Italy’s Dolomites is where you’ll find some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world. But you don’t need mountaineering experience to get up close and personal. Here are seven Dolomites day hikes that’ll scratch that adventure itch.

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From glacial lakes, to quaint mediaeval villages, stunning valleys, and impressive cliff faces, there’s no doubt that the Italian Dolomites is home to some of the best hiking in the world. That’s why I’ve put together seven epic hikes to try on your first time to the Dolomites, and inspire you to explore even more of the UNESCO World Heritage Alps.

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Things to Know Before Hiking in the Dolomites

The Dolomites span three regions of Italy: Trentino-South Tyrol, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Veneto, so it can be overwhelming to know where to begin exploring.

My first piece of advice is to allow yourself enough time to explore, and to consider breaking up your trip to stay in two different locations of this enormous alpine destination. Driving times can add up so this will allow more convenient access to hikes in different locations along the way.

The best time to visit the Dolomites for hiking is during the summer months, from July to early September. The weather is beautiful (and fairly stable) during July and August, with warm days and cool nights.

 

A good, sunny day will makes your Dolomites experience shine

 

The best time of day to hike is generally the morning to avoid the hot midday sun, and also the crowds, which can be fairly intense in summer.

There are some hikes that are open from late June to mid-October, and snowshoeing is possible in some locations during winter.

The following hikes are recommended for the summer months. Ensure you bring enough water with you and wear proper hiking shoes on the trail. Most trails have several refugi en route with bathroom facilities and food options, however be sure to bring cash just in case (as many don’t accept card payments).

Finally, the Dolomites aren’t always well connected with public transport, so I recommend hiring a car for ease of transport throughout your stay.

1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop

Location: Misurina, Veneto
Distance: 10km (loop)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

The Tre Cime (three chimneys) are practically the postcard scene of the Dolomites, and this hike provides dramatic and stunning mountain views in all directions for not too much effort! For this reason, it’s my top recommendation in the Dolomites if you haven’t got much time.

The trail is mostly flat, with mountain ranges, valleys, alpine lakes, and some hilly parts along the way.

 

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo is the postcard scene of the Dolomites

 

After the initial crowds at Rifugio Auronzo, the trail quietens down and is very pleasant to hike and just admire the epic mountains. There are lots of cows in the green pastures too, so tune in to the music of their cowbells echoing through the valley!

To get there, either leave early to park at the trailhead near Rifugio Auronzo, or catch the bus up from Misurina.

2. Seceda Circuit from Col Raiser

Location: Puez-Geisler Nature Park, South Tyrol
Distance: 10km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

The Seceda hike is one of the more challenging and rewarding day hikes in the Dolomites. Its crown jewel is the uniquely shaped Mount Seceda, where you can hike across the cliff face and into a valley. Hiking culture in the Dolomites is quite different to Australia, so you’ll find a lot of casual hikers particularly at the top of the cable car stops enjoying an Aperol spritz on lounge chairs.

But once you hike into the valley, the trail becomes quiet, and you can enjoy the peace of the mountain scenery and wildflowers on your way back to Col Raiser.

 

The dramatic cliff scenery of Mount Seceda

 

I recommend walking clockwise so that you tackle the hills first.

To get there, take the cable car up to Col Raiser, or hike to the trailhead instead from various locations (this adda 1.5-2.5 hours). Once you’re at Col Raiser station, there are many variations and extensions of this trail you can take, however the circuit keeps things simple.

3. Santa Maddalena Panorama Hike

Location: Val di Funes, South Tyrol
Distance: 10km
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

A leisurely but extremely picturesque hike, the Santa Maddalena Panorama Loop makes for a pleasant afternoon. Starting from the car park in Santa Maddalena village, the trail takes you up past the famous Chiesa di Santa Maddalena, a beautiful church with the Odle mountain range in the background.

 

The Santa Maddalena Panorama, featuring the stunning Odle mountain range

 

There’s evidence that prehistoric humans carried out burial traditions in this same location, thousands of years before the church was built. The valley views are quite breathtaking, and there’s so much peace in the grassy hills – you can see why this location has been a place of spiritual significance throughout history.

I recommend going in the late afternoon to enjoy the changing colours on the Odle mountain range at sunset.

