Dolomites
Dolomiti
The Dolomites are a UNESCO-listed mountain range offering dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and world-class skiing and hiking. The Veneto portion includes resorts like Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Things to do
- Ski in Cortina d'Ampezzo — The Dolomiti Superski pass covers hundreds of slopes across the region.
- Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop — A moderate 10km trail with iconic three-peak views, best in July–September.
- Drive the Great Dolomites Road — The scenic route from Bolzano to Cortina passes through stunning mountain scenery.
- Visit Lake Misurina — A peaceful alpine lake perfect for a morning walk and reflection photography.
- Climb via ferrata routes — Well-equipped routes suit intermediate climbers; rent gear in Cortina.
- Alpe di Siusi Plateau Walk — Stroll Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow with panoramic Dolomite peaks as a backdrop.
- Visit Castel Roncolo — Explore a 13th-century castle near Bolzano featuring remarkably preserved medieval frescoes inside.
- Lago di Braies Rowboat — Rent a wooden rowboat on this emerald lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs, best at sunrise.
- Cinque Torri Sunset — Hike to these five iconic rock towers at dusk for golden-hour photography and WWI open-air museum nearby.
- Seceda Ridge Gondola — Take the cable car to Seceda for a jaw-dropping ridge walk above the Val Gardena valley.
Food to try
- Canederli — Large bread dumplings served in broth or with butter and cheese, a mountain staple.
- Casunziei — Beet-filled pasta half-moons topped with poppy seeds and melted butter.
- Speck — Lightly smoked, cured ham from the mountain region, often served with dark bread.
- Strudel di mele — Apple strudel with a thin pastry crust, a beloved Alpine dessert.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect mountain trails — Stay on marked paths and carry a map; mountain weather changes rapidly.
- German-Italian bilingualism — Many locals near the border speak German as a first language; both are widely used.
- Rifugio culture — Mountain huts (rifugi) are central to Alpine life; book ahead in peak summer season.
Nearby
- Canazei and the Sella Ronda (Trentino-Alto Adige) — 9 km
- Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige) — 39 km
- Merano (Trentino-Alto Adige) — 60 km
- Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige) — 67 km