When people ask me about things to do in the Dolomites, hiking is always the first answer, and honestly, the only answer that matters. This isn’t a region you visit for museums or shopping streets. You come here for the jagged peaks, the alpine meadows, and the mountain huts serving fresh pasta at 2,000 meters. After spending nine days hiking through both the eastern and western sides of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, I can say with confidence that the best hikes in the Dolomites are unlike anything else in northeastern Italy, or honestly, anywhere else in the world.
Below, I’m rounding up the hikes in the Dolomites that I actually did, plus a few other well-known trails worth knowing about if you’re building out your own Dolomites itinerary. Whether you’re after an easy day hike or something closer to a multi-day hut-to-hut hiking tour, there’s something on this list for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Dolomites span South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno in northeastern Italy, offering everything from easy hiking trails around alpine lakes to demanding multi-day treks like the Alta Via 1.
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Sorapis are two of the most popular (and most crowded) hikes in the Dolomites, so plan to arrive early and reserve parking in advance.
- Mountain huts, or rifugios, let you turn a single day hike into a proper hiking tour, with options ranging from rustic to genuinely comfortable.
- Val Gardena and Val di Funes offer some of the most scenic, photogenic trails with relatively manageable elevation gain, making them great for less experienced hikers.
- If you only have time for a handful of trails, prioritize Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, Cadini di Misurina, and the Adolf Munkel Trail.
Best Hikes in the Dolomites: My Complete List
After spending over a week trekking through the Dolomites, I can confidently say that I’ve hiked the majority of the most popular hikes in the region. Here are my top recommendations so you can plan your own trip to the Dolomites.
1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
If there’s one non-negotiable hike on any Dolomites hiking trip, this is it. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is a roughly 6.7-mile hiking trail circling three of the most iconic jagged peaks in the entire range. We started at Rifugio Auronzo, grabbed a coffee, and set off on what turned out to be one of the most beautiful walks either of us has ever done. Expect sweeping panoramic trails, dramatic rock faces, and a handful of mountain huts along the way for a quick beer or snack break. If you don’t have a fear of heights, definitely do the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint on the same day (more on that one next).
Heads up: Rifugio Auronzo parking now requires an advance online reservation through the official Auronzo municipality booking portal. Budget about €45 for parking, and don’t expect to just show up and hope for a spot. Book in advance and try to be here no later than 8am to avoid the crowds.
2. Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike
This one’s shorter than Tre Cime, but it might be even more photogenic. The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint delivers that postcard shot of layered, jagged peaks fading into the distance, and it’s become one of the most Instagrammed spots in the Dolomites for good reason. We arrived around 8:30 a.m. and still waited about 40 minutes for the iconic photo; by 9:30am, the wait had stretched past an hour. Get here early, and bring real layers, since the wind at this elevation does not let up.
One important note: Cadini di Misurena and Tre Cime start in a similar general area but use different trailheads. We learned that the hard way, so double check before you set off. I highly recommend downloading AllTrails app before your trip to the Dolomites so you can download your hikes ahead of time.
3. Lago di Sorapis Trail
Lake Sorapis is one of those hikes where the destination genuinely outshines the journey, and the journey is already gorgeous. The trail to Lago di Sorapis winds along some narrow, cliff-edge sections (a little nerve-wracking if you’re not used to steep cliffs), but it opens up into a strikingly milky-blue glacial lake that looks almost artificially colored. This is consistently ranked among the most popular hiking trails in the region, so arrive before 8 a.m. if you want any chance at a quiet trailhead and roadside parking.
4. Cinque Torri Hike
Cinque Torri, or the “Five Towers,” is a cluster of distinctive rock formations near Cortina, and the surrounding trail network is well worth a half-day. You can reach the base via chairlift, though it’s worth noting the last lift typically runs until 5 p.m., so plan your timing accordingly (we learned this lesson the hard way too). This area also has strong ties to WWI history, with old trenches and fortifications scattered along some of the trails, which adds an interesting layer beyond just the scenery.
5. Rifugio Alpe di Tires Trail (Alpe di Siusi)
This hike starts on Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe, and it’s an easy, dreamy walk through pastures before the terrain shifts into a steeper, switchback-heavy climb up to Rifugio Alpe di Tires. The elevation gain in the second half is real, but the payoff is a rifugio terrace with sweeping mountain views, a raspberry-ginger spritz in hand, and absolutely nowhere you need to be. This is a great option if you want to dip a toe into hut-to-hut hiking without committing to a full multi-day trek.
6. Adolf Munkel Trail (Val di Funes)
If you’re chasing those classic Dolomites photos, the Adolf Munkel Trail beneath the Geisler Alm peaks in Val di Funes delivers. There are many trails that you can take throughout this area. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with horses grazing in open pastures and several rifugio lunch spots along the way. What makes this area special is the sheer number of connecting trails branching off, so you can shorten or extend your route depending on your energy that day. It’s also a relatively easy hiking trail by Dolomites standards, making it a good fit for less experienced hikers.
