Overview
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1. Seiser Alm - Alpe di Siusi
46° 32′ N, 11° 39′ E
Seiser Alm, also known as Alpe di Siusi, is the biggest and highest mountain meadow in Europe.
It has an area of 57 km² and lies at an altitude of 1680 m to 2350 m. In winter, it is the ideal place for a winter sports vacation. In summer, it is a beautiful area to enjoy numerous walks through this wavy landscape surrounded by impressive mountain ranges.
There are various cable cars and lifts that’ll take you from one place to another or can you explore the area only on foot along many different hiking trails.
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2. Lago di Braies - Pragser Wildsee
46° 41′ N, 12° 05′ E
Lago Di Braies or Pragser Wildsee is probably the most famous place among tourists in the Dolomiti, and we can’t deny that it’s really worth adding to your schedule. It’s one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Dolomites, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Unfortunately, this also means that it can get very busy during the day, especially in peak season. To fully enjoy this place, we recommend that you come here as early as possible (at sunrise). But even then, there will already be a bunch of other people. Especially around the boathouse, it can get very crowded ,and most of the people stay in this area.
Note: In summer (from 10 July to 10 September, between 9:30 and 16:00), you need to reserve a parking spot or driving permit online in advance to access Lago di Braies by car. Outside these hours, you can drive in without a booking and pay on site. If you’re taking the shuttle (bus 439 or 442), make sure to book your seat online ahead of time, as spots can sell out quickly.
Luckily, there is a hike you can do around the lake, where you can escape from the crowd. It’s a very easy hike from approximately 3,6 km and it’ll take you around 1 to 1,5 hours to finish the trail.
From mid-May to the end of October, there’s another option to explore this place, and at the same time, escape from the crowds. You can ride the waters of the lake in a wooden rowboat. In this way, you’ll also see the lake from another point of view.
Note that the water level of the lake fluctuates throughout the year. Most of the time, the water level is at its lowest at the end of summer, making this the least ideal time to see this place at its best.
3. Seceda
46° 36′ N, 11° 43′ E
The Seceda is a 2519-meter-high mountain in Val Gardena, in the middle of the Dolomites. From the summit of Seceda, you have a marvelous view of the impressive peaks of the Italian Dolomites, the mountains of Trentino and Lombardy, almost the entire South Tyrol, and even Austria.
Besides this breathtaking view of peaks and valleys, Seceda is a true paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers. For the hikers, there are both easy hikes, ideal for children, and more difficult hikes. For more adventurous people, there are Via Ferrata’s and a variety of climbing tours for experienced climbers. The real adventure seekers can even go paragliding. Mountain bikers can explore this unique environment along with wonderful bike and e-bike tours.
Practical
€ 2,50
Campers not allowed
Uphill: € 44,00
Downhill: €39
Double: € 52,00
To reach the top of Seceda, the easiest option is to take two cable cars from Ortisei. They get you to the summit quickly and with minimal effort.
For a more adventurous experience, you can hike up or down the mountain. Keep in mind it’s a long and challenging trek, especially if you aim for sunrise or sunset. In this case, you may need to hike in the dark or stay overnight in a mountain lodge.
Can’t decide? Combine both: take the cable car one way and hike the other for the full experience.
Check the latest info and prices on the official website.
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4. Val di Funes
46° 38′ N, 11° 40′ E
Val di Funes is that picture-perfect valley you’ve probably seen when searching for the Dolomites. You know the one with green hills, tiny churches, and those dramatic Odle peaks in the background. It’s just as beautiful in real life.
The village you’re heading for is Santa Maddalena. If you’re into photography, this spot is a dream. Even if you’re not, it’s hard not to take a photo here. The two most iconic spots are the Church of San Giovanni (the small one in a field in Ranui) and the Church of Santa Maddalena.
To get to the viewpoint of the Santa Maddalena church, you can’t drive all the way up. You’ll need to park in the village and walk for about 30 minutes. It’s an easy walk through the hills, and the view is absolutely worth it.
To get close to the Church of San Giovanni, there’s a €4 access fee. You can’t go inside, but you’re allowed to take photos from behind the gate. Bring a zoom lens or use your phone’s telephoto for a better shot.
5. Geisler Alm
46° 37′ N, 11° 44′ E
Geisler Alm is one of those spots that instantly makes you smile. It’s in Val di Funes, with the impressive Odle mountains right behind it. The view is amazing and feels almost unreal.
To get there, you can follow the Adolf Munkel Weg. It’s a relaxed hike that takes about 1.5 hours and goes through forests and open meadows. The trail is a loop, so you can start in either direction, and you’ll have great mountain views most of the way.
When you arrive at Geisler Alm, you’ll find a cosy mountain hut where you can sit down, have a drink or grab something to eat, and just enjoy the view. The food is really good, and the whole place has a calm, friendly vibe. Just a small tip: the restaurant is closed on Mondays, so bring your own lunch if you go then.
It’s one of our favorite places in the Dolomites and totally worth the hike.
6. Lago di Sorapis - Lake Sorapis
46° 30′ N, 12° 13′ E
Lago di Sorapis or Lake Sorapis is a mountain lake at an altitude of 1925 metres above sea level. It’s a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by those impressive mountain peaks and it can only be reached by foot or by helicopter. The hiking trail is about 6 km one way (so 12 km in total) and it’ll take you around 1,5 to 2 hours to reach the lake. The way back is the same way as you got there. It’s quite a tough hike with some very steep and slippery parts and cables to hold on yourself, but perfectly achievable if you’re not afraid of heights.