4. Compatsch to Ortisei Seiser Alm Loop

Location: Ortisei, South Tyrol
Distance: 13km
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate

This hike starts up at Compatsch, the village at the end of the Seiser Alm cable car station. The trail is a relaxed, beautiful hike with stunning views of the Alpe di Siusi. Think green, rolling meadows, charming alpine villages, and picturesque mountain ranges as a backdrop.

 

The peaceful pastures of Seiser Alm

 

As with most hikes in the Dolomites, there are plenty of refugi to stop in for a strudel and Aperol spritz, and this trail is particularly dog and kid-friendly with its wide open spaces and limited inclines. Its unique location on a plateau 1860m above sea level makes this otherwise leisurely hike quite special.

5. Lago di Sorapis Circuit Hike

Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto
Distance: 13.5km
Duration: 4.5-5 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate-Difficult

This is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites, due to its rugged mountain views, and beautiful blue glacial lake at the top, which can only be reached by foot. I recommend getting up early to do this hike (definitely start before 9am at the very latest), as the trail gets extremely busy after this time and can lead to long waits up the mountain.

 

The blue glacial waters of Lago di Sorapis

 

The trail is narrow at points, which makes it difficult to pass other walkers. Many people walk this trail as an out and back up to the glacial lake, so trekking it as a loop reduces the traffic on your way back. This circuit hike takes you through Forcella Marcuoira, so be sure to wear proper hiking shoes, as there’s some slippery rock in parts.

6. Lago di Braies Loop

Location: San Vito, South Tyrol
Distance: 4km
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Beginner

The Lago di Braies is famous for its mirror-like green surface, which reflects the beautiful surrounding mountains, including the Seekofel peak. It’s one of the deepest lakes in the Dolomites, reaching 36m at its deepest point. There’s a short 4km trail that circumnavigates the lake, passing some great lunch spots, or you can extend your hike as part of the Alta Via 1 trail, which spans 120km.

 

The beautiful reflections of Lago di Braies

 

To visit, it’s important to plan ahead. If you go early, you may be lucky enough to find parking at the lake, otherwise you can catch a bus from one of the nearby towns, such as Welsberg. As tempting as it is, remember that swimming in the lake isn’t encouraged, in order to protect the delicate ecosystem from tourism. (The water is also icy cold!)

7. Lago di Carezza Loop

Location: Nova Levante, South Tyrol
Distance: 3.5km
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Beginner

The Lago di Carezza is famous for its unique colours, so much so that it’s sometimes nicknamed ‘Rainbow Lake’. It has a stunning view of the Latemar range in the background, which reflects beautifully on the water. This is a very short hike, which passes by two lakes, Lago di Carezza and Lago di Mezzo. The water levels are highest in spring when the glaciers melt (Lago di Mezzo can be empty in summer).

 

Vivid colours at Lago di Carezza

 

Beware, this trail can be very, very busy, as it’s quite easily accessible, so I recommend visiting early or parking in the nearby town of Carezza and extending your walk to access.

 

You’ll be stunned by the truly out-of-this-world scenery that the Dolomites has to offer. Of course, this list of day hikes is just the beginning. There are endless trails in the Dolomites to explore, including many multi-day hike options at mountain huts (such as the Alta Via 1). But for now, happy hiking!

FAQS for Hiking in the Dolomites

Is hiking in the Dolomites difficult?

The vast, rugged ranges of the Dolomites have something for every skill level! There are easier, short walks located at the base of the valley, or you can ascend high into the peaks for a challenge.

Can a beginner hike the Dolomites?

Sure can, and they don’t skimp out on beautiful views either. Definitely check out the Lago di Braies Loop, Lago di Carezza Loop, and Compatsch to Ortisei Seiser Alm Loop for some stunning easy day hikes.

What is the most famous hike in the Dolomites?

Tre Cime de Lavaredo is the postcard vision of the Dolomites, its dramatic rocky peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflowers make this 10km day hike an absolute stand out.

What is the best month to hike the Dolomites?

Autumn, around September-October, when the summer crowds are dropping off yet the weather is still nice.

Where do you fly into to hike the Dolomites?

It’s best to fly into Venice, but that’s still 160km away. You could rent a car or catch a train – but the trains will drop at the base of the mountains not at the peaks.

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