Rising like a fortress of limestone and light, the Dolomites are where Italy trades vineyards for verticality. Jagged spires, emerald valleys, and alpine meadows stitched together by centuries-old trails make this UNESCO-listed range a paradise for hikers of every stripe. One moment you’re skirting a turquoise lake framed by spruce; the next, you’re cresting a ridgeline where the clouds seem close enough to touch.
No matter how many trails you’ve walked—from the Alps to the Andes—nothing prepares you for the drama of these mountains. The best hikes in the Dolomites are not just about the scenery (though that’s unforgettable); they’re about savoring mountain culture, stopping for a cappuccino at a rifugio perched on the edge of forever, and feeling the pulse of a landscape sculpted by time and legend.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 best hikes in the Dolomites: five perfect for day-long wanderings, and five multi-day routes that string together alpine dreams.
How We Chose the Best Hikes in the Dolomites
The Dolomites stretch across multiple provinces—South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno—each with its own personality. To narrow down our list, we looked for trails that combine 5 different things:
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Scenery: Limestone towers, turquoise lakes, and meadows straight out of a watercolor painting.
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Accessibility: Well-marked routes that can be reached by car or local transport.
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Variety: Family-friendly loops to thigh-burning ascents, we’ve covered it all.
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Authenticity: Paths that showcase alpine culture, local food, and the warm hospitality of mountain rifugi.
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Safety & sustainability: Trails where hikers can tread lightly, respect weather patterns, and support local stewardship.
Our picks were vetted by professional mountain guides who live and breathe these trails. Their insight ensures that every step we recommend offers the perfect balance of challenge, beauty, and accessibility.
Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites
Short on time but big on adventure? These five day hikes showcase the region’s greatest hits: peaks, lakes, ridgelines, and all the espresso stops in between.
1) Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop is the Dolomites distilled into a single unforgettable circuit. These three titanic limestone pillars (Cima Piccola, Cima Grande, and Cima Ovest) have become the emblem of the region, their sheer faces glowing gold at sunset.
The classic 6-mile (9.5 km) loop starts from Rifugio Auronzo and traces a wide, well-marked path around the peaks. As you hike, the view transforms from monumental to mythic. Meadows give way to scree slopes, wildflowers to wind-sculpted stone.
Stop at Rifugio Locatelli for a slice of apple strudel and a front-row seat to one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Alps.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
No other single-day hike captures the essence of the Dolomites so completely: the geology, the grandeur, and the timeless beauty. It’s the one route that every hiker should experience at least once in their lifetime.
1) Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop - Good to Know
Moderate
9.5 km / 6 mi, 1,200 ft (365 m) elevation gain
3–4 hours
Wide gravel paths with some rocky sections
June–October
For fewer crowds and softer light, hike at dawn or late afternoon. Sunsets here feel almost sacred.
Getting there
Drive or take the shuttle from Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo (toll road).
2) Seceda Ridgeline Hike
Few spots in the Dolomites feel as cinematic as Seceda. The ridgeline unrolls like a giant’s spine, its serrated cliffs dropping into deep valleys brushed with larch and mist.
From Ortisei, take the cable car up to Furnes and transfer to the Seceda gondola. From the summit station, trails fan out like spokes of a wheel. The classic route traces the ridge toward the Fermeda Towers before looping back via alpine pastures dotted with rifugi.
Every step alternates between wild silence and the distant clinking of cowbells. You can make the route as easy or challenging as you wish. Linger at the summit cross, or continue on to Rifugio Firenze for lunch and mountain views.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
Seceda distills all the alpine drama of the Dolomites into a compact, accessible route with world-class views from start to finish. Its ease of access makes it one of the few hikes that’s both beginner-friendly and visually jaw-dropping.
2) Seceda Ridgeline Hike - Good to Know
Easy to moderate
6–8 km / 3.7–5 mi, 1,000 ft (305 m) gain
2–4 hours
High alpine meadows, exposed ridge paths
June–October
Catch the first gondola for sunrise or the last descent after sunset. Golden light makes the cliffs glow.
Getting there
Take the cable car from Ortisei in Val Gardena.
3) Cinque Torri & Rifugio Nuvolau Loop (from Passo Falzarego / Cortina)
The Cinque Torri Loop feels like hiking through both time and legend. These “Five Towers” rise dramatically from the meadows west of Cortina, once used as lookout posts during World War I.
