One of Italy's great treasures is just an hour's drive from my house, and yet we had never visited it before - oops! But we recently put an end to this travel sin and went to explore the Dolomites for 4 days , during which we were amazed. Do you want to know what not to miss in this spectacular area of the Italian Alps? Don't worry, we are going to tell you about the best 15 things to see and do in the Dolomites .
Must-see places in the Dolomites
There is no room for exaggeration when talking about these Italian mountains: any eloquent words fall short of the patient and incomparable work of nature. Did you know that they have been a World Heritage Site since 2009?
Our 4-day road trip through the best places to see in the Dolomites led us to discover some of the most evocative landscapes , picturesque villages and, of course, beautiful lakes framed by mountains. As you can see, there is no time for boredom here.
Below we are going to recommend the 15 must-see places in the Dolomites, but of course there are many more, so at the end of the post we leave you with a few more plans, perfect for those who have at least 1 week of time.
What exactly are the Dolomites?
They are a group of mountain ranges in the Alps, which extend between the Italian regions of Trentino Alto Adige , Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia , as well as a small part of Austria. Of all of them, the best known and most popular area is that of Trentino Alto Adige.
In this case we have focused especially on the Trentino Alto Adige area, with some suggestions from Veneto. As for Friuli Venezia Giulia, here we tell you about the 20 essential places to visit in Friuli .
1. Braies Lake
We begin this list of places to visit in the Dolomites with what has become one of its greatest symbols : Lake Braies. If you have Instagram, you've probably already seen the typical photo of its wooden pier on green waters, dotted with adorable little boats and surrounded by perfect mountains.
But don't just stop at the initial photo shoot, take your time to walk around the whole place (there's a circular path ), have a picnic (oh, those speck sandwiches) and enjoy the spectacular views . Don't expect to be alone though, with its growing popularity, everyone wants to visit it, so you'll have to share it with a few more people.
Please note:
- The parking is paid (thanks instagrammers XD): when we went it cost €10 for 3 hours as a fixed price (afterwards €0.80 every 30 minutes), but this year they raised it to €18, but it is valid for the whole day.
- Renting a boat costs €18 (half an hour) or €28 (one hour).
2. Alps of Siusi
This plateau , the highest in Europe (1,680-2,350 meters above sea level), is another of the most outstanding places to see in the Dolomites. Do you know that picture where everything seems perfect , with deep green meadows, wooden cabins scattered here and there and narrow roads winding through the hills? It exists, and not only in Heidi's world.
This is an ideal area for those travelling with children to the Dolomites, as there are trails for all levels. One of the most popular is the one that leads to the panoramic bench from where you have spectacular views of the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto massifs.
It's one of those places that captivates you and where you'd like to stay for the rest of your life, but then you see the prices and you lose the desire. Parking costs a whopping €24 (per day). That's if you can get there with your own car, because vehicle access is restricted to before 9:00 or after 17:00. The alternative is to take the cable car from the base (€20 round trip) and once at the top, you can use a bus (€5 per day) that allows you to get to different points.
3. Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the symbols of the Dolomites
Make a note of this name: the Three Peaks of Lavaredo are one of the best things to see and do in the Dolomites. Although here you do have to move your body to fully enjoy the experience. It is a massif made up of 3 giants that reach almost 3,000 metres in height and are undoubtedly one of the emblems of the Dolomites.
Its magical moment is at sunset , when the last rays of the sun dye this immense wall a spectacular reddish hue. There are several viewing points along the Valle di Landro, although the ideal would be to dedicate at least half a day to complete one of its trails .
There are treks for all levels, but the most popular is the circular route , 10 km long, which goes around the three peaks at their base at more than 2,000 meters high ( here they explain it very well ). A recommendation: when you get to the Locatelli Refuge (where you can stay overnight, by the way) go to the caves with views of the peaks. It will be like having them framed for you (and for a few more hikers hehe).
The downside is that to get to the starting point of the trek ( Rifugio Auronzo ) you have to pay a "toll" of €30 which gives you the right to use the parking lot for one day. Alternatively, there is a bus from Dobbiaco (€16 round trip).
Extra: Trekking to Cadini di Misurina
If you still have the energy, we suggest another plan: from the Auronzo Refuge itself, take trail 117 (direction “Rifugio Fratelli Fonda Savio”) which, in approximately 45', will take you to an amazing viewpoint over the Cadini di Misurina mountain range. Keep in mind that the last part of the trail runs along the mountain on a rather narrow path, so if you suffer from vertigo, you better look for a photo on Google Maps to properly analyse the level of fear :-p
4. Funes Valley
The Val di Funes is another of the great landscape gems to see in the Dolomites. Located in the South Tyrol region, it is a valley full of green meadows , small towns that could be the ideal setting for any Christmas movie and amazing mountains .
