What to Do in The Dolomites: 15+ Bucket List Activities

Ready to experience the best things to do in the Dolomites? This guide has everything you need to start dreaming up your adventures.

Before visiting the Dolomites, I had seen photos of this mountain range in northern Italy everywhere. Its craggy peaks, surrounding jewel-toned lakes, and dreamy alpine meadows looked like a scene right out of the Sound of Music.

But nothing really prepares you for when you actually experience it in person. It’s truly the kind of place that makes you go, “wait…how is this even real?”

Here’s the thing, though: planning a trip to the Dolomites can be overwhelming. The region is quite spread out, and there are so many ways to spend your time here, from hiking to incredible viewpoints and indulging in Michelin-starred meals to clocking time at one of the area’s world-class spa hotels.

For adrenaline junkies, there are plenty of activities to get your heart pumping like paragliding, skiing or embarking on a via ferrata hike. And then there’s all the charming little mountain towns.

How is one supposed to narrow it all down? One thing’s for certain, you won’t be able to do it all, which is where I come in.

In this guide, I’m breaking down my top recommendations for what to do in the Dolomites with all the essential details that will help you decide how you want to craft your itinerary while making your planning easy breezy.

For even more planning help, don’t miss my full Dolomites travel guide.

What To Do In The Dolomites Italy

Between the region’s world-class outdoor adventures, tasty alpine cuisine, and dramatic photographic opportunities, there is a lot to do in the Dolomites. This post covers activities in the region and all the important information you need to plan your Italy trip with ease. 

If you’re planning a trip solely to the Dolomites, this guide will help you fill your itinerary with all the best things to do. And if you’re still considering whether to even add the region to your Europe trip, I’ll show you exactly why you need to!

Just remember as you start planning that traveling responsibly helps preserve beautiful places like the Dolomites for years to come. From supporting local businesses to practicing leave no trace on hiking trails, small choices can make a big impact.

If you’re looking for simple ways to be a more mindful traveler, check out my guide on how to travel more sustainably.

Where Are The Dolomites In Italy?

The Dolomites are a mountain range near the northern border of Italy and Austria about two to three hours drive north of Venice. The mountains stretch across northeastern Italy, including South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Trentino, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

This is why you’ll find a distinct cultural mix of Italian, German, and Austrian influences. One of the first things you’ll notice is that many signs are in German rather than Italian!

Geographically, the Dolomites are more spread out than people expect—and getting anywhere in the region often requires long drives along winding mountain roads with tight hairpin turns.

Throw in the fact that you might want to stop for photos along the way and your trip will take even longer. It’s helpful to understand the geographic layout of this part of Italy before you plan your trip so that you don’t bite off more than you can chew during your itinerary.

How to Get to the Dolomites

The small airport in Bolzano (BZO) has the most convenient flight into the Dolomites, but options are limited. Most people opt for flying into larger airports and renting a car to drive in. This is what we did. We flew into Venice’s Marco Polo Airport, grabbed a rental car, and were deep in the mountains within a couple of hours. 

The amount of time it takes you to reach the Dolomites will depend on where you choose to base yourself in the region. And you can also begin your journey from different cities depending on flight options from your home country.

Approximate Driving Times to Dolomites from Different Cities:

• From Innsbruck: 1 hour 45 minutes
• From Venice: 2 hours
• From Milan: 3.5 hours
• From Munich: 3.5-4.5 hours

Keep in mind: These times can vary depending on where you’re basing yourself.

Are The Dolomites Worth Seeing?

Definitely. The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. And it’s not just because of one specific landmark. The variety in the unique landscapes that I loved so much makes it a truly special place. 

On a single trip you’ll get to experience: 

• Towering jagged limestone peaks like Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• Alpine meadows dotted with charming mountain huts at Alpe di Siusi
• Bright turquoise lakes (you can’t miss Lago di Braies for this)
• Ridgelines like Seceda that put you floating above the clouds
• Charming villages like Val di Funes

What Is There To Do In The Dolomites

Before we get into this list of bucket list Dolomites activities, it’s important to note that activities change seasonally. Before you attempt to visit any spots or partake in any activities in this list, make sure to check its availability first during the specific dates of your trip.

