Where to Visit in the Dolomites (Ultimate First Timers Guide + Map)

Consider this your one-stop-shop for planning the ultimate first trip to the Dolomites.

Even before I visited the Dolomites for myself, my jaw would constantly hit the floor each time another dreamy photo from this section of northern Italy would come across my Instagram feed. Surely a place this beautiful can’t be real?

Well, I’m here to tell you it is—AND that it should absolutely be on your must-visit list at least once in your lifetime. The Dolomites truly have that rare “am I dreaming?” effect.

Let me paint you a little picture: One minute you’re winding through a sleepy valley in northern Italy, and the next you’re surrounded by jagged limestone peaks glowing pink at sunset, or exploring alpine meadows that look plucked from a scene in the Sound of Music.

Idyllic is an understatement.

Whether you’re a nature lover, an avid hiker, a photographer ready for all the sunrise quests, or someone who simply wants to explore a unique side of Italy, you’ll love the Dolomites.

Here’s the honest truth though—planning a Dolomites trip is no easy task. As someone who’s spent the last decade planning itineraries for a living, even I felt overwhelmed with planning our Dolomites vacation. The area is extremely spread out. And it can be challenging to decide the best route and places to base yourself for the most enjoyable trip.

In this guide, I’m going to easily break down all the best places to visit, de-mystify where to base yourself, and help you build out a route that actually makes sense.

Plus, don’t miss my guide to the best activities in the Dolomites for more help planning.

Ultimate Guide: Where to Visit in the Dolomites, Italy

In this post, I’m sharing the can’t-miss spots for first-timers, but also a lot of practical logistics: renting a car, where to stay in the Dolomites, how long you need, and exactly what to expect (including sunrise strategies, parking tips, and the realities of crowds).

But first thing’s first…

So, Where Exactly Are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy very close to the border of Austria. And they stretch across regions like Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol and Veneto. Don’t expect it to feel like the other parts of Italy you’ve been to though—this area is a melting pot of Italian, German and Austrian influences. And you’ll actually notice that many signs here are in German rather than Italian!

Since the area spans several regions, it can be a little confusing to grasp where the Dolomites begin and where they end. I’ve included this map to help you visualize the most popular towns and points of interest in the Dolomites so you can understand just how truly spread out this area is.

To give you an idea, to get from two of the furthest points on this map it would take you about 3 hours to drive—and that’s not along a highway either. Think winding mountain roads and tight hairpin turns that are bound to add on extra driving time.

Are The Dolomites Worth Visiting?

Yes. A thousand times over. There’s a reason the Dolomites have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What I especially loved about our trip to the Dolomites was how varied and unique the landscapes are here. Within a single itinerary you’ll experience:

✔️ Towering jagged limestone peaks (hello, Tre Cime di Lavaredo)
✔️ Alpine meadows dotted with charming mountain huts (Alpe di Siusi, I’m looking at you)
✔️ Bright turquoise alpine lakes (don’t miss Lago di Braies for this)
✔️ Airy ridgelines like Seceda that hover above the clouds
✔️ Charming villages with both Italian and Austrian flair

The Dolomites are a true nature-lovers paradise and I promise you, you’ll come home with new wrinkles from squinting into your camera so much.

How to Get To the Dolomites

If you want the most convenient flight into the Dolomites, there is a small airport in Bolzano (BZO) with limited flights. However, many people decide to fly into larger airports with more flight options, like Venice, Italy’s Marco Polo Airport, and drive in. That’s what we did, and we were cruising between the Dolomites’ dramatic peaks within about two hours of picking up our rental car.

Of course, how long it takes you to reach the Dolomites depends on where you choose to base yourself in the region.

Most people choose to fly into Venice, but you could also begin your journey from Milan, Innsbruck, Verona, or Munich, depending on flight options from your home country.

Minimum Driving Times Into the Dolomites from Closest Airports:

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

**Keep in mind these times could vary widely depending on where you’re basing yourself.

How To Get Around The Dolomites

If you’re wondering if you really need a rental car to get around the Dolomites, then just let me make this easy for you: Yes. While some public transport does exist, you’ll be super limited if you’re trying to get around this way.

