A trip to the Dolomites is unlike any other destination you’ll experience in Italy. In fact, after breathing in the crisp mountain air and taking in the endless, postcard-perfect alpine meadows, you’ll almost forget you’re even in Italy at all!
It’s one of those places that makes your jaw drop – not just because you’ll be catching your breath after hiking – but for the sheer natural beauty which surrounds you.
In this Dolomites travel guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know for a first-time visit to the Dolomites. You’ll discover the best things to do in the Dolomites, from the famous lakes to the most popular hiking trails and everything in between.
Dolomites Key Info
When to visit
mid June — mid September
How to get there
Fly to Venice + 3 hour drive
How to get around
Renting a car is best!
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
Italian + German + English
TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT
Seceda
Lago di Braies
Alpe di Siusi
Val di Funes
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
5-7 days
Before visiting, I had no idea just how close the Dolomites were to Austria. Fun fact: this region used to be actually part of Austria until about 100 years ago, which is why you’ll find such a fascinating blend of Italian and Austrian culture. You can be sipping an Aperol Spritz one minute, and devouring schnitzel the next – it’s the best of both worlds!
So expect to hear multiple languages during your visit and be prepared to be slightly confused – all of the popular sights in the Dolomites are referred to and signposted with both their German and Italian names. It took me a while to clock on and realise that “Lago di Braeis” and “Pragser Wildsee” were actually the same place.
For your convenience, in this guide, I’ve included both names for all of the best places to visit in the Dolomites. As well as information on when to visit, how to get around, the best places to stay, and, of course, all my personal tips & tricks that will make your trip unforgettable.
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11 Best things to do in the Dolomites
1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous hiking destinations in the Dolomites. The jagged peaks of Tre Cime Di Lavaredo are an iconic sight and can be reached by a relatively easy hiking trail.
Here you can do an 11km loop (trial link here) which takes around 4-5 hours and offers unbeatable views every step of the way.
HOW TO GET HERE: Drive to Rifugio Auronzo (location here). This is a mountain hut with hundreds of car parking spots + toilets which you can use before starting your hike.
The road to this rifugio is a toll road which costs €30 to access, this price includes 12 hours of parking. Note: the toll road is only open from the end of May until October. Arrive before 8.30 am to guarantee a spot as the car park is usually full by 9 am.
TIP: Bring cash with you, specifically €1 and €0.50 coins to use the toilets.
I recommend stopping for lunch at Rifugio Lavaredo or Rifugio Locatelli.
2. Cadini di Misurina
This is a short, steep & very sweet hike to an insanely cinematic viewpoint of Cadini di Misurina, which you can also access from Rifugio Auronzo. I recommend combining this trail with the Tre Cime loop on the same day.
HOW TO GET THERE: From the Rifugio, follow the 117 signposts for the hiking trail. It’s a quick 3.4-km out-and-back trail which takes 45 minutes each way.
Depending on when you visit, you may spend longer waiting in a queue to take photos of the famous viewpoint than you would actually hiking. Yep, I waited 1 hour in line to take the above photo.
Honestly though, I was happy to wait, catch my breath and take in the views to pass the time. If you can’t be bothered waiting, walk a bit further up the trail to take your pics without the crowds.
TIP: Save this location of the viewpoint to your Google Maps app before you go!
3. Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee
Arguably one of – if not the most – Instagrammable spots in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies (also known as Pragser Wildsee) is a stunning emerald-green lake surrounded by towering mountains.
It’s worth noting this lake is not as close to the other main areas in the Dolomites so it’s worth staying at a hotel that’s within a 1 hour drive from here. Or even better, you can actually stay at a hotel on the lake itself, at Hotel Lago di Braies.
This is what I ended up doing! While the rooms here are pretty average and a minimum 3-night stay is required, waking up to lake views every morning was priceless.
Okay, not exactly priceless, more like €200 per night, however with breakfast & dinner included and free parking, I was pretty chuffed! Hotel Lago di Braies is also close to Tre Cime so be sure to check out this hike if you end up staying on the lake too.
Otherwise, getting to the lake is relatively straightforward with parking available right next to the lake.
I recommend parking HERE which costs €6 for the day and is a 10-minute walk to the lake shore.
NOTE: If you’re visiting the Dolomites in July & August, the road to Lago di Braies will be closed between 9.30 am and 4 pm, which means you will need to book a parking ticket online in advance if you want to arrive during these hours – which can cost a whopping €40!
Instead, get to a car park before 9 am to secure a parking spot for cheap.
