Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park

Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park is a protected area in the Province of Belluno in northern Italy, covering roughly 31,500 hectares between the Cismon and Piave rivers. The terrain includes several mountain ranges such as the Alpi Feltrine, Monti del Sole, and Schiara massif, with deep valleys and vertical rock walls.

After local groups campaigned for mountain conservation in the late 1980s, the Italian government officially created this national park in 1990. The decision aimed to protect the geological formations and wildlife of the region for future generations.

The name refers to the Dolomite mountains that form the southeastern edge of the massif, creating landscapes of pale limestone and steep rock faces. Hikers often meet shepherds moving their flocks to summer pastures, a tradition that has shaped the valleys for centuries.

Several visitor centers in Belluno and Feltre provide maps and advice for hikes, while marked trails lead to mountain huts and designated overnight spots. Access is usually through the valleys, and some higher areas may be difficult to reach in winter.

The valleys are home to more than 3,000 chamois and 2,000 roe deer, which can be spotted during quiet early morning or late afternoon walks. The rock faces also provide habitat for over 100 bird species, including golden eagles and alpine choughs that often circle above the peaks.