Visiting the Dolomites: A Guide to Planning Everything You Need for an Unforgettable First Trip

Visiting the Dolomites
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Mountains that glow at sunset. Lakes like glass. Trails that make you feel tiny, and free, and exactly where you’re meant to be. Visiting the Dolomites isn’t just a trip — it’s a love story waiting to happen. Here’s the Dolomites guide I wish I’d had for my first visit.
Updated: April 2025


There are places you visit because they’re on “Best Of” lists. And then there are places like the Dolomites — the kind that speak to your soul.
I spent months wandering these valleys, chasing sunrises, missing trail markers, and figuring out the best (and worst) ways to experience them — so you don’t have to.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to plan a Dolomites trip you’ll still be talking about years from now.
➔ How to get there without the drama.
➔ Where to stay to make the most of your time.
➔ The best seasons, the must-do hikes, the photo spots that will ruin you for everywhere else.
➔ And all the local tips I wish someone had told me before I packed my boots and hoped for the best.

Whether you’re dreaming about quiet lakes at sunrise or just trying to figure out how not to accidentally hike 25km your first day (yes, I’m that person), you’re in the right place.

Let’s get you to the good part.

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VISITING THE DOLOMITES: ESSENTIALS

CURRENCY | Euro €

LANGUAGES | Italian, German, Ladin

GETTING AROUND | Rent a car for ultimate freedom

VISIT IN | Early summer or autumn

STAY IN | Two or three bases and explore from there

TOP TIP | Book accommodation early —especially mountain huts (rifugi)

BEST FOR | Outdoor lovers, photographers, hikers, and mountain dreamers

Table Of Contents
  1. Where Exactly Are the Dolomites (And Why You’ll Love Them)
  2. What Makes the Dolomites So Special
  3. How to Get to the Dolomites
  4. Should You Rent a Car?
  5. Can You Get to the Dolomites Without a Car?
  6. When Is the Best Time to Visit the Dolomites?
  7. Where to Stay in the Dolomites
  8. Unmissable Experiences in the Dolomites: First Time Highlights
  9. Planning Your First Dolomites Itinerary
  10. Practical Tips for Visiting the Dolomites
  11. What to Pack for the Dolomites
  12. FAQs about Visiting the Dolomites
  13. Final Thoughts on Planning Your First Dolomites Trip
  14. Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?

The features in this post were hand-selected by an obsessive travel nerd with strong opinions who doesn’t gatekeep good shit (hi, that’s me). Some of them are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and the occasional wine along the way – Cat.


Where Exactly Are the Dolomites (And Why You’ll Love Them)

You’ll find the Dolomites tucked into the northern tip of Italy, right up near the Austrian border — close enough that the signs flip between Italian and German before you’ve finished your coffee.
One of my favourite hikes in the Dolomites, Olperehütte, is actually reached from Austria rather than Italy!

Part of the Southern Limestone Alps, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its jagged peaks, lush valleys, turquoise lakes, and old-world villages. Think: Sound of Music vibes meets Italian wine country — but with better hiking boots.

the light grey jagged cadini di misurina mountain peaks in the distance with the pale stone and red shuttered rifugio lavaredo in the foreground
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One of my first stops when I’m visiting the Dolomites is always Tre Cime

The Dolomites span several provinces, but the most popular areas are in South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno. You’ll want a rental car if you plan to explore properly — the magic here isn’t just at the postcard spots. It’s in the valleys, the quiet sunrise trails, the tucked-away rifugi that you only find if you can go your own way.

Planning A Dolomites trip? Here are some useful posts for you:
How to Get to the Dolomites | Airports, cars, trains and bus tips
Hire a Car | How to Rent a Car in Bolzano Without Losing your Deposit
Where to Stay | Pick the perfect Dolomites Base for your visit
When to Come | Month-by-month guide so you time it right

What Makes the Dolomites So Special

I fling the word “breathtaking” around a lot when it comes to visiting the Dolomites, but when you visit, you’ll see why.
These aren’t just beautiful mountains — they’re a 250-million-year-old masterpiece.

lago di federer on the croda da lago hike, rifugio g palmieri, the mountains and orange larch trees reflecting in the mirror-like lake
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My favourite hike when I’m visiting the Dolomites in autumn is the Croda da Lago
Golden light spills over the hillsides and tiny mountain huts of Alpe di Siusi with the peak of Seceda in the background
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Alpe di Siusi at sunrise is simply magic

Once the floor of a prehistoric tropical sea, the Dolomites were slowly sculpted by time into the razor-edged peaks you see today. Fossils are still etched into the pale rock faces, and history runs just as deep — from ancient legends to World War I battles fought through the snow.

