Dolomites
By Ava Laurent · Dolomites, Italy · 2026-10-14
Sas Rigais offered an exhilarating vista as soft golden light spilled over the massive, tilted green ridge. Sitting high above the valley, I looked out across the dramatic grassy drop-off toward the jagged alpine spires soaring into the illuminated clouds. A tiny wooden hut rested along the thin dirt trail carving through the sunlit pasture slope.
Villnöß greeted us with bright sunshine illuminating a tiny white chapel nestled in a lush, rolling green meadow. Below the towering, jagged gray mountain peaks, cattle grazed peacefully around the small church with its dark onion dome. Evergreens framed the grassy fields, creating a tranquil morning landscape beneath the dramatic rock wall stretching across the clear sky.
Bolzano provided a striking perspective as we rode high above the pine forest inside a red glass cable car. The reflection of my hand holding a phone mirrored on the window pane alongside bright red gondolas passing along the cables. Outside, dense green treetops rolled down the slope toward the sharp, imposing pale cliffs behind.
Seiser Alm stretched endlessly around us as we walked along a curved gravel trail through grassy meadows dotted with wildflowers. A low wire fence traced the pathway leading toward the towering, multi-peaked gray mountain mass in the distance. The vast green hills sloped gently under a clear blue sky, bathed in soft afternoon light.
Parish church of Urtijëi was the perfect spot to pause, looking out from a wooden balcony with a glass of red wine resting on the railing. In the distance, glowing pink sunlight bathed the jagged rock peaks during sunset. Below, a winding mountain road looped past dark evergreen trees and quiet alpine homes nestled in the valley.
Mount Faloria revealed a stunning turquoise alpine lake nestled against massive pale limestone cliffs that pierced the sky. We sat together along the rocky shore, resting on grey boulders under the shade of tall pine trees. Soft sunlight filtered through gentle white clouds, reflecting beautiful light across the calm, milky blue water below.
Paternkofel brought our journey to an end on a sunny wooden patio overlooking the jagged mountain panorama. On our rustic wooden table sat three delicate herb-topped dumplings, sliced prosciutto, fresh bread, and an orange spritz cocktail garnish with a citrus slice. Bright red flowers bloomed from window boxes along the rustic stone hut nearby.
Walk this trip on the 3D globe in EWIG