Looking for a change of scenery? The Dolomites are an impressive mountain range in South Tyrol (north-east Italy, close to the Austrian border) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dolomites are renowned for their spectacular natural beauty, with sheer cliffs, verdant valleys, lakes, glaciers and glistening snow-capped mountains. The monoliths of the Tre Cime are the best-known face of the Dolomites, which include other wonders such as the Marmolada, the resort of Cortina, the breathtaking Val di Sole and the splendid Lake Braies. Bolzano and Merano, the two main towns in the region, offer a charming stopover for lovers of stunning scenery and mountain sports, including climbing, skiing and hiking. The towns and villages of the Dolomites are also appreciated for their rich culture and history, with traditional mountain architecture and delicious local cuisine.
1- The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, icon of the Dolomites
Icons of the Dolomites, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo are the goal of all hikers who walk the Alto Adige. These three mountains reach a height of 2,999 meters and can be recognized by their unique shapes and jagged peaks. In the past they were not very accessible, but now they are open to all hikers from the Auronzo refuge, which can be reached by car. From there, count on 1h30 to 2h30 of walking to reach the Tre Cime and its amazing play of lights that delight photographers. It is possible to set up a bivouac at the Lavaredo refuge to watch the magnificent sunrise over this rocky trinity.
And if you wish, you can easily book a guide for a day trip right here. This will allow you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Dolomites.
No 2- Bolzano, capital of South Tyrol and a must-see in the Dolomites
The capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano is as Germanic as it is Italian - in fact, both languages are official. This charming little town, surrounded by mountains, boasts contrasting architecture, from the Place Walther to the old town's narrow streets, some with arcades. The Archaeological Museum, the beautiful Gothic cathedral and Mareccio Castle are Bolzano's main attractions, and the town also boasts three cable cars leading to the surrounding mountains. You'll be amazed by the local cuisine, which combines the flavours of the Tyrols with Mediterranean recipes! In fact, we've selected the best restaurants where you can discover the local cuisine right here .
No 3- Merano, Italy's Dolomite village in bloom
The small Italian town of Merano in the Dolomites is a popular popular year-round spa resort for its mild microclimate. It's amazing to see its flower gardens surrounded by snow-capped mountains! Its prestigious thermal baths, frequented by many stars and top athletes, have made it the wellness capital of Upper Tyrol. What's more, the town is a delight to visit, with the Passirio River running through it and a host of architectural attractions: Art Nouveau buildings and medieval arcades, chapels and small churches, squares and fountains... Don't miss a visit to Trauttmansdorff Castle on the outskirts of town, the former Habsburg residence now home to the South Tyrol Museum.
No. 4 - The Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites
The Marmolada, the highest peak in the region, is an impressive massif that rises to 3,342 meters: a stature that has inspired its nickname of Queen of the Dolomites. It is sculpted by five main peaks and a glacier that played a crucial role during the Great War , transforming itself into a city of ice to protect the German soldiers. It is a huge winter playground with numerous ski resorts offering all kinds of sliding sports. The south wall is one of the objectives of climbers from all over the world, and there are also vias ferratas and routes for mountain bike enthusiasts.
No 5- Cortina d'Ampezzo, Olympic resort of the Dolomites
Welcome to the Venetian Dolomites! Cortina d'Ampezzo has been famous since 1956, when it hosted the Winter Olympics, a reputation it maintains through its emblematic circuit: the Skitour Olympia. This elegant ski resort, situated at an altitude of 1,210 meters, is perfectly equipped for all winter pleasures. It boasts three major ski areas, which are in turn linked to the Dolomiti Superski domain, which boasts a total of 1,200 kilometers of ski runs. In summer, Cortina serves as a residence for hikers who come to discover its magnificent region.
Would you like to discover the Dolomites with a local driver who can explain the history and traditions of the various valleys from Cortina? Book your excursion easily and benefit from the best rates right here!
No. 6 - Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites
In the heart of the Braies valley lies the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites, the Pragser Wildsee. Its turquoise blue waters, surrounded by mountains, reveal a fabulous scenery that has been used for many film shoots. This pure and translucent basin is an invitation to swim, but few people venture into the lake because of its cold temperatures... We prefer a small boat ride or a walk on the path that goes around the lake. Admire the surrounding landscape and especially the rugged walls of the famous Seekofel.
Would you like to discover more beautiful lakes? We recommend our Top 10 most beautiful lakes in France !
