We finally made it to the Dolomites in Italy, and wow, they live up to the hype! Here you’ll find razor-sharp ridgelines, storybook meadows, and lakes so blue they don’t look real. We based ourselves in cute towns like Ortisei and road-tripped between cable cars, rifugios, and viewpoints, plus a few big hikes. In this things to do in the Dolomites guide, we’re sharing the 11 spots we loved most and the little tips we wish we knew.
From numerous limestone mountains and glacier lakes to the highest alpine meadow and colorful towns perched between the green, there’s so much to see that one trip only scratches the surface. No wonder people return to this area year after year!
Did you know? Place names often appear in both German and Italian—signs, maps, and websites switch between the two.
Western Dolomites
The West is the storybook side of the Dolomites, with dramatic limestone cliffs rising from green valleys, connected by high mountain passes and criss-crossed with gondolas that whisk you straight into the peaks. In between, you’ll find wooden chalets with flower-filled balconies and lively piazzas, and spot numerous hikers and cyclists on the trails.
Most people stay in Ortisei, which is what we did as well. We stayed at Casa al Sole, a boutique stay in the middle of town run by a lovely couple. Here, breakfast is included, and you’re only steps away from all the restaurants and cable cars.
Alternatively, you can look for an accommodation elsewhere in Val Gardena or just outside the valley, such as in Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein) or Canazei (Val di Fassa).
1. Seceda Ridgeline / Secëda
Jaw-dropping mountain ridges, the tallest peaks in the background, and meadows full of wildflowers—this is Seceda. It’s one of the most popular things to do in the Dolomites, and rightfully so, as the dramatic ridgeline is absolutely breathtaking. Watch as the steep vertical cliffs point up towards the sky, often shrouded in clouds.
Note: Beware that most fields are private property, so some iconic photo spots are no longer possible. Luckily, there are plenty of designated trails where you can take beautiful photos with the Seceda Ridgeline in the background.
You can get to this iconic view from the town of Ortisei. Either hike or take one of the first gondolas up to the top. We chose the latter option, which is a two-part journey: first hop on a cable car, then a gondola. I was surprised by how high this second one goes (at first, I couldn’t even see it coming down!).
Tip: Go early to avoid the crowds, but come prepared—mountain weather changes quickly up here. We even had snow in mid-July, so we waited inside the ridge hut with a hot chocolate until the clouds passed. You can also check the webcam beforehand.
Gondola Times & Prices: 23 May to 2 November from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (5 PM from 13th of Oct). 52 EUR round-trip, 26 EUR for children aged 8-16. Get your tickets here in advance.
2. Sella Pass / Sellajoch + Coffin Cable Car
Sella Pass is a beautiful mountain pass between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa with incredible alpine views, its quirky ‘Coffin Cable Car’, and the now-viral bomboloni (Italian donuts) served at a rifugio. It’s a great area to spend half a day exploring on foot and tasting local food.
Hop on the Gondola to Forcella del Sassolungo, known for its narrow, upright shape (like a “coffin”), and take in the dramatic views. Fun fact: We literally got “shoved” into these cars by staff, who coordinate entry quickly while the cable car keeps moving. While climbing up, you get to look out over big boulders, lots of stunning greenery, and the insane surrounding mountains. We even spotted a wild deer!
Gondola Times & Fees: Open from June 12th to October 14th from 8:15 AM to 5 PM. 35 EUR round-trip, 25 EUR one-way. You can get your tickets on-site or online beforehand.
Once you’re at the top, the staff will help you exit. From here, the area feels very otherworldly, although it’s not the most impressive views when compared to other things to do in the Dolomites. Nevertheless, this is where you can hike the Sassolungo circuit loop, a popular (and challenging!) hike.
Alternatively, there are lots of other stunning hikes in this area. We opted for an easier route, starting from the foot of the mountain to the Emilio Comini Hütte or Sa-Sela-Hütte (1.5 hours there and back).
