Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
During our family trip to Italy in August 2023, we carved out some time to visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Dolomites. While planning, I realized that my friend and fellow photographer Megan Gielow was going to be in the Dolomites as well before heading back to Switzerland for an elopement. The stars aligned for this photoshoot to happen and it was one for the books.
We spent the night prior at a cute little hotel overlooking Lago di Misurina and headed out around 6:30am. It was a short and scenic 20 minute drive up to Rifugio Auronzo where we would begin our hike. After getting our daily espresso from the cafe at the Rifugio (think rustic accommodations and cafeteria style food) we set out on our hike with a loose idea if we were going the right way. Everything we had read called this an easy 2 mile hike but it's worth noting that at 7,750 feet of elevation, 40 degrees and high winds, it was anything but easy but so incredibly rewarding!
There are a few slightly challenging sections, especially if you are afraid of heights. Wearing proper hiking boots and going slow is the best approach and we were able to safely make it to the outlook of Cadini di Misurina. This outcropping is visually stunning because of the contrast between green path with the massive grey mountain range in the background giving the illusion of being suspended in the air.
We hiked and took turns photographing each other for about 2.5hrs before we reached our limits on cold tolerance. One of my favorite parts (aside from the epic scenery) was the super chill mountainside cows complete with bells on. This hike was a true bucket list moment for me and I keep dreaming of returning for an epic elopement, pre-wedding photoshoot or even an anniversary/engagement session.
I researched for months before this trip to get a handle on the best Dolomites photo spots because this mountain range is massive and challenging to navigate. I am dreaming of joining an adventurous couple here to explore this and many other spots I bookmarked for an epic elopement!!
If this sounds like you, contact me and let's get planning!!
Ok, enough rambling for now, i'll leave you with the amazing photos of Megan and Brendan.
