The landmark of South Tyrol - Out and about in the Dolomites

by Stefan Liebermann September 29, 2019 1 Comment

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mountain range in the Southern Limestone Alps. Often referred to as a landmark of South Tyrol, the region captivates with its varied landscapes, consisting of spectacular mountains and vertically sloping rugged rock faces, gentle alpine pastures and idyllic mountain lakes. Ideal conditions to capture new, creative motifs.

Arriving in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, you can see the imposing mountain range for the first time. Awe spreads. So there they are, the Dolomites! What forces must have been at work during the formation of the Alps to have created such bizarre formations. We decided to start with a hike. Starting from the Funes Valley, Reinhold Messner's childhood environment, you reach the Geisler Alm after a hike of about 2 hours with a moderate ascent. A picturesque alpine hut with a mighty mountain backdrop consisting of the Geisler peaks. Highly recommended at sunset, when the last rays of sunshine gently illuminate the mountains.  With an ultra-wide-angle lens, I was able to capture the scenery of an alpine hut in front of a mountain massif, including the mountain peaks reflecting in a mountain pond. A breathtaking viewpoint! Tip: For the return hike at dusk, a headlamp is advisable.

Once night has fallen, it is worth taking a detour to the nearby Alpe di Siusi, the highest alpine pasture in the world. During the summer months, the centre of the Milky Way stands impressively above the Spitzkofel, Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto. An extremely fast lens literally turns night into day. In addition, a tracking system that allows the camera to move with the rotation of the stars as well as an external shutter release allows exposure times of well over 30 seconds.

In general, there is an incredible amount to explore and discover in the Dolomites. Whether on the road on a hike or during a ride over the very winding passes, it feels like there is a surplus of photographic highlights on every meter. For example, above the Passo di Falzarego. After a leisurely hike, you reach the beautiful mountain lake Lago di Limides. This lake impresses with its crystal clear waters and an almost perfect reflection. Many beautiful compositions can also be found here: breathtakingly colored clouds and red illuminated mountains, which are reflected in the lake. In addition, there are a few interesting details in the immediate foreground. A tripod allows for long exposure times so that the reflections of the lake are enhanced.

The last tour takes us to one of the most striking rock formations in the Dolomites, the Three Peaks. On the way you pass the Lago di Braies. An incredibly beautiful turquoise lake with a fascinating mountain backdrop. Probably the most photographed lake in the world, there are incredible crowds of people that make a relaxed photography experience seem impossible. Only before sunrise there is the possibility to photograph the calm lake without people. The footbridge running into the mountain reflection and the boat in the golden ratio once again show the variety of compositions of the Dolomites!

Afterwards we went on a beautiful hike around the Three Peaks to the Rifugio Antonio Locatelli, also called the Three Peaks Hut. You should plan about five to six hours for this. Once there, you have an impressive view: mountains as far as the eye can see. This whole scenery can only be captured with the help of a panorama consisting of several photos.

On the panorama are the cloud-shrouded Three Peaks and the Rifugio Antonio Locatelli in front of the Paternkofel. On the way back, you can enjoy the sunset at Lake Antorno. A beautiful lake with the Three Peaks as its central element.

In summary, it can be said that it was a great experience to have been on the road in the photographic paradise, the Dolomites.

Thanks to Riccardo Schläger for your support

1 Reply

Silvano Da Ronco

February 20, 2022

It's my mountains and love them.

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