Alta Badia – Munts dl Altonn – from the valley to the peaks

Alta Badia (South Tyrolean Dolomites/Italy)  August 17, 2026

Autumn in Alta Badia unfolds step by step: from September 13 to October 4, “Munts dl altonn” invites visitors to discover Alta Badia through nature, traditions and high-altitude landscapes.

Autumn in the mountains is a season waiting to be rediscovered: colours change, landscapes are transformed and the pace of life slows down. From  September 13 to October 4, Alta Badia invites visitors to experience this special time of year through “Munts dl altonn – From the valley to the peaks”, a series of authentic experiences designed to explore the mountains in a mindful, immersive and sensory way.

The initiative unfolds over three weeks. Each event focuses on a different altitude – valley floor, mid-mountain and high altitude – and offers a range of outdoor activities designed to create a deeper connection with the surrounding environment. The aim is to rediscover the mountains in their autumn colours and moods, learning to listen to their silence and appreciate their identity, on a journey that gradually leads from the forests to the peaks of the Dolomites.

“Munts dl altonn” is not simply a programme of hikes, but a new way of experiencing the mountains in autumn: more slowly, respectfully and consciously. It is an invitation to pause and make room for observation, silence and an attentive connection with nature. The mountains thus become a true teacher of life, showing us how to embrace change with balance and harmony.

EXPERIENCES IN THE VALLEY AND LOWER MOUNTAINS

The journey begins among forests and gentle trails, where autumn reveals itself through intense scents, damp moss and colourful foliage. Walks here are slow and contemplative, offering the chance to rediscover the forest floor and the hidden life of the woods.

Mountain wine tasting

On Sunday, September 13, the Lé mountain hut will host a tasting of South Tyrolean mountain wines from different wineries and small producers across the region. The wines benefit from sunny days, cool nights and the perfect harmony between soil, climate and craftsmanship. Every sip tells the authentic story of the mountains. The tasting will be led by Stefan, the hut host and sommelier.

Herbal walk

On September 19, accompanied by herbal expert Helga, participants will explore the meadows and forests of Alta Badia, discovering medicinal herbs and wild plants that characterise the area. Along the way, their properties, traditional uses and interesting facts about alpine plants will be revealed. The experience concludes with a visit to Helga’s carefully tended herb garden, offering a deeper insight into the local flora.

Ladin cooking class

Following an autumn walk to the picturesque little church of Santa Barbara, participants will discover the flavours of Ladin cuisine together with a local farmer. At the Lüch de Survisc farm, traditional Ladin dishes will be prepared using seasonal ingredients, accompanied by recipes handed down through generations, stories and culinary traditions. The experience takes place on September 26.

The taste of mountain grains

On Sunday, September 27, regional grains take centre stage. Simple ingredients deeply rooted in the local territory are reinterpreted in dishes specially created for the occasion. Live music and the spectacular alpine scenery add to this unique culinary experience.

Art and nature on the Artists’ trail

The Artists’ trail is an open-air art gallery between La Villa and San Cassiano, inaugurated in 2011 and enriched with new works every year. Along this easy trail following the river, visitors can admire works by artists from the Ladin valleys. The route features not only sculptures and artworks, but also poetic installations with verses in the Ladin language. The guided hike takes place on October 3.

ACTIVITIES IN THE MID-MOUNTAIN AREA

The journey continues towards mountain pastures and alpine meadows, where traces of summer grazing activities can still be found. Here, visitors can explore alpine biodiversity, discover the natural parks and learn about the ecosystems typical of the mid-mountain zone. It is also an opportunity to meet the people who live and work in the mountains.

Alpine sounds and mountain cheese

Mountain cheese is produced among historic farms and flowering pastures. Its rich, intense flavour reflects life at mid-altitude. On Sunday, September 13, this local speciality will be celebrated at the I Tablá mountain hut on the Alta Badia plateau, where producers will also be present for a dialogue between those who make the cheese and those who enjoy it.

Legends and mountains in Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park

Walking through Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, participants will enter the legendary world of the Kingdom of Fanes, inhabited by queens, warriors and hidden worlds beneath the mountains. On September 16, the hike will be led by Matteo, who will reveal the secrets of the ancient legend on a journey between reality and fairy tale.

Geological hike

On September 23, a hike through the trails of Puez-Odle Nature Park and the Gardenaccia plateau will offer spectacular views of the Dolomites. Accompanied by a geology expert, participants will discover the secrets behind the formation of the mountains and the traces left by time in the rocks, immersed in the colours and light of autumn.

Walk to the Santa Croce church

Together with Gerhard, on Wednesday, September 30, hikers will follow a peaceful trail winding through forests and pastures across the Armentara meadows, reaching the little church of Santa Croce. A pilgrimage site steeped in spirituality, it is a place where tradition, nature and tranquillity meet at the foot of the mountains.

HIGH-ALTITUDE ADVENTURES

The final weekly stage is dedicated to panoramic high-altitude treks along ridges and some of the most spectacular trails. Here, the landscape opens up into breathtaking scenery, with rocky peaks, profound silence and crystal-clear mountain air.

Vallon: Via Ferrata at sunset

Accompanied by experienced mountain guides, on Monday, September 14, participants who are not afraid of heights will have the opportunity to tackle the Vallon via ferrata in the light of sunset. The experience offers the chance to admire the Enrosadira, the natural phenomenon that turns the Dolomites shades of red at sunset.

High-altitude plants

Mountain pine grows above 2,200 metres and is an aromatic mountain plant with numerous beneficial properties. Together with Helga, an expert in wild and medicinal herbs, participants will discover the world of alpine plants on Sunday, September 20. The event takes place at the Ütia L’Tamá mountain hut.

The Tridentina Via Ferrata in the Enrosadira light

The Tridentina is a true classic among the Dolomites’ via ferratas. Tackling it in the early morning hours is a unique experience, which can be enjoyed on Monday, September 21, together with Giorgio, an experienced mountain guide from Alta Badia. The vertical climbing passages are enhanced by the golden morning light illuminating the Dolomites.

Forgotten trails: Along the old hunters’ path

On Monday, September 28, an excursion will follow an almost forgotten route: the old hunters’ trail. Nature, history and solitude come together in an intense experience far from the beaten track, accompanied by Giorgio.

Advance booking is required for all activities and can be done online at www.altabadia.org or at the Alta Badia information offices. Places are limited.

For further information: Alta Badia Tourist Information Offices – www.altabadia.org