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

Dolomite Dreams Realized

Today was a day of reaching new heights, both literally and figuratively, as we explored the majestic Passo Pordoi and the tranquil Laghetto di Passo Valles. The crisp mountain air, combined with the stunning vistas, created an unforgettable experience for the entire family. It’s moments like these that make our family trips so special, blending adventure with the serene beauty of nature.


Explore the breathtaking Passo Pordoi, a stunning mountain pass in the Dolomites, perfect for outdoor adventures and captivating views.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at GIGIO PICOL Baita Ristorante. Aisha was particularly excited, having developed a taste for the local pastries. Hans and I enjoyed some strong Italian coffee, fueling up for the day’s adventures. The cozy atmosphere of the restaurant, with its wooden interiors and friendly staff, set the perfect tone for the day. It's amazing how a simple meal can be so grounding, especially when surrounded by such incredible scenery. I even managed to pick up a new German idiom from a fellow diner – “Alles in Butter,” meaning everything is in butter, or all is well. It perfectly captured the feeling of contentment I had at that moment.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at GIGIO PICOL Baita Ristorante in scenic Falcade - where culinary excellence meets breathtaking views.

Our first stop was Passo Pordoi, at an elevation of 2,239 meters. The drive up was an adventure in itself, navigating the 28 hairpin bends that characterize the last stretch of the Dolomites Road. Aisha was thrilled, counting each turn with glee. As we ascended, the views became increasingly spectacular, with the Sella Group to the north and the Marmolada Group to the south. The air grew crisper, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers.

Arriving at Passo Pordoi, we were greeted by a panoramic vista that took our breath away. The Dolomites stretched out before us in all their glory, their jagged peaks piercing the sky. The pass itself is a hub of activity, with hikers, cyclists, and tourists milling about, all eager to soak in the scenery. I learned that Passo Pordoi marks the boundary between Trentino and Veneto. It’s one of the four passes on the Great Dolomites Road, which was built in the early 20th century to connect Bolzano and Cortina d'Ampezzo, promoting tourism in the Ladin valleys. Knowing the history of this road made the experience even more enriching.

We decided to take the cable car up to Sass Pordoi, reaching an altitude of 2,950 meters. The ride was swift, and as we ascended, the landscape transformed into a rocky, alpine wonderland. At the top, the “Terrace of the Dolomites” offered an even more incredible view. It felt like we were standing on top of the world, with a 360-degree panorama of the Dolomites and the Alps. Aisha was captivated, pointing out the different peaks and valleys. Hans, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the cable car mechanism, peppering me with facts and figures.

I couldn't help but think about the historical significance of this place. Passo Pordoi was the site of tragic battles during World War I, and the German Ossuary stands as a somber reminder of the past. It’s a place where history and natural beauty converge, offering a moment for reflection amidst the stunning scenery. Additionally, Passo Pordoi has been a legendary stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling tour, and a monument dedicated to Fausto Coppi commemorates his cycling feats.

The mountains are calling and I must go. - John Muir

After soaking in the views at Sass Pordoi, we opted for a less challenging excursion and decided to hike a portion of the Viel dal Pan, a historic route traveled by bread sellers. The trail was relatively easy, winding through meadows dotted with wildflowers. The views were simply stunning, with the Marmolada glacier glistening in the distance. Aisha enjoyed picking flowers, while Hans and I took countless photos, trying to capture the beauty of the landscape. I even spotted some edelweiss, a rare and protected flower that symbolizes courage and purity. It felt like a true highlight to our hike.

For lunch, we stopped at Albergo Ristorante Baita Dovich, a charming mountain restaurant with a rustic ambiance. We enjoyed a traditional Dolomite meal of casunziei (beetroot ravioli) and canederli (bread dumplings), savoring the flavors of the region. Aisha, surprisingly, loved the casunziei, devouring them with gusto. The restaurant also offered stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot to relax and refuel. It reminded me of the cozy restaurants we frequent in Bamberg, where we often indulge in Franconian specialties.


Experience authentic Italian hospitality at Albergo Ristorante Baita Dovich - where stunning mountain views meet exquisite cuisine.

In the afternoon, we drove to Laghetto di Passo Valles, a small, serene lake nestled in a picturesque valley. The drive itself was beautiful, with winding roads and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. As we approached the lake, the landscape transformed into a lush, green oasis. The Laghetto di Passo Valles is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful escape from the more crowded tourist spots.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Laghetto di Passo Valles, a serene alpine lake perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxation amid the stunning Dolomites.

We took a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoying the tranquility and the stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains in the crystal-clear water. Aisha loved throwing pebbles into the lake, watching the ripples spread across the surface. Hans, ever the nature enthusiast, identified various species of birds and plants. I found a quiet spot to sit and sketch, capturing the serene beauty of the lake in my notebook. It was a perfect moment of calm and reflection, a chance to connect with nature and each other. I learned that Passo Valles offers several hiking paths, including one that leads to the Bocche Mountain Hut. The area is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers.

As the day drew to a close, we stopped at El Festil, a cozy bar in Canazei. We enjoyed some local wine and snacks, reminiscing about the day’s adventures. Aisha, tired but happy, fell asleep in my arms. The bar had a lively atmosphere, with locals and tourists mingling and sharing stories. It felt like a perfect end to a perfect day, a chance to unwind and soak in the ambiance of the Dolomites.


Experience the charm of El Festil in Piè Falcade, where delicious refreshments meet breathtaking alpine views.

For dinner, we decided to try Ostaria DaSté, a traditional restaurant known for its local cuisine. The restaurant had a warm, inviting atmosphere, with wooden interiors and friendly staff. We enjoyed a delicious meal of polenta and grilled meat, savoring the hearty flavors of the region. Aisha, despite her earlier nap, managed to polish off a plate of pasta.


Experience authentic Trentino cuisine at Ostaria DaSté in Campitello di Fassa, where every meal is a celebration of local flavors amidst stunning mountain views.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we are excited to explore Parco Naturale Tre Cime and Val Pettorina. We plan to start with breakfast at Ristorante Stella Alpina, followed by a hike in the park. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Val Pettorina, hopefully finding some more hidden gems. We’ll end the day with dinner at Col de Cuk, anticipating another delicious meal. And perhaps Aisha will convince us to stop by Arte del Bosco for a little souvenir shopping.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences we’ve had today. The Dolomites have a way of captivating the soul, offering a blend of adventure, beauty, and tranquility. It’s a place where memories are made, and where family bonds are strengthened. I am looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings, knowing that each day in the Dolomites is a gift to be treasured. I am also kicking myself for forgetting the sunscreen and binoculars! I will add it to my checklist for the next trip! I am also grateful that I get to share these moments with Hans and Aisha. It's a reminder that life's greatest treasures are often found in the simplest of moments, shared with the people we love. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll practice another German idiom before bed!