Best Things to Do in the Dolomites: What You Can’t Miss

Welcome to the otherworldly beauty of the Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where jagged peaks, glassy alpine lakes, and a rich fusion of Austrian and Italian culture set the stage for one unforgettable trip. Whether you’re crafting a summer hiking route or planning a cozy winter Dolomites itinerary, this region delivers everything: scenic drives, legendary trails, cozy rifugi, and next-level food and wine. Between mountain adventures, drop by an Alto Adige winery for a glass with a view, or slow down over Ladin dishes that turn altitude into appetite. This isn’t just Northern Italy, it’s the high-altitude heart of it all. Discover the best things to do in the Dolomites and plan your next journey with our top tips!

What are the best things to do in the Dolomites?

Marvel at the emerald waters of Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies stuns from first glance. Framed by sharp limestone peaks and glowing with emerald clarity, this alpine lake is made for paddle boating, relaxed walks, and jaw-dropping photos. The flat trail around the shore makes it easy to explore, and mornings here are magic, with still water, soft light, and reflections that look straight out of a dream. Add it to your Dolomites itinerary and thank us later.

Hike around the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are the most iconic peaks in the Dolomites and a must for any adventurer. The loop hike delivers nonstop views, dramatic cliffs, and cozy stops at mountain huts like Rifugio Auronzo and Rifugio Locatelli. With its rugged beauty and high-alpine energy, this trail easily ranks among the best in the region, a standout in any serious Dolomites itinerary.

Take a cable car to Sassolungo

Catch the cable car from Selva di Val Gardena to Ciampinoi and step straight into Dolomite magic. Up here, trails lead you through flower-filled alpine meadows with the Sassolungo massif towering above. Early summer hits the sweet spot, with wildflowers everywhere, crisp air, and fewer crowds. Stop at a mountain hut for breakfast or lunch, and take in those open-sky views that make it hard to leave.

Explore the dramatic azure waters of Lago di Sorapis

Lago di Sorapis glows in unreal shades of turquoise, tucked beneath the towering Dito di Dio peak. The hike to get there takes some effort, but the payoff is huge: still water, sharp peaks, and a color you won’t believe is real. Head out early to beat the crowds and catch the quiet beauty that makes this one of the most unforgettable spots in the Dolomites.

Discover beauty of Val di Funes

Val di Funes looks like it was lifted from a storybook. Rolling green meadows, jagged peaks in the background, and the postcard-perfect Santa Maddalena Church make it one of the most photogenic valleys in the Dolomites. It’s quiet, peaceful, and a solid pick if you want to escape the crowds and just breathe. Add it to your Dolomites itinerary, it’s a reset button in alpine form.

Wander the pastures of Alpe di Siusi

Alpe di Siusi is the largest alpine meadow in Europe, and it feels like stepping into a painting. Rolling pastures, wildflowers, grazing cows, and dramatic peaks stretch in every direction. Hop on a cable car from Ortisei or Castelrotto, and you’re there, ready for easy hikes, slow picnics, and views that don’t quit.

Experience the raw edge of Cadini di Misurina

Cadini di Misurina serves up one of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints in the Dolomites. Just a short, heart-pumping hike from Rifugio Auronzo, this ridge-line trail near Tre Cime rewards you with needle-sharp peaks and a view that looks like it was built for a movie set. If photography is your thing, this is the shot, raw, dramatic, and easily one of the best in Italy.

Soar to Seceda for 360° views over the Dolomites

Ride the cable car from Ortisei up to Seceda, and suddenly you’re standing on the edge of one of the Dolomites’ most iconic views. Sharp ridgelines drop into green slopes, clouds drift below your feet, and every angle feels camera-ready. It’s a top spot for landscape photography and an unforgettable highlight to add to any Dolomites itinerary.

Photograph Lago di Misurina

Lake Misurina brings a slower pace and big mountain views. Its glassy surface reflects the peaks like a mirror, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light turns everything gold. Rent a boat, grab a table at a lakeside trattoria, and settle in, this is one of the most peaceful (and photogenic) corners of your Dolomites itinerary.

Capture sunset at Cinque Torri

Cinque Torri delivers epic views with minimal effort. These towering rock formations are perfect for short hikes, golden-hour photos, and easy access to WWI trenches that bring the landscape’s history to life. Nearby rifugios serve up dinner with a view, and if you’re into climbing, the open rock faces are some of the best in the Dolomites.

What are the best things to do around the Dolomites?

Take a wine break in the mountains

In between hikes and high-altitude adventures, carve out time for a slower, tastier moment, a wine break with a view. South Tyrol is home to some of Italy’s most scenic vineyards, and sipping a crisp white or bold red at an Alto Adige winery hits differently when you’re surrounded by peaks. Many estates are tucked into hillsides with panoramic terraces, offering the perfect pause in your Dolomites itinerary. This is mountain living, served by the glass.

Explore South Tyrol

Alpine peaks, vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles, and spa towns, every corner of this region brings something unforgettable. When you visit South Tyrol Italy, you get a rare mix of wild landscapes and rich culture shaped by both Austrian and Italian traditions. Hike through the Dolomites, unwind in mountain wellness resorts, or wander colorful villages where every meal is worth writing home about. This is more than just a destination, it’s a deep breath in the middle of Europe.

Drive to Bolzano

Just about 1 to 1.5 hours by car from many Dolomite hotspots, Bolzano makes for an easy and rewarding detour. This lively alpine city blends mountain charm with urban flair, think colorful piazzas, arcaded streets, and a food scene that mixes speck with strudel. Among the best things to do in Bolzano: visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to meet Ötzi the Iceman, stroll the Talvera riverside promenades, or dive into the local wine bars. It’s the perfect place to recharge after days in the high peaks.

Discover the best Dolomites itinerary

Planning the ultimate Dolomites itinerary means more than just ticking off the big names, it’s about finding the perfect balance between jaw-dropping hikes, slow mornings by alpine lakes, and mountain huts that serve your lunch with a view. This guide brings together the best things to do in the Dolomites, the top spots, hidden gems, and local tips to help you move through the region like a pro. From iconic peaks to peaceful valleys, get ready to build a trip you’ll be talking about long after you’re home.

Good to know before visiting the Dolomites