It’s this mix of natural drama, human history, and cultural collision (Italian, Austrian, and Ladin traditions all alive here) that makes the Dolomites feel different. Wilder. More personal. More alive.

Standing here, it’s not just the views that stop you — it’s the weight of all the stories beneath your boots.

Wooden row boats drifting on the crystal clear Lago di Braies with grey mountain peaks and scattered orange and green larch trees
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One of the most popular spots for people visiting the Dolomites is Lago di Braies

TIP | The Dolomites are spread across several provinces. Save yourself endless Googling by thinking in terms of regions like Val Gardena, Alta Badia, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo when planning your trip.

How to Get to the Dolomites

The Dolomites might look remote — all wild peaks and whispering forests — but getting here is surprisingly easy.

Most travellers fly into a major city like Venice, Verona, or even Innsbruck in Austria, rent a car, and drive straight into mountain magic.

TIP | There’s no such thing as a “Dolomites Airport” — you’ll need to plan a little road time to get to the good stuff.

Closest Airports for Visiting the Dolomites

Here’s a rough idea of how long it’ll take you to hit the mountains once you land:

Venice Marco Polo Airport (Italy) | 2 hours
Verona Airport (Italy) | 2 hours
Innsbruck Airport (Austria) | 1.5 hours
Milan Malpensa Airport (Italy) | 4 hours
Munich Airport (Germany) | 4 hours

✖️ Florence, Rome, or Naples are too far unless you’re planning a longer Italy trip with the Dolomites tacked on.

Need step-by-step instructions for flying and driving to the Dolomites?
COMING SOON | How to Get to the Dolomites: Airports, Routes + Tips

Should You Rent a Car?

Short answer? ✔️ YES.

Public transport does exist, but the best hikes, lakes, and hidden valleys aren’t always easy to reach by bus or train — especially outside high summer.

If you want to catch a sunrise over a glassy lake or trailhead-hop without memorising bus schedules, a rental car is pure freedom.

READ THIS | Plan your own Road Trip Adventure in the Dolomites

A woman with red leggings, orange sweater and jacket sits on the roof of a green van with mountain peaks in the background
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Visiting the Dolomites in my van is my favourite thing to do
A woman in an orange sweater taking a photo of a reflection in a mirror
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Playing around with reflections in the Dolomites

Can You Get to the Dolomites Without a Car?

✔️ It’s possible — especially if you’re basing yourself in bigger hubs like Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or Ortisei.

The bus and cable car networks are solid in summer, but routes scale back or close in winter and shoulder seasons. Be ready for longer travel times, less flexibility, and the occasional game of “find the mystery bus stop.”

TIP | If you’re using buses or trains, consider basing yourself near a cable car station — it’ll make life 1000x easier.

Planning a car-free adventure?
COMING SOON | How to Explore the Dolomites Without a Car

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Dolomites?

If you want the Dolomites at their best, you’ve got to time it right — because these mountains know how to change moods.

The short version?
✔️ Summer is peak hiking season.
✔️ Autumn is for fiery larches and quieter trails.
✔️ Winter turns everything into a snow-covered wonderland.
✔️ Spring… is mostly mud, closed trails, and a very confused suitcase.

Here’s what you need to know to pick your perfect moment:

Summer (June–September) ➔ High season for a reason

This is when the Dolomites hit their full hiking, biking, lake-picnicking glory.

Expect:
➔ Longer days, open lifts, open rifugi.
➔ Crowds at hotspots like Tre Cime and Lago di Braies (but still plenty of quieter trails if you know where to look).
➔ Higher prices and limited accommodation if you don’t book early.

If hiking is your dream, summer’s your season — just plan ahead. And maybe try to avoid the hell that is August Europe-wide school holidays…

mountains shrouded with cloud
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Visiting the Dolomites means guaranteed spectacular views everywhere you look
flowers in the sunshine on the croda da lago hike
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Even the tiny details in the Dolomites are something a little bit magical

Autumn (late September–October) ➔ Chef’s kiss season

If you want the Dolomites at their fiery best — without elbowing your way through crowds — autumn is where the magic happens.
Fewer people, golden larch trees setting the valleys on fire, crisp mornings, and the kind of sunsets you’ll think about on boring Tuesday afternoons forever.

