The glacier of the queen of the Dolomites
At 3,343 metres, Punta Penia on the Marmolada is the highest peak of the Dolomites, which is why the massif is called the "Queen of the Dolomites". Its north face, gentle and covered by the largest glacier of the Dolomites, descends towards the Lake of Fedaia, while the south face is a vertical wall of rock almost 1,000 metres high, one of the most famous in climbing history. The mountain lies on the border between Veneto and Trentino.
From Malga Ciapela, in the municipality of Rocca Pietore, a cable car in three sections climbs to Punta Rocca at 3,265 metres, with a breathtaking view over the Dolomites and on clear days as far as the Austrian Alps and the Adriatic. At the intermediate station of Serauta is the Museo della Grande Guerra, the highest museum in Europe, dedicated to the "war of the ice": during the First World War the Austrians dug a "city of ice", a network of tunnels in the glacier, to protect their troops. In winter the Marmolada offers ski runs, including the long descent from Punta Rocca. The glacier is retreating rapidly because of climate change, and in July 2022 a collapse of part of it caused the death of eleven hikers.
Tip: check the weather before going up, as the views depend on visibility; in summer it can be cold and windy at the top.
Where it is
More things to see in Veneto
Where to stay near Rocca Pietore
Tours and activities nearby
Offers from GetYourGuide. Some links are affiliate links: if you book we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.