A beautiful little glacial lake at 7,000ft that sits below Monte Civetta. Its surrounded by dramatic rock edges and there's a welcome cool breeze when it is accessible in the summer months. The gradient from Palafavera, just north of Pecol is fairly steep, although you can take a ski lift almost half way to the top.

Coldai is along the path of the Alta Via 1 trek through the heart of the Dolomites. You pass Refugio Sonino along the way, where you can get food and a bed for the night if needed.

Refugio Tissi further along is also a great place to stay. But the walk up to the lake and back down could be a day trip from either Palafavera or from Alleghe on the other side of the valley.

The views of and from Lago Coldai are spectacular and the lake is a welcome rest spot, or bathing spot seemingly, if you are one of several eccentric Spanish ladies.

Here are some useful sites: www.infodolomiti.it/dolomiti.990002264-1.run

This site tells you how to get there: www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=jbiurkrubhpkdpbn&name=Palafavera-Lago+Coldai
You can buy Tabacco maps with distances and times from a travel shop in Italy

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The Lago di Bràies mirrors the awe-inspiring Dolomites that rise up into the firmament. For us it was the starting point for our week-long trek along the Alta Via 1 that snakes its way south, but you could just stay here, sit, watch and enjoy it all day. There is a hotel, but I would recommend staying in one of the nearby towns such as Dobbiaco, where there is also the most wonderful hostel.

If you wanted to amble around the lake it would take an hour or so. Then if you were prepared you could try some of the sharp climbs up into the heart of what I consider to be some of the most spectacular mountain formations in the world, with wonderful views back down.

Apparently, the Beatles’ Guru,Maharishi Mahesh Yogi came here once. I suspect the Yogi found some good karma.

You can get a train to Dobbiaco, and then there is a bus service out to the lake a few times a day. Here is the link to the Hostel: toblach.jugendherberge.it/cs.asp?st=1&sp=en
and here you can find out more about the lake

www.suedtirol.info/Pragser-Tal/$doctype_LakeWalk_en/5551-en/en/Walk_around_the_lake_Lago_di_Braies_Pragser_Wildsee.html

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The Lago di Bràies mirrors the awe-inspiring Dolomites that rise up into the firmament. It was here that we began our weeklong trek along the Alta Via 1 that snakes its way south, but here you could just sit, watch and enjoy all day. There is also a hotel there, but I would recommend staying in one of the nearby towns such as Dobbiaco, where there is also the most wonderful hostel. If you wanted to amble around the lake it would take an hour or so. Then if you were prepared you can try some of the sharp climbs up into the heart of what I consider some of the most spectacular mountain formations in the world, with wonderful views back down. Apparently the Beatles’ Guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, came here once. I suspect the Yogi found some good karma.

Near Dobbiaco, Italy

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This must be one of the very best mountain restaurants, high above the Passo Pordoi, in the great, majestic bulk of the Dolomites. Sass Pordoi is a very well visited mountain top restaurant, viewing station, and walking base for many reasons. First off it is convenient, easily accessed off the major pass of Passo Pordoi that connects the main resort centres of the region. Second, the journey up is by cable alone, one of the truly great cable car ascents. Third, you can walk for miles, take in the sun, or simply sit back and marvel at the glorious views. Fourth, you can simply marvel at the glorious views. Fifth, well, you get the idea. And, while you are there, you can enjoy proper mountain food. Hearty, nourishing, and with a healthy side plate of views. Oh, did I mention the views. So, a simple menu. Convenient drive for starters, followed by a great cable ascent for our fishiest course of the day, hearty fare with a side of glorious views for main, views for dessert, and maybe a chance to drink some views as you relax afterwards. Stunning.

www.fassaski.com/en/sasspordoi/index.htm

Google map: tinyurl.com/ycoa5l9

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