Dolomites Bucket List: 20 Best Things to Do in the Dolomites
Planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in the Dolomites? With dramatic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, scenic drives, and some of the most memorable hikes in Europe, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding what to include.
I’ve visited the Dolomites several times, and this list brings together the experiences I think truly belong on a Dolomites bucket list. These are the places to visit in the Dolomites that show off the region at its best, whether you’re here for hiking, photography, or simply soaking up the scenery.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the most unforgettable things to do in the Dolomites, from iconic hikes and famous viewpoints to charming towns and scenic mountain roads. If it’s your first visit, this list will help you focus on what’s really worth your time!
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.
Quick Travel Planning Tips for the Dolomites
🏨 Where to Stay: Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo are two of the best bases in the Dolomites. Hotel Angelo Engel is a great option in Ortisei, while Hotel Aquila is centrally located in Cortina.
⛰️ Best Time to Visit: June to September is best for hiking and mountain scenery, while December to March is ideal for skiing in the Dolomites.
✈️ Where to Fly To: The closest major airports are Venice and Milan. Venice is the easiest option for Cortina and the eastern Dolomites, while Milan works better if you’re heading toward Val Gardena.
🚗 Getting Around: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the Dolomites and reach trailheads and mountain passes. Use Discover Cars to compare rental options, especially if you’re visiting multiple areas.
🚌 Best Day Trips: If you don’t want to drive, join an organized Dolomites day trip from Venice that includes Cortina and Lake Braies, or a full day Dolomites tour starting from Lake Garda.
📱 Stay Connected: Use an eSIM from Airalo to stay online in the Dolomites for maps, navigation, and bookings without swapping SIM cards.
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Best Things to Do in the Dolomites
1. Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is one of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites. The trail goes around the famous three peaks and offers constant, wide-open views the entire way. Even though the scenery feels dramatic, the hike itself is quite manageable and doesn’t require any technical skills.
The full loop is around 10 km and typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos or breaks. The trail starts and ends at Rifugio Auronzo and passes several mountain huts along the way, making it easy to take things at a relaxed pace.
Because the hike has become so popular, a new access system was introduced. From 2025 onwards, you can only drive up to Rifugio Auronzo if you reserve your parking spot in advance. Without a valid reservation, access to the toll road is not allowed.
Read more: Ultimate Guide to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike
2. Walk to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
If you’ve seen that dramatic photo of sharp peaks lined up in a row, chances are it was taken at the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint! This short walk leads to one of the most striking viewpoints in the Dolomites and has become incredibly popular in recent years.
The trail starts near Rifugio Auronzo and is relatively short, but the final section is narrow and exposed, with a steep drop on one side. It’s not difficult, but it’s definitely not the place to rush or feel careless, especially if it’s crowded.
The viewpoint tends to get super busy nowadays, so visiting early in the morning or later in the day is usually the best idea. Even with the crowds, the view is hard to beat and easily earns its place on any Dolomites bucket list.
Read more: Cadini di Misurina Hike: The Famous Viewpoint in the Dolomites
3. Visit Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies is one of those places that almost everyone has seen online before visiting the Dolomites. The combination of turquoise water, steep mountain walls, and the small wooden boathouse makes it instantly recognizable and very easy to visit.
A flat walking path loops around the lake and takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. You can also rent a rowboat during the day, or simply walk along the shore and enjoy the changing views from different angles. Early morning is usually the calmest time, especially if you want reflections on the water.
During the summer months, access to Lago di Braies is regulated, and you need to reserve a parking spot in advance to drive all the way to the lake. Without a reservation, access by car can be restricted, so it’s worth planning this stop ahead of time if you’re visiting in peak season.
4. See the Seceda ridgeline
The Seceda ridgeline is one of the most recognizable viewpoints in the Dolomites and a stop that’s well worth adding to your Dolomites itinerary. The long, jagged grassy peaks dropping into the valley look just as dramatic in real life as they do in photos!
Getting here is easy thanks to the cable cars from Ortisei, which makes this one of the more accessible things to do in the Dolomites, even if you’re not planning a full day hike.
From the top station, you can walk along the ridgeline, stop at a few viewpoints, or continue on one of the longer trails if you feel like extending your time up here.
5. Take a walk on Alpe di Siusi
Even if the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, chances are you’ve seen photos of Alpe di Siusi before. Wide green meadows, wooden huts, and dramatic mountain backdrops are what most people picture when they think of the Dolomites, and this is exactly where those scenes come from.
Alpe di Siusi is a large high alpine plateau, and access is strictly controlled. Cars are completely banned, and you can only drive up if you have a hotel reservation on the plateau.
Otherwise, most visitors arrive by cable car from Ortisei, which drops you straight into the most scenic part of the area.
