I have been trying to remember the routes we’ve taken during our Val Gardena stop since my last post on this Italy roadtrip saga… But, can only remember vaguely some names! I haven’t taken notes either but I promise that on our next trip, I will definitely do so! So, here’s what I can share with you…

On our first day, I remember we drove through this road / pass and were treated with gorgeous views of the mountains and the valley below. I remember a Pordoi Pass and Sella Pass but couldn’t point exactly which one lead to where haha! Either way, we enjoyed the long drive. The views were insanely awesome and just beautiful. Until I remember it’s past lunch time and I was very very hungry.

View from our hotel in Sta. Cristina

Since we were in the middle of the mountain, we had a hard time looking for an open restaurant. At the same time, most of the restaurants were closed for the season. After some time, we finally found one and since we reached way past lunch time, they were not serving any other meals aside from vegetable soup! Since I was sooooo hungry, we opted to go for whatever they have available. In fairness, the soup was very good and filling! (or perhaps, it’s just because we, or I, was too hungry?! LOL)

Anyway, we spent about 3 days in Val Gardena area. On our second day, we went for a short walk around Tre Cime for some photos. I remember parking our car and walked our way up towards a mountain hut called Rifugio Locatelli, which by the way, offers good choices of food / buffet. The area is also one of the most common stops for hikers to admire the  majesty of these three rock formations that have become one of the most photographed sights in the Dolomites.

random stop on one of the passes

And, on the third day, we went for a short hike to a waterfall. Since we could not find a clear map or instructions on how to get there, we decided to drive towards the area and just followed the signs that led to the waterfalls. It was like walking in the middle of a jungle! Well, at least for us! haha We passed through a couple of private owned land and farms… but people there don’t seem to mind. I guess tourists and locals alike like to visit that waterfall and this is the only road that leads there.

chasing waterfalls!

Anyway, our visit to the Dolomites has been fun and worthwhile. The 3 days we spent there was just as good, but adding a couple more days would be more awesome. There are some areas around that are also worthy of a visit and totally beautiful too! Hopefully, we could visit this place again soon!