12 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Italian Dolomites
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IT’S NO SECRET THAT THE ITALIAN DOLOMITES ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE DESTINATIONS IN ALL OF EUROPE.
It's the perfect place to recommend to others; those who have never heard of it can discover the perfect hidden gem, while those who have read about this magical destination tucked into the mountains of Northeast Italy are reminded to run - don’t walk - to a place that lives up to the hype.
But what specifically makes the Dolomites such an amazing destination?
Is it the easy-to-access locale or the local Italian charm? Yes, it’s known for its natural beauty, but what’s there to do in the Dolomites? And does it really compete with other big name destinations like Rome, Milan, and Venice?
In order to answer these questions, I've collected all the reasons why I love this part of Europe so much.
12 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Italian Dolomites.
1. August is the Best Time to Hike in the Dolomites
THE DOLOMITES ARE AT THEIR BEST AT PRECISELY THE SAME TIME THAT MOST AMERICANS AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS ARE MAKING THEIR WAY TO ITALY.
The summer hiking season in the Dolomites kicks off around June and goes until the end of September. The sweet spot for this summer hiking season, though, is the end of July and the whole of August.
I visited Bolzano in mid-August and it was absolutely the best time to hike in the Dolomites.
Temperatures were very warm in town, which sits in a valley at lower elevation, while up on the mountains it was cooler and even crisp in the evenings.
Once you step into the forest, the shade of the trees creates a fresh temperature - not too hot, not too cool - that is ideal for hiking.
The Dolomites took my breath away with how different they were from the rest of Italy - the rolling meadows, the mountains in the distance, the heavy clouds and the shadows they cast. And they’re at their best in August.
I loved these forested hiking trails because the environment made longer hikes like three or four hours easier to endure.
There are of course tons of hiking trails in more open areas, like the elevated plateau of Alpe di Susi, for those who prefer being out in the sunshine and meadows on their hikes.
2. The Dolomites are a Great Excursion from Milan or Venice
THE DOLOMITES ARE SUCH AN EASY ADD-ON TO A VISIT TO MILAN OR VENICE.
My first visit to the Dolomites was at the back end of a ten day trip that included four days in Venice before heading to the mountains. It gave the overall vacation such a great variety to have experienced two drastically different parts of Italy.
Anytime a friend mentions that they’ll be planning a trip to Northern Italy, I recommend they look into adding a few days in the Alto Adige region that is home to the Dolomites.
The Alto Adige region is completely different from anything else that Italy has to offer.
It’s an unexpected blend of Italian and Austrian cultures, Alpine landscapes, and distinct Tyrolean heritage. Most visitors are surprised to find that this bilingual area is home to a German-speaking majority, making it feel truly unique.
This distinctiveness is part of what makes the Dolomites such a great excursion from the metropolitan charm of Milan or the canal-side elegance of Venice.
3. You Can Visit the Dolomites without a Car
But how can you get to the Dolomites from Milan or Venice?
One of the top reasons to visit the Dolomites is because you can do it entirely without a car.
Its nearest airport is in Bolzano, but larger regional airports like Milan and Venice offer more daily connections.
FROM MILAND AND VENICE, TRAINS OFFER SEVERAL OPTIONS TO THE DOLOMITES VIA BOLZANO’S TRAIN STATION.
The most common are high-speed Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains, which take about 3 to 4 hours with a transfer at Verona Porta Nuova.
Regional trains are also available, and though they can provide scenic routes, they often require multiple transfers and take longer, typically around 4 to 6 hours.
The high-speed Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains are the quickest way to get to the Dolomites without a car.
Italy’s trains are comfortable across all route types, both regional and high-speed, and are equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi and refreshments.
(Travel Tip: 🧋🍫 I never truly trust a train’s refreshment options, though, so it’s always a good idea to grab a big bottle of water and a few snacks at the train station before departure. Even if the train’s refreshment options are fantastic, you can save these items for later in your trip. 🧋🍫)
I recommend buying tickets in advance, regardless of the train type you opt for, especially if you are traveling during peak seasons like summer.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the station, with prices varying based on the train type and booking time.
4. It’s Safe to Hike the Dolomites Alone as a Woman
I was hiking the Dolomites as a solo female hiker, and I have to admit, there were a couple times, standing at the trailhead, when I wondered if it was insane or dangerous for me to be entering unknown forests alone.
I got into the habit of texting my Dad back in the United States each morning with a cheery note that said something along the lines of “excited to tackle trail #3b today!” along with a picture of the hiking map.
The tone was upbeat, but the subtext was definitely, “Ok, I’ve listened to way too many true crime podcasts where someone disappears without a trace. Let me leave some breadcrumbs, just in case.”
Thankfully, my worries were unwarranted.
THE DOLOMITES ARE INCREDIBLY SAFE FOR WOMEN TO HIKE, EVEN IF THEY ARE TRAVELING ALONE.
