Best Places to Hike in the Dolomites

Dolomites hiking is one of the best experiences you can do when visiting. When we were there last year, I was absolutely amazed by the scenery that you could reach in an easy day hike. Since the Italian Dolomites cover a large area, you can base yourself in one-two spots and work your way around.

If you’re looking for a full guide to the Dolomites, head here for our travel itinerary. We ended up spending almost two weeks exploring here, it is so stunning and there is so much to see. One of our highlights was a sunrise photography adventure to Alpe di Siusi. I also share a full photography guide here about the Dolomites.  

The Dolomites are a special place, so I’d recommend making the most of your days, getting an early start and hitting the trails early. There are many levels of difficulty in the Dolomites, so it all depends on what kind of experience you’d like when it comes to your time there for hiking. Here’s a look at where to go.

Best Places to Hike in the Dolomites

Seceda

If there’s not a more epic place to hike in the Dolomites, then I don’t know where. Seceda Mountain in Val Gardena is one you can’t miss. You can take the cable car from the bottom up to the ridge, and hike along the path that shoots across the mountain. Or if you’re adventurous, you can hike from the bottom of town in Ortisei up. We spent a wonderful day here hiking along the ridge, stopping in to have lunch and then continuing back down by cable car. 

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

If not the most famous, Cime or Tre Cime (the three peaks) is a protected area full of day hikes, overnight hikes, and more. You’ll have to pay to enter the park, but in return, it’s some of the most beautiful views. It’s best to be based in Cortina d’Ampezzo to visit as it’s only a 45-minute drive away.

Our favorite hikes here were to the Cadini Group which is just outside the main rifugio and has a moderate level of different. As well as the hike around the three peaks which we started in the direction of Rifugio Lavaredo. The first part is quite flat and then it gets steep so be sure to have the proper shoes.

Alpe di Siusi

This is the largest alpine area of all of Europe and so beautiful for day hikes. The trails are very moderate here so you can cover a lot of ground here. I would spend a full day here exploring, it’s something else!

Lago di Sorapsi

The hike to Lago di Sorapsi is not for the faint of heart. We got our money’s worth here. It’s close to Tre Cime and often overlooked. This is a big day hike — you need to have a solid four hours roundtrip without stopping. You park at Son Zuogo and follow the trail markers around the mountain. At one point there will be ropes to hang onto as you curve around the ridge. At the top of this Dolomite mountain, the blue waters of the lago await.  

Val di Funes – Adolf Munkel Trail

Many make the trip to Val di Funes to see the sacred church of St. Magdalena, but did you know you can hike here too? The circular trail of Adolf Munkel starts from the Zanser Alm parking area and workes its way towards Geisler Alm. It’s a moderate trail and offers beautiful views of the mountains in Italy.

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildlsee)

The famous lake, Lago di Braies brings many people from all over Europe to see the beautiful water. You can hike around the lake here and it’s perfect for families with children as it’s quite flat. The trail starts to the right of the lake when you’re at the parking lot.

Tips for Hiking in the Dolomites

• The best time of year to hike in the Dolomites is June-September.
• Remember to always give yourself enough time.
• Bring layers, the weather changes very fast in the Dolomites. 
• You almost always have to pay to park and in peak season, the lots fill fast. Plan on arriving early.
• Always get a local map or download offline Google maps. 

Packing Essentials for the Dolomites

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