The world of the Dolomites:
Our spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site
There are big names chasing each alpine lover and climber a shiver of awe and excitement down your spine: Marmolada, Schlern, Sella, Geisler, Langkofel, the Drei Zinnen, of course, the Rosengarten in front of our door and many other powerful mountain peaks and high mountain massives. They became the rock symbols of South Tyrol, have shaped our country and are often the reason why you should spend your holidays with us. The Dolomites are an unique nature experience. Not for nothing they are mostly part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Very special rock formations
The foothills of the Dolomites extend in the north to the Puster Valley, in the east to Sextental and the Kreuzbergpass, Eisack and Etsch valleys form the western border and in the south there is Piave river. The Dolomites are among the southern Limestone Alps and extend over vast areas of the Italian provinces Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto. With 3,342 m the highest peak of the Dolomites is the Marmolada. Peculiar of the Dolomites is the sharp demarcation between the softly curved pastures and the bizarre from above towering rock reefs - beautiful to see also by the Rosengarten.
Distinctive rock
Characteristic is the light gray shiny sedimentary dolomite rock. This name has its origin in the Ladin language, for a long time designated to the mountains as Monti Pallidi - the Pale Mountains. Late 18th century the French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu did research here - he is the actual namesake of the Dolomites. But today's UNESCO World Heritage Site is actually named for its dominant rock type. The striking similarity in name with the researcher is pure coincidence.