CAT’S TOP TIP | Some rifugi close in early October, so you’ll want to double-check what’s open if you’re planning hut-to-hut adventures.

When I visited Croda da Lago in autumn, I hit the jackpot: perfect golden trees, clear skies, and a magical hike around Lago di Federa.
But — full disclosure — a few photographers I met there said that just three years earlier, the same week had been snow-covered, with the larches still stubbornly green.

Some years autumn comes early, and some years it doesn’t come at all — mountains gonna mountain.

Typically, mid-October is your best bet for peak autumn colour, and the weather is often settled and crisp… but come prepared for anything.

the peak of beco de mezodi reflected in lago di federa with orange larches all around
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Lago di Federa in autumn is absolutely magical

TIP | Snow can arrive at any time in autumn, and once you get into late October, you’ll find many chairlifts, hiking trails, and accommodations starting to close for the winter season. If you want the full hiking experience, aim for late September to mid-October.

Winter (December–March) ➔ Snow globe vibes

The Dolomites in winter are absurdly beautiful — all powdered peaks and fairy tale villages.
➔ Perfect if you want to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or drink mulled wine under a giant Christmas tree.
➔ Hiking trails, however, are under thick snow and not accessible without serious gear or guides.

Spring (April–May) ➔ Muddy and closed

You’d think it would be dreamy — wildflowers, fewer crowds — but in reality, most of the Dolomites are still thawing out! Spring doesn’t get springy here until June.
Many trails are snow-covered or closed for safety, and most rifugi (mountain huts) don’t open until some time in June.
➔ I’d skip it unless you’re just road-tripping or visiting towns at lower elevations for the epic spa and wellness scene.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites

The Dolomites aren’t a one-town show — they’re a whole mood spread across valleys, peaks, and tiny villages you’ll wish you could move into immediately.

The secret? Pick two or three good bases and explore from there.
It’ll save you hours of frustrating backtracking — and give you a real taste of how wildly different each part of the mountains can feel.
Here’s where to start:

Val Gardena | Best for first-timers who want access to iconic hikes like Seceda, Sassolungo, and Sella Pass.
Stay in Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena, or Santa Cristina

Small wooden mountain huts are a common site if you're visiting the Dolomites and these are nestled in the rolling orange meadows of Alpe di Siusi with the mountain peaks in the background
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Alpe di Siusi at sunrise
a close up of onion-domed st valentin church in siusi nestled between trees with orange autumn foliage
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St Valentin Church near Alpe di Siusi

Alpe di Siusi | Gentle trails, dreamy sunrises, soft girl mountain magic.
⤷ Stay in Castelrotto, Siusi, or right on the meadow.

Val di Funes | Tiny villages, Insta-famous churches, and wild, breathtaking hikes.
⤷ Stay in Santa Maddalena or San Pietro.

Alta Badia | Rugged peaks, Ladin culture, Michelin-starred mountain huts.
⤷ Stay in Corvara, La Villa, or Badia.

Eastern Dolomites | Tre Cime, Cadini di Misurina, and those iconic lakes.
⤷ Stay in Cortina, Sesto, San Candido, Dobbiaco, or Misurina.

mountainsides covered in trees with a small lake in the distance and towering mountains in the background which are classic views when visiting the dolomites
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The view to Lago di Misurina from the Lago di Sorapis hike
The Rifugio Locatelli / Drei Zinnen Hutte nestled in the mountain peaks on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Rifugi are an amazing experience if you’re visiting the Dolomites

CAT’S TIP | Distances look short on the map — but those mountain roads will humble you. Plan to switch bases once or twice rather than spending half your trip white-knuckling your steering wheel.

My advice for you first trip?
Ortisei for 4–5 days, then Cortina for 2–3 days.
➔ Best of both worlds. No frantic hotel-hopping. No burnout.

Want my curated list of the best hotels, rifugi, and dream stays across the Dolomites?
Where to Stay in the Dolomites: My Top Regions and Hotel Picks

A woman visiting the Dolomites in hiking gear standing on an outcrop with jagged light grey mountain peaks in the distance at Cadini di Misurina
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Cadini di Misurina is a must for me when visiting the Dolomites

Unmissable Experiences in the Dolomites: First Time Highlights

If you think the Dolomites are only about hiking, buckle up.
This is a land of sunrise meadows, mountain feasts, hairpin road trips — and more magic than your camera roll can handle.

