If you’re looking for the best things to do in the Dolomite Mountains, we’ve got you covered.
One of the most splendid mountain ranges in Italy, activities in the Dolomites are always available from winter and spring to summer and fall. A trip to these mountains in Italy is one of the best experiences anyone can have.
Also known as the Pale Mountains, the Dolomite Mountain Range in northeastern Italy has been listed a a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. These gorgeous mountains are part of the regions of Veneto, Trentino-South Tyrol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. They run through the provinces of Belluno, Vicenza, Verona, Trentino, South Tyrol, Udine, and Pordenone.
9 Amazing Things To Do in the Dolomite Mountains, Italy
Italy’s Dolomite Mountains are famous for their colorful sunrise and sunset, serpentine roads, and wonderful lakes among others — no doubt worth a visit. They are also a must place for skiing in winter, and cycling and hiking the rest of the seasons.
That said, let’s check out these amazing things to do in the Dolomite Mountains, Italy.
1. Road trip or ski trip at the Gardena Pass
Adventure comes in many ways and it’s exactly what the Dolomites offer.
In summer, a road trip is one of the best things to do in the Dolomite Mountains. A drive on a summer getaway or a ski trip in winter will allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountain ranges.
Gardena Pass is 7,008-ft.-high mountain pass with asphalted road situated between Val Gardena and Val Bedia. It connects Silva di Val Gardena and Colfosco, Bedia.
The road was first built in 1960, followed by lift facilities and hiking paths. These are now famous locations for skiing in winter, cycling, and road trips in summer.
Ski pass entry fee is around €50 a day for adults or depending on the length of use of the amenities.
2. Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit is one of the famous hiking trails that should be in your list of things to do in the Dolomite Mountains. It can be found in the Tre Cime National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A 10-km., 4- to 5-hour easy hike that starts at the Rifugio Auronzo. There are more rifugios along the way that can serve as your stopover.
Be amazed by the scenic beauty of the mountains as you journey through the top.
To avoid a toll fee, you can take the 90 minutes initial hike from Lago d’Antorno. But if you arrive by car, you have to pay a fee of around €30. The toll opens from 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.
3. Witness the enrosadira from Pozza di Fassa
As the peak of the Dolomites begin to change in shades of crimson, peach, rose, and violet, it’s time for you to experience the optical phenomenon called the “enrosadira.”
Enrosadira is derived from the Latin word rosadüra, which means “turning pink.” It is also known as the “Dolomite glow” or the “Alpenglow effect.”
From Pozza di Fassa located in a sunny spot of Val di Fassa, you can best witness enrosadira in the Catinaccio. Catinaccio, or Rosengarten in German, is mythically known as King Lauren’s mythical rose garden.
To get the best view of the Dolomites, be there at sunrise or sunset. Getting captivated by the enrosadira is one of the best experiences you will remember for years to come.
4. Experience the cable car ride to the Seceda Mountain
The ride up the Seceda Mountain by cable car is something you should not miss in your list of things to do in the Dolomites.
The Cable Car Seceda is a 1,245-m. ride that starts from Ortisei in Val Gardena up to the Seceda Mountain. It is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, depending on the month. The round-trip ride costs around €35.
This ride will afford you the best panoramic view of the Seceda Mountain and its striking edge and peak that are full of green meadows. You will also be introduced to the astounding peaks of Sassolungo, Mount Schlern, and Sella group.
5. Photo shoot and row a boat on Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee
Lago di Braies is the gem of the place and a definite must-include in your list of things to do in the Dolomites and the best lakes to visit in Italy.
Also known as Pragser Wildsee, Lago di Braies is located at Prags Valley in South Tyrol. A perfect landscape to take pictures, it is best to visit in summer when you can enjoy the turquoise-colored water with perfect reflection of the mountain behind it as you row your boat around.
Boats and the boathouse are open for private photo shoots from 7:00 to 8:00 AM at €150. Rent a boat per hour at €35, good for 4 persons.
The boathouse opens at 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM on the months of May, June, September, and October. Between July and August, it opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM.
6. Climb the Via Ferrata of the Lagazuoi Tunnels
The Dolomite Mountain Range is a world-class rock climbing venue. If you’re a mountaineer or a tourist not afraid of heights, the via ferrata should be included in your list.
Via ferrata or iron path is a protected path for hiking or climbing along the Dolomites walls.
The Lagazuoi tunnel via ferrata at present is more than 1 kilometer, fully-equipped with cables. Historically, the tunnel was used in World War I by the Italians to win over the Austrians who controlled the summit.
Today the completely restored tunnel serves as some kind of a museum that tourists who choose Lagazuoi tunnel for via ferrata will surely get fascinated with, aside from the breathtaking views of the mountains when you reach the top.
7. Pay a visit to the Church of San Giovanni
Tiny but certainly captivating, the Church of San Giovanni in Ranui, Val di Funes in South Tyrol, is definitely worth a visit. It should be on your list of things to do in the Dolomite Mountains.
The Baroque-style chapel with an onion-domed bell tower is a part of Ranui Hof farm property dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk.
The perfect view of the green meadows around and the peak of the Dolomites’ Odle Group in the background serve as the symbol of the place. It is considered as one most famously photographed churches in the region.
8. Stroll around the Alpe di Siusi
Who would not love strolling around the largest alpine pasture in Europe?
Alpe di Siusi, or Seiser Alm, should not be a omitted in the things to do in the Dolomites. This part of the Dolomites located at the province of South Tyrol offers panoramic view that includes Sass di Putia, Odle and Puez groups, Sella group, Vajolet Towers, and the Rosengarten group among others.
The picturesque view of the 57 sq. km. alpine pasture will make you realize why it has been declared a UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage Site. With various villages to check out and discover, your stroll will surely be worthwhile.
9. Spend a night at Rifugio Cinque Torri
Your Dolomites experience won’t be complete without spending a night (or two) at one of the many huts in the mountains.
What’s so special about Rifugio Cinque Torri is that it is located at the south side foot of the Cinque Torri and it is one of the longest standing historical structures in the mountain.
The spectacular place can be reached by foot or by car, depending on the route you want to take. It is open only from mid-June to end of September so ready your schedule along with your list of top activities in the Dolomites.