Sightseeing in Arabba - what to see. Complete travel guide

If you are searching for a “serious” alpine ski resort, then do not waste your time reading different advertisements with winter offers. Head to Arabba – compared to other ski resorts in the region, this mountain resort is the most suitable for advanced skiers and professional athletes. High-rise mountains are always covered with snow. The snow remains all year round in Arabba. Local ski trails are simply a gift of the Dolomites to virtuoso skiers.

The Dolomites, which surround the resort, are often credited as the most beautiful mountains in the world. This unique mountain massif got its name because of a high concentration of dolomites and limestone. Because of this, the rocks have various interesting shades, and it feels like their high peaks pierce the sky. First settlements in the mountain valleys appeared many years ago, approximately seven millennia ago.

The 15th century marked the start of Roman dominance in the region. Unfortunately, this didn’t make local people happier. Long isolation from the outer world caused misery and disasters. Constant conflicts between Austrian and Italian monarchies made life only more complicated for the Arabba. Each of the monarchies wanted to make this beautiful land rich in resources their own. World War II also brought much pain to the region because Nazis also wanted to conquer this Italian “treasure”. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Years passed. Craftsmen and merchants visited different cities of the world where they were telling stories about their beautiful homeland. Soon, curious foreigners started arriving in Arabba in order to see the marvelous place with their own eyes. This is how tourism slowly started developing here. Nowadays, the Dolomites have become the location of a popular alpine ski resort that cordially welcomes guests from all over the world and offers a range of interesting attractions and entertainment to them. If you are one of skiing aficionados who like the burst of adrenaline and want to conquer new trails and mountain slopes, then this resort is exactly what you need.

Arabba is not only a place where vacationers can enjoy unforgettable skiing but also participate in different food festivals and celebrations. Connoisseurs of Italian food might notice that local food tastes somewhat different. This is true – local cuisine is an inimitable mix of Italian and Alpine cuisines. The result is really worth trying. The main ingredients are the following: olive oil, arugula, balsamic vinegar that is a popular dressing for salads and other dishes, fragrant basil, various pasta types, and delicious cheese made exclusively from sheep milk. This is a true feast even for experienced foodies.

In Arabba, advanced and professional skiers will find a broad selection of interesting trails. Marked with the black color, these trails are mostly concentrated near one of the numerous cable cars, Porta Vescovo. Local people gave informal names to the trails in this area – Ornella, Fodom, and Sourases. Some tourists might wonder, are there suitable trails for beginners in Arabba? Don’t worry, the resort has suitable trails for absolutely all guests regardless of their experience in alpine skiing. One of these trails is located near Passo di Campolongo. This trail is marked with the blue color.

Besides skiing, tourists are welcome to visit local places of interest that will help them learn more about the history and culture of Arabba. An old mill is the first landmark that is worth exploring. The mill is still in a working condition but it doesn't make flour anymore. For many years, the mill was providing food for locals, but it became worn out with time. Eventually, the mill became so old that it almost fell down and nearly wounded people who brought their wheat to grind. Local authorities restored the mill and turned it into a landmark of the village. Nowadays, this is a beautiful reminder of the local architects’ talent.

In order to see how the region looked like centuries ago, consider visiting Castello di Andraz. The historical landmark was built in 1027. The castle and the surrounding nature create a truly incredible view. In the past, the fortified castle was the base of the Diocese of Bolzano-Brixen’s bishop. Castello di Andraz was an important military and administrative center. Besides that, it protected the region from hostile forces and enemies who continuously tried to conquer rich lands in the Dolomites.

It is easy to reach Arabba from multiple Italian cities. There are no transport problems even in winter. Comfortable ski buses, which depart from Venice Airport, will quickly take you to the destination point. There is a railway station in the city of Brixen that is approximately 70 kilometers away from Arabba. There is also a railway station in Bolzano, but it is located somewhat further. Of course, tourists can always use the taxi services that will take them to Arabba quickly and comfortably. Arabba is located roughly 75 kilometers from Belluno that also has regular bus connection with this area.