The Essential Guide to Exploring the Dolomites

Having spent the last few months hiking through northern Italy, I keep coming back to the Dolomites — and even after dozens of trails, these mountains still make me pause in wonder every single time. Sure, spots like Lake Braies and Tre Cime get plenty of attention on social media, but the real magic of the Dolomites lies in how much there is to explore beyond these famous photo spots.

With over 90,000 acres of mountain wilderness, the Dolomites offer everything from gentle meadow walks to challenging via ferratas, plus countless mountain huts where you can rest and refuel with homemade Italian dishes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just someone who loves good views and even better food, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you here. Let me share some of my favorite places in the Dolomites that are worth adding to your itinerary.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy

Perched in the northeastern corner of Italy’s Dolomites sits the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three massive rock formations that look like nature’s skyscrapers. These peaks, reaching heights of nearly 10,000 feet, have become a symbol of the entire mountain range. Unlike other hiking spots in the Dolomites, Tre Cime offers a relatively easy circular trail that lets you see these towering rocks from every angle. During World War I, this area was a battleground between Italian and Austrian forces, and you can still spot old bunkers and war remnants along the trails. Thanks to its accessibility from the nearby Rifugio Auronzo, even casual hikers can experience these peaks up close, making it one of the most photographed spots in the entire region.

Lake Braies (Lago di Braies), Italy

Lake Braies first caught my eye during a road trip through northern Italy in 2019. Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites at 4,700 feet above sea level, this alpine lake shimmers like a mirror beneath towering limestone peaks. Traditional wooden boats line the shore near a historic hotel built in 1899, adding old-world charm to the scene. The emerald-green waters stretch across 77 acres, creating perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains and forests. Hiking trails circle the entire lake, offering different perspectives of the landscape, while the eastern shore provides a small beach where you can dip your toes in the crystal-clear water – if you’re brave enough to handle the cold!

Val Gardena, Italy

Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Val Gardena brings together three charming villages – Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva – that serve as gateways to outdoor adventures. The valley’s extensive network of hiking trails and ski slopes draws nature enthusiasts year-round, while its deep-rooted Ladin culture adds a unique cultural dimension to any visit. During winter, the area transforms into a skiing paradise with access to the Sella Ronda circuit, and come summer, the meadows fill with wildflowers and hikers exploring the countless paths. The valley is also known for its wooden toy-making tradition, which visitors can discover in local workshops and museums, making it an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts.

Alpe di Siusi, Italy

As a nature lover, I can’t help but recommend Alpe di Siusi to anyone visiting the Dolomites. Located in northern Italy’s South Tyrol region, this sprawling alpine meadow sits at an elevation of 1,850 meters and is Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau. With rolling green pastures dotted with wooden chalets and dramatic mountain peaks rising in the background, it’s a perfect spot for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

Seceda, Italy

Perched at 8,200 feet above sea level, Seceda has become one of my favorite spots in the entire Dolomites range. This distinctive mountain peak, with its jagged ridgeline and dramatic drops, looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Getting here involves taking a cable car from the village of Ortisei, followed by a chairlift that drops you near the summit – but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s just a tourist spot. The hiking trails that wind around the peak offer some of the most impressive views in the region, especially at sunrise when the first light hits those serrated peaks. It’s a place that draws both serious hikers and casual visitors, though I’d recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch the mountains at their most photogenic.

Lago di Carezza, Italy

Experience nature’s artistry at Lago di Carezza, a small alpine lake known for its rainbow-like waters in northern Italy. The lake’s surface reflects the surrounding Dolomite peaks and dense pine forests, creating an ever-changing display of colors throughout the day. You can walk the easy 15-minute trail around the entire lake, stopping at wooden viewing platforms to take in different angles. Local legend says a wizard created the lake’s unique colors to win a mermaid’s heart – and when you see the emerald, blue, and golden hues dancing across the water, you might just believe the tale yourself.

Marmolada, Italy

Rising 10,968 feet into the sky, Marmolada stands as the highest peak in the Dolomites and has earned its nickname as the “Queen of the Dolomites.” This massive mountain draws both summer hikers and winter sports enthusiasts to its rocky slopes and glacier – the only one left in the entire Dolomite range. The journey up isn’t for the faint of heart, but a cable car system makes the ascent more manageable for those who’d rather skip the challenging climb. Once you reach the top, you’re treated to views that stretch across northern Italy and, on clear days, all the way to Venice. Whether you’re carving through powder on the ski slopes or hiking the World War I tunnels that honeycomb the mountain’s interior, Marmolada offers an experience that goes beyond just another mountain visit.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo draws visitors year-round for its world-class skiing and outdoor adventures, but this sophisticated mountain town offers much more than snow sports. The area is surrounded by towering limestone peaks – including the famous Tofane and Cristallo mountains – that create perfect conditions for hiking, rock climbing, and via ferrata in warmer months. While it gained fame as host of the 1956 Winter Olympics and maintains its reputation as a premier ski destination, Cortina’s charming pedestrian center filled with high-end boutiques, cozy cafes, and traditional restaurants makes it equally appealing for those seeking a more relaxed mountain escape. Whether you’re tackling the slopes in winter or exploring the network of trails in summer, the town serves as an ideal base for experiencing the natural beauty of the Dolomites.

