Jagged limestone peaks rise above green valleys, cable cars make it easy to reach the high mountains, and many trails lead to rifugios where you can stop for lunch with an incredible view. The Dolomites are one of the best hiking destinations in Europe, and this guide ranks the 15 best hikes in the Dolomites, from easy scenic trails to challenging alpine adventures.
We have spent 12 days in the Dolomites over two trips and personally hiked every trail in this guide. In this list of the best hikes in the Dolomites, we rank 15 of our favorites, from short walks to spectacular viewpoints to challenging full-day hikes.
If this is your first trip to the Dolomites, our top picks are the Puez-Odle Altopiano, Cinque Torri with Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau, Cadini di Misurina, Croda da Lago, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo. But the best hike for you will depend on how much time you have, your hiking experience, and where you are staying.
Below, you can quickly compare all 15 hikes by difficulty and what each one is best for, followed by detailed trail information and links to our complete hiking guides. If you’re just starting to plan your trip, our Dolomites Travel Guide covers everything else you need to know, from where to stay to how many days to spend.
Our Dolomites Hiking Experiences
We’ve visited the Dolomites twice, spending a total of 12 days exploring the region, and we’ve personally hiked every trail on this list. Our first visit spanned just three days. Tyler and Kara were kids, and all four of us fell in love with this region. We returned on a future trip, this time spending nine wonderful days hiking our way through the stunning hiking trails and cable cars rides.
We have hiked every trail on this list, some of them more than once (like Tre Cime di Lavaredo). The hikes in this post range from short walks to viewpoints like Cadini di Misurina and Seceda to full-day adventures such as the Puez-Odle Altopiano and Croda da Lago Circuit.
We rank these hikes based on our own experience on the trail, taking into account the scenery, difficulty, crowds, logistics, and overall experience. All of the photos in this guide were taken by us during our visits to the Dolomites.
Updated August 2026: We refreshed this guide with the latest information for planning a trip to the Dolomites, including 2026 parking and access changes, hiking reservations, cable car information, and links to our newly updated Dolomites hiking and itinerary guides.
Best Hikes in the Dolomites: At a Glance
We’ve personally hiked every trail on this list. Here is how we rank the 15 best hikes in the Dolomites, along with what each hike is best for. The detailed hiking guides below are arranged from the shortest and easiest trails to the longest and most challenging.
| Rank | Hike | Difficulty | Best For |
| #1 | Puez-Odle Altopiano | Moderate–strenuous | Best overall hike |
| #2 | Cinque Torri + Averau & Nuvolau | Easy–moderate | Best views + rifugios |
| #3 | Cadini di Misurina | Easy | Best iconic viewpoint |
| #4 | Croda da Lago Circuit | Moderate–strenuous | Best underrated hike |
| #5 | Rifugios Averau & Nuvolau | Easy | Best lunch-with-a-view hike |
| #6 | Tofana di Mezzo | Easy* | Biggest views for least hiking |
| #7 | Tre Cime di Lavaredo | Moderate | Best for first-time visitors |
| #8 | Cinque Torri | Easy | Best easy family hike |
| #9 | Lago di Sorapis | Moderate–strenuous | Best alpine lake hike |
| #10 | Seceda | Easy | Best easy hike in Val Gardena |
| #11 | Lagazuoi to Passo Falzarego | Easy | Best easy downhill hike |
| #12 | Adolf Munkel Weg | Moderate | Best huts + fewer crowds |
| #13 | Piz Boè | Moderate | Best 3,000-meter summit |
| #14 | Lago di Braies | Easy | Best easy lake walk |
| #15 | Alpe di Siusi | Easy | Best alpine meadow walk |
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)
Distance: 0.3 km (0.2 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: 55 meters (180 feet) | Time: 30 minutes | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo
For one of the best views of the Dolomites from the shortest hiking trail, it’s hard to beat Tofana di Mezzo.
Our Take: For such a short hike, the views are extraordinary. We loved this experience, but the trail has significant exposure, so we only recommend the final walk to the summit if you are comfortable with heights.
Tim on Tofana di Mezzo
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.
Tim, Tyler, and Kara on 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
Our Take: Seceda deserves its popularity. The jagged ridgeline is one of the most recognizable views in the Dolomites. However, this feels more like a spectacular viewpoint with a short walk than a true hiking experience.
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
Our Take: This is one of the best easy hikes in the Dolomites, particularly for families. The scenery is beautiful, the World War I trenches add something unique, and we think it gets even better if you combine it with Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau.
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
Our Take: This is one of our favorite short hikes in the Dolomites. You get enormous mountain views for relatively little effort, and the famous Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is every bit as impressive in person as it looks in photos.
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.
I took this photo of Kara on return hike from the Cadini di Misurina.
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
Our Take: Lago di Braies is beautiful and worth seeing, but we consider it more of a scenic lake walk than one of the Dolomites’ great hikes. If hiking is your main priority and your time is limited, there are many trails on this list we would choose first.
