The Dolomites are one of the best hiking destinations in Europe. In this guide, we rank the 15 best hikes in the Dolomites, from easy scenic trails to challenging alpine adventures, based on views, difficulty, and our firsthand experience hiking the region.
Jagged limestone peaks, knife-edge ridgelines, and turquoise alpine lakes make the Dolomites one of the most breathtaking hiking regions in Europe.
With the region hosting the Winter Olympics, the Dolomites are on more travelers’ radar than ever. But long before the spotlight turned to the Dolomites, we came here for one reason: the hiking.
Over multiple trips to northern Italy, we’ve explored the Dolomites on foot, hiking everything from short, family-friendly trails to longer routes with jaw-dropping views.
Every hike on this list is based on our personal experience, with honest insights on difficulty, crowds, logistics, and whether it’s truly worth your time, especially during busy travel seasons like the Olympic years.
In this guide, we rank 15 epic day hikes in the Dolomites based on scenery, difficulty, and overall experience, and share practical tips to help you plan your trip. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, traveling with kids, or planning your first hiking trip, we’ll help you pick out the best trails.
Our Favorite Hikes in the Dolomites
#1 Puez-Odle Altopiano – A longer hike but the panoramic views are incredible
#2 Cinque Torri + Rifugios Averau & Nuvolau – A short, easy loop hike plus a visit to two alpine rifugios and the chance to dine with a view
#3 Cadini di Misurina – One of the most iconic viewpoints in the Dolomites
#4 Tofana di Mezzo – Super short hike with mind-blowing views
#5 Tre Cime di Lavaredo – An essential hike (combine with Cadini di Misurina for an unforgettable day)
February 2026 Update: Added things to expect this summer with increased visitation from the Winter Olympics, added new photos, plus updated links to our hiking guides.
Best Hikes in the Dolomites
This list starts with the shortest, easiest trails and ends with the longer, more challenging hikes. At the end of this section, we rank the hikes from our favorite to least favorite.
Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they all can be completed in one day.
There are no via ferratas on this list so they can all be done without special equipment (other than hiking shoes, a backpack, some water, and a camera).
Several shorter hikes can be combined into full-day adventures. I’ll let you know the best combinations with details on how to do them.
All hiking distances are round trip, unless noted otherwise.
For each hike, we provide a link to our detailed hiking guides, so you can read more about the hike and see more photos.
WHEN TO GO HIKING IN THE DOLOMITES: The hiking season runs from June through September. During this time, the trails are clear of snow. By the middle part of October, the first snows can begin to fall, ending the hiking season.
Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
1. Tofana de Mezzo (Epic Views, Super Short Hike)
For one of the best views of the Dolomites from the shortest hiking trail, it’s hard to beat Tofana di Mezzo.
Distance: 0.3 km (0.2 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: 55 meters (180 feet) | Time: 30 minutes | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
You may be scratching your head at this first “hike” on the list. Yes, it is super short. But this short trail scales the edge of cliff and then has a steep, slippery ascent to the mountain peak, so it’s not for everyone. To do this, you need to have a good head for heights.
This very short hike offers one of the best views of the Dolomites with the least amount of effort.
From Cima Tofana, the highest cable car station on the Freccia nel Cielo cableway, you get panoramic views over Cortina d’Ampezzo and the surrounding mountains.
From the viewing platform, climb the series of staircases to the the hiking trail, and then it is just a 5-minute walk along the trail to viewpoints over the Cima Tofana station and Cortina d’Ampezzo. There is a lot of exposure along this trail so if you have a fear of heights, this is a hike you might want to skip.
From the hiking trail, you have the option to rock scramble up the short but steep hill to Tofana di Mezzo, where spectacular 360° views of the Dolomites awaits.
Tofana di Mezzo
The view of Cortina d’Ampezzo from the Freccia nel Cielo cableway.
How to Hike to Tofano di Mezzo
This experience takes anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours, depending on how long you linger at the cable stations. Learn more about the cable car route, how to get tickets, and see more photos in our guide How to Visit Cima Tofana and Tofana di Mezzo ↓
Tofana di Mezzo & Cima Tofana: The Freccia nel Cielo Cable Car
2. Seceda (An Iconic Viewpoint)
Seceda is another stunning place to visit in the Dolomites and a short hike is all it takes to get to the famous viewpoint.