Bombolonis at Rifugio Friedrich August
Hannah’s favorite moment here was the bombolonis (custard donuts) at Rifugio Friedrich August—they’re delicious, and yes, powdered sugar was everywhere! Stacked pyramid-style on top of a long wooden table, they’re covered in powdered sugar and are a must-try. The donuts are 3 EUR each and they sell quickly, so try to get there before 10:30 AM. We got there at 9.45 AM and there were still plenty.
How to get there: Walk 20 minutes along a dirt road, starting from the parking lot at the cable car. There’s a slight elevation gain. From the hut, you can continue doing another hike. We chose to walk back the same road and hop on the ‘Coffin’ cable car.
3. Geisler Alm / Rifugio delle Odle
The beautiful mountain hut Geisler Alm lies at the bottom of the Odle mountain group, and was the reason why we hiked here in the first place. No matter where you look here, it’s absolutely breathtaking! Even on a cloudy day, like we had, the setting is feels otherworldly. Sit down on one of the wooden lounging chairs around the hut, soaking up the incredible atmosphere.
Tip: Though you can enjoy your own picnic outside, the food at Geisler Alm is amazing, too! We had Kaiserschmarrn (a lightly sweetened shredded pancake), a veggie-stuffed omelet, and a hot chocolate to warm ourselves.
To get here, you can hike the Adolf Munkel Trail (trail 35), which runs directly beneath the dramatic Geisler peaks and winds through pine forests and alpine meadows, passing rivers and three rifugio huts. Along the way, you might even meet grazing cows or wild horses! We did the hike clockwise for the best flow, and highly recommend this.
Details:
- Total kilometers: 9-10 KM round-trip
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Elevation gain: 440 meters
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Route type: Loop
- Starting point: Zanser Alm (follow trail number 35)
- Parking: Zans Parking Lot (10 EUR, cash only)
What to bring: No expert gear needed, but definitely wear shoes with good grip (especially for the gravel sections). The weather can change very quickly in the Dolomites, so make sure to pack layers and a waterproof jacket for all the things to do.
4. Explore Ortisei (Urtijëi)
Ortisei is the largest town in the valley of Val Gardena. This was our base for part of our Dolomites itinerary and a great location to visit many of the things to do in the area, like Seceda and Alpe di Siusi. Many cable cars go directly up to these sights, meaning you don’t even need to drive anywhere.
It’s a charming town, with colorful streets and lively cafe terraces in the summertime. Soak up the 360-degree views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks and the cozy alpine vibe while enjoying a cappuccino in the sun. You’ll also find plenty of traditional restaurants, bakeries, and (outdoor) clothing stores in its pedestrian-friendly center—we loved going for an evening stroll here!
Tip: If you plan on staying here in the summer, book your accommodation well in advance. It’s a very popular place. When we visited in mid-July, pretty much all hotels were fully booked.
5. Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm (Top Thing to do in the Dolomites)
Alpe di Siusi is Europe’s largest high-alpine meadow, located at an elevation of 1.680-2.350 meters. From Ortisei, you can directly take the cute, red cable car up to the plateau, where you’re met with rolling green meadows, wooden huts, and epic backdrops of Sassolungo and Sciliar.
Gondola Times & Fees: Open 1 May – 2 November from 8 AM to 5 or 6 PM. Round-trip 35 EUR, one way 23 EUR. We recommend going in the morning and checking the timetables beforehand.
There are plenty of trails to explore up here; we did a 4.4-KM loop from the cable car station and back, winding through grasslands dotted with charming wooden huts. Spend some time in the fields capturing iconic photos, then reward yourself with a delicious Apfelstrudel and hot chocolate at one of the rifugios—always with incredible views. If you look closely, you might even spot snowfields atop the higher peaks!
Please note: In recent years, some areas have been fenced off, including huts and meadows. This is private property. Don’t walk or sit here, as the grass has grown to feed animals. There are plenty of beautiful photo spots in the area, so there’s no need to trespass.