1. Take a Day Hike Through the Dolomites’ Most Jaw Dropping Landscapes

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: hiking is one of the best things to do in the Dolomites. I honestly wouldn’t recommend visiting the area without expecting to hike a bit, simply because you can’t reach some of the most epic spots without lacing up your hiking boots. 

With that said, if you’re not an avid hiker don’t be dissuaded from a trip here. I’m not a pro hiker by any means, but do enjoy getting out in nature while getting in a workout. My biggest stipulation is that there must be a reward at the end, and boy do the Dolomites deliver in that department.

Many trails are easy or moderate and are totally doable with a little bit of preparation. 

Here are the ones with the best effort-to-reward ratio.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen)

This is the most famous hike in the Italian Dolomites. The full loop on this moderate hike is a little over 6 miles and takes about 3-4 hours. But the trail is customizable, making it especially great for first-timers. 

Since it’s a loop trail, you can hike the path in either direction or turn it into an out and back if you only want to go so far.

When we visited, I was five months pregnant and we’d paired it with a sunrise hike to Cadini di Misurina that morning, so we opted to hike only part of the Tre Cime loop. Instead of rushing, we spent more time chilling in the rifugios, grabbing cappuccinos, and resting our feet.

If you feel more comfortable with an experienced hiker leading the way, or want a local’s insider knowledge of the area, check out this top-rated private guided hike.

Either way, you can’t miss the rifugios. Stopping at mountain huts for cake, coffee, or beer with the peaks in the backdrop is part of the experience. 

Cadini di Misurina

Beginning at Rifugio Auronzo just next to the start of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail, this 2-mile hike takes 1.5-2 hours round trip and is best done in summer or early fall.

The main selling point of Cadini di Misurina is watching the jagged limestone peaks turning hues of orange and pink at sunrise or sunset. The reward at the end of the trail is a steep little path up to a viewpoint that provides an epic perch with the mountains framing it for a real-life screensaver moment.

This was hands down my favorite hike of our trip.

We started the hike before sunrise mid-October and still ended up in a line of people waiting to get “the shot” at this iconic viewpoint. That tells you everything you need to know about its popularity. But the stunning sunrise is still absolutely worth it. 

The hike isn’t hard, but be aware that some narrow sections have drop-offs. Go slow if you’re nervous with heights. 

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)

With over 270 miles of trails, your hiking options in Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow are endless. Trails range between all difficulty levels. Because of its vast size, you need to have a plan before hiking in the area, but it’s worth the effort.

I recommend planning some of your hikes here during sunrise or sunset when the light is particularly spectacular as it shifts across the mountains and meadow.

Lago di Sorapis

The hike to see the stunning turquoise waters of Lago di Sorapis is one of the more challenging hikes in the Dolomites. The elevation gain is about 1,500 feet, ascends quickly, and has some challenging terrain. You definitely need to wear proper hiking shoes for the narrow and exposed sections. 

It takes about 4-5 hours for the whole hike, but you’ll want to start early to avoid the crowds. Summer months are the best time to hike, but if you’re visiting outside this season, be sure to check conditions before heading out.

Croda da Lago Circuit

This loop hike is about 7.7-8.5 miles and takes about 5-6 hours (or more if you’re going at a leisurely pace).

The hike is moderately hard, but the reward is amazing scenery, especially if you’re visiting in autumn when the trail explodes with color from the orange larches that cover the area. Views along the trail offer a mix of forest, mountain backdrops, and a picturesque lake.

Seceda Ridgeline

You can take a cable car up to Seceda for one of the most dramatic views of the Dolomites. When we were at the top here it literally felt like we were hanging out in the clouds. Which makes sense considering the peak elevation here sits at 8,261 feet above sea level.