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 9:00 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
Our Take: This was our first hike in the Dolomites, and it remains a great choice for families and newer hikers. The mostly downhill route makes it relatively easy while still delivering the big mountain scenery that makes hiking in the Dolomites so special.
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
Our Take: This is one of our favorite experiences in the Dolomites. The hiking is relatively easy, the views from Rifugio Nuvolau are phenomenal, and sitting down for a meal or drink at a mountain hut is an experience we think every first-time visitor should have.
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
Me and Tim enjoying the 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
Our Take: If you want to stand on a 3,000-meter peak without committing to an all-day summit hike, Piz Boè is a great choice. The climb is tougher than its relatively short distance suggests, but the 360° views from the summit make the effort worthwhile.
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.
Here we are on the 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
Our Take: If we had to recommend just one hike near Cortina d’Ampezzo, this would be one of our top choices. It combines gorgeous scenery, an easy-to-moderate trail, World War I history, and two fantastic rifugios into one very memorable day.
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 Siusi
Our Take: Alpe di Siusi is gorgeous, but we enjoyed some of the other hikes on this list more. Come here for a relaxing walk through alpine meadows and views of Sassolungo rather than a dramatic high-mountain hiking experience.
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
Our Take: Tre Cime is popular for good reason and is one of the hikes we consider essential for a first visit to the Dolomites. We’ve hiked it twice, and despite the crowds, walking around these enormous peaks is still one of the classic Dolomites experiences.
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
Our Take: This hike doesn’t have the nonstop dramatic scenery of Tre Cime or Puez-Odle, but we loved its quieter setting and the views from Geisler Alm. It’s a particularly good choice if you want to escape some of the Dolomites’ busier trails and include lunch at a mountain hut.
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
Our Take: Lago di Sorapis is stunning, but the crowds on the standard out-and-back trail can take away from the experience. We much preferred adding Forcella Marcuoira, which turns this into a more challenging adventure with fewer people and much bigger mountain views.
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 that I took of Tim in front 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
Our Take: This was one of the biggest surprises of our Dolomites trips. The scenery constantly changes, the trail was remarkably quiet compared with the region’s famous hikes, and we think it deserves far more attention than it gets.
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
Our Take: This is our favorite hike in the Dolomites. It’s a long day, but the ever-changing scenery, high-alpine terrain, wildflowers, and enormous mountain views make it one of the most rewarding hikes we’ve done in Italy.
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.
Which Dolomites Hike Should You Choose?
Best Short, Easy Hikes in the Dolomites
- Cinque Torri – Best easy hike overall and great for families
- Cadini di Misurina – Best short hike for a dramatic viewpoint
- Seceda – Best for iconic views with minimal hiking
- Lago di Braies – Best easy lake walk
- Lagazuoi to Passo Falzarego – Best easy downhill hike
- Rifugios Averau & Nuvolau – Best easy hike with a mountain-hut experience
Best Hikes for Your First Trip to the Dolomites
If you only have a few days, here are the best hikes in the Dolomites that let you experience it from several different angles:
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina – Best iconic Dolomites experience
- Cinque Torri + Rifugios Averau & Nuvolau – Best combination of scenery, history, and rifugios
- Puez-Odle Altopiano – Best choice for experienced hikers who want a full-day adventure
- Croda da Lago Circuit – Best alternative if you want fewer crowds
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:
Our top choices from Cortina: Cinque Torri + Averau/Nuvolau, Tre Cime + Cadini, Croda da Lago, Lago di Sorapis.
Also nearby: Tofana di Mezzo, Lagazuoi, Lago di Braies.
Hikes in and around Val Gardena
Here are hikes located in and around Val Gardena:
Our top choices: Puez-Odle Altopiano and Seceda.
Also nearby: Piz Boè, Alpe di Siusi, Adolf Munkel Weg.
Best Dolomites Hikes for Families
The Dolomites are a fantastic destination for families, with several hikes that deliver huge mountain views without requiring a long or difficult day on the trail. On our first visit to the Dolomites, we hiked here with our kids, so we experienced firsthand which trails work well for families and which are better suited to more experienced hikers.
These are our top picks based on difficulty, length, exposure, and how much scenery you get for the effort.
- Cinque Torri – Our top pick for families
- Lagazuoi to Passo Falzarego – Mostly downhill and very scenic
- Lago di Braies – Easy, flat-ish lake loop
- Seceda – Huge views without much hiking
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo – Good for active families with older children
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.
2026 Dolomites Hiking Updates & Reservations
Hiking in the Dolomites requires a little more advance planning than it did when we first visited. You generally do not need a permit or reservation to hike the trails themselves, but parking restrictions, road access rules, and cable car tickets can affect several hikes on this list.
Here are the most important things to know for 2026:
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Cadini di Misurina: If you plan to drive the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo, an advance parking reservation is required. For 2026, parking for a standard car costs €40. Because both Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina start from this area, one reservation gives you access to both hikes.
