After thorough research and based on our experience, I recommend two areas that can be best used as a base for hiking in the Dolomites:
Val Gardena (the towns of Selva di Val Gardena, St. Cristina, or Ortisei) and Cortina d’Ampezzo
.
Where does the Dolomites hike start?
The trail runs south from
Lago di Braies
, a chilly Alpine lake in South Tyrol, to Belluno, a town in Italy’s Veneto region. The first few miles include both a ferocious ascent up a slope covered in scree and broad views of a vast plateau — a fitting preview of the striking contrasts to come.
How difficult is it to hike the Dolomites?
Difficulty level:
Medium
. While most of the trail is quite easy to hike along, there is a steep descent/ascent at one point depending on which way round you go and at the via ferrata you might want to refrain from looking down!
Can you hike in Dolomites?
Arguably one of the Dolomites most iconic hikes,
the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
circumnavigates around three of the most famous peaks in the European Alps. The entire loop is just shy of 6 miles and mostly flat, making it a popular walk for both families and solo trekkers alike.
How many days do you need in the Dolomites?
As a first-timer, I recommend spending at least
4-5 days
in the Dolomites. This will give you enough time to visit the must-see sights such as Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies or Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Which Alta Via is the best?
If you’re new to multi-day hiking, or have less time, consider the
Alta Via 1
; if you want a tougher and even more exciting experience do Alta Via 2. Both give magnificent walking among the awe-inspiring rock formations and alpine meadows of the Dolomites, and Italian mountain huts are pretty good too.
Can you hike the Dolomites in April?
On a normal year,
April is too early to do hikes as there would be snow
. But so far this year, they didn’t get much snow, so you never know with the weather. Again, normally, there would be too much snow, so don’t get your hopes too high, unless you would be willing to do other things such as snowshoeing.
When should I go to Dolomites?
Some tourists prefer to travel to the Dolomites during the summer,
between May and September
, when the weather is pleasantly warm and the mountains lively and colorful. Early spring, when crocuses, Alpine snowdrops and scented bushes of Daphne bloom through the melting snow, is equally beautiful.
How do I get to Tre Cime?
To get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen via car, you’ll need to
follow the SS49 road that heads through South Tyrol towards the town of Misurina. From here, take the toll road towards Rifugio Auronzo
.
Do I need a car in Dolomites?
Traveling to the Dolomites without a Car
A car affords more flexibility, but
you can definitely travel to the Dolomites without renting a car
. If you’re flying to Venice Airport, take the Express Bus from the airport to Cortina D’Ampezzo.
What is a Refugio in Italy?
Rifugio – or mountain huts or refuges in English – are
the classic accommodation for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps
. Set in spectacular locations high in the Dolomite’s, Refugio are accessible only on foot (with a few exceptions that are reachable by car).
Can you backpack in the Dolomites?
Hiking the Dolomites Is Better With Wildland Trekking
Wildland Trekking offers an eight-day hiking tour through the Dolomites that covers the best of what the region has to offer
— including the Sennes Range, Antorno Lake and Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
When can you hike the Dolomites?
The best time to hike and trek the Italian Dolomites is
when the European Alps summer hiking season officially starts, which is in the second weekend of June and ends on the second last weekend in September
. The Italian Dolomite mountains offer some of the best weather in all of the Alps.
When can you hike in the Dolomites?
The best period for hiking in the Dolomites is from
July through the middle of September
, but some hut-to-hut itineraries are accessible from the second week of June through mid-October.
Can you wild camp in the Dolomites?
The bad news is that
wild camping in the Dolomites is technically illegal
. The good news is that it is sometimes tolerated, depending on circumstances and if you follow a certain set of rules.
Is Lake Como in the Dolomites?
Our 6-night itinerary in the Dolomites of Italy includes 2 nights at
Italy’s famous Lake Como
— a must-see in northern Italy! You could spend an entire week just visiting all the charming towns around Lake Como.
What city is closest to the Dolomites?
Belluno
: The alpine town of Belluno is considered the gateway to the Dolomites. Nestled between the Piave and Ardo rivers, this charming city is surrounded by meadows and rolling hills, making it the perfect home base for mountain biking, and trekking.
Is Dolomites worth visiting?
The Dolomites are clean, safe and welcoming and are ideal for families to visit and explore together
. There are plenty of family-friendly locations and activities, and enough variety to keep everyone happy. Get our Ultimate Active Travel Guide to prepare for your next active vacation.
Is the Alta Via 1 hard?
While the TMB technically requires more climbing and descending, we found the trails on the TMB much smoother and easier to navigate. Many of the Alta Via trails are rough, rocky and even involve some clambering. Overall,
the Alta Via was probably more difficult for us
.
How do I get started with Alta 1?
The trailhead of the Alta Via 1 is in Lago di Braies in northern Italy. The nearest airport is Venice and the easiest way to get from the airport to the starting point of the Alta Via 1 is
using public transportation
. Once you exit the baggage claim area in Venice take a left and find the ATVO bus ticket line.
How long does it take to hike the Alta Via 1?
The highest point reached by the standard route is 2,752m (9,029ft) and the height gain on the route is around 6,665m (21,833ft). Trekkers typically take
10 days
to complete the hike, give or take a day or two.
Can you hike Dolomites in March?
March hiking can mean also snow free hike at lower altitude and more in the Mediterranean riviera
, to escape the winter months and start enjoying the spring. Enjoy the fantastic month of March for your trekking in the Alps.
Can you hike the Dolomites in May?
Late spring (May) and early summer (June) are ideal months to visit if you are seeking cool weather that’s comfortable for outdoor activities, and few other tourists.
Hiking trails in the Dolomites tend to mostly open by mid-to-late May, after the snow has melted
.
Can you hike in the Alps in May?
You can have a great experience hiking in the Alps from May through October
, with July, August, or early September offering the best possibilities. Whichever season you choose, you’ll have the best opportunity to get exactly the trip you are looking for by planning ahead.
Are Dolomites expensive?
Now,
although the Dolomites are certainly expensive for Italy, they weren’t actually as expensive as we feared
. Indeed, they’re a bargain in comparison to the mountains of Switzerland.
Can I visit Dolomites in November?
Dolomites –
November can be a good time to visit the Dolomites, depending on your plans
. In terms of weather, is not a great time to visit this area: in November, the season is too advanced for most hiking and not quite advanced enough for skiing.
Is there snow in Dolomites in June?
To everyone who is travelling to the Dolomites in June. Don’t panic!
You will be fine
! If you plan on hiking, stick to the southern facing slopes.
