Facts About the Belluno Dolomite National Park in Italy
Italy is renowned around the world for its Renaissance masterworks, ragu and Roman ruins. With all of the art, architecture and cuisine, tourists tend to bypass the nation's many natural wonders. But the Belluno Dolomite National Park (dolomitipark.it), known in Italian as the Dolomiti Bellunesi Parco Nazionale, is a marvel surpassing most any museum. Despite its proximity to Venice, the park remains largely wild and remote. Named for the Dolomites, the majestic mountain range spanning five northeastern territories, the park is rich in flora, fauna and fantastic views.
About Belluno Dolomite National Park
The park joins together several important mountain groups that were once protected by individual reserves. Mount Serva and Vette Feltrine are among the most beautiful and well-known of these. Though the park wasn't founded until 1990, the area has been visited for thousands of years and retains significant evidence for early human habitation. Today, most of the park rests on the southernmost edges of the Dolomites, covering about 79,073 acres.
Flora and Fauna
The park's main claim to fame is its assortment of rare flora and fauna, which it was created to protect. Given that the area boasts more than 1,500 types of vascular flora, it's no wonder botanists from around the world study at the park each year. The number of plant species in the park and its adjacent areas total about a quarter of all the flora in Italy. Visitors can also observe a wide range of wildlife, including many species typical of the Dolomitic and Alpine area, such as hedgehogs, weasels and Alpine hares.
Areas Not to Miss
The park is known for its meadow basins, deep valleys and mountaintop views, but some areas are particularly noteworthy. Monti del Sole -- Mountains of the Sun -- are at the heart of the park's wildest area, and though the terrain is rough, uneven and difficult to navigate, the views of lush landscapes make exploring the area worthwhile. The skylift to the top of the iconic Mount Avena can easily be reached by following a marked path. The park is also a premier destination for advanced hikers from around the world, with the designated starting point for park hikes at Rifugio Dal Piaz.
With almost 80,000 acres free for exploring, going to the Belluno Dolomite could overwhelm visitors who fail to orient themselves ahead of time. Visitor information and maps are available from the park's public office, and plenty of logistical and contact information can be found on the official website. For visitors who want to explore the park thoroughly, overnight accommodations are available. Serene views surround all of the accommodation options, which range from small houses to hostels and apartments. For most travelers, it is easiest to reach the park from Venice. Relatively inexpensive regional trains run daily from Venice's central train station, Venezia Santa Lucia, to Belluno. To view train timetables and book tickets, visit the Trenitalia website (trenitalia.com).
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