Just a little over an hour away from Venice exists a place kissed by beauty, treasuring a thousand and one souls, a land that leaves one speechless: the Dolomiti Bellunesi, the Mountains of Venice.
Oh yes…the Mountains of Venice because the Venice Laguna is so close to these mountains that on a clear day, as you look up from St. Mark’s Square to the horizon, the Dolomiti Bellunesi appear as the backdrop of an extraordinary scenography. This phenomenon is a rare atmospheric condition and is called “stravedamento” and it is unique in the world.
And if only to see up close what appears far away in Venice, it is worth the trip as the vast territory of Dolomiti Bellunesi is home to an extraordinary variety of views, identities and places.
10 reasons to visit Dolomiti Bellunesi
1. Unique views
The Dolomites peaks have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 and are among the most beautiful mountains in the world. They feature a variety of shapes, colors and landscapes, characterized by towering mountains, vertical peaks, deep gorges. The Dolomites formed about 250 million years ago in tropical marine environments and represent a rare example of sedimentary rocks and orogenesis processes. They are therefore a natural laboratory for the study of Earth’s history and plate tectonics-an exceptional testimony to the geological history of the planet.


2. Enrosadira phenomenon
Enrosadira is a unique natural occurrence that paints the cliffs and peaks of the Dolomites in shades of pink, orange and red during sunrise and sunset due to the special composition of Dolomite rock. A spectacular sight of rare beauty.
3. Colours
Each season the land is painted in unique colors: glittering snow and ice in winter, blasts of flowers in spring, lush green meadows in summer, and warm foliage in autumn.
Every corner tells a story of natural beauty and climatic variety.


4. A worthy contrast
Below stretches the Valbelluna, with the magnificent Dolomites rising above. This is the territory of Belluno: on one side, the Valbelluna—a wide valley nestled between Lake Santa Croce and Lake Corlo, with gentle slopes that open up to the majestic Dolomite peaks; on the other, the alpine summits—those that can be reached by a ferrata or a ski lift, or simply admired from afar, their grandeur leaving you in awe.
5. Tailor-Made Outdoor Adventures
The Dolomiti Bellunesi are the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers. There’s something for everyone: from beginners to seasoned professionals. This is a place where everyone can find their perfect way to connect with nature.
In summer, the mountains beckon with trekking, hiking, Nordic walking, climbing, and via ferratas. The crystal-clear waters of lakes, rivers, and streams are ideal for river trekking, canyoning, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, or simply relaxing under the sun. For cycling enthusiasts, the legendary Giro d’Italia routes, Bike Parks, and trails of the Dolomiti Bellunesi offer epic challenges and breathtaking views, perfect for road bikes, gravel bikes, or mountain bikes.
When the snow arrives, the valleys transform into a winter wonderland. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on over 300 km of Dolomiti Superski slopes, or try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ski mountaineering, freeriding, snow biking, and even snow kitesurfing.


6. Authenticity and Traditions
Life here is marked by a calendar of events and traditions that bring together the community and its visitors. These cherished traditions are lovingly passed down, offering those who visit a truly authentic experience. Every season has its own celebration, its own rituals.
It begins with the Christmas and Epiphany festivities, followed by Carnival, where each valley boasts its own unique and diverse masks. Easter brings the traditional focaccia bellunese to the tables, while spring heralds celebrations tied to blooming flowers.
Summer honors the sun, the warmth, and vibrant village markets, culminating in the unique spectacle of the Palio di Feltre. Autumn is a feast for the senses, celebrating the flavors of the land: grapes, pumpkins, honey, cheese, apples, chestnuts, and walnuts. From the high pastures, the flocks return to the valley, transforming the tradition of desmonteghea—the transhumance festival—into joyous celebrations in the villages.
7. International events
From sports to culture and entertainment, these mountains host unique events that draw visitors and athletes from around the globe. High-level competitions, cultural festivals, and artistic showcases highlight the area’s charm and excellence.
Here, nature and modernity come together. Each event becomes an opportunity to celebrate the grandeur of these mountains, showcasing not only their breathtaking landscapes but also the organizational expertise, welcoming spirit, and vibrant energy of the local communities.


8. Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park
31,512 hectares of National Park: a treasure trove of biodiversity year-round. From springs and wetlands to flowing streams, the park features a stunning interplay of broadleaf woods, conifer forests, and towering rock faces, creating a rich and diverse habitat waiting to be explored.
9. Culture
Amidst artworks, historic churches, museums, castles, and Venetian villas, the past intertwines with the present, telling stories of a time when this region was a crossroads between Venice and Northern Europe. For centuries, Dolomiti Bellunesi’s timber played a crucial role in building Venice and its gondolas, forging a unique connection between the mountains and the Serenissima.
The cultural and commercial traditions that were established are still visible today, emphasizing a deep historical and cultural bond.
Belluno and Feltre, the two main towns in the province, boast charming historic centers, perfect for leisurely strolls through welcoming cafés, quaint shops, historic buildings, and museums.


10. A touch of flavor
The journey to the Dolomiti Bellunesi is an opportunity to indulge in authentic flavors and ancient traditions.
In Michelin-starred restaurants, mountain huts, and local producers’ shops, you can savor typical products paired with Dolomiti beer, brewed with barley cultivated in the National Park, or excellent wines made from a new variety of grapes: the PIWI resistant vines of Feltre and Valbelluna, ensuring a sustainable and high-quality production.
Fra i prodotti tipici trovano una menzione speciale l’agnello dell’Alpago, presidio Slow Food, che permette di cucinare una carne ottima, saporita e tenera; i fagioli della Valbelluna (il fagiolo Gialet, presidio Slow Food; il fagiolo di Lamon, I.G.P. (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) e le Mame dell’Alpago), il formaggio Piave che è il formaggio DOP delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, i formaggi di latteria e infine il Miele delle Dolomiti Bellunesi DOP.
Among the typical products, a special mention goes to the Alpago lamb, a Slow Food Presidio, known for its delicious, flavorful, and tender meat. Other local specialties include the beans of Valbelluna (Gialet beans, Slow Food Presidio; Lamon beans, I.G.P. (Protected Geographical Indication), and Mame from Alpago), Piave cheese, the DOP cheese of the Dolomiti Bellunesi, dairy cheeses, and the Dolomiti Bellunesi DOP honey.
Typical dishes include casunziei (fresh ravioli stuffed with beetroot, ricotta, or potatoes, often served with melted butter and poppy seeds), pastin (a minced meat mixture of pork and beef, seasoned and pressed into a shape similar to a hamburger, usually grilled and served with sponcio polenta, a unique variety of corn), and Schiz cheese.