The way up isn’t that treacherous as mountain roads go, at least it isn’t in glorious Autumn sunshine – it’s just jaw-droppingly beautiful instead. A treat for the eyes as we covered roads that slowly unravelled upwards – spotting small villages perched precariously on the mountainside, admiring alpine forests in their final autumnal throes, and listening to the constant in-car soundtrack of “wows”, and “look at thats” as the peaks of the Dolomites we headed towards seemed to grow larger still (if you happen to enjoy driving on the twists and turns of roads like these, there are a couple of hair-pins to enjoy rather than endure as we did on the Splugen Pass a couple of years ago, but thankfully somewhat relaxed in comparison)!
The sign that greeted our party as we reached our destination welcomed us to the “Magnificent Community of Folgaria” – quite a claim for a place with a population of less than 3,500 people. Granted it was proclaimed as such hundreds of years ago by the Bishop of Trento (Folgaria is a province of Trentino), but having spent a couple of days there recently as guests of the Alpen Eghel Hotel, it’s a claim I think it still lives up to.
The Alpen Eghel is essentially an alpine resort, and makes a great base to explore the surrounding area. In summer there’s plenty on offer including mountain biking, hiking, horse-riding, or simply just stuffing your face with amazing Italian food (and there’s plenty to be had – more on that soon!) whilst gazing out upon stunning scenery (the Dolomites are of UNESCO World Heritage status by the way should you need any more encouragement!). And, in the Winter (as you might expect for such terrain), there’s some fantastic skiing on your doorstep with the closest ski lift just up the road (Folgaria together with nearby Luserne and Laverone make up the Skitour Dei Fortei in which there’s some 70km of skiing to be had. It’s particularly family friendly with good nursery slopes and free ski passes for those under 8!).
I should imagine that the Alpen Eghel is a welcome place to return to after a hard day on the slopes. I have to imagine, as unlike the rest of my family, I am not a huge skiier, and anyway there wasn’t much snow when we visited (but I am sure we will be back!). I guarantee that the hotel’s Wellness Centre would make short shrift of any aching muscles you might have too. And afterwards if you feel like a spot of pampering, there’s a beautician on hand should you need one! You will be pleased to hear that the Small People gave the beautifully warm outdoor pool top marks, and we sat at the water’s edge and soaked up warm sunshine whilst they conducted their research (which was rather surreal given that it was almost November)!
Rooms here are quiet and comfortable and all tastefully decorated in minimalist Italian style. I really liked that despite its size, the Hotel has plenty of small hotel charm. Staff are friendly and welcoming, and full of thoughtful ideas such as squares of dark chocolate served with very decent red wine in the bar, hot chocolate you could stand your spoon up in for the Small People (who also enjoyed a great Halloween party put on for guests and locals alike. Community is a huge deal here, and I can think of lots of places that could learn a few lessons from Folgaria in this regard), and countless good recommendations on what to see, and where to eat… All making for a really lovely stay in a place I would recommend (the breakfasts are good here too by the way!).
As for exploring the heart of Folgaria itself, venture the few hundred metres walk from the hotel, and you will be totally captivated. It has a rich history as you might imagine for somewhere that used to be part of Austria once upon a time.
There are plenty of reminders of this too with the style of buildings, flower laden balconies, and traditional dress not dissimilar to the one worn here, so you are not going to miss out on that true alpine resort feel. This place just comes with the added bonus of Italian traditions, fantastic hospitality and of course the incredible incredible food. A Magnificent Community indeed….
We were given complimentary accommodation for two nights, including breakfast. All thoughts and opinions however, are of course my own, as per usual!
older mum in a muddle says
What a wonderful place…. we are planning a skiing holiday in a couple of years. It looks very gorgeous in the sunshine! X
Emma says
This is honestly the perfect place! Thanks S! :) xx
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
Folgaria looks absolutely beautiful! I’ve never heard of it before so it was a treat to read about this alpine retreat. I love the buildings and small community feel and lucky for having such great accommodations. Beautiful photos and it truly is a magnificent place.
Emma says
Thanks so much Mary! Worth seeking out when you are next in Europe! :)
Jen Walshaw says
Wow, jaw droppingly beautiful. My hubby has this on our to go list
Emma says
Glad to hear it. Thanks Jen! :)
Anda says
Thank you for sharing this interesting post about Folgaria. I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard about it before. It looks like an alpine paradise and I’d like to visit it someday.
Emma says
Thank you Anda. It is beautiful! :)
Michelle says
What a beautifully picturesque place – it looks so peaceful!
