Is this time of self-isolation and social distancing getting to you yet? It is us. That’s why we decided to find out how to visit the Dolomites right now while stuck indoors.
Fortunately, we uncovered a multitude of 360-degree experiences ripe for pretending to be amid the peaks. These immersive panoramas offer stunning views rivaled only by the real thing.
Elevate your mood by diving into this collection of virtual outings in the Dolomites. By the end, you’ll hopefully be feeling what we like to call #mountainstrong.
Gardena Pass
Gardena Pass (also known as Grödnerjoch and Passo Gardena) is a high mountain pass bridging Val Gardena and Val Badia. The number of jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites along the pass is astounding as it is virtually in the heart of the range.
The best part? Everyone can enjoy the scenery. Gardena Pass can be traversed by foot, bike or car.
➤ Sunset Over Gardena Pass: http://www.360cities.net/image/sunset-over-gardena-pass-dolomites-italy#-33.68,2.40,70.0
➤ A View from the Summit of Gran Cir: https://www.mountainpanoramas.com/___p/___p.html?panoid=2017_AB&labels=1
➤ Sella & Sassolungo Group in Early Fall: https://www.mountainpanoramas.com/___p/___p.html?panoid=2017_AL&labels=1
➤ Sella Group in Summer: https://www.360cities.net/image/panoramic-view-from-gardena-pass-south-tyrol-italy-1
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The rugged peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (also known as Drei Zinnen and Three Peaks of Lavaredo) need little introduction to mountain lovers. This mighty trio’s thundering presence makes them the symbolic face of the Dolomites.
➤ The Three Peaks in the Late Afternoon Sun: https://goo.gl/maps/xKbpDbyD9pngpF529
➤ Zoom in From the Sky: http://www.topviewtrail.com/sassodisesto/trecime.html
➤ A View from a Summit of Tre Cime di Lavaredo: https://www.mountainpanoramas.com/___p/___p.html?panoid=2012_HK&labels=1
Lago di Carezza
Lago di Carezza (also known as Karesee) is another striking body of water in the Dolomites of South Tyrol. Although smaller than Lago di Braies its emerald shimmer is even more magical as it appears to transform before the eyes.
In October 2018, a violent wind storm tore through the region destroying thousands of acres of forestland around the lake. The following 360-degree panoramas will give you a sense of the devastation.
➤ An Aerial VIew of Lago di Carezza Before the Storm: https://goo.gl/maps/PqrkDNS2zhbcfa91A
➤ An Aerial VIew of Lago di Carezza After the Storm: https://goo.gl/maps/yievBYEfL2CVvhSK7
➤ Lago di Carezza from the Shoreline: http://www.360cities.net/image/karersee#275.24,1.95,70.0
According to forestry experts, it will take 120 to 150 years for the forest to return to its previous form.
Val di Funes
The majestic Val di Funes (also known as Villnöss) is an unspoilt valley home to the northern faces of the saw-toothed Odle (Geisler) peaks. The contrast between its sleepy rolling meadows and the serrated stone spires of the Dolomites defines dramatic mountain scenery.
➤ The Odle Peaks Under the Spell of Alpenglow: http://www.360cities.net/image/glatschalm-villnoess#344.74,-6.68,70.0
➤ Virtually Trek the Adolf Munkel Trail: https://goo.gl/maps/RUq7Mo6S4Znw21aa7
➤ Visit the Church of St. Johann: https://goo.gl/maps/i7Vcg1QNwQjZW6618
Seceda
Seceda Mountain is at once a jaw-dropping and mystifying construct of nature. Its speary crags careen skyward like gnarled fingers grasping for life. Seeing them up close for the first time can be equally awe-inspiring and jarring — especially when a mist of clouds creeps over their tips.
➤ Seceda in Spring: https://goo.gl/maps/odv8KG7AQqCn7k6E8
➤ Seceda in Winter: https://www.mountainpanoramas.com/___p/___p.html?panoid=2013_B6&labels=1
Lago di Braies
One never tires staring deep into the emerald waters of Lago di Braies (also known as Pragser Wildsee). The most popular lake in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies enthralls in all seasons. A circular trail wraps around its shores allowing hikers to find their mountain-lake backdrop. And if that doesn’t work they can row to the middle of the lake to take it all in at once.
➤ From the Shores of Lago di Braies: http://www.360cities.net/image/lago-di-braies#-23.62,-7.29,70.0
➤ An Aerial View of Lago di Braies: https://goo.gl/maps/CYok9qKAuUyVJkmV9
➤ A View From a Boat: https://goo.gl/maps/UPkcJT2nqeB5ENJ38
➤ Lago di Braies in Winter: https://goo.gl/maps/6Lm4ftQiih8HGXps8
Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm
Alpe di Siusi (also known as a Seiser Alm) is sprawling Alpine pastureland that tumbles into several iconic mountains of the Dolomites. Its gentle hills and abundance of traditional mountainside taverns make it one of the best places in South Tyrol to immerse yourself in mountain scenery and culture by foot or bike.
➤ Alpe di Siusi in Summer: https://goo.gl/maps/qaZoWNLvnEeM1jB27
➤ A View from the Summit of Schlern Mountain: https://www.mountainpanoramas.com/___p/___p.html?panoid=2017_AE&labels=1
➤ A View of Schlern & the St. Valentin Chapel: http://www.360cities.net/image/st-valentin-oberhalb-von-seis?proj=panini_projection#0.57,-5.18,110.0
Dream Now. Visit When You Can
At the time of this writing, there is still too much uncertainty as to how soon any of us can return to the Dolomites. But no matter if it’s later this year or next, do your soul some good by dreaming and planning your escape to South Tyrol. The hard-working people of the region are counting on it.
In addition to virtually visiting the Dolomites through the above links, consider also flipping your laptop shut and reading a book about the region. Check out our recommended South Tyrol-related books for some ideas. And if you are itching to do some serious trip planning, start mapping out where you want to go by reading about the top hikes in the Dolomites.
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