Starting from Passo Falzarego, the trail winds past trenches and viewpoints to Rifugio Averau, then onward to Rifugio Nuvolau, one of the oldest huts in the Dolomites. From the terrace, 360° views sweep over Tofana di Rozes, Marmolada, and Civetta, peaks that look painted by divine hand.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
This loop marries history and horizon, where relics of war meet the serenity of alpine peaks. It’s a rare hike that lets you touch both the past and the clouds.
3) Cinque Torri & Rifugio Nuvolau Loop (from Passo Falzarego / Cortina) - Good to Know
Moderate
8 km / 5 mi, 1,300 ft (400 m) gain
3–4 hours
Rocky paths, occasional scree
June–October
Bring a headlamp to explore preserved WWI tunnels beneath the towers.
Getting there
Drive from Cortina to Passo Falzarego; chairlift available partway up.
4) Lago di Sorapis Hike
If there’s one lake in the Dolomites that seems conjured from another planet, it’s Lago di Sorapis. Glacial silt gives its waters a milky turquoise hue that looks almost luminous against the gray spires of Punta Sorapis.
The out-and-back hike begins from Passo Tre Croci. You’ll climb steadily through spruce forest before contouring along narrow ledges (with safety cables). The reward is a high alpine amphitheater with a mirrorlike lake and Rifugio Vandelli perched nearby.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
It’s hard to imagine a more photogenic destination. Sorapis is the Dolomites’ crown jewel of color and contrast. Few hikes reward effort with such otherworldly beauty.
4) Lago di Sorapis Hike - Good to Know
Moderate
12 km / 7.5 mi round trip, 1,600 ft (490 m) gain
4–5 hours
Forest trails, rocky ledges, steep switchbacks
June–September
Go midweek or at sunrise for calm reflection time. By noon, the crowds ripple the water as much as the wind.
Getting there
Trailhead is at Passo Tre Croci, 20 minutes from Cortina d’Ampezzo.
5) Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) Loop
Tucked into the Braies Valley, this glassy lake reflects the limestone walls of Croda del Becco like a flawless mirror. Even if you’ve never set foot in the Dolomites, you’ve probably seen it on postcards and Instagram feeds. It’s that famous.
The Lago di Braies Loop is a gentle 2.2-mile (3.5 km) trail hugging the water’s edge, crossing bridges and boardwalks along the way. You’ll pass chapels, beaches, and boat docks where you can rent a wooden rowboat to drift beneath the cliffs.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
Lago di Braies is pure alpine poetry, a short walk with cinematic payoff. It’s the Dolomites’ most photographed lake for good reason.
5) Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) Loop - Good to Know
Easy
3.5 km / 2.2 mi, minimal gain
1–2 hours
Lakeside path, boardwalks, some rocky steps
May–October
Arrive before 8 a.m. to beat the crowds and catch the perfect photo.
Getting there
Accessible by car or bus from Dobbiaco/Toblach.
Best Multi-Day Hikes in the Dolomites
For those who prefer their adventure stretched across several sunrises, these five treks weave together alpine passes, mountain huts, and the full rhythm of the Dolomites.
1) Alta Via 1
The Alta Via 1 is the most popular multi-day trail in the Dolomites, a weeklong odyssey through shifting worlds of stone and sky. Starting at Lago di Braies and finishing in Belluno, it threads through nature parks, flowered meadows, and the vertical cathedrals of the Tofane and Civetta ranges.
Each day ends at a rifugio serving hearty mountain fare like barley soup and apple strudel. With cable cars, good signage, and options to shorten or extend stages, it’s an ideal first multi-day hike in the Dolomites.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
The Alta Via 1 is the Dolomites’ signature pilgrimage. Accessible yet epic, civilized yet wild. Every rifugio meal and sunrise ridge reminds you why you added these mountains to your bucket list.
1) Alta Via 1 - Good to Know
Moderate
~120 km / 75 mi; 6,500 m (21,325 ft) gain
8–10 days
Late June–September
Mountain huts (book early!)
If time is short, hike the northern half from Lago di Braies to Passo Falzarego, arguably the most scenic section.
2) Alta Via 2 (“Way of the Legends”)
Dubbed the “Way of the Legends”, the Alta Via 2 runs roughly parallel to its more famous sibling but cuts through wilder, less-traveled terrain. Beginning in Bressanone/Brixen and ending in Feltre, this 100-mile (160 km) trek demands solid fitness and surefootedness.
Hikers cross high passes like Passo Valles, skirt beneath the Pale di San Martino, and overnight in rifugi where local stories mix with starlight. The route embodies the Dolomites at their most authentic. Less polished, more profound.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
Rugged, remote, and steeped in legend, Alta Via 2 is the Dolomites at their rawest. It’s the route for hikers who want myth and muscle in equal measure.