6. Lago di Carezza / Karersee
Perhaps one of the brightest emerald-colored waters we’ve ever seen was at Lago di Carezza. This dreamy lake surrounded by tall peaks and pine trees was the first stop on our Dolomites road trip and one of the best things to do. It’s been on our bucket list for years; seeing it with our own eyes was a perfect beginning to the trip.
Keep in mind that it’s one of the most visited places in the Dolomites, so it can get busy. However, even though we visited in the middle of the day in summer, we still really enjoyed it. The viewpoint at the entrance is a popular photo spot, but walk a little further around the lake (1.3 KM loop) and you’ll find quiet areas just for you.
How to get there: Park your car here (3 EUR per hour), and access the lake via an underground walkway. If you visit outside the tunnel’s opening hours (9 AM – 6 PM), it’s recommended to park at P2 and walk to the lake across a suspension bridge. The lake itself is free to visit and accessible 24/7 via this spot.
7. Gardena Pass / Grödner Joch
Another incredible mountain pass, and one of the best things to do in the Dolomites, is the Gardena Pass. Located near the town of Ortisei, this is the perfect 20-minute scenic drive or bike route connecting Val Gardena with Val Badia. It’s part of the Sella Ronda Loop, one of the most famous drives in the Dolomites, and a must-see.
Gardena is an incredible spot for photos, sunset picnics, and hikes. We’d planned to do the Gran Cir hike, but arrived just before sunset and were so blown away by the scenery that we stayed near the parking instead. The views here are absolutely stunning, with golden light spilling over the mountains, grassy fields, and wooden huts. I think it might even be more impressive than Alpe di Siusi—with fewer crowds!
How to get there: 20-25 minute drive from Ortisei. There’s no direct public transport to the pass itself, but you can take a bus to Plan de Gralba and then hike or use the gondola (14 June – 14 September, 9 AM – 5 PM, 9 EUR one-way / 12 EUR return). If you’re visiting in summer, check out the Dolomiti Supersummer Card, which offers unlimited use of over 120 lifts!
8. Merano / Meran
Although not officially in the Dolomites, the charming spa town of Merano lies close by and is well worth a visit. Nestled between palm trees and alpine peaks, it’s brimming with vibrant gardens, historic architecture, great food, and stunning views. It was the perfect stop on our Dolomites road trip; a place to unwind after a full day of mountain hiking.
Enter the town through the golden-detailed Postbrücke (bridge), walk the iconic Tapijnerweg just above the town, and visit the Torre dell Polveri. Next to the tower, we stumbled upon the cutest cafe: Kiosk Pulvertum. With charming tablecloths, a little Piaggio, and the nicest ceramics, it’s a great spot to relax over a coffee.
Tip: Merano is also great for shopping, with boutique stores ranging from clockmakers to chocolate shops and artisanal goods. 2 to 3 hours is plenty to explore the town at a relaxed pace.
We stayed at the Hotel Der Waldhof near Merano, a beautiful spa hotel in the hills with an infinity pool and views over a fairytale-like castle.
Eastern Dolomites
Unlike the western side, the Eastern Dolomites feel more remote and wild the moment you step off the main roads. Peaks are sharper, valleys narrower, and the scenery interchanges between peaceful alpine meadows and towering stone walls. It’s home to some of the best things to do in the Dolomites, like Tre Cime and Lago di Braies, but also has many gems where you can hike for hours with barely another person in sight.
We based ourselves in the small town of San Candido (Innichen) at Naturhotel Leitlhof. This beautiful spa hotel has incredible views, three pools, a sauna, and lies close to some of the best sights. Or a hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo or anywhere around Tre Cime di Lavaredo is also a good option.
9. Lago di Sorapis / Sorapis See (Unmissable Thing to do in the Dolomites)
Lago di Sorapis is the most uniquely-colored lake we’ve ever seen—so surreal it’s hard to believe it even exists. Its milky, vivid turquoise water stands out, even on gray days, making it one of the most popular things to do in the Dolomites, Italy. Getting there requires a challenging 2-3 hour hike each way, but the surrounding majestic mountains and lush alpine greenery make every step worth it.
