I am planning a stop in the Dolomites (Castelrotto near Bolzano) in mid October. What i have read and been told is that the weather is still fairly nice that time of year? Is there lots of rain that time of year?

I will be depending on public transport and really my interest is getting out into mountains, hiking a little and taking lots of pictures. I suppose Bolzano is close enough to the Lakes

At present I have 3 nights scheduled but im starting to think that may be too much? Any thoughts?

There will be a lot of difference between the first and last weeks of October. Generally, you will find good weather through most of October, but as November approaches, it can turn worse. Bolzano isn't really "close" to all the lakes, but there is certainly enough local transportation to allow you to get back and forth to Lake Garda in an hour or so. I don't know how much you value your number of days of vacation, but for me personally the 3 nights isn't too much at all. In fact, assuming you might make a day trip or two, the 3 nights will go by too fast. It's beautiful country, and if you like mountain scenery and quaint villages, you will find your time quite well spent. Good luck.

Hi Wayne
thanks for your reply. My schedule at present is to be there from 19-22 October, right square in the middle of the month. Hopefully the weather will cooperate

I love mountain scenery and qaint villages and from what i have seen i will have plenty of pictures when i come home.

I had planned the 3 days as a away of just relaxing and getting into nature as i will be coming from 4 days in Paris and will leave to Florence and Rome.

As far as day trips i was just planning to see one of the lakes if reasonably close by bus and/or one of the natural parks. I have also read the castles around there and Trento are fabulous..any experience with that?

Is Castelrotto a good base? I will be depending on public transport. Anyone?

Can't help you with public transport, but youonly have to ask once you are there to get all the details. You are right in close to the mountains at Kastelruth (Castelrotto) - the weather should hold to allow you to get out hiking as much as you want. But the nights will be chilly.

My guess is that once you are there you will wish itwas for three weeks, not three days.

Try this site which is the official webpage for the town of Kastelruth, and click on the English version:

<www.castelrotto.com>

Harzer

If you haven't done so already, I suggest that you do some research on the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) which is a very scenic, and large, Alpine meadow. It's now a nature preserve, closed to vehicular traffic and served instead by a number of lifts near Castelrotto and Ortisei.

I am wondering if perhaps Bolzano would be a better base to explore the area from. I am primarily interested in the mountains and photography

Wildfire - If you want to stay 'in' the mountains I'd recommend Castelrotto or Ortisei rather than Bolzano. Either makes a good base for such a short stay.

Be aware, though, that October is low season and many of the lifts will be closed. For hiking you will need to plan around the few that are still open, e.g Alpe di Siusi, Florian ...

The best of the Dolomite lakes IMO is Lake Braies, though in such a short visit you may not have time.

Let me know if I can be of more help ...

Steve

Hi Steve.
thanks. I was aware about many lifts being closed. whats the deal, around castelrotto they dont allow cars? buses can still access all the villages? As i dont drive i just wanted to make sure i will still be able to get around acceptably.

This is why I suggested that you do some research about the Alpe di Siusi.

When we were there a month ago, we were turned away at both ends of the road that bisects the meadow, from Siusi allo Sciliar to Santa Cristina. A pass was required to reach the hotels (by car) up there and one had to be out by 9:30am. I'm sure that busses can go there but within proscribed times, i.e. 4:30pm-9:30am.

We just wanted to visit and sightsee and were allowed a 'peek', going 7km and back. We didn't have time to return to the valley and take a seilbahn, so we missed out.

The road closure up to the Alpe di Siusi only applies in high season - so in October the problem doesn't arise.

If you're staying in Castelrotto you can get up there by cable-car from nearby Siusi, or by bus (- or hitch-hiking is usually easy). The cable-car ride is very scenic - superb for views of the Sciliar.

Once you're up there, catch a bus (- or hitch-hike) to Saltria for one of the best chairlift rides in the Dolomites - the Florian (- wonderful views of the Sasso Lungo/ Sasso Piatto group).

The Val Gardena is also easily accessible by bus from Castelrotto. You can find all local timetables on
www.sii.bz.it

Hope this helps ...

Steve

I went to Castelrotto for 4 nights last October 3-6, 2003. It was sunny and gorgeous 3/4 of the days and cool at night. It drizzled all day on 1 day and was very damp. I took daytrips by bus/train and went hiking twice. They were 4 of the nicest, most relaxing days I've ever had on a vacation. I have some photos on ofoto.com and will send you the link if you wish (just forward me your email if interested).

Also, according to the hotel where I stayed, there is a big music festival every October that books up everything in sight, so you may want to check on the dates. They said that it's pretty chaotic at that time. I checked out the day before it started.

I meant to add that on the 3rd night, it snowed 8 inches but was still gorgeous. Just made the hiking more beautiful.

Heather. thanks so much, sounds like you had an unforgettable time. was that your first time there?

We have been in the Bolzano area in October 9 times in the past 11 years. More often than not there are at least 2 or 3 beautiful days (out of our normal 5 day visit), and maybe 1 or 2 rainy days. Once there was snow on October 5, but that was very unusual. The days could be in the high 40s to mid 60s and the nights colder. Some of the lifts might be closed but some in the Alpi di Siusi should be open, and we always travel by public transportation only and it is very good. Have fun!

with any luck it will snow instead of rain.

Did any of you see the castles in the area? Im gathering that they make a great deal of the witch story around that area...all i need, to be haunted

I've seen several from outside in passing, and have visited the Castello del Buonconsiglio in Trento which I found very interesting.

If you're staying in Castelrotto you might be interested to visit Castel Presule:
http://www.dolomiti.it/eng/castelli/adige/presule.htm

http://www.dolomiti.it/eng/castelli/dx.htm

Hope this helps ...

Steve

I will be arriving in Verona airport from PAris.

1. how much time to plan for getting thru customs/immigration in italy?

2. Transportation- Presently im planning to take the first available train to Bolzano and then the bus to castelrotto....

Does anyone know if there is a bus/tour bus/or whatever that goes direct from Verona?

The Verona airport is way out of town--I would guess 20 miles SW. Your best bet is to bus into Verona and train from there to Bolzano.

WF - There's no bus direct from Verona.

The Castelrotto bus from Bolzano picks up outside Bolzano Station - so it's very convenient.

You can find timetables on:
www.sii.bz.it

Hope this helps ...

Steve