If you want to see sunrise or sunset without staying overnight, you can drive as far as Compatsch before 9 am or after 5 pm, then walk for about an hour to reach the plateau. It’s doable, but it does take some planning.
Staying overnight makes the experience much easier and far more relaxed. We stayed at Sporthotel Sonne, and it was one of the highlights of our time in the Dolomites!
6. Explore Ortisei
Ortisei is one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites and a really great spot to enjoy the mountain scenery without feeling like you’re constantly on the move.
It’s a proper town with restaurants, cafes, shops, and everything within walking distance, which makes it a nice change after long hiking days.
What really sets Ortisei apart is how well-connected it is. Cable cars leave directly from town and take you up to Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Resciesa, so you can reach some of the most famous viewpoints in the Dolomites without driving anywhere.
7. Visit Lago di Carezza
Lago di Carezza is a small alpine lake located right off the main road, which makes it very easy to visit without any hiking. A short walking path circles the lake and takes you past several viewpoints, with the Latemar mountains rising directly behind it.
The lake is known for its changing water color, which depends heavily on light and weather conditions. For the best views, it’s worth stopping by earlier in the day when the area is quieter and reflections are more likely.
It’s one of the easiest places to visit in the Dolomites and fits well into a driving day between other stops.
8. Hike to Lago di Sorapis
Lago di Sorapis is hands down one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites, thanks to its intense turquoise blue color. When the conditions are right, the water almost looks unreal, which is why this hike is so popular despite the effort it takes to get there!
The trail starts near Passo Tre Croci and takes around 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It’s not a technical hike, but there are narrow and exposed sections with cables, so it’s not suitable for everyone.
Good footwear is essential, and it’s not a trail you want to rush. Parking at the trailhead is limited and fills up quickly in peak season.
One important thing to know is that the lake changes throughout the summer. Later in the season, water levels can drop significantly, and the lake completely dries up after summer. So visiting earlier gives you the best chance of seeing that famous blue color.
9. Explore Cortina d’Ampezzo
If you want a place that combines mountain scenery with an actual town atmosphere, this is where that really works in the Dolomites. Instead of just passing through for hikes, it’s worth spending time walking around, grabbing a coffee, and enjoying a slower pace between bigger outdoor days.
What makes Cortina especially useful is how well connected it is. Cable cars leave straight from town, including the lifts to Tofana di Mezzo and Faloria, so you can reach high viewpoints without needing to hike.
At the same time, many of the region’s most famous spots are close by. Trailheads for Lago di Sorapis and Lago di Federa are a short drive away, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo is roughly 45 minutes from here.
10. Ride the cable car to Tofana di Mezzo
Tofana di Mezzo is the third highest mountain in the Dolomites, and one of the few peaks where you can reach high-altitude viewpoints without hiking. From Cortina, a series of three cable cars takes you all the way to the top.
Each section brings you to a different elevation, and you can get off at every level to explore viewpoints or short walking paths before continuing higher. This makes it easy to experience the mountains at different heights in one visit, without needing a full day or advanced hiking skills.
At the top station, the views stretch across much of the surrounding Dolomites, and you’re standing at an altitude that’s otherwise only reachable by serious climbers.
11. Visit Santa Maddalena village
Set against the jagged Odle peaks, this small village is one of the most photographed places in the Dolomites. The classic view includes the Santa Maddalena church in the foreground, with the mountains rising sharply behind it, a scene you’ve probably seen many times before!
Just a short walk away is the Church of St. John in Ranui, another extremely well-known photo spot and often considered the most photographed church in the Dolomites. Both viewpoints are easy to reach and don’t require hiking, which is why this area is so popular.
Santa Maddalena is also close to the trailhead for Geisler Alm, so it’s worth combining the village views with a hike if you have the time. The village itself is very small, and parking is limited, especially during peak season, so arriving early in the day makes the visit much easier.
12. Hike to Geisler Alm
This hike is one of my absolute favorites in the Dolomites and easily one of the most rewarding ones I’ve done here! The scenery changes constantly, from forest sections to open alpine meadows, with the Odle peaks getting closer and more dramatic the higher you go.
The trail starts at the Zanser Alm parking lot and is well-marked the entire way. The ascent is steady rather than steep, making it manageable for most people with basic hiking experience. Plan a few hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you stop along the way.
Reaching Geisler Alm feels especially satisfying because of the views waiting at the end. It’s a great place to take a break before heading back down, and this hike pairs perfectly with a visit to Santa Maddalena on the same day.
13. Walk along Lago di Misurina
Spending some time walking along Lago di Misurina is an easy way to enjoy the mountain setting without planning a hike. Just simply stroll along the lakeside paths and stop wherever the views are best!
You can rent a rowboat on the lake, which is a fun way to see the surrounding peaks from a different angle. There are also several restaurants, bars, and hotels lining the lake, so it’s easy to stop for a drink or a meal with a view.