At the top, you can take a casual hike along the ridgeline which offers multiple angles for photos and viewpoints. 

If you’re feeling more adventurous (or just want the ultimate leg burner), you can also hike up or down from the ridgeline, but this is a much more strenuous option with significant elevation gain.

2. Indulge in Some Michelin-Starred Dining

The Dolomites have a strong food scene with a nice selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, many of which offer elevated alpine dining. While there are plenty of casual restaurants to explore in the Dolomites as well, you won’t regret making a couple key reservations ahead of your trip to experience some truly standout meals.

We ate at both the 1 star San Brite and their more casual sister restaurant, El Brite, and they were both some of our top highlights of the entire trip.

Some of the standout restaurants to snag reservations would be:

• Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler (3 Stars) – Near the center of Brunico, this restaurant runs on its philosophy of “Cook the Mountain,” the idea that dishes are led by the surrounding area’s best ingredients based on the season and integrate little-used varieties of produce in creative ways. Dinner starts with appetizers in the lounge before moving to the dining room for the chef’s tasting menu.
• Terra the Magic Place (2 stars) – Located in Sarentino, the restaurant features creative regional cuisine in a chalet built by the Schneider family’s grandfather in 1940. The gastronomic experience has earned a Green star for sustainability in addition to two Michelin stars and includes a la carte dishes and an intricate tasting menu.
• Ristorante Tivoli (1 star) – Featuring modern Italian cuisine, Ristorante Tivoli offers themed tastings led by Chef Graziano Prest. The restaurant focuses on using top-quality ingredients from the mountainous region and sourcing fresh fish daily, plus they offer dishes for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
• Suinsom (1 star) – Suinsom means “at the top” in Ladin which reflects both the mountain setting and the idea of a peak culinary experience. The menu blends the chef’s Tuscan roots with a distinct Mediterranean flavor inside a traditional wood-paneled Alpine dining room.
• SanBrite (1 star) – Dining at San Brite in Cortina was one of our favorite experiences throughout the whole trip. Set in a converted alpine farm at 1,800 meters of elevation, San Brite presents their dishes like little 3D works of art bursting with unique flavors of the region. Even their warm bread and butter was some of the best I’ve ever had—I’m honestly still dreaming about it!

PS—If you can’t snag a reservation at SanBrite, visit their more casual sister restaurant El Brite, which offers dishes that celebrate traditional Alpine cuisine.

A few tips if you plan on snagging a Michelin-Starred reservation during your trip: 

• Make reservations well in advance especially during the summer and winter seasons
• Many restaurants close seasonally, so double check if they’re open during your trip dates
• Leave extra time for transportation when heading to your res as roads in the Dolomites are winding and conditions are very seasonally dependent

3. Take a Scenic Drive

You won’t have to search hard for a scenic drive here as the whole Dolomites region is basically one constant road trip through a screensaver. But there are a few particularly gorgeous scenic roads and passes you’ll want to add to your itinerary.

Keep in mind that the roads are narrow and super winding, so you’ll want to factor in more time for driving between destinations—and perhaps pop a Dramamine if you’re susceptible to motion sickness. I was five months pregnant on this trip, and let’s just say, I was very thankful to be beyond the first trimester nausea.

Great Dolomites Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti)

For a longer scenic drive, add the historic Great Dolomites Road to your list. It starts in Bolzano and ends in Cortina D’Ampezzo. This roughly 68-mile road takes you through multiple passes and many great viewpoints, allowing you to choose your own adventure as you go. You can even stretch this one over a few days to take it all in.

Gardena Pass

This gorgeous mountain pass in the Alta Badia region connects Selva di Val Gardena with the town of Corvara. My husband and I stopped at Gardena Pass for golden hour to take in some views while hiking around the area. The valley is especially incredible during this time of the day, and in the fall season when we visited the whole valley was aglow in warm tones.

For the best viewpoint, park in the lot next to Alpin Hotel Frara. Climb a few quick steps from the lot and you’ll find a small viewpoint with benches. 

