We consider the Dolomites to be the most beautiful mountains in Europe. Their towering peaks and turquoise lakes have amazed many travelers. With reasonable prices, good food, great coffee, and easy access to mountain peaks, the Dolomites are the best places in Europe for young couples, families with children, and seniors. This region is a paradise for summer hikers, skiers, and snowboarders. In this article, we will explore the best things to do in the Dolomites in summer, spring, and autumn, including what to see and the most beautiful places to visit.
The Dolomites, one of the most stunning mountain massifs of the Italian Alps, are located in northern Italy. Situated 716 km from Prague, the best way to get here is by car, although you can also travel by electric bike, train, or bus as we did. Discover what to see in the Dolomites, including the most beautiful places and must-see spots, making it one of the best places to visit in the Dolomites.
When to Go Hiking in the Dolomites
The high season is from July to the end of September, when the weather is at its best in the Dolomites and the days are long and ideal for exploring the mountains. During the summer, the Italian Alps will be full of tourists, and accommodation, including campsites, will need to be booked in advance, especially if you are traveling by caravan.
Summer in the Dolomites
July and August are also ideal for camping. If you plan to camp in September or October, equip yourself with a sufficiently warm sleeping bag and ideally pack an extra blanket. When we were camping in early September, the temperatures dropped to minus four at night, and with our summer sleeping bags, it was not ideal.
Autumn in the Italian Alps
September in the Dolomites is glorious, with far fewer tourists. Most of the chalets and restaurants are still open, and prices are lower in some places. We, however, want to go even later next year, in October, as the larches turn golden at that time. However, October also has its pitfalls. You can forget about having lunch or espresso in all the mountain huts. Some campsites are also closed in October, and the sun sets early, especially in the Dolomites where it goes behind the mountains.
Discover the most beautiful places in the Dolomites and enjoy an unforgettable adventure in one of Europe’s most stunning mountain ranges.
Are the Dolomites Suitable for Families with Children?
The Dolomites are ideal for families with children. Many of the peaks can be easily reached by cable car, allowing for simple walks with minimal elevation gain. Camping in the Dolomites can create unforgettable experiences for your children. We particularly recommend the Ortisei area, where you can visit the Seiser Alm and Seceda. More details can be found below.
Are the Italian Alps Suitable for Traveling with a Dog?
Absolutely! On all the treks we took, dogs were welcome. Dogs are also allowed on all the cable cars, so our dog Kája accompanied us everywhere, except for Lago di Sorapis. This particular hike isn’t ideal for smaller dogs due to its challenging terrain.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Best Hotels
To visit the recommended places, start your journey in Cortina d’Ampezzo for 4-5 days, then move on to Ortisei for 2-3 days.
Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a famous ski resort offering breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities. It’s close to popular treks like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, and Lago Federa.
Accommodation Tips for Cortina d’Ampezzo:
- B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina: Affordable, dog-friendly, with excellent breakfast and proximity to Lago di Sorapis.
- Dolomiti Sweet Lodge: Highly-rated apartments.
- Hotel Villa Gaia: Another great option.
- HOTEL de LEN: Perfect for those seeking luxurious, romantic accommodation.
Hotels in Ortisei
Ortisei offers comfortable walks and is ideal for families or less experienced hikers. It’s close to famous spots like Seceda and Seiser Alm.
Accommodation Tips for Ortisei:
- B&B Villa Angelino
- Apt Lara Siela Apartments
- Hotel Scherlin: Great value with breakfast and dinner included.
What to Watch Out for When Camping in the Dolomites
Camping in the Dolomites is a wonderful experience, but be prepared for cold nights, even in summer. We nearly froze with our summer sleeping bags in early September. Always equip yourself with at least a three-season sleeping bag to handle the nighttime temperatures.
Tip: Learn how to choose a sleeping bag.
10 Best Trails and Places in the Italian Alps
The Italian Alps are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the most stunning landscapes and thrilling adventures in Europe. From the towering peaks of the Dolomites to the serene beauty of alpine lakes, this region is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers alike.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll, the Italian Alps have something to offer everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best trails and places in the Italian Alps, showcasing the breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences that await you in this magnificent mountain range. Pack your gear and get ready to discover the magic of the Italian Alps!
1) Tre Cime di Lavaredo
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours
- Elevation Gain: 400 m
- Distance: 9.5 km
The trek around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also known as Drei Zinnen, is iconic in the Italian Alps. This easy hike can be done as a circular route or by turning back at the Rifugio Antonio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhutte hut, where the views are stunning. The trek starts at the Auronzo mountain hut, which is accessible by car (parking costs 30 euros per car and 45 euros per campervan) or by bus from Cortina.
For current prices and timetables, visit the information center in the center of Cortina.
2) Hike to Lago di Sorapis
Duration: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 725 m
Distance: 13.5 km
One of the most beautiful places in the Italian Alps is the stunning turquoise Lago di Sorapis. However, you’ll need to hike to reach it. The trek covers 13.5 km with a 725 m elevation gain.
While not overly difficult, this hike is not recommended for families with small children or for dogs, as parts of the trail run close to cliffs and involve stairs and ropes. If you have a fear of heights, this trek might not be ideal. However, don’t be discouraged—many have completed this hike safely, and it’s truly worth the effort.
