If you’re looking for a breathtaking mountain range to visit in Europe, the Dolomites should be at the top of your list. The Dolomite mountain range is located in northeastern Italy, and offers stunning views and plenty of activities for visitors.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Dolomites mountains. We’ll discuss what the Dolomites are, where they’re located, things to do in the area, and how to get there. So if you’re ready to explore one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain ranges, keep reading!
What Are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are a range of mountains in the Italian Alps, sometimes nicknamed the Pale Mountains. The name Dolomites comes from the carbonate rock dolomite that makes up a large portion of the mountains. This mineral was itself named after French mineralogist Déodat de Gratet de Dolomieu, who first described the geological structure of the range in the 18th century.
The Dolomites are comprised of 18 peaks that rise to an elevation of more than 3,000 meters and include some of the tallest mountains in the Alps. The range is home to a number of glaciers, as well as a diverse array of plant and animal life.
The Dolomites are known for their unique geological features, which include steep cliffs, jagged peaks, and natural rock formations. There are also a number of beautiful alpine lakes. The Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
Where are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps and are situated in northeast Italy. Therefore, they’re often referred to as the Italian Dolomites. Covering over 6,000 square miles, the area extends from the Piave Valley in the east to the river Adige in the West,
The highest point in the range is the Marmolada, which reaches an elevation of 3,343 meters. Within the Dolomites, you will also find the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park.
Things to Do in the Dolomites
During the summer months, the Dolomite mountains are a beautiful place for a day hike, mountain biking or simply relaxing and take in the views. If you enjoy skiing and snowboarding, winter could well be the best time to visit. Whatever time of year you come, the Dolomites are sure to impress.
The Dolomites are home to several charming small towns and some of the most scenic roads in Europe. Whether you’re driving through the passes or hiking your way along the mountain roads, you’re sure to be impressed by the views.
There are countless hiking trails winding their way through the Dolomites, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. No matter your fitness level, you can find a hike to suit you.
If you’re looking for a thrill, the Dolomites offer some of the best mountain biking in Europe. With miles of trails to explore, you can easily spend a day or more cycling through the Dolomites. The region is also a great place for climbers, particularly in Kassian, Cortina and Marmolada.
1. Lago di Braies
Also known as The Pragser Wildsee, this glacial lake located in the heart of the Dolomites is a must-see for any visitor to the region. With its turquoise waters and scenic mountain backdrop, it is no wonder that this lake is often considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.
While Lago di Braies is picturesque year-round, it is especially beautiful in the winter when the snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Whether you’re seeking a summer getaway or a winter wonderland, Lago di Braies is sure to leave you enchanted.
2. Alpe di Siusi
A mountain plateau in Italy’s Dolomite range, Alpe di Siusi (known also as Seiser Alm) has fantastic hiking trails and views of the surrounding peaks, including the Sciliar Massif. It is located in the Alto Adige area in the province of South Tyrol, near the border with Austria.
Alpe di Siusi is the largest high-alpine pasture in the Alps and covers a surface of more than 21 square miles. The Alpe di Siusi Cable Car takes visitors to the mountain station of Compaccio. Alpe di Siusi is also a popular area for winter sports.
3. Cortina d’Ampezzo
This picturesque mountain town is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Dolomites”. With its charming streets and medieval architecture, it is easy to see why this town is so popular with visitors.
The area has been used as the backdrop for numerous films and television shows. Cortina d’Ampezzo will play host to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
4. Alta Badia
This beautiful valley in the Italian Alps is known for its stunning views. Located in the province of South Tyrol, Alta Badia is a popular skiing area. Composed of 6 small villages, Alta Badia is one of the rare places where the Ladin language is still spoken, along with German and Italian.
While the region is busiest during the winter months, Alta Badia is also a good summer destination, offering some of the best hikes in the Dolomites as well as mountain biking, and rock climbing. With its incredible scenery, Alta Badia is a truly unique place to visit all year round.
5. Lago di Carezza
Karersee, or Lake Carezza in English, is a picturesque Alpine lake with an extraordinary turquoise hue. The water comes from underground springs from the Latemar mountain range.
There’s a circular hiking trail around the lake and a visitor center. The Latemar labyrinth is another popular local attraction, passing between rocks to reach the lake.
6. Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Also known as the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, this group of three distinct peaks is located in the Dolomites mountain range. The tallest of the three peaks, Cima Grande di Lavaredo, rises to an elevation of 9,839 feet (2,999 meters).
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most popular destinations for climbers and hikers in the Dolomites, as it offers dramatic views and challenging hiking routes. Tre Cime Natural Park is located in Dobbiaco and provides information about the various trails and other things to do in the area.