You simply can’t visit Lago di Braies without going in one of the iconic wooden boats. It costs €50 for 45 min, which is a bit steep however I personally thought it was well worth it. It would be like visiting Venice without going on a gondola ride. You also get a free magnet & postcards to take with you as a souvenir.
TIP: Once you finish your boat ride, don’t forget to take some photos of the dock before you leave. The only way to access this dock is before/after a ride or you can rent it for a photoshoot for €400.
Be sure to pack some comfortable shoes as there is a gorgeous 1 hour hiking trail around the lake which a lot of people miss when they only come for the boat ride. This trail will take you past some adorable alpine cows chilling on the lakeshore.
NOTE: swimming in this lake is not permitted.
There are a few cafes/places to grab food around the lake however I would avoid them as they have horrible reviews. Instead, pack some snacks and head to a nearby restaurant for lunch! We went to Trattoria Mösslhof Alto Adige and had amazing homemade South Tyrolean dishes here.
4. Val di Funes
Tucked away in a peaceful valley, Val di Funes is known for its charming villages, fairytale churches and views of the Odle mountain range. There are a few must-see places in this area within the Dolomites, you can easily visit the following three locations within a day.
5. Church of St. John / San Giovanni church
Located in the heart of Val di Funes, the Church of St. John is a small baroque 18th-century chapel, famous for its photo-worthy backdrop.
Speaking of which, it’s only worth coming here if you love photography, which as you can tell, I LOVE. Otherwise, it’s probably not worth the visit.
You have to pay €4 to get up close to the church via an access gate, although going inside the church itself is not possible. You’re welcome to take photos at a distance/behind the gate however you might want to bring a zoom lens with you or use the x5 telephoto lens on your iPhone.
HOW TO GET THERE: Car Park Location. Cost: €4 for the day.
6. Church of St. Magdalena / Santa Maddalena Church
While you could skip the last church, a visit to Val di Funes isn’t complete without catching a sunset at this beautiful viewpoint of the Church of St. Magdalena / Santa Maddalena Church.
HOW TO GET THERE: Car Park Location. Cost: €4 for the day.
From the car park, hike 30 minutes towards this viewpoint, you’ll pass the church along the way and continue upwards to this unmissable scenery.
7. Geisler Alm
Geisler Alm, also located in Val di Funes, is a mountain hut/restaurant nestled within a stunning alpine pasture with views of the Odle mountains. It is also referred to as Rifugio delle Odle.
After a scenic 1-1.5 hour hike, reward yourself with some homemade alpine food while taking in the gorgeous views. Order their Shepherd’s Maccheroni (the best pasta dish I had in the Dolomites!), along with a plate of Kaiserschmarrn (traditional sweet pancakes).
NOTE: The Geisler Alm restaurant is closed on Mondays however it’s still worth hiking to this spot, just remember to pack a lunch!
HOW TO GET THERE: Car Park Location. Cost: €8 for the day.
NOTE: The car park gets full in the summer, so aim to arrive no later than 10 am.
The 2 main ways to reach Geisler Alm from the car park are:
A. Follow trail signs no. 6, then 35, then 36A. Hike = 1.5 hours there + 1 hour back.
B. Follow trail signs no. 36 & 43. Hike = 1 hour there + 40 mins back.
All the trails are easily signposted, so don’t worry about getting lost! These are popular hiking trails so there will always be someone around to nudge you in the right direction.
TIP: For my fellow photographer enthusiasts, I recommend timing your visit to Geisler Alm to arrive around 1 pm and stay for a long leisurely lunch. In the morning the sun is behind the Odle mountains, whereas in the afternoon the sun is hitting the mountain range which is much better for photos. Even better, come here for sunset!
8. Lago di Sorapis
Lago di Sorapis is officially the bluest lake in the Dolomites – almost as blue as a bottle of WKD Blue, although not anywhere near as artificial! A hike to this magical turquoise lake is well worth the effort as it cannot be accessed any other way.
This hike has been described as rather challenging (but doable!), however best avoided if you’re afraid of heights. Avoid wet weather too as the paths will be slippery.
HOW TO GET THERE: Parking is free along the road of the hiking trail starting point, location here.
The hike takes around 4 hours in total on this rather steep 11.4-km out-and-back journey (trail link).
NOTE: Swimming in this lake is not permitted.
9. Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm
The largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe, Alpe di Siusi offers expansive green pastures, quaint wooden huts, and a backdrop of towering peaks. Perfect for easy hikes, cycling, or simply soaking in the beauty.
