Hiking guide
Jagged peaks, high-altitude turquoise lakes and traditional mountain huts: Italy's Dolomites are among Europe's most spectacular hiking grounds. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this range in the Italian Alps offers itineraries for every level, from a contemplative stroll to a demanding multi-day trek.
Turquoise lakes & peaksLago di Braies, Seceda, Tre Cime di Lavaredo: some of Europe's most photographed views.
Hikes for every levelFrom family strolls to multi-day treks, with or without a companion.
Traditional mountain hutsA full immersion sleeping in Italian rifugi, simple comfort with unbeatable views.
Best seasonJune to September, for clear trails and alpine meadows in bloom.
Why the Dolomites
Hiking in the Dolomites means exploring a mineral landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. Formed from ancient fossilised coral reefs, these limestone mountains turn pink and violet at sunset — a natural phenomenon known as Enrosadira.
Whether you're after family-friendly walks reachable by cable car or committed treks like the Alta Via 1, the trail network — perfectly waymarked by the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) — lets you build a flexible itinerary matched to your fitness level. The huts combine the comfort of a warm welcome with refined local cuisine — sleeping at altitude lets you start your hikes closer to the peaks and enjoy the scenery during the calmest hours of the day.
Must-sees
Unquestionably the range's signature hike. This loop around three monumental rock towers offers striking panoramas over the Sesto Dolomites.
Above Ortisei, the knife-edge ridge of Seceda offers a striking contrast between lush pastures and vertiginous rock faces. It's the ideal starting point for numerous hikes towards the Odle group.
Lago di Braies, with its emerald-green water framed by the Croda del Becco, marks the northern starting point of the Alta Via 1. For a more immersive hike, the climb to Lago di Sorapis reveals a spectacular milky-blue glacial lake at the foot of the Sorapis massif.
Planning your trip
This page provides a starting point for planning. Prices, availability, opening hours, access conditions and local rules can change; confirm these details with providers before booking. Your personalised travel journal is tailored to your dates, budget and priorities.
If you travel with a dog, check pet policies and restrictions for each stop directly. Have a question about the service or spotted something to correct? Contact Amélie.
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The main hiking season runs from mid-June to late September.
Mountain huts offer full immersion and let you start your hikes closer to the peaks, with a convivial half-board stay. Valley hotels bring more comfort and flexibility, at the cost of longer approach drives each day. Many travellers combine both depending on the stage.
Access to the Dolomites is mainly via the airports of Venice, Treviso, Verona or Innsbruck. On the ground, a rental car offers great flexibility, but the regional bus network (Südtirolmobil) serves major trailheads well during peak season.
For a tailor-made 7-day itinerary, budget on average €700 to €900 per person, including:
Frequently asked questions
The best time to hike in the Dolomites runs from mid-June to late September. In July and August, huts and cable cars are fully open but crowds are at their peak. June and September offer an excellent trade-off between favourable weather and quiet trails.
Yes, popular mountain huts (rifugi) such as Rifugio Lagazuoi, Rifugio Locatelli, or those along the Alta Via 1 should be booked 4 to 8 months ahead for the summer peak season.
The average budget for a 7-day trip ranges from €700 to €900 per person, including transport, accommodation in a hut or hotel, and cable car access.
Absolutely. Areas such as the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) or the Prato Piazza plateau offer wide, gentle trails suited to families with children or beginner hikers.
Hikes follow waymarked footpaths. Via ferratas are steep routes equipped with steel cables, rungs and bridges, requiring specific safety gear (harness, lanyard with shock absorber, helmet).
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