Dolomites. According to many, the most beautiful mountain range in the world. The green flowering meadows in combination with sharp peaks will take the breath away of even a complete mountain denier. Check out our tips for trips, hikes and things to do in the Dolomites.
Best hikes and walking routes in Dolomites, Italy
There is something for everyone in the Dolomites. You will find both easy routes suitable for children and more demanding full-day or multi-day treks from mountain hut to hut.
The Alpine lakes are famous for their crystal clear water, which mirrors the surrounding sharp limestone peaks.
The high mountain roads take you to altitudes that will leave you breathless at the sight of snow-capped mountain peaks. What’s more, the roads here are completely free, unlike in the Austrian Alps (though of course there are reasons for this).
1. Iconic peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo – best hikes in Dolomites
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Starting point: Rifugio Auronzo
- Where to stay near Tre Cime: Hotel Fiames (cheap), Hotel Piccolo Pocol (mid-range), Hotel de Len (luxury)
The Tre Cime (Drei Zinnen) are three iconic peaks in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the same name. Tre Cime di Lavaredo is the most famous symbol of the Dolomites and if you are a mountain lover, you should not miss a trek in this national park.
Just opposite the peaks is the summit of Monte Paterno, from which you will have the peaks in the palm of your hand.
The area around the peaks is perfectly interwoven with a number of hiking trails. And both one-day and multi-day ones. The most famous is the easy route to the Drei Zinnen mountain hut. It is 10 km long, will take you about 4 hours and can be done even by older children.
To reach the Rifugio Auronzo below the peaks, you can take the high mountain road, which is the only one in the Dolomites with a toll – €30 in 2023. There is a large parking lot upstairs, where you will be directed by the attendant (parking is free).
From the car park, head uphill slightly towards the peaks. The trail is wide, comfortable and skirts the peaks on the right. Almost to the mountain pass to the peaks you can go with an all-terrain buggy.
Read more about Tre Cime di Lavaredo in our separate article.
2. View of the Cadini di Misurina massif
Do you have time? Take one more hike around Tre Cime. Exactly on the other side of the gables and the parking lot. Just after the Auronzo hut, turn right along the Sentiero Bonacossa trail. The route is about 45 minutes long and leads along the slopes of the Monte Campedelle.
I swear, this is gonna be worth it. The view of the dramatic massif of Cadini di Misurina will take your breath away.
The viewpoint is located on a small ridge that is getting narrower due to erosion. Don’t take the risk and don’t go on the ridge unless it’s dry and you have proper boots. There is a beautiful view in the distance (see photo).
Here are all the options accommodation in the Dolomites .
3. The most famous alpine lake Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies or Pragser Wildsee is the most iconic lake in the Alps. With turquoise water you’d jump into if it wasn’t so icy. Or you can rent a boat and take a ride on its surface with a view of the snow-capped mountain peaks.
Lago di Braies is well known and often tops the list of things to do in the Dolomites. For that reason, we expected there to be a lot of tourists. But we really didn’t expect there to be so many of them.
The lake is a tourist sensation and most people who come here just go to the edge of the lake, snap a photo, have a hot dog and move on. Lago di Braies is a shining example of what mass tourism can do.
The lake is rightly one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites and is worth more than just a quick photo on social media.
On the Lago di Braies you can take a tour from 20. May to 5. November 2023 to ride in wooden rowboats. The ride will cost you €25 for half an hour and €35 for an hour.
Around the lake there is an easy hiking trail, which you can easily manage from the right side with a stroller and smaller children (the left side is not passable with a stroller). The whole tour is 3 km long and will take you 1.5-2 hours.
If you want to enjoy the lake without the crowds, get here early in the morning (5-7am) when there will only be a few people here besides you.
Please note: If you plan to visit the lake between 10. July and 10. September, there are restrictions on car travel – you must arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. In the meantime, you can use public transport or walk, or book parking in advance.
Read more about Lago di Braies in a separate article.
4. Mountain pass Passo Giau
Passo Giau, with the dominant peak of Ra Gusela (2595 m), is a feast for the eyes. One of the most visited mountain passes in Italy, it connects the towns of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Boite Valley and Selva di Cadore in the Livinallongo Valley.
The pass is an ideal base for further hikes. It is easy to get here by car and you can park at the highest point in the free parking lot (you can also park in other places along the way).
Read our detailed guide to Passo Giau (hiking tips).
