The dolomites

The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful mountain regions in Europe and a dream destination for anyone who loves hiking, nature, and scenic landscapes. Located in northern Italy, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its dramatic limestone peaks, alpine meadows, charming mountain villages, and some of the best hiking trails in Italy.

Planning a trip to the Dolomites can feel overwhelming, as the region is spread across several valleys and mountain areas. During my visit, I explored some of the most scenic places in the Dolomites, including Lago di Sorapis, Adolf Munkel Weg, Seceda, Col de La Puina, and the picturesque village of St. Magdalena.

The best way to experience the Dolomites is by car. A road trip allows you to explore different areas, reach hiking trails early in the morning, and stay closer to the places you want to visit. The mountain roads are beautiful but can be slower than expected, so choosing the right places to stay makes a big difference.

In this Dolomites travel guide, I share my favourite hikes, places to visit, where I stayed, and practical tips to help you plan your own trip to the Dolomites.

How to get there:

The easiest way to visit the Dolomites is by flying to one of the nearby airports and renting a car. Public transport is available in some areas, but having your own vehicle gives you much more flexibility, especially if you plan to visit several hiking trails and viewpoints.

The most convenient airports for a Dolomites road trip are:

Milan
Milan is a popular arrival point with many international flight connections. From here, the drive to the Dolomites takes approximately 3.5–5 hours, depending on which area you are visiting.

Bergamo
Bergamo is often a good budget-friendly option, especially with low-cost airlines. The drive to the Dolomites takes around 3–4 hours.

Venice
Venice is one of the closest major airports to the eastern Dolomites and is a great starting point for places like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Lago di Sorapis. The drive usually takes around 2–3 hours.

After arriving, I recommend renting a car and planning your route around the areas you want to explore. The Dolomites cover a large area, and moving between different valleys will allow you to experience more hikes, viewpoints, and mountain villages during your trip.

Where to stay:

During my Dolomites road trip, I stayed in several different areas to make the most of my time and explore some of the best hikes and places to visit in the region. Moving between locations made it easier to reach the trailheads early, avoid long drives, and experience more of what the Dolomites have to offer. If you’re planning a Dolomites itinerary, choosing the right places to stay can make a big difference, especially when visiting multiple hiking areas.

Campeggio Palafavera – 2 nights

Camp ground for tents
Camping area

I started my Dolomites trip by staying at Campeggio Palafavera, which is a super convenient base for hiking in the Val di Zoldo area. From here, there is easy access to the trailhead for Col de La Puina, making it a practical choice before moving further east.

  • Perfect for: Col de La Puina hike and exploring Val di Zoldo
  • Camping Address: Località Palafavera, 32012 Val Di Zoldo BL, Italy
  • Parking: Yes

Hotel Auronzo – 2 nights

After Val di Zoldo, I continued towards Auronzo and stayed at Hotel Auronzo for two nights. The location was ideal for hiking Lago di Sorapis and exploring more of the eastern Dolomites.

On the morning of check-out, I started early and drove towards Val di Funes to hike Adolf Munkel Weg before continuing to my next accommodation.

  • Perfect for: Lago di Sorapis hike and exploring the Auronzo area
  • Hotel Address: Via Roma, 30, 32041 Auronzo di Cadore BL, Italy
  • Parking: Yes – included in your stay.

 

Hotel Fines – 1 night

Restaurant
Room

After completing Adolf Munkel Weg, I stayed one night at Hotel Fines. At sunset, I went to the famous viewpoints of St. Magdalena Church and Church of St. John. This was a very beautiful stop in the Val di Funes area before heading to Seceda the following morning.

After checking out, I drove to Ortisei for the Seceda hike.

  • Perfect for: Adolf Munkel Weg hike and Seceda
  • Hotel Address: Kirchweg, 1, 39040 Santa Magdalena BZ, Italy
  • Parking: Yes – included in your stay.

 

Hiking trails

1. Col de la Puina

Col de La Puina was one of those hikes that surprised me. I hadn’t seen it mentioned as often as some of the more famous viewpoints in the Dolomites, but that was exactly one of those hiking experiences I was hoping for. The trail offers incredible views of Monte Pelmo and the surrounding mountains, while feeling much quieter than many of the region’s popular hikes.

The hike starts near Parcheggio Rifugio Città di Fiume and takes you through peaceful forests and open alpine meadows before reaching the ridge. The final climb is short but steep, and the trail becomes less defined, so it’s worth taking your time and paying attention to the route.

Once you reach the top, the views make the effort worthwhile! Remember to stay for a moment and enjoy the views.

  • Where: Above Rifugio Città di Fiume, near Passo Staulanza, Dolomites, Italy
  • When: June to October
  • Elevation gain: ~ 600 m
  • Distance: ~ 10 km round trip
  • Approximate time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate (steep, unmarked section near the ridge)
  • Cellular service: Intermittent
  • Washrooms: At Rifugio Città di Fiume
  • What to bring: Hiking shoes, water, layers, sunscreen, and a camera
  • Parking: Parcheggio Rifugio Città di Fiume (near Passo Staulanza). Parking is limited in peak season, and was only available along the side of the road (Via Santa Fosca), so it’s worth arriving early.
Coffee view from Rifugio Città di Fiume

2. Lago di Sorapis

Lago di Sorapis is one of the most famous hikes in the Dolomites, known for its turquoise-blue lake surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. The trail starts at Passo Tre Croci and takes you through forests, rocky paths, and exposed sections with beautiful views over the surrounding mountains.