You could spend years exploring the Dolomites and still barely scratch the surface. But for your first trip? Here’s the kind of magic you don’t want to miss:

Catch a Sunrise at Alpe di Siusi

Golden light, mist spilling over the meadows, and silence so pure you can hear your own heartbeat.
Drag yourself out of bed before dawn — it’ll be the best decision you make all trip.
Visit Alpe di Siusi for that sunrise magic

Golden hour at Alpe di Siusi with orange rolling meadows, small mountain huts and the mountains in the distance is one of the best photo ops if you're visiting the Dolomites
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Sunrise at Alpe di Siusi is a must-do if you’re a photographer visiting the Dolomites

Make your Hiking Boots Earn Their Keep

The real soul of the Dolomites isn’t found on the roads — it’s waiting for you on the trails.
From gentle meadow strolls to full-blown mountain epics, this is hiker heaven.
If you only lace up for one trail, make it the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop: iconic for a reason.

A woman standing on an outcrop in front of the mountains wearing the F-stop gear orange backpack which is some of the Best Hiking Gear for women
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Visiting the Dolomites is fabulous for hikers with amazing trails all over the region

MY TOP 3 DOLOMITES DAY HIKES
Best for Autumn |
Croda da Lago (golden larches and dream lakes)
Best for Beginners |
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (iconic views, easy logistics)
Best for Adventure-Seekers | Lago di Sorapis (that turquoise water is worth the climb)
Find more stunning Dolomites hikes here
What to wear hiking in the Dolomites (no Euro-dad vibes)

Chase the Light on a Road Trip

Want the kind of mountain views that stop you in your tracks? Sometimes, all you need is four wheels and an open map.
Driving the Dolomites means sunset over mountain passes, misty valleys before breakfast, and the pure freedom to stop wherever the light tells you to.
Build Your Own Dolomites Road Trip

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Stay Overnight in a Mountain Rifugio

There’s wild. And then there’s sleeping high in the Dolomites, where the stars feel so close you could pluck them down.
Book a bunk, eat the world’s most deserved pasta, and wake up in a dream.
⤷ [Coming soon | My guide to rifugio stays in the Dolomites]

Hunt Down the Best Photo Spots

Sure, you’ll see Lago di Braies on every Instagram feed. But the real magic?
It’s the side trails. The lakes that glow at sunset. The moments you stumble into because you chose to wander a little further.
⤷ Coming soon | My guide to the most magical photo spots in the Dolomites

Conquer Your First Via Ferrata

Clip in, hold your breath, and climb your way to a view you had to earn.
The Dolomites invented these “iron paths” — and there’s no better place to say you did one.
⤷ First time? Try this awesome guided via Ferrata tour!

A river winds through a valley leading down to Misurina which is a great stop when you're visiting the Dolomites
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The views from Cadini di Misurina to Lake Misurina are amazing when doing the hike at sunrise
light grey jagged mountain peaks are everywhere when visiting the Dolomites
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Cadini di Misurina gives bang for your buck when visiting the Dolomites

Float Between Peaks on a Paragliding Flight

If walking up a mountain isn’t thrilling enough… try flying off one.
Paragliding here is pure magic — all peaks, valleys, and holy shit this is amazing moments.
Book your phenomenal paragliding experience in the Dolomites with Gardenafly

Tandem paragliders with the Dolomites in the background
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Visiting the Dolomites is the perfect opportunity to try out paragliding – yes, that’s me!

Settle into a Spa with a View

Think saunas overlooking snow-capped peaks, infinity pools steaming in the cold air, and massages that fix what life broke.
You haven’t truly relaxed until you’ve spa-ed in the Dolomites.
⤷ [Coming soon | Best spa hotels in the Dolomites]

Ski Fairy-Tale Slopes

Come winter, the Dolomites trade hiking boots for ski boots — and it’s just as spellbinding.
The Dolomites in snow are pure fairy tale — and Cortina d’Ampezzo is just the beginning.
⤷ My winter guide is coming soon!

Need more inspo?
READ THIS | The Best Things to Do in the Dolomites

Planning Your First Dolomites Itinerary

The Dolomites aren’t the kind of place you can “do” in a checklist weekend — and honestly? You wouldn’t want them to be.
This is a place made for lingering. For late morning coffees, longer hikes, and just letting the mountains get under your skin.