5. Lake with a milky colour Lago di Sorapis
- Difficulty: moderate
- Starting point: the mountain pass of Passo Tre Croci
Lago di Sorapis is without a doubt the most milky colour you can imagine. And the milky colour attracts a lot of tourists even though you will sweat when you climb to the lake.
I recommend going early in the morning or later in the afternoon (when the days are long, so you don’t return in the dark).
The ascent to Lago di Sorapis starts at the parking lot of the Passo Tre Croci mountain pass, halfway between Cortina and Misurina.
The beginning of the route leads through a forest of pine trees. After a while, you start to climb more significantly up a narrow steep path on the cliff side with no handrails, but there are ropes or metal ladders to belay yourself. It’s not the most ideal route for those suffering from vertigo.
The tour will take 3-4 hours. The best time to visit Lago di Sorapis is spring and summer. In autumn the lake can be quite dry, but on the other hand there are fewer tourists.
If you would like to spend the night by the lake, book a room at the Rifugio Vandelli mountain hut.
Tip: B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci is a modern 3-star hotel strategically located directly on Passo Tre Croci, just a short walk from Cortina d’Ampezzo. From here you can head to Lake Sorapis or follow one of the hiking trails that line Monte Cristallo. Free parking.
6. Seceda Peak (2519 m)
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting point: Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cable car, Ortisei
- Where to stay near Seceda: Apartments Boè (cheap), Garni Aritz (middle class), La Cort (luxury)
Seceda is a peak in the Val Gardena valley in the Parco Naturale Puez Odle. One of the most famous peaks of the Dolomites, from where you will have a great view of the jagged Femeda peaks, whose shape resembles daggers. And not only for them, because Seceda offers some of the best views of the surrounding Dolomites.
How to get to Seceda from Ortisei
The Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cable car is the most popular and easiest way to get almost to the top of Seceda. The cable car operates from late May to early November from 8:30-16:30. There is a car park right next to the cable car (12 € for all-day parking in 2022).
A one-way ticket for the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cable car costs €30 for an adult, €15.50 for children, and smaller children under 8 years old get the cable car for free. A two-way ticket costs €39.50 for adults and €21 for children.
The cable car will take you a short distance below Seceda, from where you will have a 10-minute uphill climb to the top.
The surrounding area of Seceda is literally criss-crossed with hiking trails and mountain huts where you can dine overlooking the Puez Odle Natural Park. You can also stay overnight in some of the mountain huts and enjoy the iconic sunrise at Seceda in the morning.
How to get to Ortisei from Santa Cristina
The second option to reach the top of Seceda is the town of Santa Cristina in Val Gardena. Here you will take the cable car to the Col Raiser mountain hotel, from where you will take an hour’s ride along a well-maintained trail to Seceda.
You can park directly at the Col Raiser cable car station for €5 per day, but the downside is that the car park fills up early.
A one-way ticket costs €19 and €13 for children aged 6-13. A two-way ticket costs €28 and €17 for children. The fee per dog is 5 €. The Col Raiser cable car operates from late May to early November between 8:30-17:00 and between 18:00-18:00. June and 16. September until 5:30.
7. High Meadows of the Alpe di Siusi – Hikes in the Dolomites
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting point: Seis am Schlern or Ortisei
- Where to stay near Alpe di Siusi: Apartments Boè (cheap), Garni Aritz (middle class), La Cort (luxury)
When you say Dolomites, it’s exactly the combination most of us imagine. Sharp peaks combined with picturesque alpine meadows. That look never gets old.
Alpe di Siusi or Seiser Alm is the largest alpine meadow in Europe, dotted with wooden huts and backed by the Sassolungo massif.
You can just sit in the grass/on a bench with a beautiful view or hike one of the hiking trails in the area.
How to get to Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi is most easily reached by the Alpe di Siusi cable car from Seis am Schlern. Here you can park in the free outdoor car park or in the covered garage for € 6 for the whole day.
The cable car operates from the end of May to the beginning of November. The cable car operates daily during this period from 8:00-18:00 and from 17:00-17:00. June to 3. September until 19:00.
A one-way ticket costs €16, €10 for children, €14 for seniors and disabled people and €2 for dogs. A two-way ticket costs 24 €, for children 14 €, seniors and disabled 20 €, dogs 4 €. If you’re travelling with your family, take advantage of the discounted ticket for €36 for a single trip, or. 52 € for both up and down. Children up to 8 years old can use the cable car for free.
The cable car to Alpe di Siusi also runs from Ortisei. More information here.
