Hiking in the Dolomites is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover this magnificent massif. With 18 peaks over 3,000 m, the Dolomites have no shortage of beautiful high-altitude trails. But they also offer easier walks, accessible to beginners or families, who will enjoy traversing superb plains with views of the high peaks.
1. Lago di Sorapis, the most beautiful hike in the Dolomites
- Distance: 11.5 km
- Ascent: 589 m
- Time : 5 hrs
- Itinerary
Lago di Sorapis is one of the best hikes in the Dolomites. This glacial lake is renowned for its turquoise color. But be warned: this is a difficult hike, relatively long and steep, with some slippery and technical passages, including a few ladders. Good second-hand or new hiking equipment is therefore essential. Please note that swimming in the lake is strictly forbidden to protect this fragile environment.
2. The Alta Via 3
- Distance: 100 km
- Difference in altitude: 6,200 m
- Duration: 8 days
- Itinerary
The Alta Via 3 is one of the most legendary hikes in the Dolomites. It is a long-distance hiking trail, requiring several days to complete. Most hikers choose to divide the Alta Via 3 into 8 different stages. But you can also choose to do just one of the stages of Alta Via 3, nicknamed the "chamois route". Each stage starts and finishes in a high-altitude refuge, but some walkers prefer to bivouac.
3. The Fanes waterfalls
- Distance: 10 km
- Difference in altitude : 550 m
- Duration: 4 hrs
- Itinerary
The Fanes waterfalls are among the most beautiful and highest in the Dolomites. Their originality lies in the fact that it is possible to walk behind the falls thanks to a secure via ferrata. Beware, however: this is a difficult hike, which could prove even more complex in spring, when the heights are still covered in snow. When it's not frozen, the trail is difficult because of its gradient, but it's not technical, and even some mountain bikes can tackle it. Remember to bring a plastic bag to collect your garbage and limit your environmental impact.
4. Piz Boè
- Distance: 6.5 km
- Ascent: 400 m
- Time : 3 hrs
- Itinerary
The ascent of the 3,152 m-high Piz Boè is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites. However, the starting point for this hike is already well above sea level, so it's a medium-level hike. First of all, you'll take the Sasso Pordoi cable car up to the starting point at 2,950 m altitude. Alternatively, you can join the cableway by bus, an environmentally-friendly means of transport that's perfect for protecting this fragile environment. You'll then begin your 400 m ascent. From up there, you'll have a breathtaking view of this unspoilt natural destination. We recommend an early start, so you can get back down before the last cable car ride at 5 pm.
5. The Hans and Paula Steger Trail, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites
- Distance: 9 km
- Difference in altitude: 230 m
- Duration : 3 hrs
- Itinerary
This superb hike through the Dolomite plains is suitable for beginners. However, it pays tribute to two hikers who were far from beginners: Hans and Paula Steger. These two mountaineers became famous for their extremely difficult and often unprecedented climbs in the heart of the Dolomites. The route is dotted with refuges where you can stop for a good mountain meal. This itinerary is generally moderately frequented, and can therefore be considered a hike away from mass tourism.
6. The Lagazuoi tunnels
- Distance: 6 km
- Difference in altitude: 700 m
- Duration: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
Although this trail is short, it's also very steep, which is why this Dolomite hike is considered difficult. Above all, it's a highly original hike, exploring the Lagazuoi tunnels, created by Italian soldiers during the First World War. Today, they are the perfect via ferrata for beginners. All you need to bring is a headlamp and, ideally, a helmet; the rest is equipped on site. It's an ideal hike in bad weather, as you'll be in the tunnels most of the time, rather than outside.
7. The Cinque Torri refuge
- Distance: 10 km
- Ascent: 570 m
- Duration : 5 hrs
- Itinerary
Starting from the Passo di Giau, a pass at 2236 m, discover the rifugio Cinque Torri. Built in 1902, this mountain refuge is one of the most legendary in the Dolomites. The itinerary is of average level, although it does include a difficult section. The hike can be quite long, however, so it's advisable to start as early as possible.
8. Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites
- Distance: 10 km
- Difference in altitude: 470 m
- Duration: 4 hrs
- Itinerary
This medium-level hike is accessible to all, provided you put in some effort. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are three very prominent, almost vertical, sawtooth-shaped rock peaks. They are known as the petite cime, the grande cime and the cime ouest. The best time to conquer them is in late spring, when the crowds are still shy, but the first flowers are already appearing. But be careful not to pick them! The itinerary starts at Rifugio Auronzo, which you can reach by car or hitchhiking.
9. Around Lake Braies
- Distance: 4 km
- Difference in altitude: 140 m
- Duration : 1 h
- Itinerary
Good news: the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites is effortless to discover, thanks to an easy trail! This hike in the Dolomites contributes to the massif's reputation as a top hiking destination, and you're bound to be won over by the emerald waters of Braies Lake. To enjoy this spectacle for as long as possible, remember to pack a picnic and have lunch on a table set aside for the purpose. On the other hand, this little paradise is bound to attract crowds, and the lake can be very busy in summer. The best time to visit is at the end of the day, when the crowds thin out.
10. The Sassolungo loop
- Distance: 16.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 850 m
- Time : 6 hrs
- Itinerary
The Sassolungo is one of 18 Dolomite peaks to exceed 3,000 m in altitude. To be precise, it is 3,179 m high. However, the aim here is not to climb it, but rather to walk around it. However, this is a very difficult hike. Fortunately, the route takes in a number of refuges, so those wishing to try one of the Dolomites' most famous hikes can do so over several days. All along the way, you'll be rewarded with unobstructed views of the massif's jagged peaks.
11. Lake Limides, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites
- Distance: 2.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 135 m
- Duration: 1 h
- Itinerary
This easy trail nonetheless offers some very fine views, particularly of the Tofana di Rozes, a superb massif. But the best view of all will certainly be the one you get when you arrive at the Lìmides lake, a superb alpine lake surrounded by mountains.
For mountain hikers, don't forget to check out our articles on the best hikes in the Pyrenees, the Alps and the Auvergne.