Sella Pass

Just as winding of a ride as Gardena Pass, this drive connects Val di Fassa to Val Gardena. You’ll have beautiful views of Langkofel mountain (also known as Sassolungo or Saslonch) and pass the Sella Towers on this drive. At the end of the Sella Pass is a town called Canazei which is a good stop for lunch or picking up more supplies.

4. Explore Local Mountain Towns

While the natural wonders of the Dolomites are found within its jagged peaks and forested paths, the culture of the region is located in the heart of all the charming mountain towns that dot the region.

Each area in the Dolomites has its own vibe and charm, but here are a few towns that are particularly worthy of a visit.

Cortina d’Ampezzo 

More recently known as one of the host cities of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a great area for first-timers. The town has boutique shops, upscale restaurants, and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic outdoor spots. Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, Lago di Sorapis, and Lago di Braies are all an hour or less away. 

We stayed in this area for a few nights, which was perfect as a base for early morning sunrise hikes. Some of my favorite places in the area are SanBrite for a Michelin dining experience, El Brite for alpine dining, and Caffe Paoletti di Follina, which is an adorable little cafe we stumbled upon in town.

Ortisei 

Ortisei is a charming little storybook town featuring colorful South Tyrolean Alpine architecture and a cozy village center.

The town is perfect for convenient access to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi. This is an ideal area close to some of the most iconic viewpoints while balancing outdoor adventures with opportunities for relaxation as the area has some top spa resorts like ADLER Spa Resort and Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa.

Alta Badia

Alta Badia is one of the prettiest areas in South Tyrol. The area doesn’t have as many iconic sights nearby, but is still well-known for incredible food, luxe stays, and easy access to skiing. Plus it’s a good central hub between some of the Dolomites’ top spots. Some of the best villages in Alta Badia include Corvara, La Villa, Colfosco, and San Cassiano.

5. Enjoy One of the Area’s Alpine Lakes

The Dolomites are home to some of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Europe. You don’t necessarily need to see them all, but here are my top recommendations to add to your itinerary. 

Lago di Braies (Prager Wildsee)

Lago di Braies is the most famous Dolomites lake, known for its emerald water and wooden boathouse where visitors can rent rowboats to take out onto the lake. It’s also one of the most crowded places in all of the Dolomites. Sunrise is the best chance to get that glassy water reflection and peaceful photos, though there are still crowds this time of day.

Lake Misurina

While not as magnificent as Lago di Braies, this lake is an easy add-in to your day if you’re already doing some hiking around Cortina. Lake Misurina is only 20 minutes from the Tre Cime area; pair it together to avoid extra driving time. What I loved most is that you can still get the classic Dolomites feeling here whether you have time to spare or are short on time. The area is beautiful any time of the day. 

Lago di Sorapis

Famous for its milky turquoise color, Lago di Sorapis offers views that are incredibly rewarding. However, you’ll need to work for it. The lake sits in the middle of jagged mountain scenery which requires a somewhat challenging hike to reach with a 1,500 foot elevation gain. You’ll want to start early, wear proper hiking shoes, and check conditions before making the trek.

Lago di Carezza (Karersee)

A smaller lake than Braies, Lago di Carezza is a quick easy stop that makes for beautiful photographs. If you need to narrow down your itinerary though, I would say skip this one and prioritize Lago di Braies which is more wow-worthy.

If your itinerary already takes you nearby though, it’s an easy addition. Allot 30-60 minutes to explore and plan on going early or at golden hour for fewer crowds.

6. Go on a Sunrise or Sunset Photography Mission

The Dolomites are a photographer’s dream. Even if you don’t consider yourself one, it’s the kind of place that will turn you snap happy before you even realize it.

While any time of day is wow-worthy in this corner of Italy, sunrise and sunset are when the dramatic mountain scenery truly shines. The landscapes completely transform as each limestone spire takes on a pink and orange glow (known as alpenglow).

Depending on where you want to photograph though, some places can require a bit more effort to capture.