Another way to get to Alpe di Siusi is to park in the P2 Compatsch car park, located right in Alpe di Siusi, just below the top station of the cable car from Seis am Schlern. For this reason, however, the parking fee is relatively high – 24 € per day.
From here, you can take one of the trails down to Saltrio, where you’ll have great views of the Alpe di Siusi on the way.
The ride is about 1.5 hours of easy downhill and then in Saltria you can take a bus that will take you back up to the top station of the cable car or P2 Compatsch. Tickets cost €3 and can be bought from the driver or from a ticket machine. Check out the bus routes around Alpe di Siusi.
8. Sassolungo Shields
- Starting position: the Passo Sella pass
- Difficulty: easy to moderate depending on the chosen route
Since I mentioned the Sassolungo massif (3181 m) at the previous point, I will continue with it at the next point. The Sassolungo triple-peak (Langkofel in German) can be found at the Passo Sella mountain pass, where parking is charged (€2.50 per hour, €1.50 per hour after 3 hours and €0.50 per hour after another 3 hours).
Around Sassolungo there are many beautiful trails. For example, directly between the peaks – see the way up which Petya is walking in the photo.
You can also take the historic gondola here, which operates in season from 8:45-16:45. The top station of the cable car is located at Rifugio Toni Demetz, which lies in the Forcella del Sassolungo pass between the Sassolungo and Cinque Dita peaks.
From there you can continue along the marked route or choose one of the 26 climbing routes. There are again several mountain huts in the area, easy and more demanding routes, where everyone can choose.
For more tips on hiking routes in the Passo Sella and Sassolungo area, see the separate guide.
9. Lago di Dobbiaco
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting position: parking lot at Toblacher Ser
Lago di Dobbianco (Toblacher See) lies a few kilometres behind Lago di Braies towards the Tre Cime peaks. A short walk from the road and parking is right by the lake (2€ per hour or 10€ for the whole day). Ideal place if you are looking for an easy trip with children. Plus, it’s not as crowded as Lago di Braies.
The lake can be circumnavigated and along the way you can admire the Dolomite peaks reflected in the crystal clear water. Or rent pedal boats when there’s plenty of water. The lake is relatively shallow – only 3.5 metres.
Here are all the options accommodation in the Dolomites .
10. The picturesque Val di Funes valley
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting point: the village of Santa Maddalena, Val di Funes
No church in the Dolomites is as photographed as the church of Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui in the Val di Funes (see photo). The second most photographed church is the Chiesa di Santa Maddalena just down the road.
Another easy hike in the Dolomites that will cost you a minimum of effort.
You’ll hike above the village of Santa Maddalena, where you’ll have fantastic views of the Val di Funes with its picturesque churches in the foreground and dramatic mountain range beyond. The exact location can be found in the map at the end of the article.
11. Passo Pordoi and the highest peak of the Dolomites Marmolada
- Starting position: the mountain pass Passo Pordoi
- Difficulty: easy to moderate depending on the chosen route
- Where to stay near Passo Pordoi: Apparthotel Sellaronda (cheap), Hotel Portavescovo (mid-range), Chalet Barbara (upper class)
The Passo Pordoi mountain pass connects the towns of Canazei and Arabba and forms the border between the districts of Trento and Belluno. The rock massif of Sass Pordoi, right next to the pass, is very popular and you can take a cable car to the popular peak of Piz Boé.
My tip is to go to the other side of Sass Pordoi. Exactly where far fewer tourists go. After about half an hour uphill, you will reach the ridge where you will have a magnificent view of the highest peak of the Dolomites – the Marmolada. From there, you can continue along one of the trails or have a picnic in the grass like we did.
Read more about Passo Pordoi in a separate article.
12. Traces of wartime in Passo Falzarego
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting point: Passo Falzarego
- Where to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Hotel Fiames (cheap), Hotel Piccolo Pocol (mid-range), Hotel de Len (luxury)
The Passo Falzarego mountain pass is famous for its World War I remains around the massive Lagazuoi (2835 m). It’s like an open-air museum because the whole area was an important strategic location during the war.
Passo Falzarego-Lagazuoi cable car
In the summer season, you can reach the top directly by cable car. You can park directly at the top of Passo Falzarego (free of charge). The cable car is in operation from 22. May to 22. October 2023, 9:00-16:40.
