The breathtaking landscapes of Val Pusteria

Buddy · 6 years ago

We had already discovered Braies about a year ago. It was winter and the lake was icy and majestic, people were challenging each other in a curling match.

On that occasion, our friend Elena had given us some very helpful advice and then had a precious recommendation that we would have kept up until a few days ago: Val Pusteria would literally have kidnapped us also with the coming of the warmer seasons.

So, after waiting for the coming of spring, we decided that May was the perfect month to explore the Fanes – Sennes – Braies Natural Park for the fourth stage of The Wander Playlist.

For our short two day trip, we decided to concentrate everything in 4 stops, 4 different places to take with our Lumix.

All photos are from Andy, Buddy, Gabe and Giorgia.

DAY #1

The first day with a gray weather due to some closures typical of the low season, we spent the morning on a walk in Val Fiscalina, one of the main access points to the Three Cime Natural Park. A relaxing hour, starting from Sesto, and ended to the Fondovalle Shelter, among dense forests of larches suddenly opening into small green and yellow valleys with arnica flowers carpets.

After a quick and improvised lunch at the Sportschützenverein Sexten, the small center of the Sesto Pusteria shooting, under a temporary rain shower we moved to Dobbiaco.

Lake Dobbiaco is located on the border between two natural parks: the Three Cime Natural Park and the Fanes – Sennes – Braies Natural Park. What fascinates is the game of reflexes and of full and empty given by the rocky peaks around, Croda dei Baranci and Cima Nove.

A path winds along the banks where it is also possible to rent small rowing boats and paddle boats.

I paesaggi mozzafiato della Val Pusteria | Collater.al — Andy

DAY #2

On the second day, we chose to divide the day the same way, a walk in the morning and the lake in the afternoon. Research and advice led us this time to Prato Piazza, a UNESCO-protected Highland in the heart of Fanes – Sennes – Braies Natural Park. The flat path overlooks the Peak of Vallandro and the Croda Rossa, a long walk through paths surrounded by green valleys, rugged bikers’ trails and family-friendly routes, except for the stretch leading to the Vallandro Shelter.

We could only reserve it the entire afternoon to the Lake of Braies, the wonder of the whole park, the place every respected photographer is obliged to visit at least once a year.

The lake is surrounded on three sides by Dolomite peaks, including the Croda del Becco wall. Its colors are constantly changing throughout the day, among the bright green of the water and the trees, the blue of the mountains around and the yellow and orange of the small beaches around. The paths start from the little stilt house on the water, now a real photographic icon bordering the shores of the lake to get through the woods.

We stay here for a couple of hours to photograph the landscape with a magical light and to find every little-hidden corner.

Before leaving we give us the last slice of strudel, to bring home a bit of the taste of these places.