For ultimate flexibility, freedom, and enjoyment, make sure to drive in your own car or pick up a rental car at the airport before making your way to the Dolomites.

With that said, driving in the Dolomites can be a treat (I say that with *just a touch* of sarcasm). The mountain passes and hairpin turns are no joke here. I was five months pregnant on this trip, and let’s just say I was really glad to be out of the first trimester nausea because I’m not sure I would have survived.

A Few Important Driving Tips to Navigate with Ease

• Know Parking Line Colors: In many towns, white lines signify free parking and blue lines are paid parking. It sounds small, but it saves you a lot of confusion (and tickets).
• Add Extra Time for Mountain Roads: Even short distances can take longer than expected because pass roads are narrow and winding. If Google Maps says an hour drive, I’d still pad it, especially if you’re going over a mountain pass.
• If You Get Carsick, Bring Dramamine: This is not the trip to “power through.” The roads are windy almost everywhere—seriously.
• Choose a Smaller Car and An Automatic: Some of the roads in the Dolomites can drop down to single-car width. And you’ll be much less stressed in a smaller vehicle than some road monster. Parking areas can also be tight. If you can, 4WD is a nice bonus in shoulder season but not 100% necessary.
• Avoid Driving at Night When Possible: Some roads feel genuinely treacherous here in the dark. We’re talking narrow lanes, sharp turns, and poorly lit (if at all). My husband is a very confident driver and still we avoided driving at night at all costs. If you’re planning sunrise hikes, it’s worth staying closer to those trailheads to minimize pre-dawn driving.
• Watch for Speed Cameras in Small Towns: There are speed cameras everywhere in the Dolomites, especially as you drive through the small villages. Drive carefully and within marked speed limits, and keep your eyes peeled for speed cameras as you approach towns.

What Is The Best Time To Visit The Dolomites?

It really depends on the experience you want out of your trip, so let’s get into all your options below.

Summer

Summer (June-September) is best for warm weather, long hiking days, and full rifugio season. But it’s also the busiest time in the Dolomites and draws crazy crowds. If you plan to head here in summer you’ll need to book accommodations early and plan ahead—and probably be OK with bumping elbows with loads of tourists.

Autumn

Late September to October is a dream if you want fewer crowds than peak summer, crisp mornings, and fall colors (when the larches hit their peak, they are truly something else). We visited in mid October and loved the slightly quieter hikes and vistas along with golden autumn tones. Though keep in mind it can definitely get cold this time of year, so pack layers.

Timing your trip right in fall can be a little trickier because some facilities and hotels start to shut down for the season. And it’s never possible to predict peak fall colors…or the first snowfall for that matter. If you’re open to anything though, you might just get lucky.

Winter

Head to the Dolomites in winter (December-March) if you’re looking for snow globe vibes with activities to match like skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy alpine huts. Just keep in mind some roads, hikes, and viewpoints won’t be accessible during this season.

Spring

Spring is probably best avoided as many trails remain closed and muddy while they still thaw from the winter months.

How Much Time Do You Need in the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are not a dip in and dip out kind of destination. You’ll want a full week here at least if you want to explore the top hikes and most picturesque sights. As I mentioned earlier, everything here is spread out, and you’ll lose time to scenic drives (which, though not the worst problem does take away from time spent exploring).

For our trip, we had 10 full days and still didn’t see everything we wanted to. However, you could squeeze a bit more in with slightly longer days during summer. If you want to stay in the Dolomites and hit multiple regions (Cortina, Val Gardena, South Tyrol), 7–10 days is the sweet spot.

