Most Inspirational Moment
It's impossible to pick just one. Every day's hike was gorgeous and rewarding, with a bit (or a ton) of history to go along with it. Our walk to Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee was beautiful and pleasant, with the juxtaposition of its historical significance at the end of WWII leaving us with plenty to reflect on. Likewise, the WWI leftovers scattered in the forests and mountains serve as reminders to the futility of war. It's a struggle to articulate the feelings evoked by the reminders of so much bloodshed in the exact location where you're simply gobsmacked at the natural beauty and current tranquility of your surroundings.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Karl was, quite possibly, the exactly perfect guide. His knowledge of the region, familiarity with the people and landscape, and deep appreciation for it all made us feel fully engrossed in the area. Likewise, his innate knowledge of the areas we hiked and superb attention to the group's pace and interests kept us on time and constantly engaged every day. The man is a true professional, through and through, but he's also great fun to have a beer and chat with as well! We genuinely couldn't have hoped for a better leader for this trip -- he made an already fantastic experience near perfect. Thank you, Karl!!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring good hiking poles! Be prepared for rain and sun, warm and cool weather! Especially in September we seemed to get it all, but I also remember the weather being similarly variable in June from our past trip here. Also, lovely as the Hotel Adler is, you may get stuck in a room where you're going to hear the church bells (and 5am deliveries to the grocery stores next door...) every single day. We wished we had some earplugs... Curiously, our first time here we heard absolutely none of that so it is a gamble. Best to have them just in case! Also, training for steep ascents and descents on the hikes is also not a bad idea. Especially on the Monte Piana/Monte Piano hike, you're in for straight up at the beginning. Likewise, at the Tre Cime park, the ups and downs are no joke. All of it is great fun to look back on and give yourself a rightly deserved pat on the back for though (along with a beer!).
Suggestions
If you're making your way to Niederdorf not with the included-flight folks, I am strongly convinced it's *much easier* to get there from the Austrian side than from the Italian side. The train station is about a 5 minute walk from the hotel and might be worth considering if, say, you wanted to join from Munich.
