Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail

The Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail, a 360° experience through the nine Systems of the Dolomites World Heritage Site, has been created in order to give hikers a simple, step-by-step introduction to the extraordinary geological history of the Dolomites.

Geology of Wonder – A hiking tour and a journey through time to explore the World Heritage Fossil Archipelago

The unique geology of these mountains is the main reason for which they have been recognised by UNESCO. To understand the beauty and significance that the Dolomites have today, the Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail was created, in the shape of a multi-day hiking route and of a virtual tour, as a tool to explore the geology of the Dolomites. The information about the hike is complemented with geological interpretation of the landscape through which the route passes. The geological section also contains rest stops, called Geostops, at observation points along the way that invite hikers to explore some geological features in the immediate vicinity.

Much more than just a product or commodity for tourists to consume during their visits, the Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail is a tool for heightening visitors’ awareness of the extraordinary significance of the Dolomites, thereby offering a far greater value than a picture postcard. This portal for scientific dissemination is not only meant for geotourism enthusiasts, but for everyone to use: teachers, alpine guides, hospitality workers, anyone can find their unique way of exploring the Geology of Wonder with the Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail. The multi-day trek piques the hikers’ curiosity and makes them first-person protagonists, not merely observers, because they explore, observe and interpret; it is an experience to be discovered with all the senses, step by step. The route takes advantage of the existing network of paths, including several high-altitude routes, but the Geotrail’s unique characteristics make it the most important route for exploring and discovering the Dolomites World Heritage Site. The exploration then continues with a virtual journey through time. Thanks to 27 360°pictures, the user can follow the events that marked the geological evolution of the Dolomites, by following a chronological order or three different thematic routes: geological history, catastrophic events and climate change.

All you need to start this journey is here, on the new portal dolomitesgeotrail.com

Warning! Firm footing, experience in the mountains, physical wellbeing and endurance are necessary requirements to take on this hiking trail. Dolomitesgeotrail.com is not updated in real time: before getting on the trail, enquire about the trail conditions.

A single grand tour in four volumes

The Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail is also in paper format. This project grew out of the initiative of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – Alto Adige, which coordinated a working group that produced an initial volume guiding hikers from the Bletterbach gorge to the Sesto Dolomites. The project was later extended across the entire Dolomites World Heritage Site region and is now coordinated by the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation. The publication of the guidebooks was made possible thanks to a collaboration with the publishing house Athesia Buch GmbH. Each of the four volumes is distributed in three languages: Italian, German and English.

• Volume 1: from Giudicarie to Val di Non, 6 tappe
• Volume 2: from Bletterbach to Dolomiti di Sesto (first edition entitled “Dolomites UNESCO Geotrail”), 10 tappe
• Volume 3: from Dolomiti di Sesto to Monte Pelmo, 21 tappe
• Volume 4: Dolomiti Friulane and d’Oltre Piave, 10 tappe

Download

Tracks and Geostops:

• Volume 1 – Track (GPX) | Track (KML) | Geostops (GPX) | Geostops (KML)
• Volume 2 – Track (GPX) | Track (KML) | Geostops (GPX) | Geostops (KML)
• Volume 3 – Track (GPX) | Track (KML) | Geostops (GPX) | Geostops (KML)
• Volume 4 – Track (GPX) | Track (KML) | Geostops (GPX) | Geostops (KML)

Warnings

In the 2nd stage of volume 2 (Passo di Lavazè – Passo di Costalunga), the description and the hiking map provided in the hiking guide mention trail no. 14 for the stretch from Obereggen to Lago di Carezza, but this is not an official hiking trail anymore, which is why trail no. 8 “Templweg” is used as a detour. The route available for download on this page has already been updated with the said diversion.

Since 2023, this activity has been part of the project “Capacity building. Strengthening the social and regional capital of the Dolomites World Heritage Site (WHS) for lasting and sustainable development of local communities”, established with the support of Fondo Comuni Confinanti.

Until 2022, this activity has been part of the project “Promotion of the region through integrated management and communication actions of the UNESCO Dolomites WHS”, established with the support of Fondo Comuni Confinanti.