Italy’s Dolomites mountain range is seeing a surge in tourists to its verdant valleys, craggy peaks and glacial lakes thanks to a combination of ‘coolcation’ travel to avoid the heat and social media interest.
Some spots have become so popular they have introduced visitor caps or restrictions. The gem-colored Lake Braies and the mountain plateau Plätzwiese now have strict rules on arriving by car. In Val de Funes, the picturesquely placed and much photographed Santa Maddalena church is also off limits for private vehicles.
Patrick Mauroner is the Active and Wellbeing Guide for Sensoria Dolomites, an adults-only retreat set in the heart of the mountains. Here are his recommendations for how to visit the famed sites without being overwhelmed by crowds and his favorite lesser-known spots.
“The Dolomites reward those who slow down,” says Mauroner. “Many guests try to visit multiple highlights in a single day, but the most memorable experiences often happen when you spend time in one place and allow yourself to truly connect with the landscape.”
A Rainbow Lake With Nearly 10M Views On Social Media
Known for its jewel-like colors and reflections of the Rosengarten and Latemar peaks, Lago di Carezza, or Karersee, is one of the Dolomites’ most recognisable lakes. With #LagoDiCarezza attracting over 9.7 million views on TikTok, the lake has become a must-visit for travelers seeking one of the region’s most photogenic spots.
Mauroner recommends arriving before 8am or later in the afternoon, when the crowds are thinner and the surrounding mountains are often mirrored beautifully in the still water. While many visitors stop at the main viewpoint, Mauroner encourages visitors to take the short circular trail around the lake.
“Most visitors stop at the first viewpoint, take a photo and leave,” he says. “My advice is to walk the entire loop around the lake. The reflections change throughout the day, and some of the most beautiful views can only be experienced from the quieter side of the shoreline.
Lago Di Braies Is One Of The Dolomites’ Most Photographed Lakes
Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, is among the most celebrated lakes in the Dolomites. With #LagoDiBraiesItaly attracting over 3.2 million views on TikTok, its famous boathouse has become an instantly recognisable image, but Mauroner believes the lake is at its most powerful before the day begins.
Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, is among the most celebrated lakes in the Dolomites.
Arriving before 8am allows visitors to experience a very different atmosphere, often with morning mist hovering above the water and a sense of calm that fades as the day grows busier. Rather than focusing only on the boathouse, Mauroner recommends walking the full circular trail around the lake.
“The most beautiful photograph isn’t always the famous boat rental,” he says. “Walk to the far end of the lake and look back towards the mountains. That’s where you’ll find some of the most spectacular perspectives and far fewer people.”
The Hidden Dolomite Gems Most travelers Miss
One of Mauroner’s favorite lesser-known spots is Lech de Crespëina, hidden within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Surrounded by alpine meadows and dramatic UNESCO landscapes, the lake offers a sense of space and solitude that feels far removed from the region’s busier viewpoints.
“Lech de Crespëina is one of those places that reminds you what the Dolomites are really about,” he says. “There are no crowds, no queues and no distractions – just mountains, silence and an incredible sense of space.”
One of Mauroner’s favorite lesser-known spots is Lech de Crespeina.
Mauroner also recommends Völser Weiher, a peaceful alpine lake with exceptional views of the Schlern massif and a much quieter atmosphere. For sunrise, one of his most memorable experiences is Tschafon Hut, where the first light catches the Rosengarten in dramatic color.
For panoramic views, Mauroner highlights Bullaccia, also known as Puflatsch, an often-overlooked viewpoint above the Seiser Alm that is particularly beautiful at sunset. He also encourages visitors to experience Seiser Alm at sunrise, before the day begins and Europe’s largest high-alpine meadow is at its quietest.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com