Along the road you can also see some of the most famous symbols of the Dolomites, such as the Church of San Giovanni in Ranui or that of Santa Maddalena (both guarded by the silhouette of the Oddle Mountains). It's been a hit on Instagram lately, so even though the area is a bit remote, more and more curious people are coming to take a photo.
5. Lake Carezza, one of the most beautiful places to see in the Dolomites
Also known as Rainbow Lake , a nickname it obviously earned thanks to the colours of its waters and the reflections of the mountains and fir forests that surround it. Unfortunately, it is not going through its best moments and the recent droughts have taken away a little of its "wow effect". Even so, it is worth going there and taking the short circular trail (30 minutes).
The best thing for lazy people is that the car park (2€/h) is located right next to the road and the lake itself. From here you will have to go through an underground tunnel that leads directly to a panoramic terrace, where the route begins. As you can see, you won't have to make too much effort to see this piece of natural beauty.
6. Ampezzo Curtain
This name may not ring a bell, but for Italians Cortina is one of the most popular (and posh) winter destinations . The town is gorgeous and if you find good, nice and cheap accommodation, it is a perfect base of operations , as it is the starting point for a multitude of excursions (both on foot, following its many paths, and by car).
It is also one of the most popular skiing spots , with some of the best slopes in Italy. It is not for nothing that it is called “The Queen of the Dolomites”: it was after the 1956 Winter Olympics that Cortina was put on the map and since then it has been one of the most glamorous mountain getaways in Italy. Something like “the Ibiza of winter”.
Take a walk along Corso Italia (be sure to visit the Basilica dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo and the Palace of Ra Regoles), try the casunzei (typical ravioli of the area) and take some nearby excursions (Passo Giau, Lake Sorapis, Three Peaks of Lavaredo, Cinque Torri, Lake Misurina...).
Book your accommodation in the Dolomites at the best price here
7. Alleghe, one of the most beautiful villages to see in the Dolomites
Now, if we're talking about pretty villages in the Dolomites , we can't forget Alleghe and its namesake lake. Nothing like the glamour of Cortina and its fancy cars, this little village, in the shadow of Monte Civetta (at 3,220 metres high, it's one of the highest mountains in the Dolomites), seems to have remained that way for centuries.
It is a bit out of the way, but if you are travelling through the province of Belluno and you happen to be nearby, we recommend you go and take a stroll through its narrow streets , enjoy the views of the lake , visit the Church of San Biagio and eat in one of its traditional restaurants . And if you have time left and your body is craving oxygen, a few km away is the Piani di Pezzè Nature Reserve .
⭐ These are the 10 dishes to try on a trip to the Dolomites
8. Lake Sorapis
The trek to reach Lake Sorapis is not for everyone: it is a 12 km round trip with a significant gradient and some tricky areas. In other words, to get there you have to walk for about two hours, sweating profusely. However, all those who have done it say that it is absolutely crazy, and it is one of the top trails in the Dolomites . The most characteristic feature of the lake is the colour of its waters , an opaque turquoise blue hue, due to the minerals present in the rocks of the lake.
There are several ways to get there, although the best known is the one that starts at the Tre Croci pass (to the north, on trail number 215). Keep in mind that it is a fairly busy place (especially in summer) so it is advisable to leave early to enjoy it almost alone (and find free parking).
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9. Lake Misurina
No matter how many muscle aches you have, even a lame old man could do the next plan. It's time to discover another of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites : Lake Misurina. It's located right on the turnoff to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, at the foot of the Cadini di Misurina Mountains , and if you still have some sandwiches left in your backpack, it's a good place to improvise a picnic or a late snack.
It is a very busy area , with several restaurants and hotels, a parking area for motorhomes and viewpoints.
10. Giau Pass
If you are a cycling enthusiast, you probably already know the Passo Giau as one of the legendary climbs of the Giro d'Italia . Luckily, we went by car so we still have our lungs intact 😉
In the Dolomites there are several passes that cross high mountain ranges , usually over 2,000 metres high, from where you will have exceptional panoramic views even without getting out of the car. And this is one of the most popular.
It's about 10 km of steep, zig-zag slopes, with gradients of up to 16%, to reach the highest point (at 2,236 metres high). And once there, go out to stretch your legs, breathe fresh (and cool) air and marvel at the impressive silhouette of Monte Nuvolau and the whole environment at your feet. We're sure that you'll experience one of the greatest moments of your trip here. It's undoubtedly one of the best things to see and do in the Dolomites.
11. Five Towers
To the north of Passo Giau rise Le Cinque Torri (The Five Towers), also known as the 5 monoliths of the Dolomites , which make up one of the most recognizable and beloved images by locals and tourists.
Although there is apparently road access, you can also go up on foot after a steep walk, or if your little legs are begging for mercy after so much walking, there is a cable car that leaves from the Baita Bai de Dones Restaurant and that will give you an incredible bird's eye view. Well, it's not a gift, it costs €17 (round trip).
