Dolorama: one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
Here’s a foretaste
The Dolorama trail is a 61-kilometre hiking trail leading from the Rodenecker-Lüsner Alp around Mt. Peitlerkofel, along the foot of the Geisler Group and over the Raschötz Alp to Lajen. The itinerary will challenge you with an elevation gain of 2,356 metres, but offers remarkable views of the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as well as plenty of welcoming huts where you can take a breather.
The first stage starts off at the Zumis car park in Rodeneck and leads over the lush green expanse of the Rodenecker-Lüsner Alp, past several huts and up to Mt. Campill – the view from up there alone is worth the trek! The route then continues downhill to the Jakobsstöckl chapel and along the Anton Schwingshackl trail to the Glittnersee lake and the modern but cosy Maurerberghütte hut.
The second stage leads first downhill to the Würzjoch pass, and then around Mt. Peitlerkofel – also known as the “Gateway to the Dolomites”. From there, the route leads over the verdant Alpine meadows extending high above the Gadertal valley, past quaint mountain huts and finally uphill again to the Schlüterhütte hut.
The third stage leads along the Adolf Munkel trail, which winds at the foot of the Geisler Group, and past several huts. When you have climbed up to the Brogles saddle, take a look back and you will see the Geisler mountains in all their imposing beauty. The itinerary continues towards the Raschötzhütte hut, following the Gröden High Mountain trail, which commands breathtaking views of the Sella massif, Mt. Langkofel and Mt. Plattkofel as well as the Seiser Alp.
The fourth and final stage of the Dolorama trail leads approx. 1,000 metres downhill, walking over meadows and through woodland from the Raschötzhütte to Lajen.
The Dolorama trail in detail
The Dolorama trail offers a full immersion into the world of the Dolomites, a world consisting of impressive vegetation and majestic rock formations that developed over millions of years. It’s one of those landscapes you just can’t get enough of, and making an extra stop or two along the way to take in the scenery is definitely worth it. As a whole, this hike is classified as of medium difficulty, as it doesn’t include any climbing stretches and the trails are comfortably wide throughout. T
The various huts along the way serve hearty meals with traditional South Tyrolean specialities – just the ticket after a long day’s hike.
How to get there
The starting point of the Dolorama trail is by the Zumis car park. The best way to get there is by using the dedicated bus, which runs hourly from Mühlbach railway station to the Zumis car park. Important: the bus journey is free for Almencard holders.
Alternatively, you can drive there from Mühlbach via Rodeneck, following the signs to the Zumis car park (parking charges apply).