Emma says
Thanks so much Michelle! :)
otilia says
Really beautiful place! Would love to visit it one day x
Emma says
Thanks Otilia x
Jess Howliston says
Lovely photos and what lovely views! It sounds like you has a fab time in a very beautiful place!
Jess
http://owlcrazymummy.blogspot.co.uk
Emma says
Thank you Jess! :)
agatapokutycka says
Wow, the surrounding area looks amazing and the views are just stunning!
Emma says
Thanks Agata! :)
Stacey Kirkbride says
Wow that looks like such a beautiful and relaxing place to visit :)
Emma says
It really is! Thank you Stacey!
SJ says
It’s like a postcard kind of place- and one that I’d for sure love to go and see for myself.
Emma says
Thanks SJ, do go if you can, it’s lovely! :)
Donna@MummyCentral says
Definitely going on my travel wishlist
Emma says
Thanks Donna (:
Michelle Twin Mum says
Wow, beautiful blue skies, you do get to go to the best places. Mich x
Emma says
Thank you Mich x
Cass@frugalfamily says
That looks gorgeous – I love how you’ve captured the sun shining through x x
Emma says
Thanks Cass. That was the first thing that caught my eye! :) xx
Jane @ northernmum says
Everytime I come over here I am awed by the photos. Place looks stunning, I want to ski there!
Emma says
Thanks Jane. Perfect skiing for families, there really is something for everyone! :)
nessjibberjabberuk says
I’ve been close to this area many years ago. I love how clear the air is.
Emma says
It’s amazingly clean isn’t it? Thank you!
Trish - Mum's Gone to says
When we stayed in Bardolino we kept saying we must visit the Dolomites as they appeared so seductive in the distance. I’m so pleased you have been to Folgaria and it has ticked so many boxes, including the chocolate box one!
Emma says
Thanks Trish, go if you can, I know you will love it! :) x
Stephen says
This looks like an absolutely amazing place to stay, the scenery on its own is picture perfect!
Emma says
Thanks Stephen! :)
susanna says
That just looks FANTASTIC. I want to go. x
Emma says
You should Susanna, it’s stunning! Thank you xx
Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours says
Looks beautiful. I’m not an avid traveller but I’d like to visit somewhere like this
Emma says
Thanks Carolynne! :)
Victoria says
Sounds amazing and your pictures are stunning :)
Emma says
Thank you. SO beautiful, so dog friendly, so not far from Munich! :) xx
Sylvia @ Happiness is homemade says
What a great place to visit!
Emma says
It’s so beautiful. Thanks Sylvia! :)
Hannah Staveley says
Wow oh wow never been all I can say is I so want to go.
Emma says
Thanks Hannah! :)
Kate Thompson says
Beautiful photos- what a wonderful place to visit and that looks a lovely place to visit.
Emma says
Thanks Kate! (:
mama syder says
You have totally bought Folgaria to life for me. Lovely photos, it looks like a beautiful place to visit xxx
Emma says
It really is Mama S. So beautiful! :) Thank you xxx
Mari says
I am so glad you like this place as much as I do, I really do feel it is a hidden pearl and knowing the local people very well, I know how much passion and hard work goes into everything they do.
Thank you for such a wonderful write up. Did they give you some chilli choc with the wine? That is quite something.
Emma says
No chilli chocolate this time, but delicious all the same! We loved Folgaria Mari. Will go back when the snow’s there hopefully! :) xx
Jo addison says
The Alpen Eghel hotel looks lovely (particularly the swimming pool) and great for families. I’ve been to the dolomites before (Bolzano) and it is stunning. Its great to hear about a family friendly alpine resort where you can go in the summer and winter.
Emma says
Bolzano is probably closest to us, but we have yet to visit which is crazy isn’t it? Wouldn’t hesitate to go back to Folgaria though, in fact I know we will! Thanks Jo! :)
Grace says
What an enchanting destination and definitely one you could trade off with the family when they desire skiing time, you could indulge in the Wellness Centre and Beautician treats!! Not to mention the red wine and chocolate at the bar, I have never heard of that before but what an obvious, luxurious combination. x
Emma says
Thank you, it was a really lovely couple of days! xx
brinabird and son says
Love the dolomites! We have not been in a while and boy does hubby feel it! Summer walking winter skiing it’s amazing. Sounds like you had a fantastic time.
Emma says
Thanks so much Brina. If you haven’t been to Folgaria yet, you should. I know you would love it! :)
Indiapink says
What a beautiful place. I was going to say, your photos reminded me of Austria. I love Alpine holidays in the summer they have as much charm and such stunning scenery. Looks like you had a fabulous time xx
Emma says
Easily over looked by us Brits, but honestly there’s so much on offer! Thanks Luce xx