The Dolomites has to be one of my favourite places on the planet. I have never been anywhere that quite compares to the breathtaking, surreal landscape where jagged peaks, lush valleys, and alpine meadows create a natural wonderland that feels like you are experiencing a whole new world.

I get a lot of questions about our trip to the Dolomites - it’s a destination that is truly deserving of being at the top of any bucket list, but it can be quite overwhelming to plan. In this guide I have collected my favourite, unforgettable summer experiences in the Dolomites as well as some top tips that everyone needs to know…

My top tips for travelling to the Dolomites

It can be difficult to plan flights for your trip to the Dolomites. The closest airport is Bolzano - however, depending on where you are flying from, it may not be easy to find flights directly there. I would recommend flying into Innsbruck, Verona or Venice.
The Dolomites cover a large area, to make the most of your time and give you the opportunity to see all that the Dolomites have to offer I would recommend hiring a car. I always use Sunny Cars for comprehensive, transparent cover.
We travelled to the Dolomites during July, and had read lots of information that strongly advised against this due to there being ‘crowds of people’. If you are travelling during peak season, I recommend getting up early to start the day. The beauty of nature is that there are no opening times!
We spent a week in the Dolomites, but easily could have stayed much longer. I would recommend spending at least five days in the Dolomites, to really have the opportunity to experience the different landscapes.
You should be aware that many places in the Dolomites have two names (one Italian and one German). I would recommend familiarising yourself with both names of the places you plan to visit as they are referred to differently on signs / by different people.

Lago Di Braies (Prager Wildesee)

Lago di Braies - Wandering with Katherine

Lago di Braies is a destination that I’ve had saved on my Pinterest board for years, so naturally this was how we spent the first day of our trip. There are some absolutely stunning pictures of this place online, but I have to say that seeing the lake in person was a truly spectacular experience.

You can drive right up to Lago di Braies, making it accessible for all walking abilities. The closest car park is P4 - just a stone’s throw away. Please note that the road to the Braies Valley closes during some of the peak season (usually July - September) from 9:30am - 4:00pm. If you plan to visit during these times, I would highly recommend booking your parking and access to the road in advance: https://www.pragsparking.com/en

We arrived a little before 8am, just in time to catch some of the mirror-like reflections on the lake before the sun rose above the mountains. Everything that we’d read online suggested the boat house would be open from 9:30am so we thought that we had plenty of time to explore before joining the queue, however, we noticed a few people standing at the boat house when we arrived. The boats were going from 8am that day - so we changed our plans and joined the short queue, we ended up being about the fourth group of people on the lake. It costs €50 to hire a boat for 45 minutes (you also get two fridge magnets included!), which does sound a little pricey, but I promise that it’s worth every penny. This was our favourite part of the whole trip, we just loved the serenity and tranquility of being out on the water. It felt as though we had the lake to ourselves.

I would also recommend doing the 2-mile circular trail around the lake for more unique perspectives and photo opportunities. If you plan to do this trail, make sure you have appropriate footwear as the path can be uneven and steep in places.

2. Cadini di Misurina

Cadini di Misurina - - Wandering with Katherine

Not to be missed is the jaw-dropping viewpoint at Cadini di Misurina. If you have a drone, this is the perfect place to fly, with panoramic views of the sensational mountain range.

*Please note that the walk out to this view point is a little precarious and there is a large drop at the edge, so please be careful and I would not recommend doing this in adverse weather conditions or if you are not a fan of heights!

This hike begins at Rifugio Auronzo, with an elevation gain of around 100m, this 4km hike takes around 30 - 45 minutes from the starting point. This hike starts from the same starting point as the famous Tre Cime, so as you can imagine it gets pretty busy during peak season. If you are driving you can park at Parcheggio Auronzo. When we arrived, just before 7am, the car park was full! But not to worry, there is a car park further down the mountain with a lot more capacity and a shuttle bus service that runs regularly.

3. Seceda Ridgeline

Rising gracefully amidst the stunning peaks of the Dolomites, the Seceda Ridgeline offers spectacular views that perfectly blends the rugged beauty of the mountains with the serenity of the surrounding landscape.

