Starting with a Touch of Slovenia – Bled and Bohinj
Our first stop was still in Slovenia, where we visited Bled and Bohinj. Bohinj is simply breathtaking—the cool blue water, the peaceful mountains, and the rocky shore slow you down instantly. While many swam, we preferred dipping our feet, watching boats gently sway, and soaking in the feeling that our vacation had finally begun.
Bled was charming too, though the little train around the lake didn’t impress me as much—I’ve had better rides elsewhere. But on the other side of the lake, there’s a lovely panoramic beach for those who don’t approach from the castle side, so the train can come in handy for that too.
Crossing the Border: The Magic of the Fusine Lakes
The next day, we crossed the border and headed straight to the Fusine Lakes. Though technically part of the Julian Alps, not the Dolomites, they exceeded all our expectations. The upper lake’s wild trails call for sturdy boots; the walk isn’t long but does require some skill. Our highlight was watching cows descend from the mountains and cool off knee-deep in the water—a magical moment for both kids and adults.
From there, we continued to Chienes, our base for the next few days. This small village was perfect for day trips. The road toward the mountains started with a Mediterranean vibe—Italian streets, warm colors, sunny moods—but as we ventured deeper into the Dolomites, the classic Alpine atmosphere took over. South Tyrol’s history explains this blend: once part of Austria until 1919, it still carries that heritage in its architecture, culture, and bilingual signs. Here, it’s not unusual to see traditional dumplings listed before pasta on menus.
Our First Big Adventure in the Land of Waterfalls
Our first “real” Dolomite hike was to the Cascate di Riva waterfalls. This trail climbs in three stages to ever more impressive cascades. It’s a short hike but packed with experiences. Mossy pine forests line the path, blueberry bushes offer tiny bites of joy, and the mist around the falls wraps the forest in a mystical veil. At the upper falls, a rain jacket is a must—the spray hits your face, but it’s worth every step, especially with kids.
The Real Challenge (for Us): Adolf Munkel Weg
The following day brought our longest hike: the famous Adolf Munkel Weg. Even at the parking lot, it was clear many wanted to see this trail with their own eyes (and we were already waiting at the entrance by 9 a.m.). Starting from Zannes hut, we completed a 9–10 km (about 6 miles) loop beneath the Geisler group’s cliffs. Kid-friendly? More like kid-testing. But those who take it on get a wild slice of nature in return. The path winds through rocky, sometimes steep terrain, challenging both up and down. While the map suggests 4 hours, we took 6–7 with breaks and sightseeing. It was our toughest day, but the views made every step unforgettable—we knew we’d carry this memory forever.
Piz Boé and the Schiavaneis Waterfall
We ended the next day with mixed feelings. Driving around the Pordoi Pass, the towering Piz Boé and surrounding glaciers amazed us. The landscapes felt almost unreal—like stepping into another world.
Our main goal was a friendly little walk to the Schiavaneis waterfall. We parked between Passo Sella and Canazei, then reached the falls via a 15–20 minute trail. We hoped to spot marmots and found their burrows, but the little creatures stayed hidden. Still, the waterfall’s magic made us reflect on how rare it is to picnic in such a stunning spot.
A Postcard Come to Life: Lago di Braies
On our last day, we chose Lago di Braies—a true tourist magnet for good reason. The lake’s green-blue waters practically glow in the sun, surrounded by bare cliffs, cascading rocky valleys, and boats launching from the shore. Every detail whispers, “You have to stop here.”
We visited during peak season, so we booked a parking spot in lot P3, just 300–400 meters (about 350–440 yards) from the entrance. Part of the lake’s path is stroller-friendly if you head right, but the full loop has many steps, so it’s better for older kids without strollers. We even encountered cows wandering the shore, but don’t expect solitude—this place buzzes with visitors all day.
This trip required the most planning from me so far, juggling many details. But the Dolomites moved not just my legs, but my heart. They taught me that true relaxation isn’t only found on the beach—sometimes, it’s the wild mountains that help you reconnect with yourself.
