What to see in the Dolomites in Italy? The 13 essentials
Do you want grandiose landscapes and a change of scenery? The Dolomites are an impressive mountain range ; they are located in South Tyrol (north-eastern Italy, near the Austrian border) and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dolomites are known for their spectacular natural beauty,with steep cliffs, green valleys, lakes, glaciers and snow-capped and sparkling mountains. The Tre Cime monoliths are the best-known face of the Dolomites, which include other marvels such as the Marmolada, the Cortina station, the dizzying Val di Sole and the splendid Lake Braies. Bolzano and Merano, the two main towns in the region, offer a charming stopover for lovers of grandiose landscapes and mountain sports, including climbing, skiing and hiking. The towns and villages of the Dolomites are also appreciated for their rich culture and history, with traditional mountain architecture and delicious local cuisine.
N o 1- The Three Peaks of Lavaredo, icône des Dolomites
Icons of the Dolomites, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo embody the objective of all hikers who survey Alto Adige. These three mountains culminate at 2,999 meters in height, they are recognized by their singular shapes and jagged peaks. Formerly inaccessible, they are now available to all walkers from the Auronzo refuge, which can be reached by car. From there, count 1h30 to 2h30 of walking to reach the Tre Cime and these astonishing sets of lights that delight photographers. Know that it is possible to set up your bivouac at the Lavaredo refuge to watch the magnificent sunrise over this rocky trinity.
And if you want, you can easily book a guide for a guided day trip right here. This will allow you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Dolomites.
N o 2- Bolzano, capital of South Tyrol and essentials of the Dolomites
Capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano seems as much Germanic as Italian, moreover, these are its two official languages. This charming little town surrounded by mountains features a contrasting architecture that can be seen from Place Walther to the narrow streets of the old town, some of which are topped with arcades. The Archaeological Museum , the beautiful Gothic cathedral and the castle of Mareccio are the main attractions of Bolzano which also has three cable cars leading to the surrounding mountains. You will be amazed by the local cuisine which combines the flavors of the Tyrols with Mediterranean recipes! Moreover, we have selected the best restaurants where you can discover the local cuisine right here.
N o 3- Merano, the flowery village of the Dolomites in Italy
The small Italian town of Merano in the Dolomites is a popular spa town all year round for its mild microclimate. It is also surprising to see its flower gardens surrounded by snow-capped mountains! Its prestigious thermal baths, visited by many stars and top athletes, have made it the wellness capital of Upper Tyrol. What's more, the city is very pleasant to visit, it is crossed by the Passirio river and has many architectural attractions: Art Nouveau buildings and medieval arcades, chapels and small churches, squares and fountains... Do not miss a visit to the castle of Trauttmansdorff on the outskirts of the city, the former residence of the Habsburgshas now become the South Tyrol Museum.
No. 4- La Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites
The highest peak in the region, the Marmolada is an impressive massif that culminates at 3,342 meters: a presence that inspired its nickname of Queen of the Dolomites. It is carved by five main peaks and a glacier which played a crucial role during the Great War by turning into a city of ice to protect German soldiers. Here you enter a huge winter playground at the mercy of the many ski resorts that offer all winter sports. The south wall is one of the objectives of climbers from all over the world, there are also via ferratas and routes for mountain bike enthusiasts.
No. 5- La Cortina d'Ampezzo, Olympic resort in the Dolomites
Welcome to the Venetian region of the Dolomites! Cortina d'Ampezzo has been famous since 1956 when it hosted the Winter Olympics , a notoriety that it maintains through its emblematic circuit: the Skitour Olympia. This elegant ski resort located at an altitude of 1,210 meters is perfectly equipped to indulge in all the pleasures of winter. It has three large ski areas, themselves attached to the Dolomiti Superski area, which totals 1,200 kilometers of ski slopes. In summer, Cortina serves as a residence for hikers who come to discover its magnificent region.
Would you like to discover the Dolomites with a local driver who will explain the history and traditions of the different valleys to you from Cortina? Easily book your excursion and get the best rates right here!
No. 6 - The Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites
In the heart of the Braies Valley shines the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites , the Pragser Wildsee . Its turquoise blue waters, surrounded by mountains, reveal a fabulous setting which was also used for many film shoots. This pure and translucent basin is an invitation to bathe, however few onlookers risk it as its temperatures are cold... We would prefer a small boat trip or a walk on the path that skirts the lake. Admire the landscape all around and especially the rugged walls of the famous Seekofel.
Would you like to discover more beautiful lakes? We recommend our Top 10 of the most beautiful lakes in France!
