Emerging from the depths of an ancient tropical sea approximately 70 million years ago, the striking limestone peaks of the Dolomites stand as some of the most breathtaking alpine landscapes in the world, creating a true haven for nature enthusiasts. Below is an old folk tale told to me while witnessing an amazing rose tinted sunset over the dolomites.
In a time long past, nestled among the majestic peaks of the Dolomites, there lived a noble and kind-hearted dwarf king named Laurin. His realm was a hidden paradise, adorned with the most splendid rose garden one could imagine. This garden, blooming with vibrant hues and intoxicating fragrances, was not merely a collection of flowers; it was a sanctuary of beauty that reflected the spirit of its ruler. King Laurin was a small figure with a heart as grand as the mountains that surrounded him. He ruled over his clan of dwarfs, who toiled tirelessly in the depths of the earth, unearthing precious gems and metals. But it was in his rose garden that Laurin found true joy. Each rose was tended with love, and under his care, they flourished like jewels against the rugged backdrop of stone. One fateful day, news reached Laurin that the king of the Adige river was to host a grand tournament to celebrate the betrothal of his daughter, Similde. Though Laurin was not invited—his stature deemed too small for such noble company—he could not resist the allure of seeing Similde’s radiant beauty. With a flick of his wrist, he donned his magical hood, rendering himself invisible, and set off towards the festivities. Upon arriving at the tournament, Laurin’s heart raced as he beheld Similde. She was more enchanting than he had imagined, her laughter like music that danced through the air. In a moment of impulsive longing, he swept her away on his steed and brought her to his beloved rose garden. But love’s sweetness turned bitter when Similde’s betrothed and his knights pursued them. They soon discovered Laurin’s hiding place among the roses, for even magic could not conceal him from their keen eyes. In a fierce struggle, they overpowered him, breaking his enchanted belt—the source of his strength—and capturing him. In despair and anger at his betrayal by both love and garden, Laurin cursed the roses that had once brought him such joy: “Neither by day nor by night shall any human gaze upon your beauty again!” Yet in his wrath, he overlooked one crucial detail—twilight. Thus, even though no mortal could witness its splendor in daylight or darkness, each evening as the sun dipped below the horizon, a magical glow enveloped the Catinaccio massif. The mountains blushed in fiery reds and soft purples—a phenomenon known as Enrosadira, or Dolomite glow—an eternal reminder of Laurin’s lost love and his enchanting garden. And so it remains to this day: while King Laurin may have turned his garden to stone in anger, its beauty still shines through in those fleeting moments at dusk.
The roses bloom brightly for all who dare to look during twilight, whispering tales of love and loss to those who wander near.
King Laurin’s Rose Garden, known in German as Rosengarten, is located in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, Italy. Specifically, it is a mountain range situated about 20 kilometers east of Bolzano, nestled between the Schlern massif and the Karer Pass. This area is renowned for its breathtaking alpenglow, which casts a magical red-golden light over the mountains at dusk, a phenomenon linked to the legend of King Laurin and his enchanted garden.
To locate it on a map, you would look for the Catinaccio group of mountains in the Dolomites, where the legend originated and where the stunning views can be experienced, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
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