The mystical Latemar in the Dolomites

Anybody who has ever been hiking in the Latemar massif knows exactly how mind-blowingly impressive its rocky formations are as they tower into the sky, touching the clouds. There are also undulating mountain meadows, fairytale forests – and views that will take your breath away. 

Along with the Schlern-Rosengarten area, the Latemar was listed as a single mountain massif when the Dolomites were granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2009. This former atoll reef is separated from the Rosengarten massif by the Karer Pass and soars up between the Fleimstal and Eggental valleys on the border between the regions of Trentino and South Tyrol. The Latemar, formed of pale limestone and dolomite rock, makes a stunning backdrop for hiking, skiing and cycling activities all year round, not to mention presenting a popular challenge amongst mountaineers: in comparison with the other Dolomite mountain groups, the rocky heights of the Latemar remain relatively unexplored. The highest point of the Latemar is the 2,842-metre Diamantidi tower. However, if you’re looking for an exciting mountain tour for experienced hikers that isn’t quite so demanding, the approximately 4-hour hike to the only high-mountain hut in the area – the Latemar hut, also known as the “Torre di Pisa” refuge, so named after the nearby rocky spire of that name – provides an outstanding alternative. 

The Latemar landscape consists primarily of imposingly rugged rock formations and vividly blossoming meadows in its lower reaches and is, quite simply, breathtaking – UNESCO has stated that its flora and fauna are highly deserving of protection. This mountain massif certainly lives up to the mystical reputation of the Dolomites! The Latemar – a mountain to enjoy in all of its breathtaking majesty and delicate beauty.