A one-way ticket costs €17.50, €12 for children aged 8-16 and €11 for dogs. The tour costs 25€ for adults, 16€ for children and 16€ for dogs. In the peak season in August, prices are a few euros higher.
The Rifugio Lagazuoi mountain hut with a view is located at the top station of the cable car.
From the top station of the cable car, you can then go down (an easy route with fantastic views suitable for older children) or extend your way down through the tunnel that was carved into the rock in Lagazuoi during the war. It is freely accessible, but it is dark (the only light is from small rock windows), so pack a headlamp.
Hiking trails around Passo Falzarego, Dolomites
You can spend hours around the Passo Falzarego mountain pass. Hiking trails take you, for example, to Lago di Limides (40 minutes) or to the Cinque Torri rock massif (2.5 hours, also accessible from Passo Giau).
If you visit in autumn, it is possible that Lago di Limides will be dry by then. Like most other lakes in the Dolomites, it is glacier-fed, so it gets most of its water from the spring.
13. Lago di Carezza – the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting position: paid parking at Carezza
Lago di Carezza, or Karersee, lies a little apart from the other lakes. There are two camps of people, with one leaning towards Lago di Braies being the most beautiful lake and the other saying that Karersee is undoubtedly the most beautiful. And we form a third camp, which says that the most beautiful is Lago di Sorapis :).
Lago di Carezza is popular for its emerald colour, which mirrors the Latemar rock massif.
The lake is very accessible by car or public transport, so even if you don’t have enough time, you can take at least a short break here. But this is also its disadvantage, because thanks to its easy accessibility it is crowded and even in October there are tour buses.
You can leave your car in the paid parking lot (1 € per hour) and from there you can walk to the lake via the underpass.
The Karersee can be circumnavigated in about half an hour by an easy route. It is surrounded by a fence and direct access to the water is forbidden.
Looking for private accommodation in the Dolomites? Take a look at complete offer here .
14. Peak with moonscape Piz Boé
- Difficulty: easy – moderate
- Starting point: the lower station of the cable car at the highest point of the Passo Pordoi
Piz Boé is the most accessible 3,000m peak in the Dolomites. The first way to get here is to take the cable car to Sass Pordoi from the Passo Pordoi.
The Passo Pordoi-Sass Pordoi cable car is in operation from 17. May to 15. October 9:00-17:00 and then until 1. November 9:00-16:30. One way costs €15 (children €9) and round trip costs €27 (children €16).
From the Sass Pordoi cable car to Piz Boé
From the Rifugio Maria al Sass Pordoi hut, head down to the Forcella Pordoi mountain pass along the 627A trail. From the pass, follow trail 627 towards the Rifugio Boé mountain hut. All the way you walk at approximately the same height through the impressive Dolomite plateau, for which the rock massif is famous.
From Rifugio Boé you can climb to the highest peak of Piz Boé (3152 m) to the Rifugio Capanna Piz di Fassa hut. The area around the Rifugio Boé and the top of Piz Boé is worth a visit, as it resembles a lunar landscape.
If you have the strength and time, start the whole trek on foot directly from Passo Pordoi. The 627 hiking trail starts at the monument and continues to the Forcella Pordoi mountain pass. The route up to this pass is identical to the first trek to the Rifugio Maria hut. At the pass, turn right and head up to the Rifugio Boé hut and the summit of Piz Boé.
15. Passo Gardena
The Passo Gardena mountain pass connects to the Passo Sella and links Val Gardena and Val Badia.
The area is criss-crossed with a number of hiking trails and cable cars that take you to less accessible places. One of the trails leads to the mountain hut Rifugio Cavazza al Pisciadù, located at the foot of the Cima Pisciadù (2985 m).
Tip: Garni Aritz is one of the best hotels in the western Dolomites, with great value for money. It offers excellent facilities including free parking and a restaurant, and there are a number of Dolomites excursions nearby including Sassolungo, Marmolada, Seceda, Passo Pordoi and more.
16. Ritten’s natural pyramids
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting point: the town of Klobenstein-Logomoso
Ritten’s natural pyramids will absolutely amaze you. These are up to 30 metres high clay columns topped with stone caps.
The route starts in the town of Klobenstein-Logomoso, where there is a parking lot. From here you head uphill along the road (there is a footpath on the right) and a few metres after the café there is a turn to the right, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Ritten Pyramids.
