Alright, so I finally got myself over to Sexten. Or Sesto, some call it that too. It’s in Italy, right up there in the Dolomites. I’d seen the pictures, you know, those jagged peaks everyone posts, and I figured, I gotta see this place for myself. This whole trip was a bit of a personal project, really, to just get out and do something a bit different.
Getting My Bearings
First off, actually getting there took a bit of doing. Flew into an airport that wasn’t exactly next door. Then there was a train ride, which was scenic, I’ll give it that. And then a bus. By the time I stumbled into the village, I was pretty beat. But the air, man, it was crisp. You could just smell the mountains, if that makes any sense. I found the little place I was staying at, dumped my bags, and just stood there for a minute, taking it all in. The quiet was something else, especially compared to back home.
My first evening was pretty low-key. Just wandered around the main street a bit. Lots of wooden houses, flowers spilling out of window boxes. Classic alpine stuff. I grabbed some local grub – can’t even remember the name, some kind of dumpling thing – and it hit the spot. Needed to fuel up for what I had planned.
The Hiking Part – What I Came For
The main event, the whole reason I picked Sexten, was to do some proper hiking. I’m not exactly a pro mountaineer, more like an enthusiastic amateur who trips over his own feet sometimes. But I was determined. I’d packed my boots, a decent jacket, and a map that I hoped I could actually read.
So, the next morning, bright and early, I was off. Decided to tackle one of the trails that heads up towards the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Or at least, get a good view of them. The start of the trail was easy enough, a gentle slope through the woods. Birds chirping, sun filtering through the trees – pretty idyllic. Then it started to climb. And climb.
Let me tell you, some of those paths, they don’t mess around. My legs were burning. I had to stop a few times, pretending to admire the view, but really, I was just trying to catch my breath. But the views, wow. Every time I thought it couldn’t get any better, I’d round a bend, and there’d be another insane panorama. Those peaks, they just jut out of the ground. It’s wild.
- Things I learned quickly:
- Water is your best friend. Drank tons of it.
- Good socks are non-negotiable. Seriously.
- That “one last push” often means another hour.
I didn’t make it to the absolute base of the Tre Cime on that first big hike, but I got to a viewpoint where they were just… there. Massive. It felt like a real accomplishment, you know? Just standing there, sweating, probably looking a mess, but feeling pretty good about it.
Not All Smooth Sailing
Now, it wasn’t all just stunning views and feeling like a hero. There were other people. Lots of them, especially on the more famous trails. Sometimes it felt a bit like a conveyor belt of hikers. And the weather, man, it can change in a heartbeat up there. One minute sunshine, the next you’re scrambling for your waterproofs because the clouds have rolled in looking mean.
I also managed to take a wrong turn at one point. My brilliant map-reading skills on full display. Ended up on a much steeper, rockier bit than I intended. Had a few sketchy moments, not gonna lie. But, eventually, I found my way back. Added a bit of unplanned adventure, I guess. Or stupidity, depending on how you look at it.
The Downtime and Other Bits
It wasn’t just hiking, hiking, hiking. In the evenings, I’d explore the village more. Found a couple of decent spots to eat. The food there is this cool mix of Italian and Austrian, or South Tyrolean, they call it. Lots of hearty stuff like speck, cheeses, and those amazing apple strudels. Perfect after a day out on the trails.
The people were generally friendly. Many of them spoke German as their first language, which was interesting. It definitely has its own unique vibe, Sexten. It doesn’t feel quite like the rest of Italy I’ve seen.
This whole trip was a bit of a test for me, actually. I’m usually more of a city break kind of guy, or lazing on a beach. Pushing myself up mountains isn’t my normal MO. But I wanted to see if I could do it, you know? See if I enjoyed it. And yeah, turns out, I kinda did. It’s a different kind of satisfaction. You earn those views.
So, that was my little adventure in Sexten. Got some fresh air, sore muscles, and a bunch of photos that don’t quite do it justice. Would I go back? Yeah, I think I would. Maybe try some different trails, or just find a quiet spot by a lake and chill. It’s a pretty special corner of the world, that’s for sure.