Distance: 1.3 km (0.8 miles) loop | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: 110 meters (360 feet) | Time: 30 to 45 minutes | Location: Val Gardena
This is another hike where a cable car whisks you high into the mountains.
From the cable car station, you don’t even have to do any hiking to enjoy the view, but if you want to photograph the iconic shot of Seceda, it is a short but steep uphill hike to the viewpoint. From here, follow the trail down along the ridgeline towards the jagged peaks. Once you get to the trail junction, it is an easy but gorgeous walk back to the cable car station.
Seceda in July
From Seceda, you also have a great view of the Sella group and Val Gardena.
How to Hike to the Famous Viewpoint
The cable car is located in Ortisei (Val Gardena). It takes about 2 hours to ride the cable car and do the short hike to the viewpoint. Learn more about the cable car route, how to get tickets, and see more photos in our guide How to Visit Seceda ↓
3. Cinque Torri (Scenic Loop with WWII History)
This short hike is and easy to do and you get a history lesson along the way.
Distance: 1.9 km (1.2 mile) loop | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: 130 meters (430 feet) | Time: 1 hour | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
The Cinque Torri is one of the most recognizable rock formations in the Dolomites. It is a popular hiking and rock climbing destination, but it is also an open-air war museum, with trenches and bunkers that remain from World War I.
Hiking around the Cinque Torri is one of the easiest and most beautiful hikes that we did in the Dolomites.
It’s a great hike for kids, since a chairlift zips you right up to the rock towers. And with its short distance, and bunkers and tunnels to explore, this is one of the best places to take kids hiking in the Dolomites. They can also learn a little bit of history in the process.
This hike can be combined with Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau for one epic day in the Dolomites.
A view of the Cinque Torri from the hiking trail
How to Hike the Cinque Torri
In our guide How to Hike the Cinque Torri, we have many more photos of the trail, plus information on the cable car, and how to add on the rifugios ↓
4. Cadini di Misurina (Very Famous Viewpoint)
The main reason for doing this hike is to reach the viewpoint of the Cadini di Misurina but you also get a very unique view of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Distance: 3.2 km (2 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: 210 meters (690 feet) | Time: 1 to 2 hours | Location: Near the Tre Cime Naturepark and Cortina d’Ampezzo
The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of our favorite short hikes in the Dolomites.
This is a gorgeous hike every step of the way, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, a unique view of the “backside” of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and of course, an awesome view of the Cadini di Misurina.
If you are looking for a short, beautiful hike, the Cadini di Misurina hike belongs on top of your Dolomites to-do list.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: There is now a limit to the number of vehicles that can drive up this road. An online reservation will be necessary to access this parking lot. Learn more about the reservation process here.
On the trail to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, you also get a unique view of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
How to Hike to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
In our guide How to Hike the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint, we have many more photos of the trail, information about the trail route, and tips to avoid the crowds ↓
5. Lago di Braies (Must-See Alpine Lake)
Hike the loop around the shimmering, aquamarine Lago di Braies, an easy hike that is perfect for families and photographers.
Distance: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) loop | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: 100 meters (330 feet) | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours | Location: Fanes-Sennes-Brais Nature Park, South Tyrol
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is one of the most popular places to visit in the Dolomites. This crystal-clear aquamarine lake, with its dramatic mountainous backdrop, easy walking trail, and rowboats, has long been attracting visitors.
One of the best things to do at Lago di Braies is to walk the hiking trail that loops around the lake. Along the hike, you get to see the lake from all angles.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: It’s important to know that there are parking regulations during the summer months. From July 10 through September 10, between the hours of 9:30 am and 4 pm, you must make a vehicle reservation in advance or ride the public bus.
Lago di Braies hiking trail
How to Visit Lago di Braies
In our guide How to Visit Lago di Braies, we have many more photos of the trail, plus information how to plan your visit to the lake ↓
6. Lagazuoi to the Falzarego Pass (Scenic Downhill Hike)
A cable car transports you up to Lagazuoi for another jaw-dropping view of the Dolomites. And from here, it’s a beautiful downhill walk to the Falzarego Pass.