More Important Tips for Your Dolomites Trip

• Check Seasonal Closures: Before you assume any gondola, hiking trail, road, or hotel is open during your visit make sure to check seasonal closures. There are many of them. And you don’t want to waste time visiting a spot that is inaccessible during your visit.
• Multiple Names for Everything: Something that might confuse the hell out of you during your planning is that most places in the Dolomites have both Italian and German names—even cable cars! It can get quite confusing when trying to figure out where to go. Just remember that it’s probably just a second name, not an entirely new place.
• Pack Layers: Throughout your itinerary you’ll be dealing with a wide array of elevations and weather conditions. Make sure to pack comfortable hiking shoes and lots of layers so you can be ready for whatever gets thrown at you.
• Build in 1-2 Flex Days: Since weather can really impact certain activities, I’d recommend having a couple days of buffer in your itinerary in case you need to swap something if bad weather rolls in.
• Book Those “Iconic” Spots in Advance: In the Dolomites, it pays to do your research ahead of time especially if you plan on traveling in peak season as some spots require reservations for parking, etc. This isn’t the itinerary you want to wing.

What are the Best Areas to Base Yourself in the Dolomites?

Choosing where to base yourself is probably the most important (and difficult) decision you’ll have to make when planning out your Dolomites itinerary. I’d recommend choosing 2-3 towns to base in throughout your trip.

Since everything is so spread out, basing yourself in one single town the whole trip is really not the most efficient and will require you to make long drives each day, constantly backtracking on winding mountain roads. Not ideal!

So while moving hotels/locations every few days might sound like a drag, so does sitting in the car for hours on end each day when you could be out and about exploring.

I’ll get into each town below, but you’ll want to reference my map again above to see which points of interest are closest to the most popular Dolomites towns to stay in. This will help you decide what makes the most sense based on what you’re interested in seeing.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

As one of the hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a classic first-timer base with convenient access to some of the Dolomites’ heavy hitters: Tre Cime, Cadini di Misurina, Lake Sorapis, and Lake Misurina.

If you’re flying into Venice like we did, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a straight shot north (about 2 hours from Venice Airport), making it a great place to kick off your trip.

I loved staying in this area for a few nights because it’s close enough to Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina that we could get up to do the hikes for sunrise without embarking on long and treacherous drives in the dark to get there (I’ll share where we stayed below for the ultimate convenience).

Plus, this town is within an hour from Lago di Braies. So if the Dolomites’ most popular lake is on your must-see list it’s very doable to do as a day trip from here.

What’s Close to Cortina d’Ampezzo:

• Lake Sorapis (25 minutes)
• Lake Misurina (25 minutes)
• Croda da Lago (10 minutes)
• Tre Cime (40 minutes)
• Cadini di Misurina (40 minutes)
• Day trip to Lago di Braies (about 1 hr away)

Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo:

• B&B Hotel Passo Tre Coci Cortina – This is where we stayed and there were definitely pros and cons. Between its convenience and price point, this spot can’t be beat. But there are definitely better options if you want a more high-end experience with better food options. Still, from here it’s only a 30 minute drive from Tre Cime di Lavaredo. And it’s directly next to the trailhead for Lago di Sorapis, making it a great stay for early morning hikes.
• Casa Guargne – A good mid-range option with mountain chalet vibes, Casa Guargne is a beautiful stay less than a mile from the ski lifts.
• Ancora Cortina – Located directly in town, Ancora Cortina is the best luxury option if you want easy access to downtown’s shopping and restaurant scene while being just a quick drive away from the best skiing and hiking in the area.
• Rosapetra Spa Resort – One of the best spa resorts in Europe, this is the ultimate luxury stay. It is especially convenient if you’re headed to the Dolomites for a winter ski trip.

Alta Badia

Though Alta Badia doesn’t have as many iconic Dolomites sights nearby, it’s still one of the prettiest areas in South Tyrol. It’s known for luxe stays, incredible food, easy access to skiing, and multiple passes.

If you’re hell bent on staying put in one place, Alta Badia could be a good choice as it’s a central hub that’s equidistant from many of the top spots in the Dolomites. Though it will still require some driving each day.

The area boasts some amazing hotel properties with stunning alpine-modern design and Michelin starred restaurants. So if doing the Dolomites in luxury is your vibe, Alta Badia might be the place for you. Keep in mind Alta Badia is more of a region comprised of a handful of smaller villages.

