Dolomites World Heritage Site Unesco near San Vigilio - Liondes Chalets in San Vigilio di Marebbe

San Vigilio di Marebbe: a hiker's paradise

With its enviable location, San Vigilio di Marebbe is an ideal jumping-off point for recreational activities of all kinds: whether you're looking to enjoy a pleasant stroll through the woods, hike through the mountains or engage in some serious mountaineering, you'll find plenty to keep you busy, whether travelling alone, as a couple or with the whole family. The Fanes - Sennes - Braies national park, covering over 25,000 hectares, is a stone's throw from San Vigilio. Here, you can see some fascinating animals in their natural habitat, like the ibex, chamois, wood grouse or golden eagle. An easy walk suitable for the whole family is the so-called "Tru dles liondes", the legends trail covering the places mentioned in the saga of the Kingdom of Fanes. Anyone looking for something a little more demanding might want to think about a five-hour hike on Piz da Peres (2,507 m) in the Dolomites.Or are you after a bit of adventure? Then the Cima Dieci (3,026 m) will be right up your alley. Of course, if you're planning to tackle the 25 kilometre trek - climbing almost 1,800 metres in 10 hours - you'll need to be physically fit and have plenty of experience scaling mountains. For a real adrenaline rush, you could try the zip line in San Vigilio. Whiz down towards the valley floor in ten stages harnessed to a pulley. You can also rent a Segway from the same operator for a tour through San Vigilio or along the trails running through unspoilt nature. Or if you want a more sedate ride up to the highest peaks, you can simply take the gondola up to Plan de Corones, which has has a web of hiking trails heading off in all directions… or visit the Messner-Mountain-Museum (MMM Corones), which gives extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner's take on the trad adventure alpinism.

Seeing the Dolomites on two wheels

In summer, San Vigilio di Marebbe is something of a Mecca for bike enthusiasts. Countless mountain bike trails wind their way through the Fanes - Sennes - Braies national park, one of the largest in the whole province. With around 250 kilometres of bike trails through the enchanted nature of the Dolomites, cyclists will be spoilt for choice: different grades of difficulty cater to all requirements, from leisurely rides down in the valley to more demanding trails cutting across the mountainside. It's also worth taking the increasingly popular e-bikes for a spin: there are plenty of local rental places you can contact for more information.

Dolomites: the breathtaking mountains above San Vigilio

In 2009, UNESCO declared the Dolomites a World Heritage Site, the highest recognition for a natural attraction. The areas of the Dolomites awarded this accolade include the Fanes - Sennes - Braies national park, much of which falls within the municipality of Marebbe. The national park is just a few minutes from San Vigilio, which is home to the park's visitor centre, offering a fascinating insight into the genesis of the Dolomites, their fossils, inhabitants and the cave bears of Conturines. The fairy-tale world of the Dolomites envelops you as soon as you reach San Vigilio. Holidaying in San Vigilio di Marebbe means being surrounded by a breathtaking mountain panorama. The impressive peaks stand proud, towering over the picturesque village below. No visit to the area would be complete without a hike through its natural surrounds, the wealth of fauna and flora on show bearing testimony to the success of this conservation area. Unspoilt nature and lungs full of fresh mountain air: a wonderful holiday memory to take home with you.