Sunrise means early wake-up calls and navigating trails in the dark, while sunset is a bit more relaxed for setting up, but requires a traverse home with a headlamp. During both times of day though, you’ll notice that you’re not the only one with the same idea. 

I remember arriving at a few spots thinking we’d beat the crowds only to find a line of people already there, camera ready. So plan accordingly and give yourself more time than you think you need.

Best places to photograph at sunrise:

• Alpe di Siusi
• Croda da Lago
• Cadini di Misurina
• Lago di Braies

Best places to photograph at sunset: 

• Alpe di Siusi (the vibe is completely different from sunrise)
• Val di Funes
• Seceda

7. Book a Wellness Getaway

In addition to world-class skiing and hiking, the Dolomites region is known for its epic spa hotels. Because after days of trekking endless miles on foot, nothing feels quite better than slowing down and treating yourself to some recovery time.

Hotel Spas to Visit and Where to Stay in the Dolomites:

• Forestis – My husband and I stayed here for part of our time in the Dolomites and were blown away by their spa offerings. Beyond the main pool, Forestis has a somewhat hidden, clothing optional sauna/spa area featuring various cold plunge and sauna options in a gorgeous architectural setting. My favorite space was the relaxation room which is completely pitch black and offers cozy lounge beds that make you feel like you’re floating in the night sky.
• Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus – This 5-star hotel is a splurge-worthy bucket list stay. It has an Instagram-famous glass bottom infinity pool and floating “Heaven and Hell” spa overlooking panoramic views. Indoor facilities include multiple spas, steam baths, and another pool, with plenty of options for various massages or spa treatments.
• Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti – This hotel taps into the surrounding alpine nature and pairs it with Eastern and Western treatments for the ultimate luxurious spa getaway. Throughout the year they also have Wellness Weeks. During this time you book treatments with experts in various holistic disciplines from around the world.
• COMO Alpina Dolomites – COMO’s spa combines luxury, nature, and holistic well-being at one of the best wellness resorts in the Dolomites. Spa facilities are both indoor and outdoor, and its location is prime for exploring Alpe di Siusi year-round. Don’t miss their signature body therapy ritual, the regenerating mountain hay bath.
• ADLER Spa Resort Balance– Located in the heart of Ortisei, ADLER Spa is a wellness oasis with pools, steam baths, and saunas surrounded by stunning panoramic views both in summer and winter. This 5-star spa hotel focuses on holistic relaxation and regeneration geared toward individual well-being. 
• Aman Rosa Alpina – Tucked among towering pines, the spa at Aman Rosa Alpina is a true mountain escape. Wellness here focuses on modern treatments rooted in Alpine tradition. You can move between hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and relaxation spaces to help you fully reset.

8. Visit Museums up on Kronplatz Mountain

To break up the hiking grind with a non-hiking day that still delivers epic views, head up to the museums on Kronplatz. 

One of the main highlights here is MMM Corones Museum which showcases the world of mountaineering. Even if that doesn’t sound like your thing, just the architecture itself—designed by Zaha Hadid—is worth it. The building sits right in the mountain, with large brutalist lookout windows that feel like something straight out of a James Bond movie. 

Nearby, you’ll also find the LUMEN Museum. All of the exhibits are dedicated to mountain photography which I especially loved. Exhibitions show a mix of historical and modern work, plus some installations that make it feel super immersive.

One of the coolest exhibits (and completely unexpected) was the Room of Mirrors.

The museum also has a great cafe where you can get the perfect view of all the paragliders who launch into the valley. Pro tip: order the cheese plate if you grab a bite at the museum! It was shockingly delicious.

Everything will take around three hours, so you still have plenty of time in the day for other things on your itinerary. 

9. Embark on a Via Ferrata Adventure

Add a little adrenaline into your Dolomites itinerary by climbing a via ferrata. Via ferrata (meaning “iron path”) are protected climbing routes built into the mountains.