We started the hike at 7 AM (in July) to beat the crowds, following the in-and-out route. Keep this in mind if you start later in the day, as you’ll likely find yourself in a slow-moving train of hikers. The route climbs about 500 meters in elevation, swirving along narrow mountain passes with chains to hold onto and rocky sections.
Once at Lago di Sorapis, you’re met with stunning views. You can walk around the entire lake for quieter spots (it doesn’t take long), and have a lunch break at Refugio Vandelli, only a few minutes’ walk away. Keep in mind that you’re not allowed to swim here to preserve the lake’s delicate mineral balance and incredible color. We spent about an hour at the lake, relaxing and taking photos, before heading to the refugio for coffee and Apfelstrudel. (Open 20 June-20 September)
Details:
- Total kilometers: 11-13 KM round-trip
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation gain: 460 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
- Route type: in-and-out
- Starting point: Passo Tre Croci
Tip: Always wear layers in the mountains. You’ll warm up while hiking, but temperatures can drop as you gain altitude. Bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and proper hiking shoes (ideally waterproof, with good grip).
10. Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen
Perhaps the most popular thing to do in the Dolomites is hiking the iconic Tre Cime trail. The hike circles the three peaks Cime Piccola, Cima Grande, and Cima Ovest, offering the most incredible mountain views along the entire route. Walk beneath towering limestone mountains, pop into one of the rifugios along the way, and snap some of the best photos of your trip.
The route begins at Rifugio Auronzo, which you’ll spot immediately when driving up to the parking lot, and leads counterclockwise around the peaks. Walk across the open valley to the right with the iconic Cadini mountain group in sight, pass Rifugio Lavaredo, and follow the gravel path down (and then up) to Rifugio A. Locatelli. From here, you have the best views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, as well as from the Grotta delle Tre Cime, a cave framing the three mountains perfectly for a unique photo. (We even saw people spending the night in these caves!)
Tip: We timed this hike 6 hours before sunset and combined it with the short Cadini di Misurina trail after. Please note that new parking rules are in place; you have to pre-book your Tre-Cime parking online. This is a set rate of 40 EUR for 12 hours. Do this on time (not a day before) to guarantee a spot.
Details:
- Total kilometers: 10 KM
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation gain: 350-400 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route type: Loop
- Starting point: Rifugio Auronzo
Cadini di Misurina
Many visitors combine Tre Cime with the stunning viewpoint trail of the Cadini mountain group, a spot that has gained massive popularity in recent years on social media for its dramatic cliff rock and mountain backdrop. It’s a short 30-minute hike that starts from the same parking lot and leads to Punto Panoramico Cadini di Misurina Cadore.
Due to its popularity, expect a queue for photos, even during sunset. However, you can skip the line by finding similar views from nearby areas on the trail. The trail itself only has a slight elevation gain and is on gravel, so make sure to wear shoes with good grip.
11. Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee
At the base of towering rock formations and deep green pines lies the world-famous emerald lake, Lago di Braies. This Instagrammable spot is one of the most photographed locations in the Dolomites, if not in Italy, known for its turquoise waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and iconic wooden pier with rowing boats.
We initially didn’t have high expectations, given its touristy vibe; however, we were surprised. Our experience turned out lovely, with a short hike around the lake. And since it was so quiet, we spontaneously decided to rent a wooden row boat, and loved it!
A private boat has quite the price-tag: 50 EUR (cash) or 55 EUR (card) and it can take up to 5 people (max 45 minutes). Shared boats cost 15 EUR per person, and children under 4 are free. Keep in mind that waiting times can be up to 2 hours if you visit during peak hours (mid-morning, for example). Read more about renting a boat here.
How to get there: Park at one of the four parking lots near the lake. We parked at P4 (closest) around 6.30 PM, which was ideal. This is because during the day in high season (9.30 AM – 4 PM), you need to pre-book your parking (38 EUR). However, after 4 PM, no reservation is necessary; you simply pay for the time you’re there.
Alternatively, we saw that there’s a day tour from Venice that stops here!
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