This was our very first hike in the Dolomites, when Tyler and Kara were just kids. It’s short, it’s incredibly scenic, and since it’s downhill, it is very easy.
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Total Descent: 650 meters (2,100 feet) | Time: 3 hours | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
This hike starts with a cable car ride from the Falzarego Pass to the Lagazuoi, one of the many mountain peaks in the Dolomites. Right from the upper cable car station you have yet another phenomenal view of the Dolomites.
There are a bunch of trails that run through Lagazuoi. We hiked downhill, from the mountain peak back to our car at the Falzarego Pass. It’s a beautiful hike and from the trail you look out to Averau, Nuvolau, the Cinque Torri, Gran Diedro, and Croda da Lago.
Since this is a short, downhill hike, it’s great for kids and new hikers.
View from the trail from Lagazuoi to Falzarego
How to Hike the Frontline Trail
In our guide How to Hike the Frontline Trail, we have many more photos of the trail, plus information about the cable car ride ↓
7. Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau (Dine with a View)
If you want one of the best views of the Dolomites with a beer in your hand, or you simply want a meal with an unforgettable view, don’t miss this hike. It’s one of my favorite experiences in the Dolomites.
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: 335 meters (1,100 feet) | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours + additional time at the rifugios | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Rifugo Nuvolau
Rifugio Nuvalou sits on top Mount Nuvolau. At an elevation of 2,575 meters (8,500 feet), you have 360° views of the Dolomites. It is an incredible view, especially if you are lucky enough to be here when the skies are clear.The views, having lunch on the outdoor terrace, with a view of one of the most beautiful places we have seen, was a truly memorable experience.
To get here, you will hike past Rifugio Averau, which serves some of the best pasta dishes in the Dolomites.
Rifugio Averau
View from Rifugio Nuvolau
How to Hike to the Rifugios
Learn how to get these views, see more photos, and how to add on the Cinque Torri in our guide How to Hike to Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau↓
8. Piz Boè (360° Views from 3,000+ Meters)
Piz Boè is considered to be one of the easiest summits over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) in the Dolomites. From the peak, you have 360° views over the Dolomites that will take your breath away.
Distance: 5.3 km (3.3 miles) | Difficulty: Moderate | Total Ascent: 430 meters (1,410 feet) | Time: 2 to 4 hours | Location: Val Gardena
The trail to Piz Boè
This hike starts at Passo Pordoi. From here, ride a cable car to Sass Pordoi and then it is a relatively short but strenuous hike to Piz Boè. Piz Boè is the highest peak in the Sella Group of the Italian Dolomites, and the panoramic views from this peak are breathtaking.
Piz Boè summit
Pordoi Pass from the trail to Piz Boè
LEARN MORE: Piz Boè Hiking Guide: Map, Trail Guide, Hiking Stats & Photos
9. Cinque Torri + Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau (Our Favorite Combo Hike)
Combine two of the best hikes in the Dolomites into one epic hiking experience.
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Total Ascent: 465 meters (1,530 feet) | Time: 2.5 to 3 hours + additional time at the rifugios | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
The view from Rifugio Nuvolau
Even though you are combining two trails, the distance is still rather short and manageable for most people.
If you have one day in the Dolomites, this is a hike I highly recommend. The views are gorgeous every step of the way. Plus, you get the experience of visiting a rifugio, where the drinks and food are very good and you get one of the best views of the Dolomites.
The view from Rifugio Nuvolau of the Cinque Torri and Tofana di Rozes
Next to Rifugio Scoiattoli (on the trail between the Cinque Torri and Rifugio Averau), you can have a seat in one of these lounge chairs and enjoy the view.
LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Cinque Torri + Hiking to Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau
10. Alpe di Siusi (Hike through an Alpine Meadow)
Go on a walk through the highest alpine meadow in Europe and enjoy the view of the rifugios, cabins, and the mighty Sassolungo.
Distance: 6.8 km (4.2 miles) | Difficulty: Easy| Total Descent: 260 meters (850 feet) | Time: 2 to 3 hours + additional time at the rifugios | Location: Alpe di Suisi
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German) is the highest alpine meadow in Europe. Cabins, rifugios, and hotels dot the landscape. Hiking trails and biking trails run along the hillsides, connecting the small villages. And Sassolungo, with its jagged, rocky peaks, looms over the area.