Paths are complete with steel cables, ladders, and bridges to help hikers navigate steep rock faces and trails in a safer way. The experience is kind of like a mix between hiking and climbing. It’ll give you a completely different perspective of the Italian Alps. 

For first-timers, I’d highly recommend booking a guided experience like this Dolomites Via Ferrata Experience. 

10. Visit the Storybook Setting of Val di Funes

Val di Funes is a quieter valley in the Dolomites, but perhaps one of the most picturesque. The area draws the most crowds to the incredible viewpoint near the Santa Maddalena Church which frames the historic building with postcard-worthy mountains. I was shocked by the number of photographers lined up for sunset here during shoulder season.

Between the rolling meadows, tiny churches popping up from the landscape, and one of the most iconic sections of limestone peaks, it feels almost too perfect to be real. 

11. Ski the Dolomites in Winter

The Dolomites offer some of the most popular skiing in Europe, with almost 750 miles of slopes for all levels to enjoy. In winter, the main draw of a trip to the Dolomites is getting out on the mountain, so don’t skip this one. The region is part of the Dolomiti Superski area, one of the largest ski networks in the world.

One of the most iconic ski routes is the Sellaronda, a famous circular ski circuit that takes you through four different valleys around the Sella massif in a single day.

Best Areas to Ski in the Dolomites: 

• Cortina d’Ampezzo (one of the 2026 Winter Olympics hosts)
• Val Gardena
• Alta Badia

12. Go Paragliding

While exploring the Dolomites, you’ll see tons of paragliders launching from various viewpoints. Some of the most premier spots include Col Rodella, Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, and Kronplatz. 

It’s super fun just to watch them, but if you want to get in on the action, this is one of the most epic places in the world for it.

Late spring until early fall are the best times for paragliding with sunset flights being especially beautiful, but they do still launch in winter as well. Paragliding is a highly popular activity, so be sure to book your experience in advance.

13. Explore the Largest High-Altitude Alpine Meadow in Europe

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is a truly unique landscape in the Dolomites. The area is famous for being the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe. Sitting high above the valleys below (between 1,600-2,400m in elevation), this vast plateau completely contrasts the jagged peaks you’ll see elsewhere. The views are softer, dreamier, and a little surreal when you see it for the first time.

It’s also one of the places that confused me most during our visit, mainly because access is more regulated than other areas. You have to know a few rules about the time of day you plan to visit (especially for sunrise or sunset), but it’s 100% worth the effort.

I get into way more details about how to actually visit Alpe di Siusi in my guide to where to visit in the Dolomites here.

Other than hiking, you can bike through the meadow, visit rifugios for a slow lunch or cappuccino, or simply just wander around enjoying the views.

14. Ascend Above the Clouds at Seceda

The best part about this epic ridgeline? You don’t have to earn it with a hike. Trust me, I definitely appreciated the break for my legs after hiking almost daily for 10 days.

To reach here, you’ll need to take the cable car up from Ortisei (hours vary by season). And while the gondola price might give you a bit of sticker shock, it’s absolutely worth it.

When you’re at the top, you’ll find lots of angles for photos and viewpoints, a restaurant, and some casual trails.

Honestly, Seceda was one of the places I was least excited about visiting during our Dolomites trip, but it ended up being a pleasant surprise, quickly turning into one of my favorite spots. Being so high up here feels like you’re walking on the clouds and it was so different from any other area we visited.

15. Go Wine Tasting Along the Alto Adige Wine Route

Wine tasting in South Tyrol along the Alto Adige Wine Route is another good addition to your itinerary if you want to slow things down between hiking days. Most of the wineries are around the Bolzano area with the route winding through sunny vineyards and small villages—with the mountains as your backdrop of course.

Wineries in the area are a mix of historic award-winning experiences to small family estates that feel like visiting someone’s home. 

Top Wineries to Visit in the Dolomites: 

• Cantina Tramin
• Elena Walch
• Kelleri Bozen
• Cantina Kurtatsch
• Franz Haas

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