Fall in the Dolomites, Val di Funes, Italy

Dolomites-in-Fall

Two years ago I made a brief visit to the Val Di Funes in South Tyrol, Italy and I swore I would return one day when I had more time to explore. So last fall, I finally did. I met up with a very good photographer friend for a short girls weekend tucked into the tiny town of Santa Magdelena in the Valley (Val di Funes) at the foot of the Dolomite mountain range. We spent 3 days exploring, photographing and relaxing in the solitude of this stunning area. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

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(Click on photos to enlarge)

We arrived the very last weekend of their season so we basically had the mountain-side to ourselves. The fall foliage was not quite in full force, but we were greeted with a (fairly) warm and sunny fall weekend. The light in this area during autumn falls low and soft and makes everything in it’s path glow. It is pretty spectacular.

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We stayed at the Hotel Tyrol which I couldn’t recommend enough. Although a little pricier than others, the food, views, and hospitality are worth every penny. The rooms are clean and comfortable and after a long day of hiking you can relax with a glass of wine in the outdoor jacuzzi while watching the sunset. If that isn’t worth a couple extra dollars, I don’t know what is!

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There are numerous hiking trails right outside your door and we spent the majority of our time getting lost in the landscape vistas. I am uncertain which trails we took (literally, we were always lost) but always managed to find amazing views and a hut with great food and hot mulled wine. Although you are actually in Italy, this area, which used to be part of Austria, has a predominately Alpine/Austrian vibe. The food and people are heavily influenced by Austria and you are much more inclined to find a Knodelsuppe (pictured below) than a pizza. Which in my opinion tastes better after a long hike anyway.

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All in all, this is probably one of my favorite places I have been. The mountains are just so beautiful it’s almost hard to believe they are real. This tiny area tucked into the upper region of Italy may not be a typical American tourist destination, but it is well worth the effort in getting here. The landscape and mountain peaks are like no other place on the planet and fall is a perfect time to visit. The European crowds have dwindled and you get all this amazing autumn light to yourself. :)

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