- Alpe di Siusi: This is a major change for 2026. Beginning June 29, P1 Spitzbühl and P2 Compatsch parking must be reserved online in advance. Reservations open six days before your visit. The road to Alpe di Siusi is also closed to private vehicles from 9 am to 5 pm, so if you are driving to the plateau, you must arrive before 9 am. Alternatively, park in the valley and ride the cable car to Alpe di Siusi.
- Lago di Braies: From July 1 through September 15, 2026, traffic into the Braies Valley is restricted from 9 am to 4 pm. During these hours, you need an online parking reservation/transit permit to drive to Lago di Braies. You can drive into the valley before 9 am without a reservation, but a parking space is not guaranteed.
- Adolf Munkel Weg: Parking at Zans can now be reserved online in advance. A reservation is not mandatory for cars, but only a limited number of spaces are available and the parking lot can fill. If the traffic light in Ranui is red, you can only continue to Zans if you already have a reservation.
- Seceda: A reservation is not required to visit Seceda, but the cable car company now recommends buying tickets online in advance, particularly because parking in Ortisei is limited. Using public transportation to reach the Seceda valley station is also encouraged.
Our advice: If Tre Cime, Cadini di Misurina, Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, Adolf Munkel Weg, or Seceda is on your itinerary, check the current access rules before your trip and make any necessary reservations as soon as they become available. We keep our individual hiking guides updated with the latest parking, cable car, and reservation information.
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.
Plan Your Trip to the Dolomites
- Planning your first trip? → Our Dolomites Travel Guide brings all of our Dolomites guides together in one place, including hiking trails, scenic drives, itinerary ideas, and practical travel tips.
- Need a day-by-day plan? → Our Dolomites Itinerary shows you how to combine these hikes with the region’s other highlights, with itinerary ideas for 3 to 10 days.
- Not sure where to stay? → Our Where to Stay in the Dolomites guide compares Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Alta Badia, and other popular bases, including which hikes are easiest to reach from each.
- Want to know what to expect before you go? → Read What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting the Dolomites for advice on transportation, cable cars, reservations, weather, and choosing the right home base.
- Traveling with someone who doesn’t want to hike? → Our Things to Do in the Dolomites That Aren’t Hiking covers cable cars, mountain passes, lakes, viewpoints, and other ways to experience the Dolomites.
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.
More Places to Visit in the Dolomites & Italy
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.
10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary (Dolomites, Venice & Lake Como)
Pinterest Facebook Flipboard 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 […]
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, […]
25 Best Places to Visit in Italy
After six trips to Italy, these are the 25 places to visit in Italy we keep recommending — the ones that reward first-timers and repeat visitors alike, from the iconic cities of Rome and Florence to lesser-known gems like Matera and Puglia. We’ve been to Italy six times over the past ten years, and we’re […]
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 […]
One Day in Venice: 3 Different Ways to Plan Your Itinerary
One day in Venice itinerary: 3 different ways to plan your time, whether you want the top sights, the quiet canals, or a mix of both. If you are planning to spend one day in Venice, there are several ways to do it. Do you want to spend the day visiting the top sights in […]
14 Day Italy Itinerary: Best Way to Spend Two Weeks in Italy
We have been to Italy six times, and this route — Rome, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Tuscany, the Cinque Terre, and Venice — is the one we recommend above all others for a first visit. We’ve traveled every stretch of it firsthand and refined the planning advice in this post trip by trip. What […]
Best Hikes in Europe: 25 Incredible Hikes for Every Level
From the dramatic cliffs of Norway to the jagged peaks of the Dolomites and the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, Europe is packed with some of the most unforgettable hikes in the world. In this guide, we share our favorite hikes in Europe, trails that stand out for their scenery, uniqueness, and overall experience from start […]
Planning to Hike the Cinque Terre? Here’s What to Know for 2026
The Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most iconic coastal hikes, connecting five colorful villages by cliffside trails overlooking the Mediterranean. Here’s exactly how to hike the Cinque Terre from Riomaggiore to Monterosso, including trail closures, ticket costs, one-way rules, and what to expect in 2026. We hiked the entire route as a family. Our […]
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: Best Way to Spend 1 to 4 Days in Lake Garda
Wondering how many days to spend in Lake Garda? In this Lake Garda itinerary, we’ll walk you through several different options, from quick one-day visits to a full week on Lake Garda. Lake Garda is long, beautiful, and bigger than it looks on a map. The towns that ring the lake span three provinces: Trentino […]
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: The Most Beautiful Hike on the Amalfi Coast
Located high above the coastal towns of Positano and Praiano, the Path of the Gods, known in Italian as the Sentiero degli Dei, is one of the most beautiful walks in Italy. This is the most popular hike on the Amalfi Coast, and it’s famous for its jaw-dropping views over Positano and the Sorrento Peninsula. […]
Comments 127