Lago di Misurina works well as a relaxed stop between bigger activities and doesn’t require any advance planning. It’s a good place to slow things down and enjoy the scenery for a bit.
14. Visit Lago di Landro
This lake often gets overlooked because it sits right along the road, but it’s one of the easiest and most scenic stops in the eastern Dolomites.
Lago di Landro has a turquise blue color and is surrounded by steep rock walls, which makes it feel much more dramatic than you’d expect from a roadside stop.
There’s a walking path along parts of the lake, so you can stretch your legs and take in the views without committing to a hike. It’s also a convenient place to stop if you’re driving between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Dobbiaco or heading toward Lago di Braies.
15. Explore Cinque Torri
Cinque Torri is one of the easiest places in the Dolomites to see dramatic rock formations up close. The area is located just outside Cortina d’Ampezzo, which makes it a very convenient stop if you’re already staying nearby.
The cable car leaves from Bai de Dones and brings you almost directly to the rock towers. From there, it’s a short walk around the formations on wide, well maintained paths, so you don’t need to hike far to enjoy the views. This makes Cinque Torri accessible even if you’re short on time or don’t want a strenuous day.
The area is also known for its open air World War I trenches, which you can walk through along the paths. It adds a historical layer to the visit and makes this stop feel more substantial than just a quick viewpoint.
16. Drive the Snake Road
If you enjoy scenic drives as much as hikes, this short stretch of road is worth seeking out! Known as the Snake Road, it’s a short but very distinctive stretch of road, made up of tight hairpin turns stacked one above the other.
You’ll find it between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Passo Giau, just before reaching Ponte de Ru Curto, the starting point for the Lago di Federa hike. From the car, it’s a fun and visually striking drive, with the road looping back on itself again and again.
If you have a drone, this is one of the spots where it really makes a difference. From above, the curves of the road stand out clearly against the landscape and make for some of the coolest aerial shots in the Dolomites.
17. Visit Passo Giau
Passo Giau is a high mountain pass that you can reach entirely by car, which makes it one of the easiest viewpoints to visit in the Dolomites. You don’t need to hike or plan anything in advance, just drive up and stop where the views open up.
There are several pull offs along the road where you can park and walk around a bit. From here, you get clear views of the surrounding peaks, and the open terrain makes it feel very different from the forested valleys nearby. It’s one of those places to visit in the Dolomites where even a short stop feels worth it.
It’s also well located if you’re already exploring this part of the region. Cinque Torri, the Snake Road, and the trailhead for Lago di Federa are all close by, so it’s easy to combine multiple stops in one area.
18. Hike to Lago di Federa
Lago di Federa is a quieter alternative to the more famous alpine lakes and a good choice if you want to add a proper hike to your Dolomites itinerary. The lake sits below Croda da Lago and feels fairly remote, even though it’s located close to some of the most popular areas in the Dolomites.
The trail starts at Ponte de Ru Curto and climbs steadily through forest before opening up into alpine terrain near the lake. This isn’t a short walk, so plan a few hours and bring enough water. Parking at the trailhead is limited, which naturally keeps crowds lower.
Among the many things to do in the Dolomites, this hike stands out for feeling calmer and less rushed, especially compared to the lakes that are easily reached by car.
19. Ride the coffin cable car at Forcella del Sassolungo
This is easily one of the most unusual ways to get into the mountains in the Dolomites! Instead of a standard cable car cabin, you ride in a small vertical cage that takes you straight up to Forcella del Sassolungo, which is why it’s often nicknamed the coffin cable car.
The ride is short but steep, and it’s definitely not for everyone, especially if you’re uncomfortable with heights. Once at the top, you’re dropped directly into a high alpine setting with access to several hiking routes and wide views over the surrounding peaks.
Because capacity is limited, lines can form during busy periods, so timing matters. If you’re looking to add something a bit different to your Dolomites bucket list, this is one of those experiences you’ll remember long after the trip.
20. Hike up to the Vajolet Towers
Hiking up to the Vajolet Towers was hands down the hardest hike I did in the Dolomites, but also one of the most rewarding. The towers themselves are a group of sharp rock spires in the Catinaccio range, and seeing them up close really feels different from the more accessible highlights elsewhere in the region.
The hike starts by taking the König Laurin chairlift up from Malga Frommer Alm, which saves you some elevation right at the beginning. From there, it turns into a long and fairly strenuous hike with sustained uphill sections.
This isn’t a casual trail, and it requires good fitness and enough time to do it properly.
The final stretch brings you to Rifugio Re Alberto 1°, sitting right below the towers. I honestly recommend staying overnight here and splitting the hike into two days. It’s a long, tiring route, and staying at the hut lets you enjoy the area without rushing back down when you’re already exhausted.
