Best Hikes in Dolomites – Complete Guide to the Most Scenic places

The Dolomites are a dream destination for nature lovers, hikers, and cyclists, and they are equally perfect for winter sports enthusiasts and via ferrata adventurers. Known for offering some of the best hikes in Dolomites, this UNESCO World Heritage region stretches across Northern Italy, covering parts of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige (Südtirol), and even touching Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Dominated by 18 majestic peaks, the scenery is a spectacular mix of jagged mountain tops, dramatic cliffs, icy glaciers, deep gorges, lush forests, and vibrant valleys. The Punta Penia (3,343 m) is the highest peak in the Dolomites, earning the nickname “Queen of the Dolomites.”

Scattered throughout the region are charming towns and villages, each reflecting a unique blend of traditions and languages. Until the end of World War I, South Tyrol and Trentino were part of Austria, which explains why roughly 75% of the population here still speaks German as their mother tongue.

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Regions of the Dolomites

(Italian / German names)

South Tyrol / Alto Adige / Südtirol

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The Dolomites are divided into five subgroups and thirteen major groups according to the SOIUSA classification, based on geological criteria. From a tourism perspective, the areas most visited by travelers – and offering some of the best hikes in Dolomites – are:

• Sesto, Braies, and Ampezzo Dolomites

• Gardena and Fassa Dolomites

Bolzano (Bozen), the capital of South Tyrol, blends multiple cultures and offers fantastic shopping opportunities. In the valleys of Val Gardena (Gröden) and Alta Badia (Gadertal), you can immerse yourself in the fascinating Ladin culture.

Val Pusteria (Pustertal) is world-famous for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the stunning Lake Braies, both of which are true icons of the Dolomites and feature in many best hikes in Dolomites itineraries.

In Belluno province, you’ll find the enchanting Cortina d’Ampezzo – often called the “Pearl of the Dolomites.” And no trip would be complete without visiting Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe, offering endless hiking opportunities.

Veneto

Note: This list does not cover all regions of the Dolomites.

Dolomites map

Best hikes, Lakes, Passes and Peaks

(Italian / German names)

Best Hikes – From Short Walks to Epic hikes

Val Di Funes Guide: Churches, Hikes & Where To Stay

Main Mountain Ranges and Highest Peaks

•  Marmolada – “The Queen of the Dolomites” – Punta Penia 3,343 m
• Antelao – “The King of the Dolomites” – Antelao 3,264 m
• Tofane Group –Tofana di Mezzo 3,244 m
• Civetta – Monte Civetta 3,220 m
• Sassolungo / Langkofel Group – Sassolungo 3,181 m
• Sella Group – Piz Boé 3,151 m
• Odle / Geisler Group – Sass Rigais 3,025 m
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen (Sexten Dolomites) – Cima Grande 2,999 m
• Cadini di Misurina – Cima Cadin di San Lucano 2,839 m
• Sorapiss – Sorapiss 3,205 m
• Cristallo Group – Monte Cristallo 3,221 m
• Catinaccio / Rosengarten – Cima Catinaccio / Rosengartenspitze 2,981m
• Sass de Putia / Peitlerkofel Group – Peitlerkofel 2,875 m
• Puez Group – Puezspitzen / Pizes de Puez 2,918 m
• Latemar Group – Diamantidi Tower / Cimon del Latemar / Diamantiditurm 2,842 m
• Prags Dolomites / Dolomiti di Braies – Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo / Hohe Gaisl 3,146  m

Note: Punta Penia is the highest peak in the Dolomites, while Antelao is the second highest. The Odle and Puez groups are often referred to as the Puez-Odle Group, forming the Puez-Odle Nature Park, a stunning protected area covering 10,722 hectares.

Top 9 Must-See Places and Best Hikes in Dolomites

The Dolomites are filled with breathtaking destinations, but here are nine of my personal favorites – from iconic mountain peaks to crystal-clear alpine lakes and some of the best hikes in Dolomites.

1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo

One of the most famous symbols of the Dolomites, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo features three iconic peaks that dominate the skyline. This spectacular formation offers some of the best hikes in Dolomites, suitable for all difficulty levels, and is a paradise for photographers. The panoramic trails surrounding the peaks are simply unforgettable.
Explore Tre Cime hiking tips here.

2. Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

This crystal-clear lake is one of the most picturesque spots in the Dolomites. An easy walking trail around the lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, while the calm, reflective waters create the perfect place to relax. In summer, you can also rent a wooden boat for a magical experience.
Plan your Lago di Braies visit.

3. Seceda

The jagged ridges of Seceda provide one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Dolomites. Easily accessible via cable car from Ortisei, the summit offers breathtaking panoramas on a clear day. It’s a perfect choice for hikers and photographers looking for some of the best hikes in Dolomites with minimal effort.
Discover Seceda on my blog.

4. Lago di Sorapis Hike

The Lago di Sorapis is one of the most spectacular places in the Dolomites and a favorite among hikers. Its vibrant turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, create a picture-perfect scene. The trail to the lake takes you along rocky paths and through forested sections, with stunning mountain views along the way.
Find the full Lago di Sorapis trail guide here.

5. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)

Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow, Alpe di Siusi, is covered in colorful wildflowers in summer and transforms into a skier’s paradise in winter. With excellent hiking and cycling trails, it’s also an ideal spot for families. This area offers a unique side of the Dolomites beyond the dramatic peaks.
Read more about Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi).

6. Sassolungo Loop and Sella Pass

If you want to hike around one of the most iconic mountain groups in the Dolomites, with dramatic new views at every turn, the Sassolungo (Langkofel) loop is a must. Starting from the spectacular Sella Pass, which lies between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, the route takes you around the 3,181-meter-high Sassolungo in the Dolomites.
Discover Sassolungo trail.

7. Marmolada Glacier

The Marmolada is the highest mountain in the Dolomites, often called the “Queen of the Dolomites.” It’s the only massif in the region with a glacier and offers incredible views as well as rich historical significance. This area is a top destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers alike.
Check my Marmolada travel and hiking guide here.

8. Adolf Munkel Trail

If you enjoy scenic yet easy hiking trails with postcard-perfect views at every step, the Adolf Munkel Trail is a fantastic choice. One of the most famous panoramic paths in the Dolomites, it runs along the base of the Geisler/Odle group, beneath dramatic jagged peaks.
Read the Adolf Munkel Trail guide here.

9. Pordoi Pass and Sass Pordoi

The Pordoi Pass (Passo Pordoi / Pordoijoch) isone of the most beautiful mountain passes in the Dolomites, offering plenty to explore. From here, you can take the famous cable car up to Sass Pordoi, where the Dolomites’ highest peaks feel almost within arm’s reach. For hikers, the biggest highlight is Piz Boé, the highest point of the Sella group.

Check my Pordoi Pass guide here.

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Where to stay in the Dolomites

one week in the Dolomites

For a one-week trip, it is worth focusing on 1 or max. 2 regions and booking accommodation there. There are no long distances between the programs/hikes, but due to the many mountain passes and serpentine roads, valuable hours can be spent traveling.
My recommendation: book hotel or apartment near Cortina d’Ampezzo and in the Val Gardena valley (Ortisei – Santa Cristina or Selva di Val Gardena), or possibly in Val di Funes.

Source: Wandering Linda 
Photos: Wandering Linda
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