What’s Close to Alta Badia:

• Gardena Pass (10-20 minutes depending on where you’re staying)
• Seceda (45 minutes)
• Cortina d’Ampezzo (50 minutes)

Best Villages to Stay in Alta Badia:

• Corvara – Best for convenience and most central to ski lifts and dining. This is a great base for first-timers. Explore all hotels in Corvara
• La Villa – Still central but a bit quieter. You can often find more affordable hotels here. Explore all hotels in La Villa.
• Colfosco – The most dramatic Dolomites views in the area and closest to Gardena Pass. Explore all hotels in Colfosco.
• San Cassiano – Quieter area but home to some of the most luxe and chic stays in the region. Explore all hotels in San Cassiano.

My Top Picks for Hotels in Alta Badia:

• Budget-Friendly – Garni Lasteis B&B Apartments | Casa Milandura
• Mid-Range – Luxury Chalet Liosa | Sporthotel Teresa | Hotel Pradat
• Luxury – Aman Rosa Alpina | Hotel Fanes | Hotel Arkadia | Hotel Capella

Ortisei

Ortisei is a charming little mountain town that’s perfect if you want easy access to Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and some of the most iconic viewpoints as well as convenient cable car infrastructure. We only popped in for a day trip. But I can see why so many people choose to base themselves here.

What’s Close to Ortisei:

• Seceda (5 minutes)
• Alpe di Siusi (30 minutes)

Where to Stay in Ortisei:

• B&B Villa Angelino – Within walking distance to many of the best spots in town, this mid-range hotel is a great option for those favoring convenience without giving up on style and comfort.
• Gardena Grodnerhof – A world-class spa, award-winning restaurant and beautiful interiors in earthy tones make this one of the best luxury stays in Ortisei and throughout the Dolomites.
• Charme Hotel Uhrerhof Dëur – Featuring stunning vintage wood interiors, this hotel combines modern design with mountain chalet vibes for a luxe stay featuring 5-course dinners and an infinity pool with epic views.

Val di Funes

Val di Funes is definitely one of the quieter Dolomites valleys, but in a picture-perfect bucolic kind of way. The area is characterized by rolling meadows where iconic churches pop up from the landscape. It’s also home to one of the most picturesque sections of limestone peaks in all of the Dolomites, in my opinion.

Though the area is more peaceful, Val di Funes still brings the crowds as it has one of the Dolomites’ most iconic viewpoints near the Santa Maddalena Church—I was actually shocked by how many photographers were lined up here for sunset during shoulder season in mid October.

If getting the epic shots of the Val di Funes landscape and nearby Church of St. John are high on your Dolomites priority list, then you probably want to consider staying near Val di Funes for a couple nights. The village of Santa Maddalena will position you closest to the best viewpoints and photo spots.

What’s Close to Val di Funes:

• Santa Maddalena Church
• Church of St. John
• Seceda (50 minutes)

Where to Stay Near Val di Funes:

• Fallerhof – For some of the closest access to Val di Funes’ top viewpoints, book a stay at the simple Fallerhof property which is just steps from the Santa Maddalena church.
• Living Puez – Situated in the village, these apartment style accommodations get rave reviews for their cleanliness, views and spaciousness.
• Forestis – Though not directly in Val di Funes, Forestis is one of the top bucket list stays in all of the Dolomites and is an experience unto itself. We stayed here for three nights and I can’t recommend it enough. The spa is to die for, as are the unmatched views from every guest room. Plus, it’s only a 30 minute drive from Val di Funes.

Bruneck

More of a gateway to the Dolomites, Bruneck is a great option if you’re driving into the mountains from Austria or Germany and want an easy first place to base.

We stayed here for a few nights and although it doesn’t give jagged peak views quite like some of the other Dolomites towns, you have great access from here to Kronplatz Mountain and Lago di Braies if those spots are part of your itinerary.

Plus, the roads in and around Bruneck are some of the easiest to drive that we encountered during our trip—much less harrowing and windy. Definitely a plus!

