Dolomites Travel Guide
In northeast Italy, 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.
For many visitors, ourselves included, this region is the highlight of a trip to Italy. The beautiful landscapes, the charming towns, and the long list of incredible hiking trails create a magical travel destination.
In this guide, learn what there is to do in the Dolomites, get advice on where to stay and where to eat, and learn how to plan your perfect itinerary.
Top Experiences in the Dolomites
Go hiking. One of the best ways to experience the Dolomites is from a hiking trail. We cover the best hikes in the Dolomites later in this guide.
Ride the Cable Car to Cima Tofana. From the mountain station, you have 360° views of the Dolomites. In our opinion, it’s even better than the more popular Marmolada.
Marmolada. Ride the cable car to the top of Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites.
Drive the Mountain Passes. There is a long list of scenic mountain passes to drive in the Dolomites. Our favorites are Passo Pordoi, the Sella Pass, Passo Giau, and the Sella Pass.
Visit the Lovely Lakes. There are a handful of beautiful lakes you can visit, including Lago di Braies, Lago Federa, Lago di Misurina, and Lago di Carezza.
Seceda. Ride the cable car to Seceda for one of the most iconic views in the Dolomites.
Dine in a Rifugio. To hike to mountain hut, have a meal, all while gazing out across some the most magnificent landscapes in Europe, is a must-have experience in the Dolomites.
Ride the Cable Car to Lagazuoi. From Falzarego Pass, ride the cable car to Lagazuoi, enjoy the view, and you can even hike back down to the pass.
Visit Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm). This is the highest alpine meadow in Europe and a great place to go hiking and mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Visit Val di Funes. Val di Funes is one of the most picturesque areas of the Dolomites. From these green rolling hills, you get a jaw-dropping view of the Odle/Geisler Group and Santa Maddalena Church.
Go skiing. In the winter months, the Dolomites are a fantastic place in Europe to go skiing.
Best Things to Do in the Dolomites (With Little to No Hiking)
The Dolomites are one of the best places in the world to go hiking. But what if you don’t want to go hiking. Is it still worth visiting the Dolomites if you never plan to set foot on a hiking trail? Yes!! In this guide, we cover the best things to do in the Dolomites that involve little to no hiking.
Best Hikes in the Dolomites
Seceda. Seceda is a famous viewpoint in the Dolomites and it’s just a short hike to get here, since a cable car whisks you high into the mountains, eliminating what would be a massive climb.
Cinque Torri. The Cinque Torri is one of the most recognizable rock formations in the Dolomites. It’s also a very short hike and perfect for all ages and ability levels.
Cinque Torri + Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau. Hike the Cinque Torri and add on rifugios Averau and Nuvolau for one of the best all-around hiking experiences in the Dolomites.
Croda da Lago Circuit. 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.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo. 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.
Cadini di Misurina. 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.
Lago di Sorapis. Lago di Sorapis attracts hundreds of hikers every day in the summer. It’s a beautiful lake but be prepared for big crowds. 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.
Puez-Odle Altopiano. 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.
Piz Boè. 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.
Adolf Munkel Weg. 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.
15 Epic Day Hikes in the Dolomites (RANKED!!)
In this guide, we list 15 of the best hikes in the Dolomites…15 wonderful adventures to add to your trip to this beautiful corner of Italy.
Dolomites Hiking Guide
How to Hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano Trail in the Dolomites
The Puez-Odle Altopiano is a spectacular hike from start to finish. With jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites, fields of wildflowers, and endless alpine views, this is our favorite hike in the Dolomites. The Puez-Odle hike is a 10.6 mile hike along some of the highest mountain peaks in the Dolomites. The hike involves 850 meters […]
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: Step-By-Step Trail Guide (Stats, Map & Photos)
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is one of the Dolomites’ iconic hikes. Three massive rocky prominences rise up from the rolling scenery of the Dolomites, surrounded by amazing views and, during the summer months, wildflowers. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo. About Our Experience […]
How to Hike to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint (Map, Photos & Helpful Tips)
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 […]
How to Hike the Cinque Torri (Map, Photos & Best Viewpoints)
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 […]
Lagazuoi to Passo Falzarego: Hiking the Frontline Trail
This short, easy hike starts with a cable car ride to one of the highest peaks in the area. From this spot, the views across the Dolomites are incredible. To turn this into a hike, it’s a completely downhill walk back to Passo Falzarego (the Falzarego Pass). On the way, you can explore bunkers and […]
How to Hike the Adolf Munkel Weg to Geisler Alm
The Adolf Munkel Weg is a point-to-point hiking trail that runs along the Odle/Geisler mountain group in Val di Funes. 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 […]
Croda da Lago Circuit Hike (+ Lago Federa & Forcella Ambrizzola)
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 […]
How to Hike to Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau
For jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites, and drinks (or a meal) with a view, it’s hard to beat Rifugio Nuvolau. The only way to get here is by hiking, and along the way, you will pass by Rifugio Averau and the Cinque Torri. Rifugio Nuvalou sits on top Mount Nuvolau. At an elevation of 2,575 […]
Piz Boè Hiking Guide: Map, Hiking Stats, Trail Guide & Photos
Piz Boè is considered to be one of the easiest summits over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) in the Dolomites. This is largely because you have the option to take a cable car to skip the majority of the exhausting climb. This hike starts at Passo Pordoi. From here, ride a cable car to Sass Pordoi […]
More Places to Go in the Dolomites
Ride the cable cars to the tops of the tallest peaks, visit the alpine lakes, and explore the towns and valleys.
