Mapo Tapo: Think You Know the Dolomites? These 3 Facts Will Surprise You! 🤩

Mapo Tapo Newsletter #44

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3 Facts About the Dolomites You Might Not Know ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น 

The Dolomites are known for their breathtaking beautyโ€”dramatic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and unforgettable hiking trails. But thereโ€™s more to this iconic mountain range than just stunning views. ๐Ÿ‘€

 

Beneath the surface, these peaks hold fascinating stories and natural wonders. From wartime routes to geological marvels, here are three surprising facts about the Dolomites that will make you want to explore even more๐Ÿ‘‡

Adventure awaits in the Dolomitesโ€”ready to explore? ๐Ÿค”

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1๏ธโƒฃ The Alta Via 1: From WWI Soldiers to Bucket-List Hike 

The Alta Via 1 is one of the most iconic long-distance hikes in the Alps, and it all begins at the stunning Lago di Braies. But hereโ€™s a twist: this trail wasnโ€™t always just a hiking route. WWI soldiers used it as a vital supply route through the Dolomites during the war. Today, it stretches over 120 km, connecting over a dozen mountain huts, and offers some of the best views you can get in the Alps.

 

Now, itโ€™s one of the most sought-after trekking routes, but itโ€™s got some serious history behind it. Imagine walking in the same steps that soldiers once used to move supplies through this rugged regionโ€”pretty wild, right? ๐Ÿคฏ

120 km of history and breathtaking views on the Alta Via 1 ๐Ÿ˜Œ

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2๏ธโƒฃ The Birthplace of Via Ferrata: Climbing Meets History 

Did you know that the Dolomites are the birthplace of via ferrataโ€”those thrilling โ€œiron pathsโ€ that let climbers scale steep cliffs safely? Whatโ€™s now a bucket-list adventure started as a military necessity during World War I. Troops installed the first protected climbing routes to help them move across the mountains safely.

 

Today, via ferrata is a popular outdoor activity, giving adventurers the chance to climb the Dolomites' most dramatic cliffs with the security of fixed ladders, cables, and rungs. What was once essential for soldiers is now a world-class adventure.

Climb the cliffs where history meets adventure ๐Ÿง—โ€โ™€๏ธ

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3๏ธโƒฃ Enrosadira: The Dolomites' Magical Pink Glow

If youโ€™ve ever caught a glimpse of the Dolomites at sunrise or sunset, you know about their pink glowโ€”this phenomenon is called enrosadira. When the sunlight hits the mountains, the limestone peaks reflect the light in such a way that they turn a beautiful pink color.

 

Itโ€™s a jaw-dropping sight, and itโ€™s caused by the special composition of the rock, rich in calcium and magnesium carbonate, which reflects sunlight uniquely. Itโ€™s not just beautiful, itโ€™s pure geology in action.

Sunset in the Dolomites = enrosadira magic ๐Ÿ˜

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Bonus: The Dolomites Are a UNESCO World Heritage Site ๐Ÿ”

We couldnโ€™t leave out the fact that the Dolomites are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their exceptional beauty and geological significance. With their towering limestone peaks, rugged valleys, and rich history, the Dolomites have earned a spot on the prestigious list of protected sites. This makes your visit even more special, knowing youโ€™re exploring a place thatโ€™s both a natural wonder and a cultural treasure.

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๐ŸŒ Ready to Explore the Dolomites? 

Ready to see these amazing facts in person? Whether you're hiking the Alta Via 1, experiencing the thrill of via ferrata, or simply witnessing the enrosadira glow, the Dolomites offer adventures for every kind of traveler.

 

Join one of our group trips and let a local guide show you the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage site, all while learning about the history that makes the Dolomites so special. 

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More info on the links below. ๐Ÿ‘‡

 

๐Ÿ” Check our trip offers ๐Ÿ‘‰ Mapo Tapo

๐ŸŒ„ Join the Alta Via 1 trip ๐Ÿ‘‰ Alta Via 1 Hike

๐Ÿง—โ€โ™€๏ธ Join the via ferrata trip ๐Ÿ‘‰ Via delle Bocchette via ferrata

๐Ÿฅพ More on Alta Via 1 ๐Ÿ‘‰ Wikipedia

๐Ÿ› More on history ๐Ÿ‘‰ Alta Via 1 and World War I 

๐Ÿ’— More on the pink glow ๐Ÿ‘‰ Enrosadira

๐Ÿง—โ€โ™€๏ธ Learn more about via ferrata ๐Ÿ‘‰ History of via ferrata

๐Ÿ“– Read more on UNESCO ๐Ÿ‘‰ Dolomites - UNESCO

๐Ÿ—ฃ What people say about us ๐Ÿ‘‰ Trustpilot

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๐Ÿš€ If you'd love to start planning your next adventure, we are here for you, just text Giulia on WhatsApp and she'll help you out ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿ‘‡

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๐Ÿ“ธ Pics from the community

Discover Mapo Tapo through our travellers' eyes! In each newsletter, we'll be featuring a selection of our favourite snapshots taken during our trips worldwide.๐Ÿ‘‡ Here's a sneak peak of our last trip to Morocco!

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@ Mapo Tapo S.r.l. at Viale Piceno 6, 20129, Milan, Lombardy, Italy.

 


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