Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, the Dolomites are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. From jagged peaks to crystal-clear lakes, this stunning region is filled with breathtaking natural beauty to the brim.
If you're planning a trip to the Dolomites, you'll want to make sure you don't miss out on the best the region has to offer. That's why I've put together a list of the top 10 places to visit in the Dolomites.
From iconic peaks and charming villages to beautiful lakes and cultural landmarks, these are the must-see destinations in the Dolomites. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of the Italian Alps!
- 1. Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Hike
- 2. Seceda
- 3. Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm
- 4. Karersee
- 5. Church of St. John at Val di Funes
- 6. Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hike
- 7. Pragser Wildsee/Lago di Braies
- 8. Cadini di Missurina
- 9. Brixen
- 10. Bolzano
- More Dolomites Activities
- Further Reading for the Dolomites, Italy
1. Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Hike
Tre Cime is hands down, one of the best places to visit in the Dolomites and the best hike you can do in the region. This 8.2 KM hiking trail will lead you to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a group of three distinctive peaks that rise up to over 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above the surrounding landscape.
Tre Cime is known for its dramatic, jagged peaks, which rise up from the surrounding landscape like sentinels. These peaks are a sight to behold, especially when viewed from a distance. The area is also home to a number of picturesque lakes and alpine meadows, which provide a beautiful contrast to the rugged terrain. If you only have time to do one day hike in the Dolomites, make it this one.
- One day private tour: The hidden Dolomites (6 to 8 hours)
- From Bolzano - Private Tour by car: THE BEST OF THE DOLOMITES IN JUST ONE DAY (10 hours)
- Bolzano Street Food Tour® (3 hours)
The Tre Cime hike is a moderate to challenging trail that takes about 5-6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the route you choose. The trail begins at Rifugio Auronzo and follows a circular route through the beautiful alpine landscape of the region.
No time to read?
Don't worry. You can save this page to Pinterest and come back later.
Along the way, you will pass by several interesting landmarks and rest stops, including Cappella degli Alpini, Rifugio Lavaredo, and Dreizinnenhütte where you can rest, fill up your water, or even have lunch.
The trail circles the entire Tre Cime di Lavaredo with a bit of up at first and then it goes down to the valley in the middle before you have to hike all the way back up, around the peaks, and merge back where you began.
The hike is also easily accessible with a shuttle service running between Toblach/Dobbiaco town and the Tre Cime trailhead. The shuttle service leaves from Toblach Train Station so be sure to be there on time. The journey should take about 45 minutes before you arrive at the Tre Cime trailhead. Definitely one of the best places to visit in the Dolomites.
2. Seceda
Seceda is an iconic mountain peak in the Odle mountain range and it is one of the most well-known mountain peaks in the Dolomites. This jagged layered mountain peak is home to some of the most accessible hiking trails and incredible panoramic views in the area and it is one of the first places I highly you visit when you are in the Dolomites.
Seceda is easily reachable by public transportation from Bolzano, one of the biggest cities in the region. All you have to do is catch bus #350 from Bolzano Bus Station and get off at Ortisei/Urtijëi, a small mountain town where the cable car to Seceda is located.
Once you arrive in Ortisei, you can then make your way up the escalator to the Seceda Cable Car Station where you can then buy a roundtrip ticket for 38 EUR, and it should take about 30 minutes until you reach Seceda.
The moment you walked off the cable car station, you will be greeted with an expansive panoramic view of the Odle mountain range, which is known for its distinctive jagged peaks.
To get to the iconic Seceda Ridgeline, you just have to turn left when you exit the cable car and follow the trail along the ridge, you will be in sight of the jagged peaks of the mighty Seceda mountain.
From the ridge, you will have a 360° view of the breathtaking scenery that truly shows just how magnificent the Dolomites are. There are a ton of hiking trails you can do here.
You can hike along the Seceda ridge and get up close and personal with the mountain or you can hike downhill and visit some of the mountain huts located down the valley.
You can easily spend half a day exploring all the beautiful viewpoints Seceda has to offer or more. Be sure to spend some time in Ortisei as well and explore all the attractions in this charming little town.
3. Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm
Alpe di Siusi is a high-altitude plateau that is known for its stunning alpine scenery and it is a popular destination for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers, with an incredible view over the valley and its surroundings. It is completely different from Seceda with its own beauty and charm.
To get to Alpe Di Siusi, you will also have to take bus #350 from Bolzano to Ortisei/Urtijëi but instead of heading north to Secada cable car, you head south across the main road instead and take the cable car from the St.Ulrich Cable Car Station, buy a roundtrip ticket to Alpe di Siusi for about 24.9 EUR, and you will be there in no time.
With a short hike, you can get to Belvedere dell'Alpe di Siusi, a breathtaking viewpoint located at an altitude of about 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) in the middle of the valley and offers an iconic view of Alpe di Siusi and its golden rolling hills.
Supposedly, this viewpoint is one of the best places to see the sunset in the Dolomites but due to our limited time and the cable car operation hours, we only have time for a few hikes and that is it. Of course, if you really want to see the sunset at Alpe di Siusi, you can opt to stay overnight but it won't be cheap.
4. Karersee
Located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy, near the border with Austria, Karersee is a picturesque mountain lake known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The lake is surrounded by lush forests, which provide a stunning contrast to the shimmering waters, perfect for a photo with the vivid blue/green lake and the Dolomites in the background.
Getting here is also extremely easy as the lake is located right by the main road around the Dolomites. All you have to do is go to Bolzano Bus Station, catch bus #180, drop off at Karersee bus stop and you will be right at the lake in less than an hour.
The bus runs every hour so you will have ample time to visit the lake and do a number of walking and hiking trails in the surrounding area. If you are looking for an incredibly picturesque lake that is easily accessible then be sure to check out Karersee.
5. Church of St. John at Val di Funes
Val di Funes (also known as Villnöß in German) is a valley located in the Dolomites that is known for its stunning rolling hills, an incredible view of the jagged peaks of the Odle mountain range, and one of the most beautiful cultural landmarks in the region, the Church of St. John.
The Church of St. John is a Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century, located in this vast green field set against the beautiful Odle mountains. It is one of the most popular viewpoints here and you can easily reach the place from Brixen/Bressanone, another charming mountain town you should visit, via bus #330.
6. Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hike
If you are looking for a hike that will get you up close and personal with the Odle mountains you just saw from Val di Funes, there is no better hike than the Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hike.
The Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hike is a 10 km hiking trail that will take about 4 - 5 hours to complete. It is considered to be one of the most photogenic hiking trails in the area and it will take you as close to the jagged peaks of the Odle mountain range, the mountain you saw in Secada, as you can get without needing mountaineering gear.
The trail will skirt around the foothill of the Odle mountains and eventually leads you to the picturesque Gschnagenhardt-Alm, a mountain hut located right in the center of a natural amphitheater, formed by the towering cliffs of the Odle mountain range, which rise up to over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above the valley floor.
This incredible natural amphitheater was quite a sight to behold as you will find yourself in a vast green field of rolling hills, surrounded by the beautiful jagged peaks of the Odle mountain range, set against the beautiful blue sky. It is a worthy reward for a long hike such as the Adolf-Munkel-Weg trail. Definitely one of the best places to visit in the Dolomites.
7. Pragser Wildsee/Lago di Braies
Pragser Wildsee, also known as Lago di Braies, is a beautiful mountain lake situated at an altitude of about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) and is surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests.
The lake is best known for its stunning beauty and clear, blue waters where you can hike around or rent a boat and row around the lake. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery of the Dolomites, especially after all the hikes we just did.
To get to Pragser Wildsee, you are going to have to base yourself out of Toblach/Dobbiaco, a mountain town located on the eastern side of the Dolomites and a perfect base to see the lake as well as Tre Cime di Lavaredo I recommended earlier.
From Toblach, you will then have to rely on the shuttle service and reserve the seat prior to the day you want to visit. You will have to choose a time slot and pay around 10 EUR for a roundtrip bus. The trip should take about 30 minutes and they will drop you off at Pragser Wildsee bus stop.