The best time to visit Lago di Sorapis is in early summer when the water level is at its highest. By late September, the lake can dry up, diminishing the experience. Just before reaching the lake, there is a picturesque turquoise view that will leave you in awe.
Explore one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites and enjoy the breathtaking scenery on this rewarding hike.
3) Lago Federa
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 400 m
Distance: 8.4 km
Lago Federa is one of the hidden gems in the Italian Alps, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. While you can start the hike directly from the campsite in Cortina, we don’t recommend this route due to its difficulty. Instead, opt for a more manageable path that still provides an exciting adventure without the extreme challenge.
This trail takes about 3-4 hours and includes a 400 m elevation gain over 8.4 km. The trail offers a mix of beautiful forest paths, alpine meadows, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Lago Federa itself is a picturesque spot perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the Dolomites.
If you’re seeking a rewarding hike that balances effort with enjoyment, Lago Federa is an excellent choice. Enjoy the scenic journey and the tranquil destination that awaits you.
4) Passo Giau
Passo Giau is easily accessible from Cortina by car or bus, offering breathtaking views without the need for a strenuous trek. Simply park in the lot and take in the stunning scenery.
For those who enjoy cycling, the route from Cortina to Passo Giau is excellent. The steady uphill climb takes about 2 hours on a regular bike, rewarding you with beautiful vistas and a well-deserved portion of Tyrolean dumplings at the top. Alternatively, you can hop on an e-bike and reach Passo Giau in just 45 minutes, making it a convenient option for a quick and scenic ride.
Whether you prefer a leisurely drive or an invigorating bike ride, Passo Giau offers one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites with minimal effort. Enjoy the panoramic views and the alpine charm of this remarkable destination.
5) Cinque Torri
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 583 m
Distance: 10 km
This hike from Passo Giau to Cinque Torri is one of our favorites. We always start at Passo Giau and walk at a relaxed pace along the rocky route to Cinque Torri, enjoying incredible views the entire time. We’ve done this hike three or four times, and it never gets old.
The trail is beautiful in any season, and while it involves climbing nearly 600 meters, the ascent is gradual and manageable for most people. Along the way, there are two huts where you can stop for lunch or snacks, making it a perfect hike for a leisurely day in the mountains. Enjoy the stunning scenery and the rewarding journey from Passo Giau to Cinque Torri, one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites.
6) The most beautiful lake in Italy: the Lago di Brais
What would a visit to the Dolomites be without a stop at its most famous lake? Lago di Braies is a must-see destination, but be sure to go early. Even in the low season, you might be surprised by the number of tourists, and finding parking can be a challenge. This happened to us last year at the end of October, a time when most other places were completely empty. It seems everyone was at Lago di Braies.
At Lago di Braies, you can rent a boat to enjoy the serene waters or take a short, picturesque walk around the lake. Whether you choose to explore by boat or on foot, the stunning beauty of Lago di Braies makes it a highlight of any trip to the Dolomites.
7) Lago Limides
Lago Limides is easily reached from the car park at Passo Falzarego, which also serves as the starting point for the climb up Mount Lagazuoi. This lake is particularly beautiful in spring when it is full of water, creating a serene and reflective surface that mirrors the stunning Alpine peaks.
In summer, however, Lago Limides tends to dry up and resembles a larger puddle, making it less impressive. The same goes for autumn, so it’s best to visit in spring to truly appreciate its beauty. If you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites, a spring visit to Lago Limides is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.
8) By Cable Car to the Top of Lagazuoi
For an unforgettable experience, take the cable car to the top of Lagazuoi. We highly recommend this option, as it offers stunning views without the strenuous hike. We chose to hike up, which involved scrambling up a fairly steep hill, and found it to be quite challenging.
Perhaps it was because we were hungry, but the hike seemed endless, and there weren’t many interesting views along the way. However, if you still prefer to climb, there’s a restaurant at the top where you can reward yourself with a well-deserved meal. Taking the cable car allows you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the top without the demanding trek.
9) Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi)
Who hasn’t seen the iconic photos of the most popular meadow in the Alps, Seiser Alm? Take the cable car up to this stunning location, where you can stroll along gentle slopes, enjoy the soothing nature, and listen to the sounds of grazing cattle. Alternatively, relax with an espresso at a local restaurant.
Whether you’re hiking or simply savoring the serene atmosphere, a visit to Seiser Alm promises an incredible experience.
10) Seceda
Seceda offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Dolomites. You can reach the top by taking the cable car from Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda, which brings you within a 10-minute walk of the summit.
For those who want to explore more, take the cable car to Col Raiser and enjoy a 3-4 hour circuit hike. The hike is relatively easy and rewards you with stunning panoramic views. Whether you opt for the short walk or the longer circuit, the scenery at Seceda is truly spectacula
When and Where to See the Golden Larches in the Dolomites
We’ve been chasing the sight of golden larches in the Dolomites for several years. The larches turn golden for only a brief period before their needles fall off, and the timing can vary each year. They may start to turn gold as early as the end of September, but the best time to visit the Dolomites for this spectacular display is early October. To see the larches in their full glory, head to Lago Federa.
What to Do in the Dolomites with Children
The Dolomites are perfect for families with children. Many beautiful locations are accessible by stroller and cable car, allowing you to enjoy hiking with your little ones. In addition to hiking, you can go horse riding or visit amusement parks like Adventure Park Colfosco. The region offers a variety of family-friendly activities that make it an ideal destination for a memorable family vacation.