You can easily access the Seceda Ridgeline by cable car from Ortisei. You can take two cable cars straight to the top, the journey takes around 15 - 20 minutes (ensure you check the current schedule and any operational considerations before planning your visit) . If you would prefer, you can take a cable car half way and hike the rest, or even hike straight from the bottom if you are feeling adventurous!

When you reach the ridgeline, it is entirely up to you what you want to do, whether you want an easy wander around, to grab a drink and a snack with a view of the Odle Peaks at the Rifugio, or if you want to adventure down some of the hiking trails - the choice is yours. The ‘famous’ view is just a short walk to the left of the cable car station. We chose to have a relaxed wander and take in the views during our visit, as we had several other things planned during our day.

4. Adolf Munkel Trail

If you are looking for an easy - moderate hike in the Dolomites that still provides those breathtaking views, then I can’t recommend the Adolf Munkel Trail highly enough.

The trail begins at Zannes / Zans Car Park in Val di Funes with around 378m elevation gain, covering 9.2km, I would recommend allowing 3 - 4 hours to complete this trail. Be sure to leave plenty of time for photo stops and time to taste the delicious apple strudel at Geisler Alm! We were fortunate enough to pass by some wild horses on the trail which added to the magical experience of the day.

We like to use the AllTrails app when heading on longer hikes but, if you don’t have the app, you can follow trails 36, 35 and 6.

5. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)

Alpe di Siusi - Wandering with Katherine

Next up we have Alpe di Siusi - Alpe di Siusi, or Seiser Alm, is the highest alpine meadow in Europe, sitting at an impressive 1,680 meters (5,510 feet) above sea level. If you are only planning to spend one day in Alpe di Siusi I would recommend the most popular hike, which is the Panorama Walk. This walk offers incredible, sweeping views across the alpine meadows. Starting in Compaccio / Compatsch and gives you the opportunity to see the best views across Alpe di Siusi.

If you’re out and about, make sure to stop by Malga Sanon at some point during your day. It’s a great spot to stop for a bite – whether you’re in the mood for a scenic lunch or just want to grab a slice of their amazing apple strudel (trust me, it’s worth it!). This place has such a relaxed vibe, perfect after a busy day of exploring or hiking.

6. Stop off at beautiful lakes

Lago di Misurina - Wandering with Katherine

Sometimes, the best things turn out to be the ones that you didn’t plan! As you make your scenic journeys through the Dolomites, you’ll notice many beautiful lakes and it is pretty much impossible to ignore them and just drive past! The Dolomites are home to some of the most stunning lakes in the Alps, each offering its own unique charm.

Some of our favourites were:

Lago di Dobbiaco, nestled in the Val di Braies, is a crystal-clear gem surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests which is lovely to wander around for a peaceful retreat.

Lago di Misurina, is the largest natural lake in the region and boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. We enjoyed a stroll around the lake, taking in the views from every angle and hired a pedlo for a short time, which was really fun!

Further south, Lago di Landro is a picturesque lake with turquoise waters set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomite mountains, offering some of the best photo opportunities in the region.

7. Val di Funes

Church of St.Giovanni - Wandering with Katherine

Now for one of the most iconic views of the Dolomites - the valley of Val di Funes is dominated by the striking Odle / Geisler mountain range, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop of rugged peaks and lush meadows. Among its most iconic landmarks is the Church of St. Giovanni (San Giovanni). You can pay a small fee to go up to the church, if you choose to do this please be aware that there is no access to the inside of the church (so it can feel a little like a tourist trap!). Another architectural gem in the valley is the Church of St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena), a beautifully preserved 13th-century church offering sweeping vistas of the valley.

8. Ortisei

And finally, we have the town of Ortisei. Ortisei is a charming little gem tucked away in the heart of the Dolomites. This picturesque town in Val Gardena has a cosy, welcoming vibe with its traditional Tyrolean architecture, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. You can spend your time here strolling through the lovely town centre, lined with cute shops, cafes, and art galleries, or hop on a cable car to take in the stunning views of the mountains. Ortisei has something for everyone, making it a great base for exploring the Dolomites.

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8 Unforgettable things to do in the Dolomites