7. Passo Sella and Rifugio Friedrich August
This hike comes with a very specific incentive: fresh donuts. Rifugio Friedrich August, near Passo Sella, is known for serving them up each morning, but only until they run out, so aim to arrive before 9 a.m. Beyond the donuts, this area offers excellent panoramic trails with views toward the Sella massif, and you can easily extend the day with a stop at Rifugio Sasso Piatto for lunch before hiking back.
8. Seceda Ridgeline Hike
Seceda is one of the most dramatic ridgeline hikes in Val Gardena, and also one of the most crowded, so an early cable car ride up is essential. Once you’re up top, the views stretch across jagged peaks in every direction, and you can either ride the lift back down or walk the entire descent, which we did. Along the way, there are several mountain huts where you can stop for a drink or a late lunch before heading back into Ortisei. If you’re coming in peak season, definitely buy your Seceda cable car tickets in advance!
9. Lago di Braies Walking Trail (Pragser Wildsee)
This was our very first stop in the Dolomites, and it remains one of my favorite easy hiking trails in the entire region. The trail circling Lago di Braies (also called Pragser Wildsee) is roughly 2 miles, mostly flat, and takes you all the way around this impossibly turquoise lake, with jagged peaks rising up behind it. We arrived around 5 p.m., which turned out to be a great time to visit since the worst of the crowds had already cleared out but there was still plenty of light left in the sky.
Don’t just snap a photo from the little rowboat dock and leave. Walking the full loop gives you a completely different perspective of the lake and the mountains surrounding it, and the far side is noticeably quieter. If you can, try to come early morning or early evening, since midday can get genuinely packed in peak season.
More Popular Hikes in the Dolomites to Know About
We didn’t hike every trail in the Dolomites (nobody could in nine days), but a few other names come up constantly when people talk about the best hikes in the Dolomites, and they’re worth flagging:
- Alta Via 1: This is the famous multi-day trek that traverses much of the Dolomites north to south, hut to hut. If you’re after a serious, multi-day hiking tour, this is the benchmark route.
- Palaronda Trek: A multi-day circuit around the Cortina area, linking several rifugios including Rifugio Lagazuoi and Rifugio Averau. A great option if you want a structured hut-to-hut itinerary without committing to the full Alta Via.
- Rifugio Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri Loop: Often paired with Passo Falzarego, this route includes WWI tunnels carved into the mountain and connects nicely with Rifugio Scoiattoli for a longer day out.
- Croda da Lago: A quieter alternative to some of the busier trails near Cortina, with a beautiful lake and rifugio stop, and noticeably fewer crowds.
- Puez-Odle and Rifugio Puez: Part of the Alta Via 2 network, this area near Val Gardena and Alta Badia offers dramatic, less-trafficked terrain for hikers wanting to escape the bigger crowds.
- Passo Tre Croci: A scenic mountain pass connecting Cortina to Lake Misurina, with several trailheads branching off if you want to combine driving with shorter hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hikes in the Dolomites
What are the best hikes in the Dolomites for beginners?
The Adolf Munkel Trail in Val di Funes and the walking loop around Lago di Braies are both great options if you want stunning scenery without serious elevation gain.
Do I need to book parking or tickets in advance for Dolomites hikes?
For the most popular trails, yes. Rifugio Auronzo parking for Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina requires an advance online reservation, and cable cars to spots like Seceda and Alpe di Siusi can sell out in peak season.
How many days do I need to do the best hikes in the Dolomites?
You can hit several highlights in 4 to 5 days, but 7 to 9 days gives you enough time to mix iconic day hikes with at least one or two rifugio stays for a true hut-to-hut experience.
Is it possible to stay overnight in a mountain hut?
Yes, rifugios are working mountain huts that offer beds, meals, and a base for multi-day hikes like the Alta Via 1 or the Palaronda Trek. Reservations should be made months in advance for the summer season.
What’s the best time of year to hike in the Dolomites?
Late June through September offers the most reliable conditions, with mountain passes, rifugios, and trails fully open. We hiked in mid-June and had excellent weather with relatively light crowds.
Final Thoughts on Hiking in the Dolomites
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Dolomites, but hiking is genuinely the best way to understand why this region has earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Every trail on this list offers something different, whether it’s the drama of Tre Cime, the quiet pastures of Val di Funes, or the simple pleasure of a spritz on a rifugio terrace after a long climb. If you’re planning a trip, don’t try to cram in every trail on this list. Pick a handful that match your pace and energy, and leave room to slow down once you’re there.
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