Check out our in-depth guide on hiking the Alta Via 2!
2) Alta Via 2 (“Way of the Legends”) - Good to Know
Challenging
~160 km / 100 mi; 8,000 m (26,250 ft) gain
10–14 days
July–September
Rifugi or bivouac huts
Bring a climbing harness and helmet. Some sections include optional (but really cool) via ferrata routes.
3) Alta Via 3 (“Route of the Chamois”)
The Alta Via 3, often called the “Route of the Chamois,” runs from Villabassa to Longarone through the Tre Cime, Cadini di Misurina, and Antelao groups. Shorter but steeper, the route rifugio crowds for the whistle of marmots and the chance to see chamois bounding across the scree.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
Alta Via 3 offers space to breathe and silence to think. It’s a reminder that wilderness still exists, even in one of Europe’s most visited mountain ranges.
3) Alta Via 3 (“Route of the Chamois”) - Good to Know
Moderate to challenging
~100 km / 62 mi; 6,000 m (19,685 ft) gain
7–9 days
July–September
Sparse; book huts in advance
The section between Rifugio San Marco and Rifugio Galassi offers some of the best solitude you’ll find in the Dolomites.
4) Alta Via 4
The Alta Via 4 is often dubbed the “Mountaineer’s Alta Via.” It’s a thrilling option for hikers who enjoy a bit of vertical adventure but don’t want a full-on climb. The route traverses multiple via ferratas—secured routes with steel cables and ladders—and threads through lesser-known corners of the Dolomites.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
This is the one for true adventurers: airy traverses, steel cables, and panoramic passes. It’s a perfect blend of adrenaline and alpine serenity.
4) Alta Via 4 - Good to Know
Challenging (some exposure)
~85 km / 53 mi; 5,500 m (18,045 ft) gain
6–8 days
July–September
Rifugi or bivouacs along the route
Hire a local guide if it’s your first time on a via ferrata. You’ll learn proper technique and gain confidence quickly.
5) The Dolomiti Trail
The Dolomiti Trail isn’t one official path, but a curated link between highlights of South Tyrol and Belluno. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure trek: combine the Tre Cime area with the Cadini peaks, or loop through the Rosengarten and Alpe di Siusi.
Local guides can customize itineraries with luggage transfers and rifugio bookings. Ideal if you don’t want to deal with the planning.
Why it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites
The Dolomiti Trail lets you design your own masterpiece. It’s freedom wrapped in limestone, a tailor-made odyssey through Italy’s high country.
5) The Dolomiti Trail - Good to Know
Moderate
Varies (typically 50–100 km / 31–62 mi)
4–7 days
June–September
Rifugi or boutique hotels in nearby villages
Spend one rest night in a spa town like Ortisei or San Cassiano to soak away trail dust in true Tyrolean fashion.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Hikes in the Dolomites
When is the best time to hike in the Dolomites?
The hiking season typically runs from late June through early October. July and August bring warm weather and open rifugi, while June and September offer fewer crowds. Always check trail access, as snow can linger on north-facing slopes well into summer.
Do I need to book mountain huts in advance?
Yes. Rifugi can book up months ahead, especially along the Alta Via 1 and 2. Reserve early for July and August. Some huts allow same-day bookings outside peak season, but always call ahead to confirm.
Are there easy hikes for beginners?
Absolutely. Trails like Lago di Braies, Seceda, and parts of Tre Cime di Lavaredo are perfect for first-timers. Many cable cars can get you right into alpine terrain and help you skip the punishing ascents.
Do I need special gear for multi-day hikes?
You’ll need sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, rain protection, and trekking poles. For Alta Via routes with via ferrata sections, bring a helmet, harness, and lanyard, or hire a guide who provides the gear.
Is it safe to hike alone in the Dolomites?
Generally, yes. Trail signage is excellent, and cell coverage is fair near major routes. But the weather changes fast, and thunderstorms are common. Share your itinerary, carry a map or GPS, and never underestimate alpine conditions.
Ready to Write Your Own Limestone Legend?
The Dolomites are proof that adventure and elegance can share the same skyline. No matter if you’re circling the mirror of Lago di Braies, tracing the ridges of Seceda, or stringing rifugios together along the Alta Via, hiking here feels both timeless and immediate. Like walking through a painting that changes with every step.
Take your time. Watch the light slide across the spires. Savor polenta at a hut halfway to the clouds. The trails here don’t just lead through mountains. They lead into the very heart of what it means to wander well.
So lace up, layer up, and let the limestone giants show you why the Dolomites are, quite simply, some of the best hiking terrain on Earth.