You’ll want to spend at least half a day in Seiser Alm, visit the two famous photo spots, go for a short hike and stop at a rufugio for a drink or meal.
PHOTO LOCATIONS:
Photo Viewpoint 1: LOCATION HERE
Photo Viewpoint 2: LOCATION HERE
PHOTO TIP: Come here in the afternoon or at sunset for the best lighting.
HOW TO GET THERE: You’ve got a few options for how to get to Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm. Please note: if you decide to drive, you can only arrive before 9 am or after 5 pm as the road is closed during these times.
Here are the best ways to get to Seiser Alm:
1. Park in Compatsch at Parkplatz P1 for free. (Note: extra 25 minute walk)
2. Park in Compatsch at Parkplatz P2 for €26.50 for the day.
3. Get a cable car from Siusi / Seis. It runs daily between 8 am – 6 pm and costs €26.50 for a return trip. Free parking is available next to the cable car station here.
4. Get a cable car from Ortisei. This runs 8.30 am – 6 pm & costs €32 for a return trip or €39 with the chairlift included. Parking is available right next to the cable car station for €12/day.
5. Stay at a hotel within Seiser Alm, you will get a permit to drive your car directly to your accommodation at all times.
I personally went with option 4. Yes, this is the most expensive option, however, it’s the best option if you plan on visiting both Seceda and Seiser Alm in one day.
This is because you can get a daily pass to all cable cars from Ortisei for €62 per person – this includes the cable car to Seceda which alone costs €45 for a return trip. So you’re saving €15 per person.
Arriving from Ortisei is also the quickest way to get to Photo Viewpoint 2 (pictured above). From the cable car station, you can get a chair lift which drops you at the hotel, Sporthotel Sonne. From here walk an easy 10 minutes to this viewpoint. From Compatsch this viewpoint is a longer 1-1.5 hour walk.
While in Seiser Alm, I recommend having lunch at Malga Sanon, Rauchhütte or Malga Contrin – all three have incredible views.
10. Seceda
Seceda‘s dramatic ridgeline offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the Dolomites. This is probably one of the easiest “no-hike” viewpoints in the Dolomites, although it’s a very steep 10-minute climb when you exit the cable car station to this photo spot (pictured below).
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive to Ortisei and park here for the cheapest parking available (€12 for the day). Then walk 10 minutes to the cable car station here.
Get the cable car up to Seceda. A return ticket costs £45pp or you can get a day pass for €62 per person and also visit Seiser Alm on the same day.
The cable car runs from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. The cable car journey takes 15 minutes and will stop halfway at Furnes where you get off and get on a second cable car (this is included in your ticket price).
There are various hiking trails you can do around Seceda. We were a bit tight on time here so we ended up having lunch at a Rufugio, Baita Sofie Hütte, and enjoying the views.
TIP: If you plan to visit Seceda & Seiser Alm in one day, I recommend starting with Seceda first and spending the second half of your day in Seiser Alm.
11. Lago di Carezza / Karersee
Lago di Carezza, also known as the “Rainbow Lake,” is a small but stunning alpine lake in the Dolomites, famous for its crystal-clear waters.
This spot is easily accessible by both car & bus – and even better, no hiking required! Once you arrive, there’s a car park conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the lake. Parking costs €1/hour.
You only need 1-2 hours at this Karersee. There is a small loop around the lake that takes around 20-minutes to walk.
The lake is located in the south of the Dolomites so I recommend stopping here either on your way to your hotel in the Dolomites or on your way back to Venice’s international airport.
NOTE: Swimming in this lake is not permitted.
Best time to visit the Dolomites
The best months to visit the Dolomites are mid-June through to mid-September.
While normally I wouldn’t recommend visiting Italy during the summer months due to the scorching heat, fortunately in the Dolomites the weather is a lot cooler due to the high altitudes.
Average temperatures in summer range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), perfect for outdoor adventures.
July & August are the busiest months due to school holidays. However, if you plan your trip well and don’t mind the occasional early wake-up call, your trip won’t be impacted by the crowds. There are over 140,000 hectares to spread across after all!
Avoid travelling in early spring as a lot of the cable cars don’t start running til mid-June. Not only that but some roads will also be closed. This means you wouldn’t be able to access one of the most popular hiking trails at Tre Cime Di Lavaredo, the road here is only open from June to October.
The Dolomites are also very popular in Winter (December to March) for its epic ski slopes! Temperatures drop to around -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), with some areas getting even colder at night.
