Imagine saying “I do” surrounded by breathtaking mountains and serene landscapes. In the Italian Dolomites, your day can start with a jaw-dropping sunrise in Tre Cime national park, surrounded by jagged peaks and the calming ring of cowbells. Later, you and your partner take a tram ride (or hike) to the Dolomites’ highest mountain hut, Rifugio Lagazuoi, to enjoy a sauna and warming dumpling soup. At the end of the day, you quietly exchange your vows as the sun sets behind purple mountains and head back to your cozy chalet-themed hotel to share a bottle of wine and traditional Tyrolean food.
That’s how this day, with Elisabeth and Julius, transpired. We were absolutely blessed with crisp, clear September weather and perfect conditions in one of the most incredible locations in the world.
Sunrise in Tre Cime National Park
Tre Cime National Park, in German known as Drei Zinnen, is the gateway to a number of multi-day and brief hikes that the Italian Dolomites are known for. From Rifugio Auronzo you can set off for a 4.5(ish) mile hike around the three peaks that the park is known for. Or, you can head toward the Cadini di Misurina, which is what we did to catch the most incredible sunrise views.
By European standards the hike is relatively easy, but those used to well-groomed trails should be prepared to take your time and wear very sturdy boots. But, with views like these, I don’t recommend you arrive in a hurry, anyway.
On our way back to the car, we were so, so lucky to walk through a herd of friendly and kind horses.
An Afternoon at Rifugio Lagazuoi
Accessible by strenuous hike, the highest mountain hut in the Dolomites is also generous enough to provide a cable car to its peak. This nail-biting experience is absolutely worth it for the views, and it makes getting to the hut incredibly easy since you can park right at the cable car’s base. Rifugio Lagazuoi boasts the highest sauna in the Dolomites, which I highly recommend taking advantage of, whether you’re staying there or not.
This stop was the perfect opportunity to explore a completely different geography from the rest of the Dolomites, and to enjoy warming alpine soup, cheeses, and of course, a pint of beer.
Sunset in Passo di Giau
We optimistically watched clouds roll in and out throughout the day, crossing our fingers for a sunset in one of the most well-known places to enjoy the sun’s last moments. As we arrived, we knew we were in for a treat. Passo di Giau features a rugged peak that climbs out of seemingly nowhere – towering over rolling green hills and trails in all directions that each feature a unique point of view. We scrambled to the best spot just as the sun began to disappear.
Here, Elisabeth and Julius exchanged vows just as the golden light started to spread over the valley.
For those seeking an adventure abroad, the Dolomites will always be at the top of the list of recommendations for me. The geography is so incredibly diverse, and there isn’t a SINGLE location that won’t blow you away. You can participate in strenuous hikes, but there are also a number of places where you can simply park and find yourself standing in front of an epic view.
Whether or not you’re aiming for a multi-day elopement hike from hut-to-hut, or a more luxurious, slow-paced adventure, I am SO down to help you plan the trip of your dreams. After several trips, including a weeklong series chasing a trail running group, I’m familiar with all of the hot spots as well as the lesser-known locations.
Andiamo!
