Hiking in the Dolomites in spring can be challenging, here’s some secret spots pretty close with scenic flowerings
There’s a moment each year when the woods and meadows of the Alpe Cimbra awaken with grace. It’s May the month that still carries the quiet of winter but lets through, between the fresh leaves, the promise of summer. Here, in the highlands of Luserna, Lavarone, and Folgaria, spring doesn’t rush in, it slowly stretches out, like a deep breath that softens the ground and makes it welcoming again.
Walking through these places in May is like stepping into a painting that’s being created day by day. Deep blue gentians, pale yellow primroses and wild orchids bloom quietly, each one a small act of resistance and beauty. There are no crowds, no noise, just the sound of your footsteps on damp grass and the wind gently moving through the trees.
For families with children, it’s the season of the first jacket-free adventures, wildflower chases, outdoor lunches, and sun-kissed cheeks. For couples, it’s a time of lightness: trails become a space to get lost and reconnect, far from everyday hustle.
Taking photos this time of year means chasing the light that filters through the branches, catching spontaneous gestures, and freezing fleeting details: a hand reaching for a flower, a gaze resting on the horizon, a game between siblings born among the rocks. Film photography feels at home here: subtle tones, authentic colors, and a sense of time that digital images often can’t replicate.
Those who visit the Alpe Cimbra during this season discover a more intimate side of the mountains, one that reveals itself quietly. The blooms aren’t loud or overwhelming and they ask for attention, an open gaze, and a bit of curiosity: the very same qualities needed to truly live well.
In the end, spring here isn’t something to admire from afar, it’s something to live fully, with every sense. And perhaps, beyond bringing home a few photos, you’ll find yourself seeing the world through a softer lens.
All the images of this post are taken on an old 35mm reflex camera, film stock is Kodak Portra 800.
Easy spring flower trail in Altopiano di Vezzena in the Italian Alps, close to the Dolomites
Easy Loop Hike: The “Giro delle Malghe” on the Vezzena Plateau, a gentle adventure for little hikers and their grown-ups
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hike filled with open views, soft meadows, and the quiet charm of alpine huts, the Giro delle Malghe (Huts Loop) on the Vezzena Plateau is a perfect choice. The walk begins near Passo Vezzena, easily reachable by car. From here, the loop takes you past Malga Fratte, Malga Marcai di Sotto, and Malga Marcai di Sopra, following a gentle route that winds through wide pastures, larch woods, and open ridgelines with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Along the way, kids will love listening to the hum of bees near wildflowers, and exploring little corners of forest. In spring, the meadows are sprinkled with wild orchids, alpine buttercups, and purple rampions.
For grown-ups, there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view, or spread out a blanket for a scenic picnic with mountain cheese and fresh bread. The silence here is never empty.
Trail Details
Name: Giro delle Malghe – Vezzena Plateau loop
This walk is ideal for a sunny May morning or early afternoon, when the light is soft and the pastures glow with spring energy. Bring water, a snack, and your camera—or just your eyes wide open
