Overview

In the eastern section of the northern Italian Alps, the Dolomites mountain range is universally recognized as one of the most stunning mountain ranges in Europe. Distinctive for their pale gray limestone hue, sharp peaks and intimidating clusters of jagged rock, they were formed approximately 200 million years ago.

It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009.

Encompassing an area of 547 sq miles and 18 peaks which rise to above 9,842 feet, 'The Dolomites' stretch across three Italian regions (Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige / Südtirol (South Tyrol), and Friuli Venezia Giulia). Therefore, it isn't just to view these mountains that one travels here, it's to bask in the way the cliffs play off the pastures and meadows, the valleys and villages, the roads and the rivers, creating a unique alpine symphony in northern Italy.

In the spring, summer, and fall, visitors come for hiking, climbing, biking, base jumping, paragliding, and hang gliding, while during the winter, downhill, off piste (back country), and cross country skiing are the main attractions. Whenever you come, the views and natural beauty of the Dolomites are sure to amaze you.

Things to See & Do

During the summer months, the Dolomite mountains are a beautiful place for a day hike, mountain biking or simply relaxing and taking in the views. If you enjoy skiing and snowboarding, winter could well be the best time to visit.

The Dolomites are home to several charming small towns and some of the most scenic roads in Europe. There are countless hiking trails winding their way through the Dolomites, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. These mountains also offer some of the best mountain biking in Europe, with miles of trails to explore. No matter your fitness level, you can find a hike/bike to suit you. The region is also a great place for climbers, particularly in Kassian, Cortina and Marmolada.

Discover Lago di Braies, also known as The Pragser Wildsee. This glacial lake located in the heart of the Dolomites is a must-see for any visitor to the region. With its turquoise waters and scenic mountain backdrop, it is no wonder that this lake is often considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.

Hike the trails at Alpe di Siusi, known also as Seiser Alm. This mountain plateau range offers fantastic hiking opportunities and stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the Sciliar Massif. It is located in the Alto Adige area in the province of South Tyrol, near the border with Austria. The Alpe di Siusi is the largest high-alpine pasture in the Alps and covers a surface of more than 21 square miles. The Alpe di Siusi Cable Car takes visitors to the mountain station of Compaccio. Alpe di Siusi is also a popular area for winter sports.

Go skiing in the beautiful Alta Badia. These Italian Alps are known for their beautiful views. Located in the province of South Tyrol, Alta Badia is a hugely popular skiing area. Composed of 6 small villages, Alta Badia is one of the rare places where the Ladin language is still spoken, along with German and Italian. This region is busiest during the winter, however, it is also a good summer destination, offering some of the best hikes in the Dolomites as well as mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Hike around the Karersee, or Lake Carezza in English. This Alpine lake has water that comes from underground springs from the Latemar mountain range and is a stunning turquoise color. There’s a circular hiking trail around the lake and a visitor center. The Latemar labyrinth is another popular local attraction, passing between rocks to reach the lake.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also known as the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, is a group of three distinct peaks located in the Dolomites mountain range. The tallest of the three peaks, Cima Grande di Lavaredo, rises to an elevation of 9,839 feet. Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most popular destinations for climbers and hikers, as it offers dramatic views and challenging hiking routes. Visit the Val Gardena, a picturesque valley in the province of South Tyrol known for its skiing and climbing. These gardens are a popular starting point for walks and hikes in the surrounding mountains, and there are several cable cars and chair lifts that provide access to the higher parts of the valley. The area is also home to the Gherdëina Museumin in Ortisei, the world’s largest nativity scene in the Iman Sports Center in S. Cristina and Wolkenstein Castle.

Discover the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. With over 80 different garden landscapes on display, Trauttmansdorff Castle gardens make a great day out in the Dolomites. They feature several interactive Experience Stations such as the Standing Stones and the Geological Mosaic.

Visit South Tyrol Archeological Museum located in the city of Bolzano. This archaeology museum is home to Ötzi the glacier mummy. He is one of the best preserved mummies in the world, and is thought to be aged around 45. Ötzi the Iceman was discovered by chance by hikers in 1991, along with his clothing and equipment. He was murdered with an arrowhead over 5,300 years ago and is stored in a specially designed cold cell.

Towns & Villages

Belluno: The alpine town of Belluno is considered the gateway to the Dolomites. Situated between the Piave and Ardo rivers, this quaint city is surrounded by meadows and rolling hills, making it the perfect home base for mountain biking, and trekking.

Bolzano-Bozen: The capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano, has beautiful parks, flower-lined promenades, and a cog railway and cable-car that ferry passengers up to ski areas and plateaus with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Must-sees include the Duomo di Bolzano and the Archaeological Museum where you can meet Ötzi the Iceman, an incredibly well-preserved glacial mummy dating back to the Copper Age.

Brunico-Bruneck: Brunico was founded in the 13th-century and is the largest town in the South Tyrol holiday area of Kronplatz. Adjacent to the ritzy Plan de Corones ski resort, other popular attractions in town includes Brunico Castle and the Messner Mountain Museum.

Cortina d'Ampezzo: Cortina d'Ampezzo is a fashionable village in the province of Belluno. Not only does Cortina have an abundance of scenery, but it also boasts museums, art galleries, fine-dining restaurants, luxury hotels, plus one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. In the summertime, mountain climbers flock to the area to try their hand at the challenging via ferrata hiking trails nearby.

Merano: Merano is a pretty spa town best known for attracting literary figures as Franz Kafka and Ezra Pound. Its main thoroughfare of smart shops and fancy hotels ranks second only to its beautiful gardens that line the River Passirio.

Skiing

Ortisei Ski Resort is most known for its fantastic cross-country skiing. It is located in the Val Gardena valley. After exploring the quaint little town, you can take the narrow-gauge railway up to the 8,000-foot summit to see one of the most beautiful alpine pastures in all of Italy.

Val Gardena Ski Resort sits high up in the Dolomites in South Tyrol. Part of the Sella Ronda circuit, Val Gardena sports 80 lifts and more than 300 miles of connected slopes. The village of Selva Gardena offers visitors plenty of opportunities for cultural events and leisure activities.

Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Resort is one of the world's most lavish ski resorts. The slopes at Cortina d'Ampezzo are ideal for beginning-to-intermediate skiers. It has 47 lifts and offers an array of fun activities for families such as tobogganing, bobsledding, ice skating, and even hockey.

Food & Drinks

Italian Dolomites are rich with delectable and cold climate foods. Starting from wines such as Teroldego and Marzemino. It is impossible not to mention the Asiago cheese, together with to the most typical agro-food products such as apples, beans, honey, meats and cured meats like Speck and Luganega.

Having lunch in a mountain hut at high altitude, in the most famous areas of the Italian Dolomites, is a tasteful and fun experience! Here different traditions are fused into one single and surprising culinary art. It is possible to taste the typical delectable dishes of Tyrolean, Ampezzo and Friulian cuisine.

Among the most traditional dishes, be sure to try: the polenta, the canederli, the mezzelune (half-moons) and spätzle of spinach, mushrooms, beans, game and the famous strudel.

Grappa is a famous Italian alcoholic beverage, very strong (35 to 60% alcohol by volume). In the Dolomites you will find several flavored ones, often homemade with cumin, blueberry, raspberry, honey, hazelnut and much more. You normally drink it when it's very cold but it's also usual to have one after dinner.