MONTH VISITED: September

WEATHER: 65☀

BUSY ? Yes

LENGTH: 12 KM Round-trip

I was looking back in my journal to write this post and read “I never want to leave Northern Italy. I would love to spend a summer here someday.” I should probably make that happen, but for now, I can sit in my mountain-less town and reminisce about this wonderful part of the world. The endless pizza, pasta, wine and gelato alone could convince you to visit, but Northern Italy is also home to the most unique mountain range I have ever seen. The Dolomites. This mountain range provides tons of activities; hiking, climbing, hidden hot springs, and many more. One of my all time favorites was the hike to Lago Di Sorapis.

HOW TO GET TO LAGO DI SORAPIS

From our apartment(read more about where to stay at the end of this post) it took us an hour to get to the start of the trail to Lago Di Sorapis. You’ll know if you’re in the right place because you will see cars and this sign (Trail 215). We rented a car but you can also take a bus from Cortina. We started the hike a bit after 7 A.M. Definitely get an early start, this trail gets busy! Some sites rank the hike to Lago di Sorapis as moderate and others, easy. Because of a few difficult parts with guiding ropes for safety, I’d say most would rank it Moderate. We also read it would take 5-6 hours round trip and it took us 3. But, a friend said she did it this summer and it was very busy so it took 6 hours so keep that in mind! The path is dirt and easily marked. In the morning in September, the hike was a bit chilly so dress in layers! Also, don’t forget to stop at the many clearings and viewpoints along the way.

As I wrote earlier this is the most unique mountain range I have ever seen! After a beautiful hike through the woods, you’ll arrive at Lago Di Sorapis. Look at that stunning blue water! I am so glad we got up early because when we arrived at 9 am, there were only about 20 people walking around!
It’s surreal watching the sun come up behind the mountains and it changing the shades of blue of the lake!In some areas of Lago Di Sorapis even starts to look a milky or chalky blue.As soon as we arrived I knew I had to get a picture on this rock, it was perfect for a shot in front of the mountain peak.
It wasn’t particularly easy. My shoes got a bit wet and it took me a minute for to find holds to get up on it, but so worth it. Pro Tip: When this picture was taken no one was around. About an hour later, people started to swarm in and by 11 it was a mad house! When we were leaving I saw a line forming to get on the rock to take a picture. Perks of getting there early. If crowds are inevitable, you may get some privacy walking the trail around Lago Di Sorapis. This will also give you different views of the lake and the peaks surrounding.There is a little cafe where you can enjoy a snack, but I recommend bringing a packed lunch and enjoying it somewhere around the lake. After lunch head to the cafe and enjoy a beer and these views for a bit more.The walk back took us the same amount of time but we saw WAY more people. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy some more beautiful open views.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING LAGO DI SORAPIS

If you’re in this part of the world don’t think twice, just book a room at Gassler in Innichen. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed at and the cheapest for how wonderful it was. I knew the place was beautiful from the pictures but to walk out onto our balcony on a sunny day and see this from our deck. Unreal. 😍A family lives below and rents out the two upstairs apartments and this place, wowza. Not only are the views beautiful, the apartment is very well taken care of and super cozy.The apartment sleeps four and has a great kitchen. Stock the fridge with cheap and delicious wine (1.5 litres for $5 USD) and use the stovetop to make some ravioli, tortellini or gnocchi! If you’d prefer to go out the apartment is close to a couple of restaurants. We were recommended Helmhotel and loved it! Their pizza and service was great, red and white checkered table clothes give it a real Italian feel and the locals said it’s definitely the place to be!