What’s Close to Bruneck:

• Kronplatz Mountain (5 minutes)
• Lago di Braies (30 minutes)

Where to Stay in Bruneck:

• Hotel Petrus – This family-run hotel is unlike any other place I’ve stayed. The interior design is gorgeous, the spa extensive, but the real treat here is the welcoming staff featuring several generations of family members who make every guest feel like they’re part of the family.
• Hotel Bruneck Design Suites – If a stay in the city center is more your thing, this hotel offers clean and modern apartment style accommodations within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Hotel Blitzburg – For a more budget-friendly stay, check out Hotel Blitzburg which offers guests cycling and trekking excursions in summer and ski passes bought right on property in winter.
• Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus – With its Instagram-famous infinity pool and floating spa, this is one of those bucket list stays in the Dolomites worth splurging over.

Absolute Best Things to See in the Dolomites for First Timers

Cadini di Misurina

If you’ve seen that ultra-dramatic, jagged-peaks Dolomites photo where someone is standing on a skinny trail… it’s probably Cadini di Misurina. This viewpoint is iconic for a reason: the peaks look almost unreal. And the trail gives you that “edge of the world” feeling without being a full-on technical hike.

That said, it’s also one of the most popular photo spots in the region. So you’re not going to be alone here—even at sunrise.

When we went in mid-October, we started the hike in the dark and still encountered a line-up of people waiting to get “the shot”. Still, sunrise is absolutely breathtaking here and absolutely worth it. But in my experience the light actually gets best about an hour after the sun rises, once the glow spreads across the mountains.

How to Visit Cadini di Misurina:

• Park at Rifugio Auronzo (Tre Cime area). It’s required to make an online reservation and pay for a parking permit on the Auronzo website ahead of your visit, but no one ended up checking this when we entered in for sunrise.
• Keep in mind that the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo typically closes for the winter season between November and May. But it’s best to always check for the latest closures ahead of your trip.
• If you’re hiking to the Cadini group at sunrise, it can be a little tricky to find the trail in the dark. Absolutely pack a headlamp to help yourself out, but from the parking area with Rifugio Auronzo on your left, the trail starts top right (use my image above as a reference). You’ll first drop down into the trail before starting to ascend back up towards the peaks.
• Plan about 30–45 minutes to reach the viewpoint depending on pace.
• It’s not a hard hike, but there are narrow sections with drop-offs—go slow if you’re nervous with heights.
• Dress warmer than you think especially if hiking at sunrise: Hat + gloves + layers (wind makes it way colder).

Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop

This is one of the most popular “longer” hikes in the Dolomites. The full loop takes about 3-4 hours but what makes it especially great for first-timers is that you can customize it. You can choose to hike the full loop if you want the complete experience. Or you can go out-and-back to the best viewpoints if your schedule is tight.

Since I was five months pregnant and we’d already hiked to Cadini di Misurina for sunrise, we opted to only hike part of the trail and instead spend a little more time chilling out in the rifugios sipping cappuccinos and resting our feet—totally fine by me!

If you choose to do the full loop, you’ll understand why everyone comes here. It’s the most famous hike in the Dolomites for a reason: towering peaks and panoramic views. Plus, a trail that’s doable for most moderately active travelers.

The first part tends to be the busiest because it’s wide, fairly flat, and where all the tour groups head. But if you keep going, you’ll find quieter stretches and more dramatic angles.

Also: the rifugios are part of the experience. It’s not just about hiking; it’s about stopping at mountain huts for coffee, cake, or a beer with the peaks as your backdrop.

How to Visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo:

• Park at Rifugio Auronzo (Tre Cime area). It’s required to make an online reservation and pay for a parking permit on the Auronzo website ahead of your visit. But if you’ve already done this for the Cadini di Misurina hike, you don’t need to do it twice as the parking area is the same.
• Start the hike at Rifugio Auronzo and follow the loop trail.
• The trail begins pretty flat and crowds thin out the further you go.
• Budget 3–4+ hours depending on pace and hut stops.
• Stop at rifugios along the way for breaks/snacks—it’s all part of the experience!
• If you’re short on time, do a partial hike to your favorite viewpoint and return in whatever time you’ve allotted.

