Back To The Dolomites

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Originally I wanted to write something about the Canon R5 Mark II. The camera that I was lucky enough to get when it was released earlier in 2024. But I got so frustrated with all the noise about the camera, all the content creators only looking for clickbait and stupid headlines and ultimately with the overall state of the “social media camera bubble” (and the internet as such), that I decided to focus on the things I did with the camera. And one of the first things I did was going back to the Dolomites. I went there many years ago without a proper camera, so I finally returned to take pictures during a hiking trip there – with the R5 mk II.

I wanted to see the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, check out the Latemar Labyrinth and of course enjoy the famous Seiser Alm. Because it is a more or less 4h drive to the dolomites from where I live, I literally took all the lenses I own with me. In a big additional backpack in the car, only to realise after arrival that for hiking I would probably stick to only one lens. And of course not a prime. So, many photos were shot with the RF 24-105 f4 L. But at least I COULD have taken the other lenses as well.

The trip started in Sexten, I usually try to find accommodations located within a 1h drive from the main locations that I want to visit. The other stops were planned in Tiers and directly in Seis. This allowed for some more sleep in the morning when getting up early for the hike to the main spots. But be aware: Because there are no highways in the area, you will be driving local roads where any tractor can cause a traffic jam. The first hike was to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, on a route around the peaks, Cima Piccola – 2857m, Cima Grande – 2999m, Cima Ovest – 2973m, which presents spectacular views of the Tre Cime and the surrounding mountains. It is a 10km medium hike that will start at 2180m and goes up to 2420m. As you can see on the pictures, there was almost no snow and the autumn colours were fantastic. Of course there were a few people there, but outside the main season combined with getting up early is still the best way to get great light with little disturbing tourists in your shots. You should also keep in mind that outside the main season, especially before the skiing season starts, many of the lifts are closed. But any tourist info or hotel will tell you which lifts are still open. The same is true for huts in the mountains: Only few are open and e.g. still serve food. Be prepared!

Before continuing the trip to Tiers, we did make a stop at the famous Lago di Braies, an absolute Instagram hot spot, undoubtedly beautiful but also not very spectacular – and way too many people. I would even argue that it makes only sense to go there if you actually stay in the hotel at the lake shore.

From Tiers the main highlights were the hike around the Rosengarten group as well as the Labirinto Del Latemar, the labyrinth path, which goes through a labyrinth of rocks and stones, right underneath the Latemar mountain. And as you can see on the photo above, the Rosengarten is a very beautiful and very scenic hike, especially the panorama section. This panorama hike starts at the Rifugio Fronza alle Coronelle or “Kölner Hütte” at 2337m. Incredible mountains to the left and a great panoramic view e.g. of the Latemar to the right. With interesting, but not too difficult parts on the route. However, because the lift at the end of the panorama section was closed, we actually wanted to hike down and get back to the car. But by chance we found a small hut that still was open and still served food. We decided to go there and – perhaps favoured by of the hight or the view – I had some of the best food ever in a mountain hut. Baita Marino Pederiva is the name, please check it out if you have the chance. Energiezed from the fantastic food a decision was made: Completing the round trip around the Rosengarten. Distance-wise we had already done more than half, so how hard could it be, right? Right?

Well, we should have checked the app with the tour again. Because it turned out that this last part was by far the most difficult – and actually marked as dangerous – part of the hike. And the clouds that you saw on the photo turned into snowy rain. To say the conditions – and the mood – changed is an understatement. Via ferratas, scree fields and rain. I did parts of this section on all fours. But we made it and the very few other hikers that we met may have learned a few new German swear words.

Autumn Labyrinth at the Labirinto Del Latemar.

After this adventure the Labirinto Del Latemar was a beautiful and relaxing hike right underneath the Latemar, roughly 9km and going from 1752m to 1912m. Especially in Autumn this hike almost feels surreal, with fog coming in and peaks peeking out of the clouds. The photo above might be my favourite one from the trip. And from Tiers we moved on to Seis to finally see the Seiser Alm, a 56 square km area that is famous among hikers and photographers alike.

Hochalm Sunset — Seiser Alm with the Langkofel Group during sunset.

The photo above shows the Langkofel Group, probably the most photographed massif of the Seiser Alm. The highest point in the range is the Langkofel (3181m) on the left. But it is a very beautiful piece of earth and I am very happy to have had enough time to see it during sunset and sunrise. You can get a lift from Seis up to the Seiser Alm, but it is rather expensive and for photographers it is either too late or not late enough. We learned that the only road up the Seiser Alm is closed coinicdentally during the opening hours of the lift. But early in the morning and late in the evening you are allowed to drive up – so we did and I would recommend to do the same. There are hotels and accommodations directly at the Seiser Alm, but the ones I found were, well, pricey. From Seis we headed back home with some nice photos and some (unused) lenses.

One thing is sure after this trip: I will be back for more photos. And yes, the R5 mk II is a fantastic camera – you can find more pictures from the Dolomites below.
Enjoy!