The Lago di Sorapis Hike Trailhead on the SR48 road is the starting point for one of the most spectacular hikes in the entire Dolomites. The trail leading to Lake Sorapis is an experience that attracts thousands of tourists every year, and its popularity is due to an extraordinary natural phenomenon - the lake's waters shimmer with a shade of turquoise so intense that it seems almost unreal. This color is the result of a mineral suspension created by glacial erosion, which reflects sunlight in a unique way.

The trail, about four kilometers long in one direction, takes about two hours to walk, leading through varied terrain - from dense fir forests to open alpine meadows. The elevation gain, although moderate, requires good physical condition, especially in the final sections, where the path becomes more demanding. Local guides recommend starting the hike around 6 a.m., not only to avoid the crowds, but also to experience the magical atmosphere when the first rays of sun illuminate the peaks surrounding the lake.

The history of this place dates back to World War I, when the surrounding peaks formed the front line between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies. Along the trail, you can see the remains of trenches and shelters, which remind us of the dramatic events of over a hundred years ago. Local legend tells of the ghost of an Alpine guide who is said to protect tourists from danger - the inhabitants of Cortina claim that many missing hikers have been found thanks to mysterious tracks leading back to the safe path.

The lake is located within the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo, which guarantees the protection of this unique ecosystem. It is worth knowing that the best time to visit is from mid-June to the end of September, when the snow has completely melted and the trail is safe. During the peak season of July-August, the lake is visited by up to several hundred people a day, so early morning or late afternoon is the best choice for those seeking peace and contemplation. It is worth taking appropriate trekking shoes with you, as some sections of the trail require sure footing, especially after rain, when the rocks become slippery.

Cascate di Fanes is one of the most underrated natural treasures in the Cortina d'Ampezzo area. These powerful waterfalls, hidden in the Gola di Fanes gorge, offer a completely different experience from the popular Alpine lakes. The sound of falling water can be heard from afar, and the closer you get to the waterfalls, the more you feel the power of nature. The gorge has been shaped by thousands of years of water erosion, creating dramatic rock formations that delight geologists and photographers alike.

The legend of Fanes, deeply rooted in Ladin culture, tells of an ancient kingdom that existed in these mountains. According to legend, the kingdom of Fanes was inhabited by a people living in harmony with nature, and its rulers were able to talk to animals. The waterfalls were said to be the place where Princess Dolasilla, a mythical figure from Latin legends, met with eagles and marmots, learning the wisdom of the mountains from them. Today, local guides are happy to tell these stories, adding a magical dimension to the hike.

Forcella Travenanzes is a mountain pass that offers some of the most panoramic views in the entire region. The trail leading to the pass is more demanding than the route to Sorapis, but the reward in the form of a 360-degree view of the Dolomites is incomparably greater. From the height of the pass, you can see the Tofane massif, Monte Pelmo, and on clear days even the distant Austrian peaks. This place has special historical significance - during World War I, the pass was a strategic observation point, and the remains of Italian defensive positions are still visible.

Gores de Federa, located in the locality of Campo di Sotto, is another place that deserves attention. These gorges and rock formations were created by glaciers and water erosion, creating a labyrinth of natural corridors and caves. The place is particularly popular with climbers and via ferrata enthusiasts, but even ordinary tourists can admire these formations from safe vantage points. Local geologists have discovered fossils here dating back 230 million years, proving that the Dolomites were once the bottom of a tropical sea.

Sentiero Dolomieu is a trail named after Déodat de Dolomieu, a French geologist who was the first to study the unique mineral composition of these mountains in the 18th century. The trail leads through areas rich in dolomite formations, offering an educational journey through the geological history of the region. Information boards along the route explain the geological processes that led to the formation of the characteristic vertical walls and rock towers. It is an ideal place for families with children who want to combine physical activity with learning about nature.

Il Sentiero dell'Universo, or the Path of the Universe, is one of the most unique themed trails in the Dolomites. This educational trail combines mountain hiking with a fascinating journey through space—along the trail, there are installations and boards depicting the solar system to scale, where each step corresponds to millions of kilometers in space. The idea was conceived by local astronomers and teachers who wanted to show the immensity of the universe in the context of the majestic Dolomites.

The trail starts at an altitude of about 1,800 meters and leads through alpine meadows, offering not only astronomical education but also magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. On clear nights, when the sky is free of light pollution, the local astronomy association organizes observation sessions here—the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, and through telescopes you can admire the craters of the moon and the rings of Saturn. This experience combines two scales of magnitude - monumental mountains and infinite space.

Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo, located on Via Mons. P. Frenademez, is the heart of nature conservation in the region. The park covers over 11,000 hectares of wilderness, home to chamois, deer, marmots, and over 100 species of birds. The park's information center offers exhibitions on local flora and fauna, as well as the geological history of the region. Of particular interest is the exhibition on fossils—the collection of Rinaldo Zardini, a local paleontologist, includes specimens from 230 million years ago, when the Dolomites were a coral reef in the tropical Tethys Sea.

The park also runs educational programs for children and adults, including workshops on animal track identification and guided night hikes. In spring and early summer, you can observe the flowering of endemic alpine species, including the rare alpine snowbell and Carpathian bellflower. In autumn, the beech forest changes color to spectacular shades of gold and red, creating an unforgettable contrast with the gray dolomite walls.

Trailhead: Hiking Track 437 is the starting point for less frequented trails that lead deep into the wild part of the Dolomites. These routes are ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude and authentic contact with nature. Trail 437 leads through old fir forests, where some trees are over 300 years old. In these forests, you can find traces of brown bears, which are slowly returning to the Dolomites after decades of absence.

A local park ranger, whose family has lived in Cortina for generations, talks about the tradition of 'malghe' - summer alpine pastures where shepherds have grazed cattle for centuries. Some of these traditional shepherds' huts have been renovated and now serve as mountain huts, offering authentic regional dishes such as 'casunziei' - ravioli stuffed with beetroot and poppy seeds. This combination of cultural heritage and nature conservation makes the park not only a nature reserve but also a living museum of Alpine culture. The tourist season runs from May to October, with each season offering a different experience, from blooming meadows in spring to the golden colors of autumn and the first snows on the peaks in October.