Discover The 5 Must-See Sights In The Dolomites

The beauty of these 5 must-see sights in the Dolomites cannot be captured in pictures. It feels like driving through a Italian storybook. The Dolomites were on my list to visit for a long time before I finally made it there and I’m already wishing I could go back to explore more.

The Dolomites are among the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the world. Known for their jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and turquoise lakes in Northern Italy. Whether you’re hiking, driving, or simply soaking in the views, these are the top five must-see sights with practical tips to make your trip unforgettable.

If you’re on a road trip through the Dolomites, you may want to extend and visit neighboring Slovenia to continue exploring beautiful mountainous landscapes.

How Many Days Is Enough To See The Dolomites?

The ideal length of your stay depends on your interests, but here’s my recommendation:

• 3-4 Days: Perfect for seeing the highlights, such as Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, and Seiser Alm. I spent 4 days in the Dolomites and fit in these top 5 sites with just a little careful planning of my route.

• 5-7 Days: Allows more time for hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path spots, and immersing yourself in the culture.

• 10+ Days: Best for outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine extensive hiking, cycling, or skiing with leisurely exploration.

Top 5 Must-See Sights In The Dolomites

There’s so much to see in the Dolomites, but below are five not to be missed sights so if you have a limited time plan your itinerary around these spots.

1. Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo

This is a super busy hike but worth it! Access the trailhead from Rifugio Auronzo, which is reachable by car (toll road) or shuttle buses from nearby towns.

I read online to go super early (in the 6:00am hour) but instead opted to sleep in and go when the early risers would be leaving (around 1:00pm). We arrived just before 1:00pm and had to wait 45 minutes in a line of cars to enter the park at the bottom. There was still a line to enter when we drove down after the hike at 5:00pm. You can also park in town and take a bus up and down.

The hike itself has beautiful views from the first steps on the trail. I recommend the in-and-out path that takes about 4 hours from Rifugio Auronzo (where you park) to Rifugio Locatelli, where you can stop for some food and drinks while admiring the view, before heading back the same way you came.

2. Take a rowboat out on Pragser Wildsee (Lago di Braies)

This lake is so picturesque that you can’t take a bad picture there! You can rent a wooden rowboat for a romantic ride across the lake and/or walk the 3.6 km loop trail around the lake.

I recommend going early at sunrise if you want to avoid a crowd. I went for the last hour before the sun dipped behind the mountains. This worked out especially well since it was also after a short light rain shower that dispersed the crowd. We ended up being one of only a couple rowboats out on the water. 

For even more picturesque turquoise lakes, head a few hours east into Slovenia to Lake Bled and neighboring Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park.

3. Drive Passo Gardena

There are many breathtaking drives in the Dolomites, but this drive was extra gorgeous. It’s a scenic mountain pass that will have you wanting to stop to take pictures at every turn. The hairpin turns, sweeping valleys, and towering peaks make for an unforgettable road trip.

Be mindful of where you do pull over – make sure there is plenty of space. There are a lot of bikers along this route too so make sure to give them plenty of space when passing.

4. Visit Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi)

I felt like I was in a painting as I wandered through Europe’s largest alpine field. It’s worth at least three to four hours up here. It is car free (unless you have hotel reservations there) so it’s best to take the cable car up from Ortisei. Once you are at the top I recommend taking the walking trail in a small loop. 

5. Walk around Lago di Carezza (Karersee)

This small alpine lake is famous for its emerald water and the towering row of peaks in the backdrop. There’s an easy walking trail around the lake which only takes about 20-30 minutes to walk the whole path, depending on how often you stop for pictures of the pretty views.

How To Get To The Dolomites

The nearest airports are Venice (VCE), Innsbruck (INN), and Verona (VRN). From there, rent a car or take a train to towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo or Bolzano.

I actually paired my trip to the Dolomites with a trip around Slovenia including a couple days in Lake Bled. I flew into Ljubljana and rented my car from there. Then it is only a short drive to neighboring Italy.

Another consideration is a trip to Croatia where you can fly into Zagreb. While it’s a bit further away because you still have to pass through Slovenia before you reach Italy, there is so much to explore in the area including the epic Plitvice Lakes National Park.

How To Get Around The Dolomites

I highly recommend renting a car. It’s easiest to enjoy the sights of the Dolomites at your own pace. Plus just driving around the mountains is an activity in itself because of how beautiful the scenic drives are.

Where To Stay In The Dolomites

Book hotels in advance! The number of rooms available in small mountain towns is limited and it can get quite pricey, especially during peak tourist season (between May-Sept). There are a handful of cute towns that are ideal to stay in, if you can snag affordable accommodation, including Misurina, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or San Candido. We booked last minute and had to stay a bit out of town which required more driving time to see the main attractions, don’t be like us!

Best Time To Visit The Dolomites

The Dolomites have two peak seasons so the best time to visit depends on your interests. If you are a skier come in the winter. If you prefer warm weather activities like hiking and mountain biking visit in the summer. If you want to avoid crowds in this popular vacation destination, visit during the shoulder seasons, May-June and October-November.

Why do places have 2 names in the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are bilingual and places are referred to by both their Italian and Austrian names.

TLDR: Top 5 Must-See Sights In The Dolomites

Regardless of how long your trip is the 5 must-see sights in the Dolomites are Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Pragser Wildsee/Lago di Braies, Passo Gardena, Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi, and Lago di Carezza/Karersee. I’d recommend working your itinerary around getting to those places.

Remember to plan in advance because the Dolomites are only growing in popularity as a vacation hot spot.