17. The Adolf Munkel Trail – hiking trails in the Dolomites
- Difficulty: moderate
- Starting point: Malga Zannes
The Dolomites are literally interwoven with wonderful hiking trails. The Adolf Munkel trail is one of the most beautiful. Next to the Odle/Geisler massif. This is exactly the one that forms the panorama of the churches in the Val di Funes (see a few paragraphs above).
The trail itself is over 9 km long and leads from the Rifugio Brogles hut to the Rifugio Genova. But if you come by car, it is better to choose a part of the route and make it a circular one. The most popular route starts in Malga Zannes, where there is a paid parking lot (8€ for 2023).
On the way, follow the signs for Sentiero Adolf Munkel/Via delle Odle. The route is moderately demanding and will take you 4-6 hours. There are several mountain huts along the way where you can have a snack or relax on a deck chair overlooking the Puez Odle Nature Park.
18. Marmolada – the best hikes in the Dolomites
- Difficulty: easy (if you take the cable car)
- Starting point: Malga Capela
At 3342 metres above sea level, the Marmolada is the highest peak in the Dolomites. Its majestic appearance has earned it the name “Queen of the Dolomites”. On the mountain is the Marmolada glacier, which is the largest glacier in the Dolomites.
There are several routes to the top of the Marmolada, including a popular trekking route in the summer months, and the Via Fera Ovest, a challenging climbing route.
The easiest way to get up is by cable car from Malga Capela. Free parking is available directly at the lower cable car station. The cable car to Marmolada is open from June to mid-September from 9:00-16:00. For current prices, check the official Marmolada website.
At the top station of the cable car, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Dolomites from the panoramic terrace and visit the museum with its monumental zone dedicated to the soldiers who fought and died here in the First World War.
19. Tofana di Mezzo – excursions in the Dolomites
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting point: Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Where to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Hotel Fiames (cheap), Hotel Piccolo Pocol (mid-range), Hotel de Len (luxury)
Tofana di Mezzo is the highest peak of the Tofane Group, a mountain range in the Dolomites in Italy, at 3244 m. Upstairs there is a large panoramic terrace from where you can enjoy fantastic views. From there, you can continue on one of the hiking and climbing trails.
The cable car to Tofana di Mezzo is called Freccia nel Cielo, which translates as “Arrow in the Clouds”.
The Freccia nel Cielo cable car runs in three sections. The first section starts in the ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo and takes you to Col Drusciè (1,778 m). The second section leads from Col Drusciè to Rifugio Ra Vales (2 470 m). The last section of the cable car includes the journey from Rifugio Ra Vales to Rifugio Angelo Dibona (2 932 m), located near the summit of Tofana di Mezzo. From Rifugio Angelo Dibona it is only a short hike to the summit.
The cable car is open from 10. June to 1. October 2023. Prices vary depending on whether you want to ride all 3 sections or just part of it – check out the current prices here.
The normal route to the summit of Tofana di Mezzo is relatively long and demanding, and partly leads through sheltered sections.
20. Cinque Torri – the most beautiful hiking trails in the Dolomites
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting point: Cortina d’Ampezzo – Passo Falzarego or Passo Giau
- Where to stay near Cinque Torri: Hotel Fiames (cheap), Hotel Piccolo Pocol (mid-range), Hotel de Len (luxury)
The Cinque Torri is a small group of rock formations, which consist of five main rock towers, each of them differing in height and shape – Torre Grande, Torre Seconda, Torre Latina, Torre Quarta, Torre Inglese.
During the First World War, the Dolomites were a battlefield between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops, and the remains of this conflict can still be found around the Cinque Torri, including trenches and tunnels.
You can take an easy tour around Cinque Torri and visit the World War I museum with its bunkers and trenches. The tour is about an hour long and suitable for families with children.
A chairlift takes you to the Cinque Torri area. The cable car is called Seggiovia 5 Torri and operates during the summer and winter season. The cable car starts at the Bai de Dones car park in Passo Falzarego, which can be reached by car (free parking but may be full soon) or by bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Once you take the cable car to the top, you will find yourself at the Rifugio Scoiattoli mountain hut, located at an altitude of approximately 2,200 metres. From here you can see the Cinque Torri in sight. You can continue onwards and upwards to Rifugio Averau.
The other way to get to Cinque Torri is Passo Giau. You can start walking from the highest point of Passo Giau – you will go directly to the rock formation Ra Gusela. The route is half-day to one-day depending on which trail you choose.
Or take the cable car from Passo Giau. The lower cable car station is located at Rifugio Fedare and takes you to the Rifugio Averau mountain hut. Cinque Torii is only 40 minutes from here. More information about the cable car here.
