What you'll do
This itinerary is perfect for those who have already explored the famous highlights of the Dolomites and are now looking for lesser-known spots. It takes you to hidden gems and secret photography locations that not that many people know about. Discover remote landscapes, breathtaking views, and unique nature experiences... perfect for photographers and adventurers seeking new perspectives away from the crowds.
Day 1
Depending on what time you arrive, you can do more or less on that day. If you arrive really early, you could start with the sunrise at St. Jacob's Church. But its also nice during the day.
St.-Jakobs-Kirche
Wandeltocht
church with stunningg view
St. Jakob’s Church in Sankt Ulrich – A Scenic Hike with Stunning Views
The St. Jakob’s Church in Sankt Ulrich is the oldest church in Val Gardena which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding Dolomites.
The hike to the church is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes, depending on your pace.
the official parking is here ... you can drive closer to the church, but as I remember there are only private parkings from hotels or restaurants (but you can check if its possible to park somewhere next to the road until here)
Then use google maps or Maps.me to let you navigate to the church --> (46.5732417, 11.6945165)
Afterwards, you can take a short walk through the Langental. It’s not steep and is perfect for anyone looking for something relaxed.
Percorso sensoriale Vallunga
park
Interactive sensory trail in Vallunga
Vallunga / Langental: perfect for an easy stroll
The Langental (or Vallunga) is a stunning valley in the Dolomites, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by incredible mountain scenery. If you’re not in the mood for a challenging hike, this is the ideal place... it’s a relatively flat valley, making it great for a leisurely walk or easy hike.
Hike: Just keep walking until you feel like stopping... you can always cut it short if you've had enough! 😄
What to Do in Langental
Take a Stroll: The valley is surrounded by towering peaks, and the trail is easy to follow, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
Have a Picnic: There are plenty of peaceful spots where you can sit down, enjoy the fresh air, and soak in the views.
Relax After a Hike: After a tough day on the trails, the Langental is perfect for recharging and enjoying a slower pace.
Best Time to Visit
In autumn, the valley is particularly magical thanks to its golden larches. Unfortunately, when we visited, we were a bit late in the season, and most of the trees had already lost their needles. But even then, the landscape was breathtaking, and I’m already planning to come back earlier next time to see the valley at its peak autumn beauty.
For sunset, you'll head to a spot that has hardly been photographed so far. Some tourists may pass by, as it's near the Seiser Alm, but when we were there, we only saw a few joggers and locals in the evening.
Il Laghetto
photospot
small lake with beautiful Mountain View
A Hidden Gem: Discovering This Small, Stunning Lake
This little lake is truly a hidden gem among photography spots. I stumbled upon it purely by chance and have only seen it pop up on Instagram once since then. It’s one of those rare, untouched places that feels like your own secret discovery.
Getting There & Parking
Reaching the lake is super easy, and you can park here very close to it. However, be mindful of the parking restrictions...only park during the allowed times. The local residents take this seriously; we noticed a local taking photos of a vehicle parked a single minute over the limit as we were leaving!
To avoid any hassle, stick to the rules or consider parking lower in the village. If you’re traveling with a camper, this lower parking area is also an option for overnight stays. --> Park4Night (we also slept here, as there are not many options in the area).
Accommodations
The village of St. Christina in Gröden offers plenty of accommodations, including a few Hotel options right near the small lake.
Hikes
The surroundings are also perfect for cycling or taking on larger hiking adventures. It’s a destination that blends tranquility with opportunities for outdoor exploration, making it ideal for both relaxation and activity.
circular hike where you pass the lake
long hike in the area with stunning views
coordinates to the lake (46.5480873, 11.7119183) if you want get there directly... You can use Maps.me or Google Maps
Best Times to Visit
The lake is absolutely magical at both sunrise and sunset, offering incredible lighting for photos and a serene atmosphere. If you visit midday or during sunset, though, expect a few more visitors as the lake’s accessibility draws people in. Since it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the parking area, it’s not surprising that others are also drawn to its charm!
Then, you can stay overnight right near the lake, and if you like, you can visit it again for sunrise or simply start the day at a relaxed pace.
Monte Pana - Dolomites Hotel
hotel
Mountain retreat with family fun
Hotel Monte Pana - Dolomites Hotel
If you're planning to stay in the area Hotel Monte Pana could be a great option for you. It's located in a fantastic spot for exploring the mountains, especially if you're into hiking or simply want to enjoy the breathtaking views.
There is also one of my favorite photography spots nearby
Perfect for:
Hiking and nature lovers
Families or couples looking for a quiet getaway
Those who want to enjoy the Dolomites at their doorstep