Location: Veneto region
Area: 31,512 ha
Official site
The Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park (Parco nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi) is a protected natural area in northern Italy, established to safeguard the unique landscapes, biodiversity, and geological features of the Southern Limestone Alps within the Dolomites mountain range. Covering approximately 32 square kilometers (12 square miles), it is the only national park entirely within the Dolomites and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2009 for its outstanding natural beauty and geomorphological significance. The park is renowned for its dramatic peaks, deep valleys, karst formations, and rich ecosystems, serving as a haven for alpine flora and fauna while promoting sustainable tourism and scientific research. It represents a blend of wilderness preservation and cultural heritage, reflecting the region's historical ties to mountaineering, botany, and local traditions.
The park is situated in the province of Belluno, Veneto region, in northeastern Italy, between the Cismon and Piave rivers, and bordered by the Maè and Agordo valleys. It encompasses territories across 15 municipalities, including Belluno, Feltre, Cesiomaggiore, Gosaldo, La Valle Agordina, Longarone, Pedavena, Ponte nelle Alpi, Rivamonte, San Gregorio nelle Alpi, Santa Giustina, Sedico, Sospirolo, Sovramonte, and Val di Zoldo. The nearest major cities are Belluno (to the east) and Feltre (to the south), with coordinates centered around 46°18′N 12°04′E. Accessibility is via highways like A27 from Venice (about 100 km away) or A31 from Vicenza, with train connections on lines from Padua or Venice to Belluno and Feltre. The park's gateways include areas like Valbelluna, Val Cismon, and Val Canzoi, with limited vehicle access—forest roads and trails are off-limits to cars, emphasizing foot or bike exploration.
The park's establishment was planned in 1988 and officially authorized in 1990 by Italy's Ministry of the Environment, becoming operational in 1994. This initiative aimed to protect the area's exceptional natural panorama from unchecked tourism and development, building on centuries of scientific interest—botanists have explored regions like Vette di Feltre and Mount Serva since the 1700s. The park is part of the broader Dolomites UNESCO designation, specifically within the "Pale di San Martino - San Lucano - Dolomiti Bellunesi - Vette Feltrine" system. Historical human presence is evident in archaeological sites and traditional alpine pastures, with the park promoting cultural preservation alongside environmental goals. Recent expansions have been considered, such as incorporating the Bosconero group and the Tovanella valley, now home to reintroduced bears from former Yugoslavia.
The park's geography features a mosaic of rugged terrains, from high-altitude peaks exceeding 2,500 meters (e.g., Monte Schiara at 2,565 m) to deep valleys and canyons carved by rivers like Cordevole, Mis, Caorame, and Ardo. It is divided into three main mountain groups: the Feltre Alps (including Vette Feltrine, Cimonega, Pizzocco, Brendol, and Agnelezze), Monti del Sole, and Schiara-Talvena-Prampèr-Syiz di Mezzodì. The landscape includes glacial cirques, moraines, karst rocks, debris slopes, and over 200 caves, with the longest system spanning 30 km in the Erera-Piani Eterni Plateau. Geologically, it is dominated by Principal Dolomite formations, contributing to its UNESCO status for outstanding aesthetic and geomorphological value. Water resources are abundant, with springs, swamps, lakes (e.g., Stua and Mis), and waterfalls like Soffia Fall and Cadini del Brenton, some forming dramatic canyons with variable flows.
The park boasts over 1,400 vascular plant species—about a quarter of Italy's total flora—ranging from alpine meadows to dense forests. High-altitude areas feature rhododendrons, edelweiss, Carduus (thistles), black hellebore, carniola lily, and other endemics like Alpine bell. Forests include broad-leaved trees (e.g., beech, oak) and conifers (pines, spruces) up to 2,000 meters, with subalpine shrubs and pastures below. Unique habitats like riparian zones and rocky screes support rare species, making the park a botanical hotspot historically studied for its diversity and conservation value.
Biodiversity is exceptional, with over 3,000 chamois, more than 2,000 roe deer, and populations of red deer, mouflon, marmots, stoats, martens, hares, badgers, foxes, and brown bears. The park has seen the return of wolves, with the first pack documented recently, and includes reintroduced species like bears in adjacent valleys. Avifauna comprises 114 nesting bird species, including golden eagles, black woodpeckers, and other raptors. Reptiles and amphibians (20 species) feature Alpine newts and fire salamanders, while invertebrates include nearly 100 diurnal butterflies and 50 carabid beetles. Prime spotting areas are Busa delle Vette and Mount Pizzocco, with conservation measures like wildlife crossings to prevent road accidents.
Conservation priorities include protecting bio-genetic values of flora, fauna, and geomorphology, improving local living conditions, and fostering scientific research and education. Efforts focus on sustainable agriculture, forestry, and breeding, with projects like "Progetto Neptis" for biodiversity enhancement and wildlife monitoring (e.g., wolf packs and anti-collision systems). The park collaborates with initiatives such as "Il Sentiero dei Lupi" and "Alta Via Dolomiti Bellunesi" for habitat preservation. As part of UNESCO, it emphasizes long-term ecosystem integrity, combating threats like climate change and tourism pressure through regulated access and educational programs.
The park offers diverse outdoor pursuits, including over 200 km of CAI-marked trails for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering—ranging from easy paths like "I Cadini del Brenton" (1 km) to challenging multi-day routes like "Alta Via delle Dolomiti Bellunesi" (107.6 km, 8 days). Biking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation are popular, with themed trails for families. Climbing is available on peaks like Monte Pizzocco, and winter activities include snowshoeing (no ski resorts inside). Visitor centers provide guided tours, while facilities like rifugios (mountain huts) and bivouacs support overnight stays. Educational programs focus on botany and geology, with cautions for hazards like ticks and snakes.
As of August 25, 2025, the park remains a thriving protected area, with ongoing conservation projects and high visitor appeal. It is open year-round, though access may vary by season—check weather for high-altitude trails. Entry is free, but guided tours or facilities may incur fees. Visitor centers (e.g., in Feltre and Belluno) offer maps and info, alongside the Dolomiti Bellunesi Nature Museum and Giardino Botanico delle Alpi Orientali. Public transport via Dolomitibus serves the area, with parking at gateways. Accommodations range from campsites to hotels in nearby towns. The park promotes eco-friendly visits, with apps and websites for trail updates. It receives positive reviews for its uncrowded trails and biodiversity, rated around 4.5/5 by visitors.