Lake Misurina

Lake Misurina is an easy “bonus stop” on your way back to Cortina d’Ampezzo from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking area.

You could absolutely spend an hour just walking around taking photos from different angles. But you could also make it a quick drive by if you’re short on time. It’s just 20 minutes from the Tre Cime area, which makes it perfect as a sunset or golden hour moment when you’re not trying to commit to another long hike.

What I loved most is that it’s low-effort but still gives you that classic Dolomites feeling—plus, if you’re already doing hiking in the area it’s one of the easiest spots to add in without rearranging your whole day.

There are a few restaurants situated around the lake if you want to make it a more leisurely lunch stop.

How to Visit Lake Misurina:

• Go for golden hour if you want the warm light over the lake. But really, any time of day is beautiful.
• Budget one hour or so for a stroll and photo snapping.
• Pair it with Tre Cime/Cadini to keep drive time efficient (less late-night mountain driving).

Val di Funes

Val di Funes is pure storybook Dolomites. It’s the place you go when you want that “I’m living in a screen saver” pinch me moment. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.

With that said, even in shoulder season the top photo spots here bring crowds. So don’t expect to enjoy it all to yourself. I was truly shocked by how many photographers were lined up at sunset waiting to get the shot here. But luckily, there’s enough space for everyone to spread out and get their angle.

I’ll get more into where to find the top photo spots below, but one thing to note is that this area requires less effort for the reward (read: minimal hiking required), so it’s a nice spot to weave into the itinerary when your legs need a little hiking break.

Just keep in mind that some of the most famous photos are taken from private pastures. Sometimes the farmer closes access, and it’s worth being extra respectful here—stick to allowed paths, don’t hop fences, and don’t treat the land like a free-for-all photo set.

How to Visit the Best Photo Spots in Val di Funes:

• The two most photographed spots in the area are the Church of St. John (also called Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui) and the Santa Maddalena Church viewed from a distance with the towering peaks in the distance. We found it a little confusing trying to figure out how to get to the right viewpoint, so I’m going to make it easier for you.
• If you only have one day in the area, first hit the Church of St. John, because the Santa Maddalena viewpoint is where you want to be for sunset.
• Golden hour/sunset is unreal here; bring a zoom lens for compressed mountain shots.

Easy directions to the Santa Maddalena viewpoint:

• Park at the Parcheggio Piazza centrale which is the closest parking to the viewpoint. It’s small, so if that one is full you can try the Parcheggio Putzen up the street. Once parked, enter the Chiesa di Santa Maddalena or Santa Maddalena church into your phone’s navigation and walk there. Once you’ve reached the church, you will keep walking uphill along Magdalenaweg towards the viewpoint that is beyond the church.
• You will likely see a bunch of other people doing the same. But if not, keep going up the steep incline towards the fence with a small pasture behind it. There are a couple different viewpoints up here to take photos from. But keep in mind this is private land and the farmer often comes out to ensure people are staying on the path and not trampling the pasture (he made an appearance when we were there)!

Lago di Braies (Prager Wildsee)

Lago di Braies is stunning, yes. But it’s also one of the most crowded places in the Dolomites. And your experience will completely depend on when you go. At sunrise, you’ll still see a surprising amount of people. But it’s the best chance you’ll have for peaceful photos and that glassy water reflection.

This lake is famous for the wooden boathouse and rowboats, but in shoulder season the boathouse hours can be later than you’d expect (it didn’t open til around 10am when we visited, and since we arrived at sunrise we decided not to stick around that long).

If you’re going primarily for photos, don’t stress too much about the boats—walking the loop trail is beautiful on its own. And you’ll get plenty of angles without needing to rent anything. But if you want those famous boat shots, factor that into your timing.

Also: if you’re moving around South Tyrol, Braies is an easy stop to pair with nearby towns like San Candido, which makes it feel less like a one-and-done detour.