All of the trails are well-marked, which makes navigation easy, even for beginners.
Me, hiking Alpi di Siusi, in front of the Schlern mountain.
The trails are also frequented with a steady amount of traffic - they aren’t crowded, but you’ll pass other hikers several times an hour, which gives you the assurance that if anything bad were to happen, there would be others hikers nearby to help you.
There is also a robust infrastructure of mountain huts serving hot meals along the trails, which means you’re never venturing too far to find rest.
The local culture is very welcoming to hikers from all over the world.
It really is something you can feel walking into the small rifugios, from the staff as well as the other hikers.
And while the cell coverage is not available in all areas, it is reliable in many areas along the trail should you need to call for emergency services.
5. Self-Guided Hiking in the Dolomites is Easy for Beginners
But it's not just female solo travelers who are going to love the Dolomites.
ANY HIKING BEGINNER WILL APPRECIATE THOSE EASY TO NAVIGATE TRAILS AND THE ROBUST MOUNTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE.
There are plenty of lodgings located comfortably close to the trailheads.
All of the hiking trails are clearly marked and easy to navigate.
The Dolomites offer many different types of hiking trails, like loop trails, which circle back to the start, and out-and-back trails, where you return the same way.
They also offer point-to-point trails, leading from one end to another, and spur trails, which branch off main trails for side excursions.
The variety of trail difficulty is diverse, too, with plenty of easy to medium difficulty trails for those just starting out.
6. Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Dolomites is a Must for Experienced Hikers
If you are an experienced hiker though, then the Dolomites are great for multi-day hut-to-hut hiking.
I’ve written about the differences between hiking in the USA vs. Europe, and one of the biggest differences are those that might impact experienced hikers: there’s not as much vast wilderness, and dispersed camping is not really a thing.
Rather, dispersed camping is replaced by experiences like hut-to-hut hiking.
Hut-to-hut hiking offers more advanced, off-the-beaten-trail hikes through scenic alpine landscapes with planned overnight stops at mountain huts which provide meals and lodging.
A rifugio at the base of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
The typical hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites is for a minimum duration of 5 days, but several tour companies offer hiking tours for 7 or 10 days.
THE TERRAINS THAT THESE HIKING TOURS TRAVERSE ARE SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VISTAS IN ALL OF THE DOLOMITES.
I’ve had several friends and colleagues return from a hut-to-hut hiking tour in the Dolomites who were absolutely speechless at the nature that they had experienced on their hike.
The conditions are not luxurious, let’s be clear.
But advanced hikers and those interested in deeply exploring the Dolomites terrain will absolutely love these multi-day hut-to-hut hikes.
7. The Dolomites are Great for Cyclists, Too
Obviously mountain biking is a hugely popular activity in any area with good mountain terrain.
THE DOLOMITES OFFER TRAILS FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS, WITH BEGINNERS ENJOYING WELL-MARKED, GENTLE PATHS, WHILE EXPERIENCED BIKERS CAN TACKLE CHALLENGING, TECHNICAL ROUTES.
The area has excellent lift infrastructure to ferry bikers up to the tops of the mountains.
Cyclists flock to the Dolomites for its challenging terrain and reliable infrastructure.
There are also plenty of bike rental shops and repair stations that make it easy to plan and navigate rides, ensuring safety on more advanced routes, and allowing bikers to cover more ground efficiently.
And for those just starting out, the increased popularity of e-bike technologies will make it easier than ever to help you up the mountain.
8. There’s So Much to Do in the Dolomites Besides Hiking
Even if you aren't a hiker, and mountain biking isn’t your thing, there is still so much to do in the Dolomites.
I remember hiking on the Alpe di Susi, Europe’s highest plateau, and seeing the sky full of the arched parachutes of paragliders softly coasting through the sky. The launch area for tandem paragliding flights in Alpe di Siusi is renowned among paragliders for its optimal thermal currents, which are kind of like invisible waves that paragliders use to gain altitude.
Paragliders coast above the Dolomites.
Rock climbing is also a popular activity in the Dolomites, as the region is hailed as one of the best in the world for climbing due to its many types of rock faces and steep limestone peaks.
The climbing-curious, or those new to rock climbing, can try out the many via ferrata routes in the Dolomites.
Via ferrata is a protected climbing route with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges, which allow climbers to safely cross steep and exposed terrain without advanced climbing equipment.
If you’re traveling with a group or looking for a fun water-based activity, rafting on the Noce River is another great way to have an outdoor adventure in the Dolomites.
For a full list of the top experiences in the Dolomites regions, including helicopter and private car tours, see the map below.
9. The Dolomites’ Photo Spots will Leave You Speechless
I think it's the photography that really convinces people to visit the Dolomites.
There are so many beautiful places to see - famous mountain formations, beautiful lakes, verdant meadows.
IF YOU’RE A PHOTOGRAPHER OR INTERESTED IN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, THEN YOU ARE GOING TO ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE DOLOMITES.