Don’t worry — you don’t need to have it all figured out yet. Here’s how to build a trip that feels as magical as it deserves to:

First, how long should you spend in the Dolomites?

5–7 days is the sweet spot for first-timers.
It’s enough to get a real taste of the different regions without feeling rushed — and to mix a few bigger adventures with slower days for spa time or lazy lunches.

➔ only have 3–4 days?
Focus on one region — like Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or Alta Badia — and skip the temptation to zigzag all over the map.
You’ll have a much richer trip (and fewer hours behind the wheel).

7+ days?
Lucky you. You’ll be able to road trip between valleys, add in some bigger hikes, and discover corners most visitors miss.

Should you move bases or stay in one place?

➔ If you’re visiting for more than 4 days, move once.
Start in Ortisei (Val Gardena) or La Villa (Alta Badia) for western highlights, then head east to Cortina or Dobbiaco for places like Tre Cime and Lago di Braies.

The Rifugio Locatelli / Drei Zinnen Hutte nestled in the mountain peaks on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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➔ If you’re short on time?
Pick one base with great access to a few different areas. Val Gardena and Cortina are both brilliant all-rounders.

How full should you plan your days?

➔ Mountains are allergic to micromanagement.
Plan for one major thing per day — a hike, a scenic drive, a big sunrise shoot — and leave space around it.

➔ Always build in “magic margins.”
The best moments often happen between the plans. That unexpected viewpoint. That tiny rifugio you find when you’re “just stretching your legs.” That second spritz you weren’t going to have (but obviously did).

My best first-timer tip?

➔ Don’t fall into the “must-see-everything” trap.
The Dolomites aren’t a checklist destination — they’re a slow burn. Give yourself time to feel it.
You’ll leave already planning your return. I know this because I am the Queen of “just one more trip to the Dolomites and I’ll be done” (spoiler alert: I am never done).

A white church backlit by the sunrise with orange autumn colour in the foreground
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Practical Tips for Visiting the Dolomites

The Dolomites aren’t tricky to travel — but there are a few things you’ll want to know before you lace up your boots and hit the road.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me my first time:

Driving is half the adventure.
➔ Winding mountain roads are the norm here. Add 30% to any Google Maps estimate and pack your patience (and your travel sickness tablets if you’re prone).

Planning to drive?
Here are my top tips for driving in the Dolomites

Public transport exists… but it’s not the easy option.
➔ You can explore the Dolomites by train and bus, but it’ll limit your flexibility, especially for sunrise hikes or hidden valleys. If you can drive, do.

Need wheels?
Read my guide to renting a car in Bolzano without losing your deposit

You’ll need cash.
➔ Lots of rifugi, small hotels, and car parks still run on cash (especially coins for parking meters). ATMs are rare outside towns — stock up when you can.

Book your accommodation early.
➔ Seriously. Summer and early autumn book out months ahead, especially in places like Val Gardena and Cortina. Don’t leave it to chance unless you want to end up sleeping in your car (romantic in theory, awful in reality).

the view from the window at rifugio croda da lago with golden light on a mountain peak in the distance
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One of the best things about visiting the Dolomites are the views from rifugi windows
The Rifugio Locatelli / Drei Zinnen Hutte nestled in the mountain peaks on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Rifugio Locatelli is a prime example of amazing rifugi views when you’re visiting the Dolomites

Weather changes fast.
➔ It’s not unusual to wake up to sun, hike through mist, and get snowed on all before lunch. Always carry layers, a rain jacket, and enough snacks to wait out a storm if you need to.

Parking isn’t free (or fun).
➔ Expect to pay for parking at trailheads, towns, and most scenic spots. Some places take cards, many don’t — see above re: cash.

Respect the trails (and the cows).
➔ Stay on marked paths, shut gates behind you, and for the love of all that’s holy, don’t approach the cows. They’re not Disney characters — they’re huge, moody animals who will absolutely flatten you if annoyed.

Language? You’ll survive.
➔ Most people in the Dolomites speak at least a little English, especially in tourist areas. But learning a few words of Italian (or German!) goes a long way for smiles, better service, and general good karma.

A wooden mountain hut in the middle of a green pasture surrounded by trees
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Classic scenes when you’re visiting the Dolomites

What to Pack for the Dolomites

Packing for the Dolomites is a fine art: a little hiking gear, a little “spritz at sunset” energy… and a healthy respect for weather that changes its mind hourly.