The hike is not technically difficult, but there are a few narrow sections with steep drops where it’s important to take your time and watch your step. The changing scenery along the way makes the hike enjoyable, with a mix of woodland, open mountain landscapes, and impressive views.

The highlight is reaching Lago di Sorapis itself. The colour of the water, together with the towering cliffs surrounding the lake, creates one of the most unique landscapes in the Dolomites. It is a popular hike and can get very busy during the summer months, but visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon makes the experience much more enjoyable.

  • Where: Passo Tre Croci, near Cortina d’Ampezzo, South Tyrol, Italy
  • When: June to October (depending on snow conditions)
  • Elevation gain: ~ 600 m
  • Distance: ~ 12 km round trip
  • Approximate time: 4–5 hours
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Cellular service: Intermittent
  • Washrooms: Available at Rifugio Vandelli near Lago di Sorapis
  • What to bring:
    • Hiking boots, water, snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, camera
  • Parking: Along the road at Passo Tre Croci (it can be difficult to find a free spot, so arrive before 08.00am or the evening before).

3. Adolf Munkel Weg

If you’re looking for a hike that offers incredible views without climbing one of the Dolomites’ highest peaks, Adolf Munkel Weg is an excellent choice.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this hike was the balance between stunning scenery and a relatively moderate trail. Instead of a long, steep climb, you can simply enjoy the changing landscapes and take your time. Along the way, you’ll also pass several traditional mountain huts, making it easy to stop for lunch, a coffee, or just soak up the views.

So, if you’re visiting Val di Funes, this is a hike I wouldn’t miss.

  • Where: Val di Funes (Villnöss), South Tyrol, Italy
  • When: All year
  • Elevation gain: ~ 440 m
  • Distance: ~ 10 km circuit
  • Approximate time: 3.5–4 hours
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Cellular service: Intermittent
  • Washrooms: Available at the Zanser Alm parking area and at several rifugi along the route
  • What to bring:
    • Hiking boots
    • Water
    • Snacks
    • Weather-appropriate clothing
    • Sunscreen
    • Camera
  • Parking: Zanser Alm (Malga Zannes) → €10 for the whole day (Price as of 2026)
Kaiserschmarrn at Restaurant Gschnagenhardt Alm

4. St. Magdalena

Church of St.John
St. Magdalena Church

St. Magdalena is one of the most picturesque villages in the Dolomites and a place I highly recommend visiting if you’re staying in Val di Funes. Surrounded by green meadows and the dramatic Odle mountain range, it’s known for its postcard-perfect landscapes and peaceful atmosphere.

While the village itself is small, it’s home to two of the most photographed landmarks in the Dolomites. Whether you’re visiting for a short stop or spending an afternoon exploring, St. Magdalena is well worth adding to your itinerary.

  • Where: St. Magdalena, Val di Funes (Villnöss), South Tyrol, Italy
  • Sightseeing:
    • Church of St. John (Chiesetta di San Giovanni): One of the most iconic photo spots in the Dolomites. This small church sits in a meadow with the Odle peaks rising behind it, creating a beautiful setting in every season.
    • St. Magdalena Church: Located on the edge of the village, this historic church overlooks St. Magdalena with the Odle mountains in the background. The nearby viewpoint is especially popular with photographers at sunset, when the warm evening light illuminates the village and surrounding peaks.

  • Good tips: 
    • Visit the St. Magdalena viewpoint around sunset for the best light and fewer harsh shadows.
    • Arrive early if you’re visiting during the summer months, as parking can fill up quickly.
    • Stay on the marked paths and respect private property around the Church of St. John.
    • Bring a camera—you’ll find plenty of great photo opportunities throughout the village, even beyond the well-known viewpoints.

5. Seceda

Seceda is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Dolomites, and while it’s also one of the most touristy, it’s still well worth a visit.

There are two ways to get to the top. The easiest (but rather expensive) option is to take the cable car from Ortisei, which takes you almost directly to the viewpoint. If you prefer to earn the views, you can also hike the entire way up, which takes more time and effort but lets you experience the landscape changing as you climb higher.

Once you reach the summit, I recommend doing the loop trail instead of just visiting the main viewpoint. It takes you through beautiful alpine meadows and offers incredible views while allowing you to leave most of the crowds behind.

Hiking loop: 
Seceda →  Rifugio Pieralongia → Rifugio Firenze → Col Raiser → Baita Sofie Hütte → Seceda

  • Where: Seceda, Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy
  • When: All year, but in the winter it is a skiing area.
  • Elevation gain: ~ 549 m
  • Distance: ~ 10 km circuit
  • Approximate time: 3–4 hours
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Cellular service: Intermittent
  • Washrooms: Available at several rifugi along the route.
  • What to bring: Hiking boots, water, snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, camera
  • Parking: Parcheggio coperto Seceda, Ortisei (€5 per hour → 2026 prices)
  • Where to have a drink:
    • Baita Sofie Hütte: A great mountain hut to enjoy a drink with panoramic views
  • Good tips: 
    • Visit early or late in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
    • Don’t skip the loop trail. It offers some of the best views in the area.
Views from Baita Sofie Hûtte

ENJOY THE DOLOMITES!