With jagged limestone peaks, emerald lakes, and flower-filled alpine meadows, the Dolomites are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on Earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Italy is a paradise for hikers in summer and skiers in winter, and you don't need to be a mountaineer to enjoy it. This Dolomites travel guide covers how to get there, when to go, the best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.
Where Are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites stretch across northeastern Italy, mainly in the provinces of South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Trentino, and Belluno in the Veneto. In South Tyrol, German is widely spoken alongside Italian, and in some valleys, people also speak Ladin, an ancient Romance language. Many places have two or three names.
Getting to the Dolomites
Airports
- Venice Marco Polo: Best for Cortina d'Ampezzo and the eastern Dolomites, about 2 hours by car.
- Verona: Good for Trentino and Lake Garda, about 2 hours from Bolzano.
- Innsbruck (Austria): Best for the northern valleys, such as Val Gardena and Val di Funes.
- Bolzano: A small airport with limited flights, right in the heart of the region.
Getting around
A car gives you the most freedom, but expect steep hairpin bends, narrow roads, and summer traffic on the mountain passes. Alternatively, trains run to Bolzano and Bressanone (Brixen), and an excellent network of local buses, cable cars, and chairlifts connects the valleys. Many hotels in South Tyrol include a mobility card for free public transport.
Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
- Summer (mid-June to mid-September): Best for hiking, with lifts and mountain huts open. July and August are the busiest. Pack layers and a rain jacket for afternoon storms.
- Fall (mid-September to October): Golden larches, fewer crowds, and clear days, though some lifts and huts close from late September.
- Winter (December to March or April): One of Europe's best ski regions.
- Spring (April to May): A quiet season as the snow melts. Many lifts are closed, but wildflowers start to bloom in late May and June.
Best Things to Do in the Dolomites
Hiking
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo: The iconic three peaks are circled by a roughly 10-kilometer loop, about 3 to 4 hours of moderate walking. The access road is a toll road, and summer access may require a reservation.
- Seceda: Take the cable car from Ortisei to see the famous jagged ridgeline above Val Gardena.
- Lago di Sorapis: A milky turquoise lake reached by a challenging trail with some exposed sections.
- Alpe di Siusi: Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow, perfect for easy walks with mountain views.
Lakes
- Lago di Braies: The "Pearl of the Dolomites," with rowboats on emerald water. In peak summer, car access is restricted and parking must be booked, so consider the bus.
- Lago di Carezza: A rainbow-colored lake reflecting the Latemar peaks, linked to the legend of a lovesick wizard.
Skiing and snowboarding
The Dolomiti Superski pass covers around 1,200 kilometers of slopes across 12 ski areas. Ski the Sellaronda circuit around the Sella massif, try Val Gardena, Alta Badia, and Kronplatz, or ski in glamorous Cortina d'Ampezzo, which co-hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics with Milan. Alta Badia is also famous for gourmet food in its mountain huts.
Via ferrata and climbing
The Dolomites are the home of the via ferrata, routes with fixed steel cables and ladders, many first built during World War I. Hire a guide and equipment if you're new to it.
Hidden gems
- Val di Funes: The postcard view of the little church of Santa Maddalena in front of the Odle peaks.
- Chiusa (Klausen): A charming medieval town below a hilltop monastery.
- Passo Giau: A mountain pass with some of the best panoramas in the region, popular with cyclists.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites
- Luxury: Cortina d'Ampezzo and Alta Badia have elegant hotels, spas, and fine dining.
- Mid-range: Ortisei, Selva, and Canazei are great bases with easy lift access.
- Towns: Bolzano and Bressanone are good for travelers without a car.
- Budget: Mountain huts (rifugi) offer dorms and half-board with incredible views. Book early in summer. Agriturismi (farm stays) are another great option.
Food and Drink
- Canederli (Knödel): Bread dumplings served in broth or with butter and cheese.
- Speck: Smoked, juniper-flavored ham.
- Polenta with mushrooms, cheese, or game.
- Apple strudel and Kaiserschmarrn, fluffy shredded pancakes.
- Wine: Try South Tyrolean Gewürztraminer and Lagrein.
Tips for Visiting the Dolomites
- Dress in layers. Mountain weather changes fast.
- Wear proper hiking boots, and check trail difficulty and lift times.
- Start early at popular spots like Seceda, Braies, and Tre Cime.
- Respect the environment. Stay on trails and take your rubbish with you.
- Stay connected. Mobile coverage is good in the valleys but patchy on remote trails. Download offline maps, and get online with an egoViet Italy eSIM. See our Italy eSIM guide.
Skiing late in the season? See where to ski in spring in Europe. Planning the rest of your trip? Read our Italy travel guide.
FAQs: Dolomites Travel Guide
Where are the Dolomites?
In northeastern Italy, across South Tyrol, Trentino, and the province of Belluno.
What is the best airport for the Dolomites?
Venice for the eastern Dolomites and Cortina, Verona for Trentino, and Innsbruck for the northern valleys.
When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?
Mid-June to mid-September for hiking, and December to March for skiing.
Do you need a car in the Dolomites?
Not necessarily. Buses, cable cars, and trains connect most areas, but a car gives you more flexibility.