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7. Tre cime di lavaredo - Drei zinnen
46° 37′ N, 12° 18′ E
Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or Drei Zinnen in German, are three impressive mountain peaks and probably the most famous peaks in the Alps. It is such a jaw-dropping place, and therefore not surprising that they are the symbol of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of the most popular hikes in the area is the Tre Cime loop hike, which takes you around the three peaks and is a route we can definitely recommend.
Tip for campers: It is allowed to stay the night in the parking lot at Rifugio Auronzo. Watching the beautiful stars at night and waking up in a breathtaking landscape is absolutely something we recommend!
To get to the Drei Zinnen you’ll have to take a 7-kilometer-long toll road. The toll booth is just past Lago d’Antorno. From here, you drive along a scenic route up to Rifugio Auronzo. Starting from summer 2025, you’ll need a reservation to drive up the toll road to Tre Cime. Be sure to book in advance so you’re good to go. Once you’ve parked your car at the car park, you can start different hikes from this point, both long and short hikes.
If you prefer, you can also hike from Lago d’Antorno up to Tre Cime, but it’s quite a tough hike and will take you about 1.5 hours.
Practical
Road to Rifugio Auronzo
Cars: € 40,00
Campers: € 60,00
You can book the toll road on the official website.
8. Cadini di Misurina
46° 37′ N, 12° 18′ E
9. Lago di Carezza - Karersee
46° 25′ N, 11° 35′ E
Lago di Carezza, also known as the Karersee or Lake Carezza, is a mountain lake in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy. This beautiful mountain lake is known for its wonderful blue, sometimes even emerald green color. Both the color and size of Lago di Carezza depend on the season and differ yearly. In spring, the lakes are at their highest when the snow starts to melt. The lowest water level is reached in autumn. Then it is usually no deeper than six meters.
Lago di Carezza is surrounded by immense coniferous forests. In the background, you can see the impressive peaks of the Dolomites rise tall behind the treetops, making this beautiful picture complete.
Unfortunately, you can not go for a refreshing dip in Lago di Carezza. Swimming is not allowed, and paddling is also prohibited. The lake is therefore completely fenced to make sure people do not enter the water. This is to prevent the beautiful lake from being affected and losing its beautiful color.
Around the lake, there is a path of about 2,5 kilometers, and almost completely flat. A walk around the lake will therefore not take longer than half an hour and will show you the lake from all sides. There are several benches on the path where you can sit and enjoy the view. There is also a platform from which you have this wonderful view over the lake and where you’ll find some background information about the lake. In the surrounding area, there are several other walking routes if you’re up for a longer walk.
A big advantage of this lake is that it is easily accessible: It is located next to the road, so you don’t have to make a long, tough hike to reach this stunning place. On top of that, it is completely free to visit. The negative side is that it can get quite busy.
Practical
There is a big parking lot where you can safely leave your car. The first 15 minutes are free, after that it costs €1 per hour. Next to the parking lot, you find a visitor center with a little souvenir shop, a restaurant, and a bar. But don’t go there for a drink with a view, as you cannot see the lake from there; It’s more for a quick bite.
10. Passo Giau
46° 28′ N, 12° 03′ E
11. Lago di Landro
46° 37′ N, 12° 13′ E
The Dolomites are full of beautiful lakes, and Lago di Landro is one of them. It might not be as famous or busy as Lago di Braies or Sorapis, but that’s exactly why it’s worth a stop. It’s peaceful, easy to reach, and still really impressive.
If you’re heading to Tre Cime from Dobbiaco or Sesto, you’ll drive right past it. There’s parking right by the water, so even if you don’t have much time, it’s super easy to hop out and take a break. In summer, you can go for a swim, although the water is pretty cold. It’s still a nice spot to cool off or just relax by the shore.
12. Gardena Pass
46° 34′ N, 11° 38′ E
Passo Gardena is one of the easiest and most beautiful places to visit in the Dolomites. It connects Val Gardena and Val Badia, and the drive is full of amazing mountain views. You’ll probably want to stop a few times just to enjoy the scenery.
The road goes through open landscapes and big rocky peaks, with lots of spots to pull over for a break or a quick photo. It’s also usually not very crowded during the day, which makes it extra nice.
If you’re exploring the area by car on a Dolomites road trip, Passo Gardena is definitely a place to add to your route. It’s easy, beautiful, and doesn’t take much effort to enjoy.
13. Forcella de Sassolungo
46° 30′ N, 11° 44′ E
Forcella del Sassolungo is a mountain pass in the middle of the Langkofel group, one of the most famous mountain ranges in the Dolomites. It’s a popular spot for hiking, with trails that start right from the top and views that are hard to beat.
What really makes it special, though, is the cable car that gets you there. It’s known as the “coffin cable car” because the little cabins are super narrow, only fit two people standing, and they never stop moving. You have to do a quick run and jump in while it’s still going, then someone slams the door shut behind you.
It’s a short ride but definitely one of the most fun and weirdly memorable cable cars in the Dolomites. At the top, you can choose from a few hiking routes or just enjoy the views before heading back down.
Practical
One way: €25
Round trip: €35
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
