The Ampezzo Dolomites Park is a national treasure of unparalleled natural beauty. Located just north of the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo , the park extends to the border between Alto Adige and Veneto, covering 11,200 hectares of mountains and nature in its purest form.
Within the park, you can embark on various itineraries that traverse nature reserves to reach peaks such as Monte Cristallo , Tofane , and Cima Fanes , which exceed 3,200 meters in altitude. The park is a true paradise for expert climbers, who will find breathtaking overhangs and truly awe-inspiring rock giants. The panorama extends from the peaks to the gentle, verdant valleys, all complemented by lakes, forests, and waterfalls waiting to be discovered.
Here are the characteristics and information you need to know before visiting the Ampezzo Dolomites Park . It's important to note that this beautiful place of unspoiled flora and fauna can be reached not only from Cortina but also from beautiful locations like Falcade or Cadore .
The history and characteristics of the Ampezzo Dolomites Park
The official website describes its shape as wedge-shaped with two lateral branches. Established in 1990 by the regional government, the protected area borders the South Tyrolean Fanes, Sennes and Braies park to the north and consists of nine strict reserves and eleven oriented reserves , covering 25% of the protected area. These characteristics have earned the park recognition by the European Community as a site of community importance.
Within the park are picturesque villages worth visiting and facilities for alpine skiing. To access the park's areas, simply take the Falzarego Pass Cimabanche and Tre Croci passes . The Lagazuoi, Tofana, and Cristallo ski lifts are also available during the summer season, allowing you to reach the higher altitudes.
As for trekking routes, the park boasts 8 via ferratas and 6 equipped trails to fully enjoy the wonders of nature. You can also rest in 11 refuges designed to recharge your batteries and resume your journey. Jeep or shuttle services are also available to reach the trailheads.
What to see in the Ampezzo Dolomites Park
The park's diverse habitats provide the perfect setting for encountering countless species of flora and fauna . Streams, lakes, high-altitude forests, and vertical rock faces are the natural refuge of many animals, including foxes, weasels, ibex, and chamois, as well as eagles and eagle owls, the rare three-toed woodpecker, and, above all, the brown bear. You might encounter the famous marmot, the emblem of these lands, as well as wild deer and squirrels, and go birdwatching for rare birds.
Walking through the Ampezzo Dolomites Park means encountering natural environments of unique beauty and entering forests rich with monumental spruces , ancient beech and larches, coniferous forests, and countless mountain pines. You can admire endemic and rare species such as the Dolomite Houseleek , the very symbol of the Park, along with a truly wide variety of orchids.
The houseleek blooms from July to early August and is an endemic species facing extinction in Italy. This splendid, red flower, rising to its peak, is a precious gift of nature that the Park strives to protect through public awareness and management of protected areas.
Why visit the Ampezzo Dolomites Park?
The establishment of the Park, like other Italian natural parks, is essential for the protection of areas rich in biodiversity and particularly delicate. Visiting the Ampezzo Dolomites Park is an experience that teaches respect for nature and raises awareness of the importance of environmental protection . Furthermore, it is a one-of-a-kind adventure, ideal for those seeking excitement and a holiday immersed in beauty.
The park offers evocative scenery that accompanies moments of absolute peace and tranquility, but also of discovery and wonder, dedicated to nature lovers. To fully enjoy this extraordinary regional park, we recommend booking a private apartment in Cortina, Falcade, or Cadore, offering complete freedom for an adventurous or relaxing excursion.