Lago di Braies is a top photo spot in the Dolomites.
Here are the most beloved photo spots in the Dolomites:
Tre Cime di Lavaredo - The iconic three peaked mountain range that stands out against the horizon most beautifully at sunrise and sunset.
Lago di Braies - This picturesque lake has crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.
Seceda - Best photographed in early morning light, this mountain in Val Gardena sits at a strange angle, with the adjoining pasture appearing to climb up the mountain’s side.
Alpe di Siusi - The largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and idyllic pastures.
Passo Giau - This high mountain pass connects Cortina d'Ampezzo with Colle Santa Lucia and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Dolomitic peaks and valleys.
Lago di Sorapis - This stunning turquoise lake is nestled in a secluded valley and can only be reached by foot or by helicopter. (Fun fact, its turquoise color comes from ✨ glacier dust ✨!)
Cinque Torri - A group of five distinctive rock towers, surrounded by verdant pastures of rugged rock formations.
Val di Funes - This is quintessential Dolomites: a charming valley with traditional Tyrolean villages and the iconic Geisler Peaks in the background.
Passo Pordoi - This famous mountain pass has a panoramic cable car offering views of the Sella mountain group and surrounding peaks.
Lagazuoi - One of the most famous panoramic lookout points in the Dolomites, it’s accessible via a cable car or hike.
If you’re heading to the Dolomites, don’t forget your camera 📸 !
10. The Dolomites has Some of Italy’s Most Charming Towns
I mentioned earlier that visiting the Dolomites is fantastic if you enjoy seeing lesser-known parts of Italy, and this is mainly due to the charming towns throughout the region.
I stayed in Bolzano, the capital of the South Tyrol province, but there are many others beloved for their charm.
Merano, also in South Tyrol, is renowned for its spa resorts like San Luis Hotel & Lodges, and Michelin-starred restaurants like Restaurant Sissi.
Merano sits at the confluence of the Passirio and Adige rivers.
Ortisei is another South Tyrol town that ranks high on the list of most beautiful little towns in the Dolomites. Situated in the Val Gardena area, it offers close access to some of the best hiking trails. Its town center is full of picturesque streets, colorful buildings, and charming shops, all set against a mountain backdrop.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is another favorite of mine in the region. It’s a popular ski resort in the winter, but it also shines in the summer as a base for hiking, mountain biking, and in town, designer shopping.
11. There are Amazing Places to Stay in The Dolomites
The Dolomites are famed for their rifugios, or mountain huts.
Rifugios provide overnight lodging, hot meals, and rest for hikers and climbers. They are often situated in scenic landscapes and outfitted in humble wood construction with traditional Tyrolean decor.
If I could use one word to describe rifugios, it would be welcoming. They are an integral part of the outdoor culture in the Dolomites.
But they are a bit rustic, and mainly focused on providing a base for outdoor explorers.
LUCKILY, THE DOLOMITES IS ALSO HOME TO MORE UPSCALE, LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS.
Gasthof Kohlern in Bolzano, Italy.
I stayed at Gasthof Kohlern in Bolzano and really loved it, as it was situated close to the trailhead and featured an impeccable kitchen.
(Travel Tip: 🏊 If you’re like me, you’ll probably prioritize hotels that offer a pool. Hey, it’s August, I want to cool down and the weather is forecasted to be very hot during your stay. But if you’re staying up on the mountain, the temperatures might be much cooler than down in town, which is the temperature you will see when you open your weather app. My hotel had a great pool, but the water was very cold, and I found myself only using it once. I should have prioritized a hotel with a sauna, instead, to ease my muscles after a day of hiking. 🏊)
12. The Food and Wine in the Dolomites is Mouth-Watering Delicious
One of the best-kept secrets about the Dolomites region is that it’s home to an astounding concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and family-owned vineyards.
I absolutely love the gastronomy elements at play in the region - if you’re a food and wine enthusiast, then you, too, will love the culinary terroir of the Dolomites.
The cuisine is a delightful mix of Northern Italian pastas and hearty meat dishes crossed with Austrian fare like stews, game, and cured meats.
Countless menus feature specialties like canederli (bread dumplings) and speck (smoked ham), as well as venison and rabbit. Rich cheeses like Asiago and Puzzone di Moena are always on offer, and dessert menus almost always include strudel.
THE LOCAL WINES ARE FANTASTIC.
They include crisp whites like Müller-Thurgau, and robust reds like the native Lagrein, a close relative of Syrah and Pinot Noir.
It’s one of those places where you can taste the natural terrain on the dish.
IN CLOSING…
I hope this list has sparked your imagination for a getaway to the majestic Dolomites!
If you’re looking for more information about hiking in Europe, then be sure to read my list of Europe’s Best Hiking Destinations, as well as the Europe Packing Guide for Hikers.
That’s all for now,
Angela ❤️