The Dolomites Day 1: Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies (1494m) – Forela Sora Forno (2388m) – Rifugio Biella (2327m) – Grünwaldalm (1590m) – Lago di Braies (1494m)
17km (estimated), 1100m up and down

The Dolomites wich I have long dreamed of!

Today’s plan was to walk the first part of the famous Alta Via 1 (a 120km long-distance hiking route) and take the route 23 & 19 back to the lake. The Alta Via 1 hike is on my wish-list for a while so it will give me some ideas for this route for the future.

At the trailhead we were welcomed by the amazing green color of the lake, Lago di Braies,  surrounded by impressive peaks! Being on the Alta Via 1,  I was already all smiles : ))

Lago di Braies, a boat pier

A quaint church at the lakeside

After going around one side of the lake, a very steep climb started. Several people were going up and one Italian was coming up steadily but with lots of efforts.  He was doing the Alta Via carrying a 22 kg bag including a tent and all you need for sleeping outdoors! No wonder he was sweating.

Some parts are very steep

… and somewhat scary

We were happy to reach the top at 2300m and had our well-deserved picnic lunch “on the rocks” with a fantastic 360-degree view.

I am on the Via Alta!

At 2300m

From the Rifugio Biella the flat path started but it did not last long. With small up and downs we walked around the impressive mountain Sas dla Porta / Seekofel at the level of 2300m.  And then, inevitable, after the ascent, the decent. It was a path of scree. We had to concentrate not to slip. It is almost like snowshoeing on powder snow. But more tiring….

Going down on the sliding scree

Down to the valley, looking up where we came down…

Happy to finish this exhausting downhill and back to the lake, we replenished our batteries with a cup of tea and a cold beer at the Grand Lakeside Hotel terrace…