Val di Funes, Italy

I first discovered Val di Funes on a road trip through northern Italy in 2019. Nestled in the heart of the South Tyrol region, this alpine valley sits beneath the jagged peaks of the Odle mountains. Traditional wooden farmhouses dot the green meadows here, with the iconic Church of Santa Magdalena standing proudly against the mountain backdrop. The valley feels like it was plucked straight from a fairytale, especially during summer when wildflowers carpet the slopes and cowbells echo through the pristine landscape. Local cheese makers still practice age-old traditions, and hiking trails wind through some of the most photographed spots in the Dolomites, offering close-up views of those distinctive sharp peaks.

Cinque Torri, Italy

Located in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, Cinque Torri stands as a collection of five distinctive tower-like peaks. Unlike other mountain formations in the region, these towers have become a playground for both rock climbers and history buffs alike. You’ll find worn paths winding between the rock formations, leading to old World War I bunkers and trenches that tell stories of battles fought at these heights. What makes Cinque Torri special is how accessible it is – a chairlift takes you right to the base of the towers, where you can spend hours exploring the war museum in the open air or watching climbers scale the rocky faces. The surrounding meadows fill with wildflowers in summer, and in winter, the area transforms into a popular ski spot, with the towers creating an almost otherworldly backdrop for winter sports enthusiasts.

Lake Misurina, Italy

Find your slice of mountain paradise at Lake Misurina, often called “the pearl of the Dolomites.” This natural Alpine lake sits at 5,761 feet above sea level and offers some of the clearest reflections of the surrounding peaks you’ll ever see. Take a gentle stroll around the shoreline path to find the perfect picnic spot, or settle in at one of the lakeside restaurants for a traditional Italian meal with mountain views. For the best photos, visit early in the morning when the water is perfectly still and mirrors the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks like a giant natural mirror. It’s also worth noting that the air here is so pure, there’s even a health institute nearby that treats respiratory conditions.

Passo Giau, Italy

Passo Giau is one of those must-visit spots I recommend to anyone heading to the Dolomites. Sitting at an elevation of 2,236 meters, this mountain pass connects the towns of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Colle Santa Lucia, offering 360-degree views of some of the most famous peaks in the region, including the Tofana, Croda da Lago, and Nuvolau.

Sass Pordoi, Italy

Rising 2,950 meters above sea level in the heart of the Italian Dolomites lies Sass Pordoi, often called the “Terrace of the Dolomites.” Unlike other peaks in the region that require technical climbing skills, this natural wonder is accessible to just about anyone thanks to its cable car system. From the valley floor in Pordoi Pass, visitors can hop on a cable car for a 4-minute ride to the summit station. The views from up here stretch across the entire Dolomite range, taking in six different provinces of northern Italy. What makes Sass Pordoi particularly special is its role in World War I – the mountain still houses remnants of military outposts and tunnels from when it served as a strategic position between Austrian and Italian forces. Today, you’ll find hikers catching their breath at the mountain-top restaurant while enjoying traditional South Tyrolean dishes and taking in the sweeping mountain panoramas.

Val di Fassa, Italy

Tucked away in the heart of the Italian Dolomites lies Val di Fassa, a valley that feels like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. Like many areas in the region, it’s filled with jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and charming mountain villages. But what sets Val di Fassa apart is how it has preserved its Ladin culture – an ancient Alpine heritage that predates even the Romans. You’ll hear the melodic Ladin language spoken in cafes and see traditional wooden chalets dotting the hillsides. Thanks to its position between several major ski areas, Val di Fassa has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous cable cars connecting villages to high-altitude trails and ski slopes. In winter, the valley transforms into a snowy playground, while summer brings wildflower-covered meadows and endless hiking possibilities.

Santa Maddalena, Italy

Nestled in the Val di Funes valley, Santa Maddalena has become a symbol of the Dolomites, thanks to its small church set against the jagged peaks of the Odle mountains. While most visitors come to photograph the famous church and farmhouses with their mountain backdrop, the area offers much more than just photo opportunities. The village serves as an excellent base for hiking through alpine meadows and exploring the nearby Puez-Odle Nature Park. In summer, the meadows fill with wildflowers and grazing cattle, while winter transforms the landscape into a quiet snow-covered paradise. Whether you’re interested in cultural visits to the church, walking the valley trails, or simply taking in the mountain views from one of the local restaurants, Santa Maddalena provides a genuine taste of life in the Italian Alps.