Well, since I’m down to one week until I leave for Ireland, I’ve just not had the time to put into writing a good blog post.
So here’s another photo essay.
But this one is coming from Italy. And, in particular, my favorite spot in Italy — Castelrotto (Kastelruth in German) and the Alpe di Siusi up in northern Italy.
Now I love so much of Italy as many of you who have been following me know. Tuscany, Umbria, the Veneto. Lake Como, Florence, Cinque Terre, the Dolomites. Love it all.
Castelrotto and the Alpe di Siusi?
Fav!!
Truly my favorite. At least so far.
While it’s more Germanic in nature having been a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire prior to WWI, I just love the pink-hued pinks, the green meadows, the alpine architecture and the friendly locals. It’s simply breathtaking!
And as I dream of making this 6-8 week trip into 12 weeks, I’d definitely return to this area of Italy, to my beloved Dolomites, to spend the early summer. It’s truly stunning.
So sit back, once again, and check out some of my favorite images of my favorite destination in Italy.
Castlerotto/Kastelruth and the Sciliar/Schlern in summer
I met these friendly cows on my first hike in the area
The view across the valley to more Dolomites on my first hike in the area
The bell tower of the church in Castelrotto that rang every 1/4 hour from 6am to 10pm — and my room was just underneath it!
I came to this spot a couple of times on my first visit and just sat in this field gazing up at this majestic Dolomite peak. That’s San Valentino church in the foreground.
Castelrotto/Kastelruth nestled in the valley — so pretty!
Hiking in the Alpe di Siusi on my 2nd trip in early autumn. While the weather wasn’t perfect, the Sasso Lungo and the Sasso Piatto are still magnificent!
There are some easy paved trails just above town that were great for taking a late day stroll just to watch the sun sink low into the sky.
The trails are well-marked so you don’t get lost!
Early autumn was a fabulous time for a second trip as I got to see the golden colors start to appear. I love this image of the hikers, the mountains and the town.
I love how the clouds are hanging around the top of the Sciliar / Schlern in this image. And then the trail leading right to those peaks. I just want to walk right into that image!
What do you think?
Would you travel to this area of Italy?
You know, you don’t have to be some major outdoors person. The walks are really mild. And there are even gondolas and chair lifts to take you up to the higher areas.
Me?
I love Castelrotto and the Alpe di Siusi. I love the Dolomites with their rugged, pink-hued looks. And I love the green fields and meadows.
In all honesty, I’m not sure I’ll make it back here this year. But I’ve promised myself next year for sure!
In the meantime, maybe one of you will go. I hope so. You won’t be disappointed!
