Dolomites
Italy
Mountain Range, UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Dolomites at a glance…
The Italian Dolomites – or “Dolomiti” – are a mountain range in northeastern Italy, a subrange of the Alps. Named for the dolomitic limestone that forms the dramatic formations in this region, the Dolomites are a paradise for hikers & climbers in the summer and skiers in the winter. This range is notable for its high concentration of dramatic limestone rock formations, including Tre Cime (Three Peaks) di Lavaredo, Cinque Torri (Five Towers), the spires of Cadini di Misurina, Seceda, and the Geisler Group. These formations are surrounded by lush alpine meadows & lakes – including the famous Lago di Braies. Dotted throughout this landscape, towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bolzano, Val Gardena, and Ortisei act as gateways to the various attractions & hikes throughout the mountain range. Many parts of the Dolomites are protected as regional nature parks, one national park, and a UNESCO Global Geopark. The region was even declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 due to its significant geological features and landscapes.
Scenes from the Dolomites
The Dolomites feature some of the most unique, colorful landscapes seen anywhere in the world. From enormous mountains, deep blue lakes, lush green meadows, towering rock spires, and valleys filled with charming villages, it’s hard to find a vista in the Dolomites that doesn’t make you pause for admiration. During my 3-day visit to the Dolomites in 2023, I explored the Eastern Dolomites, and intend to return to visit the Western Dolomites.
Cadini di Misurina
Lago di Braies
Cinque Torri
The “backside” of Tre Cime di Lavaredo
A World War I-era bunker at Cinque Torri
A chapel beneath Tre Cime
A meadow beneath the summit of Seekofel
A village near Cortina d’Ampezzo
An Alpine ibex on the slopes of Seekofel
Maria & I pose in front of a landscape within Parco Naturale Tre Cime
Recommendations for the Dolomites
For the purposes of this guide, I’ll delineate between the Eastern Dolomites and Western Dolomites, which – collectively – house the regions most renowned hikes and destinations. Throughout the Dolomites, long-distance backpacking trails (known as alte vie, or “high paths”, navigate the mountains. Mountain huts known as rifugi offer overnight stays and meals for those looking to complete multi-day treks.
In the Eastern Dolomites, you’ll find Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, Cinque Torri, Lago di Braies, and Alta Via 1. This is the region I explored when I visited in 2023.
In the Western Dolomites, Seceda, Val di Funes, Puez-Odle Nature Park, and Val Gardena are some of the most notable destinations. I haven’t explored this region myself, but have leveraged recommendations from other travel bloggers (like Earth Trekkers).
Hikes & Backpacking Trails (by Region)
Eastern Dolomites:
Cadini di Misurina (2.2 miles, 692 feet elev. gain): Perhaps the most “bang-for-your-buck” hike you’ll ever complete, this viewpoint in the Parco Naturale Tre Cime provides a look at dramatic clusters of jagged mountain spires that look like something out of a fantasy novel. It’s a short hike from a parking lot, best completed around sunrise or sunset when crowds are thin. This hike starts at the same parking lot as that of Tre Cime. Tre Cime di Lavaredo (7.1 miles, 1,958 feet elev. gain): The towering Tre Cime, or “three peaks”, is one of the top attractions in the Dolomites. As its name implies, Tre Cime consists of three gargantuan rock spires that tower over the surrounding meadows. This hike circumnavigates the mountain, offering an evolving view of the spires and the dramatic landscape around it. You can’t miss this hike. Cinque Torri Lago di Braies Loop Alta Via 1 (76.5 miles, 25,528 feet elev. gain, multi-day): Lago di Sorapis
Western Dolomites: Seceda
Activities in the Dolomites
Rock Climbing
Backpacking
Via Ferrata
Skiing
Where to Stay
Eastern Dolomites:
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Western Dolomites:
Val Gardena
Ortisei
Bolzano
Seasons of the Dolomites
Summer – Peak Season:
Winter – Ski Season:
Spring – Wildflower Season:
Fall – Shoulder Season:
How to Get Around
Getting to the Dolomites: 
Getting Around by Car:
Getting Around by Bus:
What’s Nearby?
Venice, IT
Austrian Alps
Bavarian Alps
Slovenia
Liechtenstein
External Links
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