eager to try it. Unfortunately, Baita Al Lupo is closed since 2012, which was a bit of a disappointment. So we ended up having a picnic with the snacks we had packed. While it wasn't the gourmet meal we had anticipated, it was still a delightful experience, sitting amidst the stunning scenery of the Dolomites. We shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company, making the most of our impromptu picnic. It reminded me of our early days in Bamberg, when Hans and I would often have picnics in the Franconian Switzerland region.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Canazei at Baita Al Lupo, the ultimate destination for fun, music, and unforgettable memories in the Dolomites.

In the evening, we decided to indulge in a special dinner at Queen Restaurant in Alba di Canazei. The restaurant is nestled in a dense forest of fir trees and boasts a large garden. The ambiance was elegant and inviting, with wooden furnishings and soft lighting. We started with some local appetizers, followed by traditional Trentino dishes. The chef clearly prioritized fresh, local ingredients, and the flavors were exquisite. Aisha enjoyed her pasta, while Hans savored the meat dish. I opted for a vegetarian option, which was equally delicious. The Queen Restaurant is located inside the Chalet Queen, which offers a shuttle service with driver.


Experience authentic Italian dining at Queen Restaurant in Canazei, where exquisite flavors meet breathtaking mountain views.

After dinner, we decided to unwind at Rosengarden, a charming bar in Canazei. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and we enjoyed some local wines while listening to live music. Aisha, though tired, enjoyed the lively atmosphere and even danced a little. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day. I even tried to teach Hans some German drinking songs, but my attempts were met with laughter and good-natured teasing. The Rosengarden bar is located near Camping Catinaccio Rosengarten.


Experience the vibrant nightlife at Rosengarden, a charming bar nestled in the stunning Dolomites of Canazei, offering delicious drinks and a warm atmosphere.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. The Dolomites have a way of captivating your heart and soul, and I'm so glad I get to share this adventure with my family. Tomorrow is our last day in the Dolomites, and we plan to make the most of it. We'll be visiting Cima Ombrettola and Vista Panoramica Campitello, and I'm already excited about the stunning views that await us. We'll also be having breakfast at Baita Locia De Contrin, lunch at Rifugio Fodom, and dinner at Osteria La Montanara. And of course, we'll be stopping by Pordoi Souvenirs to pick up some mementos of our trip. I am a little sad that our trip is coming to an end, but I know that we will cherish these memories forever. Gute Nacht, everyone!