Best Way to Visit Seceda (with Little to No Hiking)
Seceda is one of the most popular viewpoints in the Dolomites. From the summit of Seceda, you can look out across the jagged, slanting pinnacles that makes this viewpoint so famous. One of the best things about visiting Seceda is that very little hiking is required. A cable car whisks you to the summit, eliminating […]
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) in Summer: Things to Do, Photos & Tips
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German) is the highest alpine meadow in Europe. This lush, green meadow is located in the Dolomites of Italy. 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 […]
Tofana-Cortina Cable Car to Cima Tofana & Tofana di Mezzo
For one of the best views of the Dolomites, put the Tofana-Freccia nel Cielo Cable Car on your to-do list. One of the best things to do in the Dolomites is to ride the Tofana-Freccia nel Cielo cable car to Cima Tofana. From Cima Tofana, it is a short hike to Tofana di Mezzo, the […]
Exactly How to Visit Lago di Braies in 2024 (HELPFUL Tips & Photos)
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. Recently, it has become even more famous, since it is the filming site for an Italian TV show, Un […]
Ultimate Guide to Marmolada | Photos, Tips & Is It Worth It?
Marmolada, also called the Queen of the Dolomites, is the tallest mountain in the Dolomites. A series of cable cars zips you to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Dolomites. In this guide, we cover how to visit Marmolada, the best things to do while you are here, and whether or […]
How to Plan a Trip to the Dolomites
How to Plan a Trip to the Dolomites: Things to Know Before You Go
With its twisting roads, long list of things to do, and multiple options on where to stay, it can feel like a daunting task to know how to plan a trip to the Dolomites. In this guide, we hope to clear up this confusion and answer some questions that you didn’t even know you had.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Dolomites?
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, spend as much time here as you can. I recommend five days at a minimum. So far, we spent 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.
Dolomites Itinerary
Ultimate Dolomites Itinerary: Best of the Dolomites from 1 to 10 Days
In this guide, we share with you the top experiences in the Dolomites, how to organize them day-by-day, and then how to put this all together to create your perfect Dolomites itinerary, whether you have 3 days, 5 days, or more.
Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
If you are planning a trip to the Dolomites to go hiking, June through September is the best time to visit the Dolomites.
In May and even into early June in some years, snow can linger on the trails. The earliest I recommend planning a hiking trip is early June. You can still visit the Dolomites in May, but you might be limited in what hikes you can do.
In October, once the snow begins to fall, the trails close. It varies from year to year, but the hiking trails are typically closed by the end of October into very early November. If the snows come early, this could happen by mid-October.
If skiing is your thing, visit the Dolomites from December through March, although some ski resorts will open sooner than this or close later than this.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites
If you look at the Dolomites on a map, it doesn’t look all that big. But the narrow winding roads and multiple mountain passes make it slow going when driving through the Dolomites.
If you have three or more days in the Dolomites, consider staying in two different places, one in the eastern Dolomites and one in the western Dolomites. This will save you some time since you will have shorter drives to the hiking trails and viewpoints.
If you just have a few days and want one hotel, pick out what you want to do, and then choose the location closest to those activities.
To make things easy, you could book a hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo and spend a few days here. Some of our favorite things to do in the Dolomites are near here, including Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cinque Torri, the Croda da Lago Circuit, and Lago di Braies.
In our guide on where to stay in the Dolomites, get recommendations on the best places to stay in the Dolomites, based on location, budget, and travel style.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites 2024: Best Locations & Hotels
In this guide, we share with you the best places to stay in the Dolomites, organized by location and travel style.
Italy Itinerary with the Dolomites
Northern Italy Itinerary: Venice, Dolomites, Verona & Lake Como
In this 10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary, visit Venice, the Dolomites, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como. You will spend four days in the Dolomites on this itinerary.
Dolomites Photos
More Information About Italy & Europe
Here are a few more articles about things to do in and around the Dolomites.
10 Days in Italy Itinerary: 5 Amazing Ideas for Your Trip to Italy
Italy is a country that is on many travelers’ wish list. And why not? Italy has it all: fabulous cuisine, gorgeous cities, towering mountains and beautiful beaches, and ancient historical sites. Throw in some gelato and wine and you have the perfect ingredients for a memorable 10-day holiday in Europe. If you have 10 days […]
Italy Bucket List: 25 Best Places to Visit in Italy
Are you planning a trip to Italy? If so, be prepared to fall in love with an extraordinary country. The food, the wine, the history, the art and architecture, the quaint, hillside towns in Tuscany, and the underrated Dolomites…there is something here for everyone. The list of best places to visit in Italy is long. […]
Venice Bucket List: 20 Amazing Things to Do in Venice, Italy
Venice is one of our favorite spots in Italy. Why? Venice is romantic, historic, and gorgeous. It is also small and compact, perfect to be explored with just a few days time. The list of sites to visit in Venice is long. So long, in fact, that it would take days to see all of […]
12 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy
Have you ever visited a new place and instantly fallen in love with it? For us, that was Verona. Verona may not be as popular as other Italian cities like Florence and Venice, but don’t let that fool you. Verona is underrated as an Italian destination, as we just discovered. Tim and I only had […]
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 […]
Lake Garda Bucket List: 25 Things to Do in Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. With brightly colored towns, castles and Roman ruins, beaches and vineyards, amusement parks and historical sites, there is plenty here to keep you busy for days. The list of things to do in Lake Garda is long and we cover the top sights in this guide. An […]
Italy Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Italy
We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, and Puglia.