How to Visit Lago di Braies:

• Go at sunrise (or very early) to beat crowds, but check when the boathouse opens during the season you’re visiting if you’re set on getting out onto the lake.
• Plan ~1 hour for the full loop walk.
• There is a large parking lot here but there is a fee to park. Advance online reservations are required during peak summer months, so make sure to plan ahead.
• There is a small little cafe near the entrance of the boardwalk that was very welcome for a post-sunrise cappuccino and a place to warm our hands.

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)

I’m still undecided on which is the best photo spot in all of the Dolomites, but Alpe di Siusi sure is up there in the competition. However, it was also one of the most confusing places we visited throughout our itinerary.

The area is famous because it’s the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe. It’s absolutely dreamy. Sitting between 1,600 – 2400m in elevation, you’re literally exploring a plateau above the valleys below. It’s quite a unique landscape.

With that said, access to the area is regulated so you can’t just wander up there at any time of day without knowing a few rules. Especially if you’re aiming to photograph the area for sunrise or sunset, make sure to read this section carefully.

PS—While Alpe di Siusi is beautiful at any time of day, the magic really comes alive during these peak hours for light. So I highly recommend visiting during these times.

Below I’ll get into how to visit Alpe di Siusi by car if you’re trying to explore at sunrise or sunset, or how to visit by gondola if you plan to go mid-day.

How to Visit Alpe di Siusi by Car:

• The road up to Alpe di Siusi closes to private cars every day between 9 am – 5 pm to limit excess traffic (the only cars allowed in are guests to the hotels on the alpine meadow). If you want to drive up to the plateau you need to visit outside of these hours.
• Before 9 am or after 5 pm you can park at Parcheggio P2 lot across from the ski rental shop—this is the absolute closest parking lot to the viewpoint. While the road does extend all the way to the viewpoint, it’s forbidden to drive it unless you’re a hotel guest and you could pay a hefty fine.
• From the Parcheggio P2, it’s about an hour to walk to the viewpoint depending on your pace.
• The most straightforward way to get to the best photo spot is to plug in the Adler Lodge Alpe into your phone’s navigation and walk along the paved road there as the hotel is just next to the viewpoint. It may seem like you’re on the wrong path at first as there isn’t initially a sidewalk, but just keep walking as one soon appears. You’ll also see what look more like hiking trails off to the left side—ignore those and just stay on the paved road!
• If you go for sunset, don’t worry about getting stuck up on the plateau overnight—you can drive down at any time.
• Whether you make the trek at sunrise or sunset, you will be walking one way in the dark. Bring a headlamp as the streets are not well lit so you can easily navigate along the right path.

How to Visit Alpe di Siusi by Cable Car:

• If you plan to visit between 9 am and 5 pm then you will need to head up to Alpe di Siusi via cable car since driving is restricted.
• If staying in Ortisei: Head up via the Ortisei / St. Ulrich Seiser Alm Gondola Lift (or Mont Seuc Gondola)
• If visiting from Siusi, take the Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway (also called the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway).
• Make sure to check seasonal timetables to ensure the lifts are running when you want to visit.

Gardena Pass

Located in the Alta Badia region, Gardena Pass is one of many gorgeous mountain passes throughout the Dolomites that connects Selva di Val Gardena with the town of Corvara. While you can certainly turn this one into a longer day of hiking and exploring, it’s also nice because it can be a quick scenic win with little effort.

My husband and I stopped in here for golden hour, did some aimless hiking around for views with some snacks and then continued on our way once we felt complete taking in the scenery.

How to Visit Gardena Pass:

• If you’re traveling between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei, you will likely drive through this pass anyway. You can choose to continue driving through or make it into a longer stop for exploring.
• For the best viewpoint, park in the lot next to Alpin Hotel Frara. You’ll ascend some quick steps straight up from the lot that lead to a little viewpoint with benches. From there, you can follow the trail as long as you like.
• This is really a choose your own adventure kind of area. The valley is incredibly gorgeous at golden hour. So take advantage of the pretty light and wander as you please.