How to Visit Alpe di Siusi
There are lots of different ways to plan your time at Alpe di Siusi. We hiked from Compatsch to Saltria, which passes by several rifugios and offers beautiful views of Alpe di Siusi and Sassolungo from the hiking trail. Overall, this is an easy downhill hike. From the lowest point, Saltria, you can ride the bus back to Compatsch which eliminates a long, unnecessary climb.
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) in Summer: Things to Do, Photos & Tips
Our hiking route through Alpe di Siusi, plus what we would have done differently.11. Tre Cime di Lavaredo (A Must for First-Timers)
The triple peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo are the symbol of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this hike, walk the loop around the peaks…it’s an essential hike in the Dolomites.
Distance: 8.8 km (5.5 miles) loop | Difficulty: Moderate | Total Ascent: 425 meters (1,400 feet) | Time: 2.5 to 5 hours | Location: Near Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the best hikes in the Dolomites. Three massive rocky prominences rise up from the rolling scenery of the Dolomites and during the summer months the land is carpeted with wildflowers.
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is done as a loop, so you get to circle around three enormous pillars of rock. The only way to see the iconic north faces is from this hiking trail.
There are numerous detours you can take from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail to alpine lakes and unique viewpoints of the area, and well worth it if you don’t mind going the extra distance.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: There is now a limit to the number of vehicles that can drive up this road. An online reservation will be necessary to access this parking lot. Learn more about the reservation process here.
We have hiked Tre Cime di Lavaredo twice and we cover exactly what to expect along the trail, and more details about the parking restrictions ↓
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: Step-By-Step Trail Guide, Parking & Map
Everything you need to know to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
12. Adolf Munkel Weg to Geisler Alm (Underrated and Off-the-Beaten-Path)
The Adolf Munkel Weg runs along the base of the Odle/Geisler mountain group in Val di Funes. On this walk, the views are very nice but having lunch at one of mountain huts is the highlight of the experience.
Distance: 9.2 km (5.7 miles) loop | Difficulty: Moderate | Total Ascent: 440 meters (1,445 feet) | Time: 4 to 6 hours (this includes time at the mountain huts) | Location: Val di Funes
The Adolf Munkel Weg is a point-to-point hiking trail that runs along the Odle/Geisler mountain group. This hike is on the longer side (13 km) and since it is point-to-point, you will have to use public transportation or do some extra hiking to get back to the starting point.
We shortened the hike, turning it into a loop. The starting and ending point was from the same parking lot, we had awesome views of the Odle/Geisler mountains from Geisler Alm, plus we got to visit a few rifugios along the way.
Adolf Munkel Weg
How to Hike the Adolf Munkel Weg
In our guide to the Adolf Munkel Weg, we cover the loop hike, with photos, a map, and stats, plus how to shorten the hike and how to add on viewpoints in Val di Funes ↓
13. Lago di Sorapis (Very Popular – Expect Crowds)
Lago di Sorapis attracts hundreds of hikers every day in the summer. It’s a beautiful lake but be prepared for big crowds.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: For the best experience, add on the trail to Forcella Marcuoira to venture high in the mountains and get a unique view of Lago di Sorapis.
Distance: 11.6 to 12.7 km (7.2 to 7.9 miles) | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous | Total Ascent: 460 meters (1,520 feet) to 775 meters (2,550 feet) | Time: 3 to 7 hours | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Lago di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis) is one of the most popular hikes to do in the Dolomites. The hiking trail to get to this aquamarine lake is located just a short drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The vast majority of people hike out-and-back to Lago di Sorapis on the main trail. What many people don’t know is that you can turn this hike into a loop (which is why there is a range of hiking stats listed above).
Doing it as a loop (Lago di Sorapis plus Forcella Marcuoira) doesn’t add much in the way of extra distance, but it does add a hefty amount of elevation gain. However, your reward is unique views of Lago di Sorapis and panoramic views of the Dolomites.
For those who want to hike a quieter trail and have more amazing views of the Dolomites, choose the loop option when hiking Lago di Sorapis.
If you hike back to the trailhead via Forcella Marcuoira, you get a different view, like this one of Monte Cristallo.
