The Fanes Waterfalls
From the Information Point of the Dolomiti d’Ampezzo Natural Park, take trail no. 10. It is a nearly flat asphalted road that winds through the forest following the Ru de Fanes stream. Along this stretch, a magical botanical trail has been created with the help of the children from the Montessori School of Cortina. You’ll find many informative signs that indicate the names of plants, shrubs, and flowers along with some interesting facts. This beautiful valley area is particularly rich in flora, boasting 28 types of shrubs, 14 types of trees, and even 15 different species of orchids, including the rare and protected lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), the most beautiful of the Italian orchids, as well as the fly orchid (Ophrys muscifera) and Malaxis monophyllos.
After about half an hour, you will reach a junction with a wooden table. Keeping to the right on a dirt road, you can reach the beautiful clearing of Pian de Loa in a few minutes. There, you’ll find a small hut with a wooden fountain (called ‘brento’ in the local dialect). This is an ideal spot for a pleasant and refreshing break, either in the sun or in the shade of the surrounding trees. From here, return to the edge of the meadow and follow the signs to the Fanes Waterfalls viewpoint by turning right. You will cross the Ponte Outo over the Boite stream. The succession of pools, waterfalls, and cascades that characterize the entire course of the Ru de Fanes stream is of extraordinary beauty. Climb to the right following the signs for the ‘Canyon and Waterfalls Trail’ until you reach the panoramic viewpoint. From here, you can admire the spectacular Lower Fanes Waterfalls, among the tallest and most powerful in the Dolomites. The viewpoint offers an incredible vantage point to see the majestic waterfall plunging into the deep canyon. In spring, the waterfalls are particularly stunning due to the abundant water from the melting snow. For the return trip, it is recommended to follow the same path back.
Photo: Pietro Albarelli
