In the heart of the Dolomites, Alta Badia offers landscapes so fascinating that every view is like a postcard. Do you want to discover the most striking corners to capture the essence of these breathtaking landscapes? Join us on an adventure to discover the five most enchanting viewpoints in Alta Badia.
Where to see the sunset in the Dolomites: 5 places not to miss
Before setting off, make sure you have the right hiking equipment and plan your route carefully. The paths can be quite steep, so assess your fitness level and go slowly to enjoy the experience safely.
Discover the five must-see places for a breathtaking sunset in the Dolomites:
1) Armentara Meadows
Discover the enchantment of the Armentara meadows: in late spring and early summer these meadows are tinted with the vibrant colors of alpine flowers such as gentian, golden buttons and alpine pulsatilla. Surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Sasso delle Dieci and the Sasso di Santa Croce group, the view is breathtaking.
It is easy to reach this breathtaking viewpoint of the Dolomites, either from La Valle or from Badia. Watching the sunset from here is a must for every mountain lover! Thanks to well-maintained paths, it is also possible to reach the site with a hiking strollers, making the adventure accessible to families with small children.
2) Lagazuoi
The Lagazuoi is a dream mountain for photographers: its two majestic peaks, the Piccolo Lagazuoi (reached by cable car from the Falzarego Pass) and the Grande Lagazuoi, offer visitors a 360-degree panorama of the majestic Dolomites. The view is particularly fascinating at sunset.
It can be reached on foot from the Capanna Alpina or from the Falzarego Pass, or by comfortable cable car. Once at the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the peaks of Fanis, Pelmo, Tofane, Averau, Marmolada, the Sella Group and many others. Here, among the old fortifications of the First World War, you will have the opportunity to explore old war tunnels and breathe the echoes of history.
3) Störes
The third viewpoint that we suggest you in Alta Badia is Störes, a true wonder. To reach it, start from the parking of Armentarola and follow the path n.24 “Pralongià” through the wood. Once you have passed the trees, you will be greeted by a landscape characterized by typical huts.
Climbing up to the small cross at the top of the Piz de Störes, you can admire the Settsass, the Col di Lana and the splendid Marmolada. In winter this place becomes even more magical: an experience that fills the heart.
4) Gardenaccia
Gardenaccia is a plateau that offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful Val Badia.
It starts from La Villa and, if you wish, you can do the first part of the ascent thanks to the comfortable chairlift. The trail first skirts the Cordes via ferrata and then climbs through narrow hairpin bends. The end point is the Gardenaccia refuge, from the top of which there is a spectacular view of the whole of Alta Badia. From here you can continue to the peak of Para dai Giai, with its cross at 2,497 meters. The panorama is spectacular, with a 360 degree view.
5) La Crusc
La Crusc, a must in Alta Badia, is a viewpoint whose beauty will take your breath away. At the foot of the majestic Monte Santa Croce, this quiet corner has always held a special place in the hearts of Dolomite lovers.
Always a pilgrimage destination to the Sanctuary of La Crusc (there is even a small Way of the Cross), as well as a refuge of choice for those seeking a quiet place, this location offers such a remarkable panorama that it has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The scenic trails at the lakes of the Dolomites
Here are the most beautiful lakes in Alta Badia, which can be reached via scenic trails of varying difficulty.
Lech da Sompunt
Lech da Sompunt, also called “Deer Lake”, is located near La Villa in Alta Badia and is a small alpine jewel at 1460 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by a vast coniferous forest and from the lake you can admire an enchanting landscape with a view of the Sasso di Santa Croce.
Walking along the path that surrounds it, you can admire the rich local fauna.
Lech Lagaciò
Have you ever visited the Lagaciò (or Lagazuoi) lake in Alta Badia? Situated at the foot of the majestic Cima dal Lago at 2,180 meters above sea level, it is a magical place to say the least. The panoramic view from here is incredible, between the blue sky reflected in the crystal clear water and the backdrop of the imposing rock walls of Cime Fanis.
If you wish to walk along the path, you can discover the uncontaminated nature of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, a place that will steal your heart and leave you with memories for the rest of your life.
Lech de Boè
If you have never explored the area of Lech de Boè in the Dolomites, now is the time to do so. This enchanting little alpine lake, at an altitude of 2,275 meters, is surrounded by the majestic rock faces of the Sella Group – a panoramic view that will take your breath away.
Lech de Boè is just a short walk from the top of the Boè cable car. Here’s something else you’ll enjoy: the rare edelweiss grows nearby, a protected flower that adds to the magic of this corner of paradise.
Pisciadù Waterfall
A visit to the Pisciadù Waterfalls in Alta Badia is an experience for the whole family, even for the youngest. The walk from Corvara to Colfosco is truly enchanting: you’ll cross sunny meadows and cool woods, following the Rü de Pisciadú stream to the waterfall at the foot of the majestic Sella Group.
The panoramic view is spectacular, accompanied by the roar of the water over the imposing rock walls of the falls.
Other panoramic trails in Alta Badia not to be missed
The trails that offer breathtaking views in Alta Badia are certainly not exhausted. Here are four more not to be missed, especially if you want to take unforgettable photos.
Val Medesc
The first panoramic trail we recommend is the one that leads to Val Medesc. Starting from the hamlet of Rüdeferia, following paths n.15 and then n.12, you’ll cross an enchanting, sparse forest before reaching the beautiful basin of Val Medesc, at about 2,000 meters above sea level.
From here, inviting slopes lead you to the Forcella de Medesc, from where you can see the whole valley – an ideal route for those who want to enjoy the spectacular views of Alta Badia. It is a demanding route, but well worth the effort.
Sassongher
Mount Sassongher, which rises majestically to 2,665 meters inside the Puez-Odle Natural Park, is another fantastic viewpoint in the Dolomites. The hike to reach it starts from the Alta Via in Colfosco, passing by the Rifugio Edelweiss and continuing on to the Forcella del Sassongher, where an easy via ferrata leads to the top of this stunning conical formation. It can also be reached from the Rifugio Gardenacia, passing under the Para dai Giai.
From the top you can admire the Sassolungo, the Sella and even the Marmolada, the queen of the Dolomites.
Piz Boè
Have you ever climbed Piz Boè in Alta Badia? Located in the Sella Group at an impressive 3,152 meters, it is one of the most accessible peaks at this altitude, although the route to reach it is quite long. Start from Corvara with the Boé gondola, then take the Vallon chairlift and you’ll find yourself under its majestic walls.
The route, although challenging, offers unforgettable views of the peaks of Val Badia, Cortina, Arabba, Marmolada and Val di Fassa. Despite the long ascent, we assure you that the experience is worth every step.
Garden Pass
The 2,121 meter high Passo Gardena is a true icon of the Dolomites, connecting Val Gardena with Val Badia. Located in the heart of the Sella Group and the Puez-Odle Natural Park, it offers breathtaking views of both valleys.
A renowned tourist destination, the Pass is crossed by the legendary Sellaronda trail and offers access to numerous hikes and via ferrata.
Valparola Pass
Straddling the regions of South Tyrol and Veneto, it is rich in history and offers an excellent panoramic view, especially of the Averau.