Here’s what you actually need:

Layers, layers, layers
Mornings can feel like winter, afternoons like summer. Bring a mix of short sleeves, warm layers (hello, fleece or merino), and a decent waterproof jacket.

Good hiking shoes
Even if you’re not planning huge hikes, you’ll want something grippy and comfy. Trails here are rocky, uneven, and sometimes steeper than expected.

A small daypack
To carry water, snacks, a rain jacket, and your camera.

Sun protection
Yes, even in autumn and winter. You’re higher up = the sun is stronger. Think sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and maybe a mild respect for your own nose.

The stone building of rifugio vandelli with blue and white striped shutters at lago di sorapis
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Rifugio Vandelli has one of the shortest openings of the season at Lago di Sorapis

Cash and coins
For parking meters, coffee stops, and rifugios that pretend they “accept cards” but whose machines mysteriously never work.

Offline maps
Phone service can be patchy once you leave town. Download Google Maps offline, and if you’re hiking, consider a proper GPS app (like Gaia) or an old-school paper map too.

Power bank
Between photo-taking, map-checking, and posting smug mountain selfies, your phone battery will not survive a full Dolomites day without backup.

Optional but wise: trekking poles, a lightweight puffer jacket, a swimsuit if you’re planning a spa day, and enough memory cards to rival a small newsroom.

FAQs about Visiting the Dolomites

Is it safe to visit the Dolomites solo?

Yes! It’s an amazing solo trip — friendly, easy to navigate, and packed with hikes where you’ll be too awestruck to remember you’re alone. As always, let someone know your hiking plans and check trail conditions. I felt incredibly safe there as a solo female traveller!

Do people speak English in the Dolomites?

Mostly, yes — especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots. In more rural areas, you’ll hear Italian, German, and Ladin. A few polite words in Italian (or German!) go a long way.

Will I have cell service in the Dolomites

There are regions in the mountains of the Dolomites where you’ll lose cell service. If you’re hiking then I highly recommend taking a personal locator beacon or similar device. It could save your life. In the towns you’ll likely have full reception.

How do I avoid the crowds?

➔ Travel in late September or early October.
➔ Stay overnight near hotspots instead of day-tripping.
➔ Hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

What airport should I fly into for the Dolomites?

Bolzano (smallest and closest), Verona, Venice, Milan, or Innsbruck (Austria). Venice and Verona usually hit the sweet spot for flights + drive time.

Do I really need to rent a car?

If you want full freedom? 100%. Public transport exists but it’s patchy between valleys. Renting a car lets you chase the light, the hikes, and the pasta without timetable stress.

When do I need to book accommodation?

ASAP if you’re coming in summer or autumn. Popular towns and rifugi can book out months in advance — especially in August or October.

Can I visit the Dolomites without hiking?

You can, and it’ll still blow your mind. Just know that a short walk often leads to the best views — and it would be criminal not to at least do one easy trail.

Final Thoughts on Planning Your First Dolomites Trip

There’s no wrong way to fall in love with the Dolomites.

You’ll miss a viewpoint, take the wrong trail, or stop for “just one photo” and end up standing in awe for an hour — and it’ll still be perfect.

Plan just enough to open the doors. Then let the mountains do the rest.

And if you’re anything like me? This won’t be your last Dolomites adventure. It’ll just be the first page of a very long, very beautiful love story.

This trip’s not going to plan itself. Save this guide, send it to your chaos-enabling bestie, or just bookmark it for that inevitable “fuck it, I’m booking a flight” moment.

Already plotting? Come scream your Dolomites dreams at me in the comments — or find me in the DMs. I love a good mountain manifesting session.

Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?

With world-class hiking in summer, incredible skiing in winter, and a perfect blend of Italian and Austrian culture, the Dolomites is one of my favourite European destinations.

Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:

PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES | Here’s everything you need to make it perfect!
⤷ For first-timers, my Ultimate Guide to visiting the Dolomites
⤷ My Dolomites Itinerary guide, a week of feral mountain Dolomites energy, my (slightly more chill but not much) 5-Day Dolomites Itinerary and my long weekend 3-day options from Cortina or Ortisei
⤷ Perhaps you’re wondering how to actually get to the Dolomites or the best time to visit
⤷ If you just want some inspiration then build your own adventure with these single day road trips
⤷ Here are my favourite things to do in the Dolomites (there’s wine!)
⤷ And yes, you really do need to rent a car, and maybe read some Dolomites driving tips!