How to Lago di Sorapis
In our guide to the Lago di Sorapis hike, we cover the standard out-and-back trail, plus how to turn this into an epic loop, if want to leave the crowds behind ↓
14. Lago Federa & Croda da Lago Circuit (Gorgeous Loop Hike Many Skip)
This hike loops around the Croda da Lago mountain group. On the way, you will visit the lovely Lago Federa and climb up to Forcella Ambrizzola and Forcella Rossa for more panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Distance: 12.8 km (8 miles) loop | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous | Total Ascent: 900 meters (2,950 feet) | Time: 4.5 to 6 hours | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
The Croda da Lago Circuit is one of the most underrated hikes that we did in the Dolomites.
With a beautiful walk through the woods, a visit to an alpine lake (Lago Federa), close up views of Croda da Lago, and panoramic views of the Dolomites, the scenery is constantly changing, making this one of the most interesting trails in the area.
During the summer months, the Dolomites is a busy place to visit. But not this trail. The Croda da Lago Circuit was one of the emptiest trails that we hiked in our 12 days in the Dolomites. So, if you are looking for a less crowded hike that is still BIG on views, this hike is for you.
View from Forcella Ambrizzola
View from the Croda da Lago Circuit
How to Hike the Croda da Lago Circuit
In our guide to the Croda da Lago Circuit, we cover the loop hike, with photos, a map, and stats ↓
15. Puez-Odle Altopiano (Long Hike but Rewarding)
This is the longest hike on this list but it is the most rewarding. The journey starts with a cable car ride and from here you hike the peaks of the Puez-Odle Altopiano, for ever changing views across the Dolomites.
Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles) | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous | Total Ascent: 850 meters (2,800 feet) | Time: 6 to 9 hours | Location: Val Gardena
With jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites, fields of wildflowers, and some of the best alpine views in Italy, this is our favorite hike in the Dolomites.
The Puez-Odle hike is a 17 km point-to-point hike along some of the highest mountain peaks in the Dolomites. A chairlift at the beginning of the hike eliminates the first big climb. There are still some ups and downs, but overall, you head downhill for much of the hike.
Since you spend so much time in the higher peaks of the Dolomites, you are treated to panoramic views that will take your breath away.
One of many amazing views from the Puez-Odle Altopiano.
How to Hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano
In our guide to the Puez-Odle Altopiano, we cover the loop hike, with photos, a map, and stats ↓
Map of the Best Hikes in the Dolomites
Below is a map of the best hikes in the Dolomites. The major towns have black labels. For each hike, we’ve labelled the trailhead, parking, cable car locations (if appropriate), plus rifugios or viewpoints along the trails.
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
All 15 Trails, Ranked from Favorite to Least Favorite
Here is our ranking of all 15 hikes on this list. This list starts with our favorite hike and ends with our least favorite. But even hike #15, even though it may be last on the list, is still a very good hike to do (that’s one of the things that makes the Dolomites so awesome!).
- Puez Odle Altopiano
- Cinque Torri + Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau
- Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
- Croda da Lago Circuit
- Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau
- Tofana di Mezzo
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo
- Cinque Torri
- Lago di Sorapis
- Seceda
- Lagazuoi to Falzarego Pass
- Adolf Munkel Weg
- Piz Boè
- Lago di Braies
- Alpe di Suisi
Best Short, Easy Hikes in the Dolomites
The Dolomites are packed with short, easy trails to choose from. On our hiking list, 10 trails come in less than 8 km (5 miles).
If you are looking for short, easy hikes in the Dolomites to do with kids, here are our recommendations:
- Cinque Torri
- Lago di Braies
- Seceda
- Lagazuoi to the Falzarego Pass
- Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau
And if you simply want a short hike to a stunning viewpoint, we recommend:
- Tofana di Mezzo
- Cadini di Misurina
- Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau
- Piz Boè
Best Hikes in the Dolomites on Your First Visit
If you only have a few days, here are the best hikes in the Dolomites that let you experience it from several different angles:
- Cinque Torri + Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau
- Croda da Lago Circuit or Puez-Odle Altopiano
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina
Less Crowded Trails
If you want to leave the crowds behind, these trails were the “quietest” trails we hiked in the Dolomites:
- Croda da Lago Circuit
- Adolf Munkel Weg
- Alpe di Siusi
- Lago di Sorapis to Forcella Marcuoira to the trailhead
Hikes Near Cortina d’Ampezzo
If Cortina d’Ampezzo is your home base, here are the nearby trails:
- Cinque Torri
- Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau
- Lagazuoi to Falzarego Pass
- Croda da Lago Circuit + Lago Federa
- Tofana di Mezzo
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo
- Cadini di Misurina
- Lago di Braies
- Lago di Sorapis
Hikes in and around Val Gardena
Here are hikes located in and around Val Gardena:
- Puez-Odle Altopiano
- Seceda
- Piz Boè
- Alpe di Siusi
- Adolf Munkel Weg
When is the Best Time to Go Hiking in the Dolomites?