No 7- Lago di Sorapis and its spectacular colors
After the Lago di Braies, the Lago di Sorapis (1,925 m) is the other must-see lake in the Dolomites region. It is known for its crystalline waters and its intense blue-green color, which varies according to the light and the temperature. It owes its turquoise color to the dust of the glacier. Surrounded by spectacular cliffs and rocky peaks, it is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Dolomites. To get there, you just have to follow a hiking trail of about 5 km from the Vandelli refuge. The walk is well worth it!
No. 8- Val di Funes: the churches of Santa Magdalena and San Giovanni
The Val di Funes is an alpine valley surrounded by the Dolomite mountains with its green meadows, coniferous forests, crystal clear streams, imposing rocky peaks and picturesque villages. Ranui, for example, is well known for its small church of San Giovanni (which you have surely seen in pictures), nestled in the middle of the meadows with the imposing mountains in the background. A little further away, the village of Santa Magdalena has another church where the view is also breathtaking. The Val di Funes is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, with many hiking trails of all levels of difficulty that allow you to discover the incredible landscapes of the area.
N°9- Alpe di Suisi (Seiser Alm), the largest high-altitude meadow in the Dolomites
The Alpe di Siusi is a high Alpine plateau at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. It is the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe, covering some 57 km². It's a breathtaking, painterly view, an idyllic landscape with the imposing Dolomite peaks of Sassolungo and Sassopiatto in the background. Cattle and horses grazing in the pastures add a very picturesque charm to the whole.
No 10- Val di Sole, a paradise for mountain bikers in Italy's Dolomites
Nestled between a Nature Park and a National Park, the Val di Sole boasts a magnificent mountain landscape, punctuated by hundreds of lakes and the River Noce, making it a veritable paradise not only for water sports enthusiasts, but also for mountain bikers, as this is where the Downhill World Cup is held. The Black Snake is the world's most challenging downhill track, starting at an altitude of 1,350 metres and finishing at 810 metres in 2.2 km! For the more leisurely cyclist, there are almost 300 km of signposted classic and endurance trails through the magnificent Dolomite landscape.
No. 11- The vias ferratas, a tradition of the Dolomites
The singular reliefs of the Dolomites have allowed the creation of multiple marked paths along its rocky walls. These vias ferratas are a tradition inherited from the First World War and were used as surveillance posts for the Italian troops. Nowadays, they are much safer and are equipped with cables, ramps, beams and footbridges to facilitate the progression of the ferrastists. There are about 60 vias ferratas in the Dolomites, the most beautiful being in the Cortina and Corvara areas. There are several levels, but don't try it without being fully equipped.
Are you a mountain lover and want to try it? Just book the experience here with a guide to accompany you!
No 12- Dolomite cuisine and Italian specialties
One of the great curiosities of the region is to be found on the plate, where you'll find as much strüdel as tiramisu! Both Germanic and Italian influences are perfectly embodied in the region's cuisine, which includes a number of local specialties. On the one hand, you're bound to come across knödel, bread dumplings in a variety of flavors, schlutzkrapfen, spinach-filled ravioli, or doughnuts called tirtlan. On the other hand, don't miss casunziei, pasta stuffed with red beet, speck pizzas and a wide variety of polenta, including black polenta made from buckwheat.
Would you like to discover the flavours of South Tyrol, sample authentic regional products and traditional dishes while out and about? We recommend that you book a guided gastronomic tour of Bolzano via our partner.
No 13- The Dolomites wine route
Sipping a glass of local wine against the magnificent backdrop of the Dolomites is a pleasure not to be missed! South Tyrol has been a wine-growing region for over 3,000 years, and today the province of Bolzano produces some of the finest wines on the peninsula. The three main grape varieties grown here are schiava, lagrein and gewurztraminer, which produce exceptional red and white wines. The wine route begins in the Etschtal valley and ends in the Unterland region, with stops in sixteen wine-tourism communities. This is where the pleasures of wine-tasting alternate with the discovery of the splendid panoramas of South Tyrol.
Where to stay near the Dolomites in Italy? Our selection of the best hotels
Do you prefer the authentic charm of a small Alpine chalet or the comfort of a spacious hotel? Whatever your answer, we bet you'll find what you're looking for in our selection of the best accommodations in the Dolomites region. Now all you have to do is open your eyes and enjoy your stay in the heart of nature!
And if visiting Italy tempts you, discover also the 18 must-sees in Naples or the 21 must-sees in Rome!
