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In the province of Belluno a special itinerary has been marked out which allows hillwalkers to find peace and quiet along routes which are accessible to everyone, and which reach up as far as the middle-altitude areas of the Dolomites and the Pre-Alps. The natural charm of the Dolomites needs no introduction: just watching them from afar gives you an idea of their magnificence. But it is only when you enter right into their very heart and begin to explore their hidden treasures that you become fully aware of just how special, how unique these mountains really are: geographical barriers which open up to offer the visitor a sincere, affectionate welcome into a natural paradise; the austere expression of nature which melts into a warm smile, a friendly embrace. The Dolomites know just how to make everyone feel at home. Mountain peaks which blush shyly in the pinkish twilight; wide, generous valleys which spread an emerald-green carpet over the slopes; silent woodlands of pine, larch and fir trees: this splendid, generous landscape, which conserves a deep sense of  balance and of proportion, is dotted with little hamlets rich in ancient history. A history which in many instances is made up simply of the everyday lives and memories of the ordinary local people, not of the momentous events which fill the history books. And even those momentous events, such as the Great War, the memory of which remains alive to this day, are perceived here as a sort of private experience which the locals keep very much to themselves.

The houses, few and far between, are built in wood and stone, invariably decorated with flowers which explode in a burst of colour at the windows and on the balconies. Beside them perhaps a shed, or a stable; a little further away the parish church.

The villagers are simple, sincere, welcoming people, and the impression the visitor receives is one of authentic warmth and friendship; and it is in this ideal setting that you will find the Cammino delle Dolomiti Trail: 25 stages and 12 variants which make up a hiking and spiritual itinerary which can be followed both by groups or individuals in search of answers as they walk along the route in their own company. The Trail covers the whole province and goes right round the edge of it, running from the Sanctuary of San Vittore and Santa Corona [1] to the Ladin valleys. From the ruins of Andraz Castle [2] – which played host to the philosopher Nicola Cusano in the 15^th century – to the Dolomiti d’Ampezzo Natural Park [3]. From Misurina Lake [4] to the springs of the Piave River [5] and on to the Cadore. The beautiful Alleghe Lake [6], the superb natural environment of the Falzarego Pass [7], the fascinating Roman archaeological site at Auronzo di Cadore [8] and the war cemetery and memorial at Pian di Salesei [9]. The refuges, the mountain huts and pastures, the walking paths…

In the East Tyrol you will find another itinerary which is well-worth exploring from a spiritual, cultural and even a sporting point of view: the Camino de Santiago, which leads to Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia . There were almost certainly many routes which led pilgrims through the Tyrol on their way to Spain , but only three  have been accurately documented and reconstructed. From the north, the route comes from Germany and crosses the Inn Valley into the mountainous area of Berne; from the east, the trail crosses the Drava Valley in Carinthia  and over the border of the East Tyrol, where it touches upon the villages of  Nikolsdorf [10], Lavant, Doelsach, Tristach, Lienz, Amlach, Leisach, Assling, Anras, Abfaltersbach, Strassen, Hainfels and Sillian [11], moving on into the Val Pusteria, Bressanone and the Isarco Valley, where it crosses with the path of the Camino de Santiago which comes up from the south, from Italy through the Brenner Pass. [I.A.]