The World of the Dolomites
Our Impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site
They are resonant names that send a shiver of awe and enthusiasm down the spine of every mountain lover and climber: Marmolada, Schlern, Sella, Geisler, Langkofel, the Three Peaks, of course, the Rosengarten on our doorstep, and many other mighty mountain giants and high mountain massifs. They are the rock-solid symbols of South Tyrol, have shaped our country, and are often the reason why you spend your holidays with us. The Dolomites are a unique natural experience. It is not for nothing that large parts of them belong to the UNESCO World Heritage.
Very special rock formations
The foothills of the Dolomites extend to the Puster Valley in the north, to the Sexten Valley and the Kreuzberg Pass in the east, the Eisack and Etsch Valleys form the western border, and the Piave is in the south. The Dolomites belong to the southern Limestone Alps and extend over large areas of the Italian provinces of Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto. At 3,342 m, the Marmolada is the highest Dolomite peak. A peculiar feature of the Dolomites is the sharp distinction between gently rolling alpine pastures and the bizarrely towering rock reefs above them – which can also be seen beautifully at the Rosengarten.
Unmistakable rock
Characteristic is the light grey, shiny sedimentary rock dolomite. This name has its origin in the Ladin language. For a long time, the mountains were called Monti pallidi – the pale mountains. At the end of the 18th century, the French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu researched here – he is the actual namesake of the Dolomites. But today's UNESCO World Heritage Site is actually named after its predominant rock type. The striking similarity of the name to the researcher is pure coincidence.