The sweet spot for hiking in the Dolomites is late June to September. During this window, most trails are snow-free, cable cars are running, and alpine huts are open.
Between late June and early July, trails begin to open as snow melts. Cable cars and chairlifts will begin running as well.
Peak season is mid-July through August. All trails and cable cars are open. Expect warm days, cool nights, but also the largest crowds on the trails.
September is ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds. Early in the month is better, since some cable cars and chair lifts begin closing in mid-September.
Avoid mid-October through May if you want to go hiking. During this time, snow covers most hiking trails, cable cars shut down, and the region is better suited for skiing or snowshoeing.
Olympic Year Expectations for Hiking in the Dolomites
With the Winter Olympics putting a global spotlight on the Dolomites, interest in visiting the region is already increasing, and that will likely spill into the summer hiking season as well.
There will be higher overall interest, especially from first-time visitors. Expect the more popular, iconic trails like Tre Cime, Seceda, and Lago di Sorapis to be more crowded than usual. Prices for hotels could be higher as well.
How to Plan Smart in an Olympic Year
If you have plans to visit the Dolomites in 2026, here are a few tips:
- Visit in September if possible for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
- Start hikes early (before 8 a.m.) on popular routes
- Choose lesser-known hikes or longer routes that thin out crowds (we recommend the Croda da Lago Circuit, Alpe di Siusi, the Adolf Munkel Weg, and the Puez-Odle Altopiano)
- Stay outside the most famous hubs and commute to trailheads
The Olympics will bring more attention to the Dolomites, but they won’t ruin the hiking experience, especially if you plan ahead. With smart timing and trail selection, it’s still very possible to enjoy incredible hikes with plenty of space and unforgettable scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best month to hike in the Dolomites?
September is the best month overall, with fewer crowds than in the summer. Early September is best, since some cable cars and chair lifts stop running in mid-September. July and August are also good times to go hiking, but this is peak season, so expect large crowds.
How many days do I need in the Dolomites?
As many as possible. If you simply want to drive through the Dolomites and visit a few highlights, two to three days is all you need. If you love hiking, really, spend as much time here as you can. I recommend five days at a minimum. So far, we have spend 12 very busy days in the Dolomites and still have more that we want to come back and do. So, if you have the time in your schedule, you could easily spend 7 to 10 days hiking in the Dolomites. To help you plan your time, take a look at our Dolomites Itinerary.
Can beginners hike in the Dolomites?
Yes! The Dolomites are perfect for beginners. Many hikes start with a cable car or chair lift ride, which lops off the first big ascent, making many hikes relatively short and easy. Some of the best hikes for beginner hikers are Cinque Torri, Lago di Braies, the Frontline Trail, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Do I need a car to get around the Dolomites?
A car is not absolutely necessary but it will give you more freedom and you will be able to get to some places where the public buses do not run. Pick up your rental car in Venice, Bolzano, Verona, or Milan and once finished in the Dolomites, return it and resume your trip through Italy by using the trains.
What do you do think are the best hikes in the Dolomites? Let us know in the comment section below, and feel free to write in if you have any questions about which ones you should do.
Plan Your Trip to the Dolomites
We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Basilicata, Sicily, and Puglia.
Below are more of our guides on the Dolomites, plus nearby places to visit in Italy.
