Serrai di Sottoguda

The Serrai di Sottoguda are much more than a simple alpine gorge: they are a natural monument sculpted by time and water — a true Dolomitic canyon stretching 2.5 km, framed by vertical rock walls that rise up to 100 meters high. Here, the Pettorina stream flows impetuously, carving curves and waterfalls into the bare rock, in a landscape that changes with the seasons.

From the village of Sottoguda — listed among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy — to Malga Ciapela at the foot of the Marmolada, the gorge offers breathtaking views and a direct connection with the raw power of nature. In summer, the Serrai become a green and shaded oasis, ideal for a peaceful walk immersed in coolness and silence. Along the way, you'll encounter wooden bridges, natural caves, the small Church of Saint Anthony, and a statue of the Madonna carved into the rock — subtle signs of the deep bond between people and this place.

When winter arrives, the entire landscape transforms: the waterfalls freeze, creating an enchanted, silent world. The Serrai become one of the most renowned ice climbing areas in the Dolomites.

But the Serrai are not only about nature — they are also rich in history. For centuries, this gorge was a transit route for herds, travelers, and merchants. Even today, traces of the past remain in the stone walls, engravings, and structures dating back to World War I. It is a place that fascinates, surprises, and moves — where the rock tells stories far beyond what meets the eye.