Once up there, from Scoiattoli Hut (which offers excellent meals, by the way) there are easy walks past old trenches and tunnels from World War I , as this is where important battles took place during the conflict. There is even a free open-air Great War Museum to learn more about its history.
12. Seceda
We had never heard of this place before we started preparing our trip to the Dolomites, but as soon as we saw the photos, it was love at first sight. It is a characteristic and imposing mountain range, between the Val de Funes and the Val de Gardena, from where you have one of the best 360 views of the Dolomites .
The recommended way to go up is by the “Funivie Seceda” cable car . There are two consecutive sections and we warn you that it is not cheap: €35 round trip. But when you are at the top and you feel like you can touch the sky with your hand, you will know that it was worth it. In addition to the 360º views , you can also do some hiking here… Of course! There is always a trek ready for you in the Dolomites 😉
The other option is to get there on foot (in summer), but keep in mind that it is not a walk for everyone: the gradient is more than 1,000 metres.
Extra: Ortisei, another beautiful town to see in the Dolomites
By the way, in Val Gardena there is Ortisei , a very pretty little village where they do wonders with wood. Nearby you have the Church of San Giacomo , the oldest in the area and beautiful (oh, those onion bell towers!).
13. Gardena Pass and Pordoi Pass
These two are among the most impressive mountain passes in the Dolomites. Separated by the Sella massif with peaks over 3,000 metres, they give way to two of the valleys where many of the most evocative places in the Dolomites are concentrated: Val Gardena and Val di Fassa .
The Passo Pordoi is also one of the legendary climbs of the Italian race (note the numbering of its turns, or "tornanti", as you ascend), and has been called "Cima Coppi" on several occasions since 1940. In fact, there is a monument to Fausto Coppi , the greatest Italian cyclist of all time and almost a national hero.
If you still want to be amazed by the magnificent views, from this point you can climb up to the so-called “ Dolomite Terrace ” placed almost in balance on top of the Sass Pordoi peak, for us, one of the best viewing points in this whole area. The cable car costs €25 return.
14. Fedaia Lake
It is not one of the best known, but we personally found it to be one of the most beautiful. Lake Fedaia is located at the foot of the Marmolada , the last great glacier in the Dolomites, which, as you well know, suffered a breakaway this summer due to high temperatures. And then there are those who continue to deny climate change.
Curiosity: Mount Marmolada is the highest point in the Dolomites, reaching 3,342 metres in height.
15. Val Venegia, a curious place to see in the Dolomites
Curiously, we end this list with one of our first stops, and perhaps the one that surprised us the most. This valley, also known as “ the little Canada of Trentino ” is still little known and perhaps that enhances its charm.
As you continue along the path that runs parallel to the Travignolo stream, which rises a few kilometres further upstream from the glacier of the same name, you'll feel like you're stepping into a Tolkien film, and it is without a doubt one of the most overwhelming landscapes we've ever seen! A good start (or end) to this trip through the must-sees of the Dolomites.
More things to see and do in the Dolomites
Now, if you have more time, write down these other places to visit in the Dolomites and some great things to do:
- Madonna di Campiglio is the ideal destination for those who want to ski in the Alps (in season, of course). Nearby you will find the Chiesa di San Vigilio , where there are some precious frescoes from the Middle Ages depicting death. Particularly beautiful is the “Danse Macabre”.
- Between Cortina d'Ampezzo and Agordino lies another legendary mountain pass of the Giro d'Italia, the Falzarego Pass .
- A rather “unknown” lake is Landro , and it has a plus: here, unlike many other Dolomite lakes, you can swim. Other beautiful lakes in the Dolomites (and not so famous) are Lake Dobbiaco , Lake Antorno or Lake Auronzo .
- A very famous (and somewhat demanding) trek is the one that will take you to the Vajolet Towers . If you decide to do it, it is better to book a night in the Re Alberto I alpine refuge so you can enjoy a starry night and an unforgettable sunrise.
- Trento and Bolzano are probably the two most important cities in the region. If you fancy a stroll through their historic centres, both are a perfect half-day plan.
- Last winter we visited San Cándido and its Christmas markets were great!
- One thing to do in the Dolomites is to taste some typical dishes , such as canederli, polenta with game meat, casunzei, barley soup (orzo)…
- And to round off the meal, another trek: the one that takes you to see the Pale di San Martino , another very characteristic mountain range.
Of course there is much more that awaits you in this corner of northern Italy, just lace up your shoes and charge your camera, because you will take thousands of photos!
Map with the best of the Dolomites
We leave you a map with the location of these essential places to visit in the Dolomites and that cannot be missed on a first visit:
It must be said that we have focused exclusively on the Trentino Alto Adige area (with a few stops in Veneto ) and have completely abandoned the Friulian Dolomites… but that is because I don't want anyone to discover how beautiful my region is. No way. It is because we will surely make another trip dedicated entirely to that area 😉
We hope you enjoyed this post with recommendations of things to see and do in the Dolomites and that it motivates you to travel there. Have a nice trip!