Dolomites Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to the Dolomites
Dolomites Travel Guide The Dolomites are one of the most breathtaking mountain destinations in Europe. Jagged pinnacles of rock soar into the sky, mountain huts and cabins dot the green, rolling hills, cable cars whisk hikers and skiers to the highest mountain peaks, and hiking trails connect small hamlets and towns. We’ve spent 12 days […]
15 Surprising Things to Do in the Dolomites That Aren’t Hiking
We have traveled to the Dolomites twice, spending 12 days exploring alpine lakes, mountain passes, and hiking trails. This guide features the very best things to do in the Dolomites that require minimal or no hiking, based on our personal experiences. It’s no secret that the Dolomites are a great place to go hiking. But […]
What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting the Dolomites
The Dolomites. This is where jagged pinnacles of rock soar into the sky, mountain huts and cabins dot the green, rolling hills, cable cars whisk hikers and skiers to the highest mountain peaks, and hiking trails connect small hamlets and towns. It’s easy to fall in love with the photos. Planning a smooth trip here, […]
Where to Stay in the Dolomites (2026 Guide to the Best Towns & Hotels)
Wondering where to stay in the Dolomites? It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your trip. This region may look small on a map, but winding alpine roads and high mountain passes mean travel times are longer than expected. Stay in the wrong town and you could spend hours driving instead […]
Milan Day Trip: One Day Itinerary from Florence, Venice & Cinque Terre
Milan makes a surprisingly easy and rewarding stop between Florence, Venice, and the Cinque Terre. With high-speed trains and compact sightseeing, you can see the Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, all in just a few hours. Milan also co-hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics, bringing the world […]
The Perfect 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary (Dolomites, Venice & Lake Como)
This 10-day itinerary through Northern Italy features Venice, the Dolomites, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como, with hiking suggestions, hotel recommendations, and practical planning advice based on our numerous trips to Italy. We’ve visited Italy numerous times, exploring these destinations on separate trips over the years, hiking in the Dolomites, wandering the canals of Venice, strolling […]
One Day in Venice: 3 Different Ways to Plan Your Itinerary
Visiting Venice for just one day? This guide gives you three proven one-day Venice itineraries, whether you want to see the must-do sights, avoid crowds, or explore at a slower pace. If you are planning to spend one day in Venice, there are several ways to do it. Do you want to spend the day […]
25 BEST Places to Visit in Italy
In this guide, you’ll discover 25 beautiful places to visit in Italy, from Rome’s ancient wonders to the Cinque Terre’s coastal charm. See the highlights in 7 to 14 days or spend 3+ weeks to dive deeper into Italy’s extraordinary sights. If you are planning your first trip to Italy, be prepared to fall in […]
14 Day Italy Itinerary: Best Way to Spend Two Weeks in Italy
If you are planning your first trip to Italy, this 14 day Italy itinerary is a great place to start. With two weeks in Italy, you can visit the highlights…Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and the Cinque Terre. Visit ancient historical sites, cruise the canals in Venice, dine on Italian food, go wine […]
Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes
Europe is one of our favorite places to go hiking. There’s no better way to explore the dramatic and varied landscapes here, from the snow-capped Alps to coastal trails to the remote, volcanic interior of Iceland. In this guide we list 20 of the best hikes in Europe, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful […]
Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?
In this post, find out what we carry with us on day hikes. Whether you are a new hiker, shopping for a friend or family member, or just curious about what hiking gear you should bring on a day hike, we have a lot of great information to share with you. We have hiked thousands […]
Lake Garda Itinerary: The Best Way to Spend 1 to 4 Days in Lake Garda
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, spanning three provinces of Italy (Trentino, Verona, and Brescia). On a visit to Lake Garda, not only can you visit the long list of lovely towns that line the lake, but you can also cruise to Lake Garda’s islands, take your pick from hikes in the area, visit vineyards […]
12 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy (+ One Day Itinerary)
From ancient Roman ruins to pastel streets made for evening strolls, Verona feels like stepping into a storybook. Here are the best things to do in Verona, plus how to plan the perfect one-day visit. Have you ever visited a new place and instantly fallen in love with it? For us, that was Verona. On […]
Path of the Gods Hike: Stats, Map, Photos, & Helpful Tips
Located high above the coastal towns of Positano and Praiano is one of the most beautiful walks in Italy, the Path of the Gods (also called Sentiero degli Dei). This is the most popular hike to do along the Amalfi Coast and it is famous for its jaw-dropping views over Positano and the Sorrento peninsula. […]
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