Map of the best hikes and walking routes in the Dolomites
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a map with places to visit in the Dolomites. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places mentioned in the Dolomites guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
Where to stay in the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are vast and you don’t get a chance to drive through them all in one visit. I recommend choosing a specific area and then exploring the immediate surroundings from there. And then maybe move on, like we usually do.
1. Accommodation in Arabba, Dolomites
If you want to stay in just one place and from there you can take trips to both sides of the Dolomites, Arabba is ideally located in the heart of the Dolomites.
Arabba is a small, picturesque town in a valley that provides a peaceful backdrop. Nearby are Passo Pordoi, Marmolada, Passo Gardena, Cinque Torri, Lagazuoi and Passo Giau.
The best accommodation in Arabba, Dolomites:
- Chalet Barbara : Beautiful, cosy Alpine-style accommodation with excellent service, wellness and free parking.
- Hotel Portavescovo A pleasant 3-star hotel in the centre of Arabba with swimming pool, sauna and free parking. Possibility of half board.
- Apparthotel Sellaronda Description : Cheap accommodation in fully furnished apartments for couples and larger families and groups. Free parking, playground.
2. Accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the imaginary centre of the eastern part of the Dolomites. With perfect facilities (hotels, restaurants, shops, good connections to public transport) and a strategic location. A short drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo you can visit Tre Cime, Passo Falzarego, Passo Giau, Lago Sorapis, Tofana di Mezzo and more.
The best accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites:
- Hotel de Len Description : Modern and stylish hotel with spectacular views of Cortina d’Ampezzo, with excellent cuisine and wellness facilities.
- B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Description : Modern three-star hotel with a strategic location directly on Passo Tre Croci. Strategic location for hiking trails in the area (Lago di Sorapis, Monte Cristallo area).
- Hotel Piccolo Pocol A pleasant hotel in the mid-price range above Cortina d’Ampezzo, a short walk from Passo Giau and Passo Falzarego. A good choice for couples and families with children.
- Hotel Serena : A cosy hotel with great value for money, a restaurant and free parking on site.
- Hotel Fiames A: Cheap but clean accommodation in a family run hotel (must book further in advance to avoid selling out).
3. Accommodation in Val Gardena, Dolomites
Val Gardena is a great base for exploring the western part of the Dolomites. The imaginary main village of the area is Ortisei, where you can take the cable car to Seceda, the cable car to Alpe di Siusi and the cable car to the Resciesa plateau.
Selva di Val Gardena is slightly smaller than Ortisei, but is more picturesque and still provides good facilities. It is located just a short distance from Ortisei. Halfway to Santa Cristina, you can reach Seceda and everything for a relaxing holiday is nearby.
There are plenty of hikes and walking routes in the Dolomites around Val Gardena – Sassolungo, Passo Pordoi, Marmolada, Sciliar and more.
The best accommodation in Val Gardena:
- Garni Aritz A pleasant hotel near Val Gardena with great value for money. Excellent facilities including its own parking space, gym, bar and restaurant. Rooms and larger apartments available.
- Smart Hotel Saslong : Modern and minimalist hotel in Santa Cristina with excellent restaurant, full facilities and free parking.
- Apartments Boè A: Cheap accommodation in fully equipped apartments that provide everything for a pleasant holiday, including covered parking and a location in the centre of Santa Cristina. Suitable for larger groups.
- La Cort Description : Stylish accommodation exclusively for adults – with a rooftop spa, an infinity pool with a view and a cosy café.
These were our top picks for Dolomites, Italy tours and hiking trails in Dolomites worth visiting. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. What are you planning to visit in the Dolomites? Have a safe journey!
More information about Dolomites
DOLOMITES: We have prepared a detailed guide to the Dolomites (prices, food, transport and other tips).
BEST PLACES IN THE DOLOMITES: Passo Pordoi is our favourite pass in the Dolomites. For tips on hiking routes in the Sassolungo area, see the article on Passo Sella.
Another beautiful pass is Passo Giau. No visit to the Dolomites is complete without Tre Cime and the iconic Lago di Braies. In separate guides you will find everything you need to know before visiting.
AUSTRALIAN ALPS: What to see in the Austrian Alps is covered in a separate article. Or head straight to Tyrol or the High Tauern National Park. Other popular destinations in the Austrian Alps are the Dachstein mountain range or the beautiful Lake Achensee.