DOLOMITES DAY HIKES | Complete guides for my favourite day hikes in the Dolomites.
Hiking Lago di Sorapis, Croda da Lago, Seceda (including hiking to Seceda when the cable cars stop), Tre Cime di Lavaredo (and how to get there) and Cadini di Misurina.
Bonus: what to wear hiking in the Dolomites.

DOLOMITES PLACES | My favourite places to visit in the Dolomites like Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi and Val di Funes and where to stay when you get there (I’ve even made you a map)

ITALY | Plan a perfect first trip to Italy with my Top Tips for Travelers to Italy and Italy Travel Guide

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing.

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store.

ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here.


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18 Comments on “Visiting the Dolomites: A Guide to Planning Everything You Need for an Unforgettable First Trip”

  1. As someone who wants to visit the Dolomites, and knows nothing of them, this is a brilliant resource. Thank you!

  2. Hey Cat!

    This was super helpful!

    I just had one question, there is a photo with two glasses of wine with the peaks in the background. What restaurant is this?

    1. Hi Evie! Sorry about the delay in reply – that photo was taken at Geisler Alm, a restuarant on the Munkelweg trail in Val di Funes. It’s one of my favourite hikes and (I think) the best mountain restaurant in the Dolomites!

  3. Just finished reading this

    It’s beautiful, Cat!

    Thank you so much, I truly enjoyed and now planning a trip.

    Super grateful for this article and resources

  4. Love this guide! We can’t wait to make a plan to really dig in on our trip. How would early September be in the Dolomites?

    1. Hi Jennifer – that’s a beautiful time to go! I’ve been at that time and we had lovely settled weather. It might be a bit busy in some spots but I think this is one of the best times of year. I hope you have an amazing time.

  5. Hi, I’m planning to go early September and I have just found this great site. Thank you for all the practical info. Sadly, I will only have like 3 days there… So, will probably rely on your advice and stick to the Cortina-Misurina area, 2-3 hikes, maybe a ferrata too (was thinking of Strada degli Alpini). Could you recommend any places to rent via ferrata equipment there (Cortina, Sesto or nearby)? Thanks a lot.

    1. Hi Andre, I’m really sorry about the delay in replying. I think that sticking to one area is a really good plan for that short trip. Most of the sports shops in Cortina advertise rental gear and I know that Snow Service 1 in town have a great reputation. I hope you have a great trip! Cat

  6. This was so helpful! i’m trying to plan a hut 2 hut trip to the Dolomites this October. Can i do this on my own or do you recommend using a company for the lodging. Not worried about self guided hikes. It would be our first time there and don’t want to do it wrong!
    thanks,
    alyssa

    1. Hi Alyssa, I think you should be fine doing it on your own honestly. The only thing is that it’s getting a little late in the season and you might struggle finding availability on the dates that you want. If you’ve got a good hiking guidebook and you know which huts you want, they’ve almost all got websites or email addresses that you can reach them on. Some are telephone only and you might struggle with a language barrier, but I’ve not found that to be an issue with the more popular spots! Have an amazing trip!

  7. Thanks for all the great tips. We’re visiting in mid Sept this year for 2.5 days. Do you suggest staying in the same spot the entire time or moving around closer to the sites we want to visit? Still trying to understand the distance between some of the more popular hikes.
    Thanks for the great insights!

    1. Hi Millie, glad you found this post helpful! If you’ve only got a couple of days I’d recommend staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo since it’s pretty central to lots of the good hikes and means you won’t be wasting time moving around 🙂

  8. Hi Cat

    Very well articulated. Loved the attention to detail.

    Kindly help me with this query… How do i reach rif auronzo from cortina using public transport ? I tried google maps but it didnt show any details.
    Is there any mobile app for public transportation in cortina ?
    There is sudtirol app but that covers val gardena area
    Awaiting your kind reply
    Thanks in advance

    Regards

    1. Hi Priya! You should be able to find that information in my How to get to Tre Cime post, but basically it’s the 30/31 Dolomiti Bus via Misurina – I don’t think that they have an app. Alternative is 445 then 444 shuttle bus but that only runs in high season. I hope that helps!
      Cat x

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