5 Must-see sights in the Dolomites
The beauty of these 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. There’s a lot to see, but below are five not to be missed sights.
1. Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Busy hike but worth it! 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 very picturesque. You can’t take a bad picture there! 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.
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. 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.
Why do places have two names in the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are bilingual and places are referred to by both their Italian and Austrian names.
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.
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.
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.
TL;DR: 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.