N o 7- The Lago di Sorapis and its spectacular colors
After the Lago di Braies, the Lago di Sorapis (1,925 m) is the other must-see lake in the Dolomites region. It is known for its crystal clear waters and its intense blue-green color, which varies according to light and temperature. It owes its turquoise color to the dust from the glacier. Surrounded by spectacular cliffs and rocky peaks, it is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Dolomites. To get there, just take a hiking trail of about 5 km from the Vandelli refuge. The walk is well worth it!
No. 8- The Val di Funes: the churches of Santa Magdalena and San Giovanni
The Val di Funes is an alpine valley surrounded by the Dolomites mountains and its green meadows, coniferous forests, crystal clear streams, towering rocky peaks and picturesque villages. Ranui, for example, is very well known for its small San Giovanni church (which you have surely seen in photos), nestled in the middle of the meadows with the imposing mountains in the background. A little further on, the village of Santa Magdalena is home to another church where the view is also breathtaking. The Val di Funes is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, with numerous hiking trails of all levels of difficulty that allow you to discover the incredible landscapes of the region.
N°9- L'Alpe di Suisi (Seiser Alm), the largest high altitude meadow in the Dolomites
The Alpe di Siusi is a high alpine plateau located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. It is the largest high altitude meadow in Europe, with an area of approximately 57 km². You will be breathless: worthy of a painting, the view is splendid and the landscape idyllic with, in the background, the imposing peaks of the Dolomites, such as Sassolungo and Sassopiatto. Cattle and horses grazing in the pastures add a very picturesque charm to the whole.
N o 10- The Val di Sole, paradise for mountain bikers in the Dolomites in Italy
Nestled between a Natural Park and a National Park, the Val di Sole features a magnificent mountain landscape, punctuated by a hundred lakes and the Noce river, thus forming a real paradise for water sports enthusiasts but also for mountain bike enthusiasts since it is here that the Downhill World Cup takes place . The Black Snake is the most difficult downhill run in the world, it starts at 1,350 meters above sea level to finish at 810 meters in 2.2 km! For more peaceful cyclists, there are nearly 300 km marked out in classic or endurance routes which criss-cross the magnificent landscapes characteristic of the Dolomites.
N o 11- The via ferratas, tradition of the Dolomites
The singular reliefs of the Dolomites have made it possible to lay out multiple marked paths along its rock walls. These via ferratas are a tradition inherited from the First World War serving as lookout posts for Italian troops. Much more secure these days, they have cables, ramps, beams and footbridges to facilitate the progression of ironworkers. The Dolomites have around sixty via ferratas, the most beautiful routes being in the regions of Cortina and Corvara. There are several levels, however do not try it without being perfectly equipped.
Are you passionate about the mountains and want to try the experience? Book the experience right here with a guide to accompany you!
No. 12- Dolomite cuisine and Italian specialties
One of the great curiosities of the region will be found in the plate which will present you with as much strüdel as tiramisu! Both Germanic and Italian influences are perfectly embodied in the region's cuisine, which includes some local specialties. On the one hand, you will inevitably come across knödel, bread dumplings in different flavors, schlutzkrapfen, ravioli stuffed with spinach or donuts called tirtlan. On the other, you won't miss the casunziei, pasta stuffed with beetroot, speck pizzas and a wide variety of polenta, including black polenta made with buckwheat.
Do you want to discover the flavors of South Tyrol, taste authentic regional products and traditional dishes while walking? We advise you to book a guided gastronomic tour of Bolzano through our partner.
N o 13- The wine route in the Dolomites
Sipping a glass of local wine in front of the sumptuous landscapes of the Dolomites: this is a pleasure you should not miss! South Tyrol has been a wine region for over 3,000 years and today the province of Bolzano produces the best wines on the peninsula. The three main grape varieties grown are Schiava, Lagrein and Gewurztraminer, which produce exceptional red and white wines. The wine route begins in the Etschtal valley and ends in the Unterland region, stopping off at sixteen wine tourism towns. Thus alternate the pleasures of tastings and the discovery of splendid panoramas of South Tyrol.
Where to sleep near the Dolomites in Italy? Our selection of the best hotels
Do you prefer the authentic charm of a small alpine chalet or the comfort of a spacious hotel? Whatever your answer, we bet you will find what you are looking for in our selection of the best
accommodation in the Dolomites region. All you have to do is open your eyes and enjoy your stay in the heart of magnificent nature!
And if visiting Italy tempts you, also discover the 18 must-see must-sees in Naples or the 21 must-see must-sees in Rome!
Source: websites