Lago di Sorapis

Lago di Sorapis is famous for its milky turquoise color that looks almost tropical—except it’s sitting in the middle of jagged mountain scenery.

The views are incredibly rewarding, but it’s not a casual lakeside stroll. Some parts of the trail can feel exposed or narrow. And in shoulder season you really want good shoes and decent conditions. The earlier you start, the more enjoyable it is, not just for crowds, but also for the light and calmer vibe at the lake.

Though not excessively long, this is considered one of the more challenging hikes in the Dolomites as the elevation gain is about 1,500 feet and ascends quickly with some challenging terrain.

How to Visit Lago di Sorapis:

• The trailhead starts here right next to the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina
• Start early to avoid the heaviest crowds.
• Allocate about 4 hours minimum for the whole hike.
• Wear proper hiking shoes (some narrow/exposed sections).
• If attempting to hike outside of peak summer months, check conditions before you head out as weather changes fast.

Seceda

Seceda is one of the most iconic ridgeline views in the Dolomites. And the best part is that you don’t have to earn it with a brutal hike. It was one of the last places we visited during our Dolomites itinerary. And I was grateful to get a break for my legs after 10 days of almost daily hiking.

To get up here requires a cable car ride from Ortisei. Once at the top, you’ll find several casual trails, a restaurant and bathrooms, and tons of different angles for photos and viewpoints.

To be honest, Seceda was one of the places on our Dolomites itinerary that I was least excited about visiting. But after going in person, it surprised me and ended up being one of my favorite spots of the trip! You’re so high up here it truly feels like you’re walking around in heaven. And it just felt different than all the other spots we visited on our trip.

How to Visit Seceda:

• Take the cable car up from Ortisei (hours vary by season). We experienced a bit of sticker shock at the gondola price, but it was honestly so worth it.
• If you want more of a challenge, you can hike up to Seceda, or you could take the cable car up and choose to hike back down which takes around 2 hours one way.
• Plan ~1 hour on top for a leisurely walk and photos.
• Afternoon/sunset can be stunning if the light is good.

Lago di Carezza (Karersee)

Lago di Carezza is smaller than Braies, but it’s one of those places that photographs beautifully when the light hits just right. While it’s an easy and quick stop, it’s a bit further out of the way than the other must-do areas on this list. So if you need to skip something and your route doesn’t already take you along this way, I would say Lago di Carezza may be something to subtract from the itinerary.

If you do choose to visit, it’s a nice little “palette cleanser” in your itinerary: You can take a quick walk around the lake trail, snap a few photos, chill and continue on. If you’re exploring more of South Tyrol or coming along this route anyway, it’s an easy addition.

How to Visit Lago di Carezza:

• There is a large paid parking area here with facilities like bathrooms and cafes.
• Go early or at golden hour for less crowds. But you’ll get more turquoise color on the lake in full sun.
• Budget 30–60 minutes to explore.

Kronplatz Mountain

Kronplatz is a super underrated first-timer stop—especially if you want a day that isn’t a full hiking grind. You can take the lift up, soak in huge panoramic views, and then do something a little different: museums in the mountains.

The MMM Corones museum is dedicated to all things mountaineering and it’s incredibly unique. The architecture was done by Zaha Hadid. And it seriously looks like something out of a James Bond film.

Also on top of Kronplatz is the LUMEN museum which I especially loved because all the exhibits are about mountain photography. We were very pleasantly surprised by the Room of Mirrors exhibit that was not at all what we were expecting to find on the top of Kronplatz!

The interior of the museum is gorgeous and they have a great cafe attached which is the perfect perch to watch all the paragliders who launch into the valley from here.

If you hit up the museum cafe, order the cheese plate—it was surprisingly fabulous.

How to Visit Kronplatz:

• Park at the Plan de Corones parking lot and take the gondola up to the top of the mountain.
• Allot time for both the MMM Corones and LUMEN museums plus some lunch (around 3 hours).
• Watch the paragliders from the top for easy entertainment.
• Great option if you want a non-hike day with epic views.

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