There is a number of hiking and walking trails around the lake as well as all kinds of amenities like cafes and restaurants, which is perfect for you to visit the lake as a day trip from Toblach.
8. Cadini di Missurina
Cadini di Misurina are a group of peaks located in the Dolomites mountain range in the northeastern part of the area and it got its name from the Misurina town nearby.
You can hike around Cadini di Missurina but the best viewpoints of the mountains is actually from a viewpoint located just 30 minutes away from Rifugio Auronzo, the trailhead of the Tre Cime hiking trail. If you have the time, you can veer off from the main Tre Cime trail and visit this incredible viewpoint for around 1 - 2 hours extra, depending on how long you want to be at the viewpoint.
For more information on how to get to Rifugio Auronzo, be sure to check out my complete hiking guide to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Also, if you planning to do that hike, do not forget to calculate enough time for this sidetrip as well.
9. Brixen
After all the mountain views, let's change it up a little and visit a beautiful mountain village. Brixen / Bressanone is a small little mountain town with a huge German influence that almost felt like you are in Austria than Italy. It is the fifth-largest town in South Tyrol and is located in the Isarco Valley, at the foot of the Plose mountain range.
The town is home to a number of cultural landmarks, including the Brixen Cathedral, a Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 11th century, and the Diocesan Museum, which houses a collection of art and religious artifacts.
Brixen doesn't get as crowded as other towns in the Dolomites which make it even more charming for those who are looking for a more authentic experience in the Dolomites.
It is hard to describe just how romantic Brixen is at night when the streets are empty and you are surrounded by medieval buildings and churches that felt almost as if you have traveled back in time. It is an incredibly beautiful town to visit while you are in the Dolomites. The place is also a great base to use if you wish to hike the Adolf-Munkel-Weg trail as well as visit Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.
10. Bolzano
Last but not least, you have to check out Bolzano while you are in the Dolomites. The city is considered to be a gateway to the Dolomite and is one of the best cities to base yourself in while you explore this beautiful region.
It is also a great place to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region, with a mix of Italian and German influences you won't find anywhere else in Italy. Fun fact, the chocolate wafer brand Loacker was founded here and Bolzano is one of the few places you can visit a full-fledged Loacker cafe.
There are many notable landmarks you should visit while you are here such as Bolzano Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic church, hang out at Waltherplatz, a 19th Century plaza set against the Dolomites, or visit the South Tyrol Archeological Museum.
South Tyrol Archeological Museum, also known as the Ötzi Museum, is a museum dedicated to the "Iceman," a 5,300-year-old mummified corpse that was recently discovered in the region in 1991, thanks to global warming 🥲.
The museum displays the remains of the Iceman, mummified and all, as well as artifacts, and other items that were found with him. They were many speculations as to how he was trapped in the ice for centuries, but the ongoing theory that seems to have the most legs is that he probably got mugged and left for dead up in the mountains. Poor soul!
The museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in archaeology or the history of the region. It is one of the top attractions in Bolzano and I highly recommend you check it out while you are in Bolzano.
There are a ton more things you can do in Bolzano and the surrounding areas that can occupy you for days. If you want to explore the Dolomites on a private tour, Bolzano is also a great base to do that as all the tours run from this city.
More Dolomites Activities
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour while traveling in the Dolomites? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
That is it for the 10 BEST Places to Visit in the Dolomites. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Dolomites, Italy! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Dolomites, Italy independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for the Dolomites, Italy
I hope you found this Italian travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
- Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2-Week Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- Want to travel around Italy for one month, from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You're going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary
- For a complete backpacking itinerary for the Dolomites, check out: the 7 Days Dolomites Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
- Bolzano is a great city to base yourself in while you explore the Dolomites. If you decide to stay in Bolzano, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Bolzano.
- Tre Cime Hike is the best hike you can do in the Dolomites. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Loop.
- Adolf-Munkel-Weg Hike is the best way to get up close and personal with the Dolomites. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to the Adolf-Munkel-Weg Trail.
- Looking for a complete itinerary for Northern Italy? Check out: 2-Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary.
- For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Central Italy Itinerary.
- Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary for Sicily? Check out: One Week Backpacking Sicily Itinerary.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.