This mountainous region is the most visually striking and recognizable section of the Italian Alps, with its core being the world-famous Dolomites. The main peak, Marmolada, stands at 3,342 meters, the highest peak in the entire Dolomites. Blade-like, sharp ridges and the expansive, gentle meadows of Alpe di Siusi form a unique limestone peak forest landscape.

The South Tyrol Alps are predominantly composed of limestone mountains, where peaks, canyons, and meadows intertwine. The terrain rises and falls in a varied manner. While lacking the extreme heights of the highest alpine peaks, this region has become a representative of Italy's mountain scenery due to its distinctive landforms.

The limestone here is pure and distinctly stratified. After tens of millions of years of weathering, dissolution, and glacial carving, it has been sculpted into sharp,突兀 tower-like peaks with clear, hard rock textures. Coupled with the region's clear air and abundant sunlight, this creates the unique light-and-shadow magic of the Dolomites.

At dawn and dusk, sunlight strikes the rock layers at an angle, and the calcium carbonate walls refract dreamy rose pinks and warm orange-reds. The mountains change color in an instant, appearing both gentle and magnificent.

Italians hold a genuine preference for this sea of mountains. They admire the Dolomites with the saying, "This is not a pile of nature, but architecture carved by the hand of God." In the hearts of Italians, it is the most romantic gift of the Alps, a natural artwork that needs no filter.

This mountainous area is not only a geological wonder but also a spiritual backyard for the local people. Scattered among the mountains are rustic Alpine wooden huts. Cattle and sheep roam across boundless meadows, and hiking trails weave between the奇 peaks. In winter, one can ski; in summer, hike. The contrast between hard rock faces and soft meadows, the fusion of wild奇石 with the warmth of human life, endows the South Tyrol Alps with a unique character that combines strength and softness.

Image: Landscape at the foot of the Dolomites. Source: pexels@chavdar-lungov

Compared to the cold solemnity of the snow-capped peaks in the western section, this region is vibrant, romantic, and healing. This has also made it the most famous and most popular  mountain destination in the Italian Alps, drawing more travelers than any other.

Editor Ⅰ: Yuan Jiali

Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang

Editor Ⅲ: Pan Kaiyue