While ice skating on the lakes throughout the Dolomites is not permitted, there are a few ice skating rinks to check out in Seiser Alm and Val Gardena.
December is a fantastic time to visit as there are plenty of adorable Christmas markets to check out in various villages throughout the Dolomites.
How to get to the Dolomites
The closest airports to the Dolomites are:
Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria – Approx. 2 hours to the Dolomites
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Italy – Approx. 2-3 hours to the Dolomites
Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), Italy – Approx. 3-4 hours to the Dolomites
I personally recommend flying into Venice to avoid any fees or issues with your car rental insurance provider which can occur when driving across different countries in Europe.
To me, it just made sense to keep things simplified to arrive & drive around in the same country. Plus, if you can add a few extra nights in Venice before or after your stay in the Dolomites. Be sure to check out my Venice guide for recommendations on the best things to do in this romantic city.
While it’s possible to get public transport to the Dolomites, you would be doing yourself a serious disservice as the Dolomites are best explored by car.
With a car, you will have the most flexibility when visiting the Dolomites and you’ll be able to easily reach popular hiking trails and viewing points at sunrise or sunset – which isn’t always possible via bus.
I recommend using Discover Cars to book your rental. I always get the best deal on car rentals on their site as they compare hundreds of providers and give you the best price available.
Dolomites Without A Car
It’s worth noting that a lot of public transport in the Dolomites only runs during peak seasons, therefore I would only recommend using public transport to get around the Dolomites during summer.
However, if you simply don’t drive or don’t fancy it, rest assured getting to and around the Dolomites via public transport is indeed possible. Plus you’ll save some cash on those hefty car parking prices!
From Venice, you can get a direct train from Venice Santa Lucia to Bolzano (3 hours) or Trento (2 hours). From Bolzano & Trento, you can travel around the Dolomites via regional trains, buses and cable cars.
This website is super handy for planning journeys, checking timetables and seeing fare prices.
How many days in the Dolomites
Ideally forever! But in all seriousness, I am fully aware we don’t have unlimited annual leave to take off so therefore I recommend at least 4-5 days for a first-time visit to the Dolomites. Especially considering a good chunk of your first & last day will be in transit.
I personally spent two weeks in the Dolomites and could have easily doubled my time there. Plus, if you’re staying in a hotel with a pool, you’ll want a few days to just chill at your accommodation, go for a swim and give your legs a rest after hiking.
Dolomites Itinerary Examples:
4-5 DAYS
Suggested activities: Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, Val di Funes & Lago di Carezza.
6-8 DAYS
Suggested activities: In addition to the above, hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo and visit Lago di Braies.
9+ DAYS
Suggested activities: All of the above, as well as hiking to Lago di Sorapis & exploring the beautiful towns of Ortisei, Bolzano and the region of Ritten.
Where to stay in the Dolomites
If you refer to my Google map of the Dolomites, you’ll quickly realise how big it is! Therefore I recommend breaking up your trip and staying in 2-3 different areas so you are saving time driving by staying near popular hiking trails and must-see lakes.
The best areas to say in the Dolomites are:
- Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm (most beautiful)
- Val Gardena (Ortisei has convenient cable car connections)
- Bolzano (main city with the best public transport options)
- Val di Funes (peaceful with stunning mountain views)
- Cortina d’Ampezzo (close to Lago di Braies & Tre Cime)
Keep scrolling for my recommendations on the best hotels in the Dolomites.
The Best Hotels in the Dolomites
San Luis Lodges
This luxury retreat offers alpine views, a huge lake filled with koi fishs, private saunas in every room, and a dreamy wellness & SPA area with an indoor/outdoor pool. Gourmet half-board dining is included. Read my full review here.
Hotel Lago di Braies
Situated on the shore of the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites. While the interiors of Hotel Lago di Braies may be a bit tired, you really can’t beat waking up to a view like this. Half-board dining available and free parking included.
FORESTIS
FORESTIS is one of those uber-sleek hotels you’d see James Bond staying in. No matter what room you stay in, you’ll wake up to dreamy mountain views and experience gourmet dining and access to the serene spa. This is ultimate sophistication in the heart of the Dolomites.
Sporthotel Sonne
Sporthotel Sonne is nestled within one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites, Alpe di Siusi. Guests will enjoy the outdoor heated pool, mountain views and direct ski slope access in the winter months. Half-board dining included in room rate.
Map of the Dolomites
Here’s a map of all the best things to in the Dolomites.