7. Val Gardena
This picturesque valley in the province of South Tyrol, northern Italy is known for its skiing and climbing. Selva di Val Gardena is a popular starting point for walks and hikes in the surrounding mountains, and there are several cable cars and chairlifts that provide access to the higher parts of the valley.
The area is also home to the Gherdëina Museumin in Ortisei, the world’s largest nativity scene in the Iman Sports Centre in S. Cristina and Wolkenstein Castle.
8. Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle
With over 80 different garden landscapes on display, Trauttmansdorff Castle gardens make a great day out in the Dolomites. Spread over twelve hectares, they feature several interactive Experience Stations such as the Standing Stones and the Geological Mosaic.
Children will enjoy spotting the many animals in the gardens, including peacocks, rabbits, Hungarian racka sheep, Chinese ducks, and Japanese carp.
9. South Tyrol Archeological Museum
Located in the city of Bolzano, this archaeology museum is home to Ötzi the glacier mummy. He is one of the best preserved mummies in the world, and is thought to be aged around 45.
Ötzi the Iceman was discovered by chance by hikers in 1991, along with his clothing and equipment. He was murdered with an arrowhead over 5,300 years ago and is stored in a specially designed cold cell.
10. UNESCO World Heritage Geoparc Bletterbach
One of the most impressive nature parks in the Dolomites, the UNESCO World Heritage Geoparc Bletterbach is located near Aldino. The Bletterbach Gorge is composed of volcanic rock that was formed millions of years ago.
At the Visitor Centre and GEOMuseum you can discover the history of the gorge before taking one of the trails to explore the area.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites
There are some stunning places to stay if you want to enjoy the scenery and the many activities on offer in the Dolomites. If you’re looking for easy access to the mountains, Selva di Gardena is a great choice. The area is surrounded by hiking and biking trails and ski slopes.
For those who want to be right in the heart of the action, one of the best places to stay is up on the mountain itself rather than in the valley. Up to now, most mountain accommodation in the Dolomites has been in simple mountain huts. However, there’s now a unique way to experience the mountains by staying in a luxurious chalet.
Chalet Alpurio offers stunning views of the Sella massif, the Sciliar and the Sassolungo, making it the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. This luxury South Tyrol chalet is opening soon and can accommodate up to 7 people. It must be booked as a whole chalet of 1300sqm which includes the garden and villa.
Located directly on the mountain at an elevation of 1,500 meters, Chalet Alpurio is nevertheless extremely well connected to the surrounding area. It is located just a short distance from the Dolomiti Superski, the largest skiing destination in the world with 1,200 km of slopes over 16 different ski areas and 450 ski lifts!
The shuttle transports you to the valley station of the Col Raiser mountain railway in just two minutes or to the Ciampinoi skilifts in just 5 minutes. There are many tourist attractions close to the luxury chalet Alpurio which can be reached in under two hours by car.
Inside the chalet, there’s a leisure area with a private bar where you can enjoy drinks, a luxury billiard table, a gaming area with PS virtual games, and chess board.
Alpurio chalet can be booked for a self-catering stay or with chef service. A gourmet breakfast is included and also a long aperitif in the afternoon.
The Wellbeing Manager will be at your disposal throughout your holiday to organize your activities and book your private chef. They can organize activities such as wine tasting, cooking lessons, private massages, yoga lessons, Tyrolean music, art lessons, picnics and helicopter transfers. In Winter, you can also access other exclusive experiences such as night hikes on the ski slopes or romantic dinners in high-altitude huts, complete with a snowmobile transfer to reach them.
How To Get To The Dolomites
The Dolomites are located in northeastern Italy, close to the border with Austria and Slovenia. The closest airports are Innsbruck, Verona, Venice Marco Polo and Venice Treviso. From the airport, one of the best ways to get there is by rental car, as this will give you the flexibility to explore the many different towns and villages that make up the Dolomites.
If you’re coming from Italy, the Dolomites are easily accessible from the A22 motorway. The journey from Venice to the Dolomites takes around 2 and a half hours and the drive is scenic, passing through some of Italy’s most beautiful countryside.
If you’re traveling from Austria or Slovenia, you can take the Brenner Autobahn (A13) to the Dolomites. The journey from Innsbruck to the Dolomites takes roughly three hours.
There are also trains to Belluno and then a taxi to your destination. No matter how you choose to get there, the Dolomites are sure to impress. You could also combine a trip here with a visit to Lake Como or Lake Garda.
In Conclusion: Visiting the Dolomites Mountains
With their beautiful mountain scenery and wealth of activities, the Dolomites are the perfect place to spend a few days, or even a few weeks. Staying in the Dolomites gives you a chance to slow down and appreciate natural beauty and the simple things in life.
Whether you’re enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants or simply soaking up the scenery, the Dolomites are sure to leave a lasting impression. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to these beautiful mountains today!
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