Hello there! If you want to go on one of the most epic road trips you can go on in Europe, the place to go is the Dolomites! The Italian mountain range with its steep mountains, emerald lakes, and lush green valleys and meadows awaits you with breathtaking sceneries on every turn of their winding roads. Whenever you look around in the Dolomites, you are almost guaranteed with natural wonders and now combine this with cozy hotels and amazing Italian cuisine. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well, welcome to my 7-Day Dolomites Itinerary, where I show you all the most incredible places and things to do in the Dolomites while giving you all the important travel tips, packing hacks, and hotel recommendations, so your Dolomites road trip will be an unforgettable experience!
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FAQ About Traveling to The Dolomites
When to visit the Dolomites?
If you want to follow this Dolomites Itinerary, you should visit it from April to October. When I went in April, we had an amazing time with very few tourists at the major sights. However, certain areas like the Tre Cime viewpoint, which I was dying to see were closed because of snow and we had to share some mountain tops with some of the most enthusiastic skiers. So it has its perks but also its downsides to visit the Dolomites in April. However, it will also get more crowded during the summer months.
How to Get to the Dolomites?
As we live in Germany, we didn’t have any trouble getting to the Dolomites but could simply go there by car with only a short layover at Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the dreamiest places in Germany. If you have to travel a bit further to get to the Dolomites, it is easiest to fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and go the rest of the way by car.
If you don’t want to travel the Dolomites on your own, you can also take a guided day trip.
How to Get Around in the Dolomites?
In my opinion, the best way to explore the Dolomites is by car. This way you can easily get from point A to B while taking all the time you need at each spot. It is also the best way to cover the greater distances between the different areas of the Dolomites.
What to Pack When Traveling to the Dolomites?
When embarking on your road trip to the Dolomites what to pack heavily depends on when you are going. But no matter the time, it is always helpful to carry an extra layer of clothing. Just in case you are getting cold of course. And sturdy shoes are also a must when you are planning to hike in the Dolomites.
Day 1 – Arriving in the Dolomites, Sunset Magic & Pizza
On the first day of this Dolomites Itinerary, I was mostly occupied with arriving in the Dolomites. However, I already had in mind what would be the first thing to do once I arrived. It would be seeing the sunset at one of the most incredible places there is! Sadly, due to snow, the place I wanted to go to was closed to visitors, but I made sure to write down how to get there for you.
Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
The place that I wanted to go to is called the “Punto Panoramico Cadini di Misurina, Cadore, Dolomiti” and is one of the most breathtaking ones in the Dolomites. It is the perfect and picturesque place to enjoy your first sunset in the Dolomites. To get there, you simply have to drive to the Rifugio Auronzo, where you can park your car. From there walk 30 – 40 minutes to get to the viewpoint. If you want to use that street, you will also have to pay a toll of about 30€. Be aware: prices may vary and change! This was the price I found when I did my research.
Check-In At B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina
Once you have finished the first hike of your trip, it is time to check into your hotel. We chose to spend the first two nights of our Dolomites road trip in the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina and we couldn’t have made a better choice! The hotel is located close to all the major sights in the area. From our room, we had the most wonderful view and could watch the mountains while snuggling in bed. It also has an amazing breakfast buffet where you can get a classical continental breakfast but also local specialties. All in all, the perfect base from which to explore the beauties of Cortina!
Dinner in Cortina
One little tradition I love is to treat yourself on the first night of your trip! That night, we headed to Cortina and had the best pizza in months. Of course, an Italian pizza does that trick. In the small city of Cortina, you can find many nice restaurants. It is also the perfect place to just stroll the streets and be surprised by where you will end up having your dinner.
Day 2 – Dolomites Lake Day
Rise and Shine! On the day of this Dolomites Itinerary, we explored all the beautiful lakes around the B&B. I will write about the lakes in the order I would recommend visiting them in this post. However, you can feel free to switch things up to whatever order you like best!
Lago di Braies
Let’s start with the most iconic lake there is! The Lago di Braies is such a popular photo spot. I am pretty sure, that I am not the first one to show you pictures of the incredible emerald-colored lake. Lago di Braies is famous for its breathtaking mountain panorama and boat rental. When visiting it in the early morning of April, we came to a scenery that was quite different. The boathouse closed, as some of the water of the lake was still frozen, we had the lake and snow-capped mountain almost all to ourselves. It was cold but so lovely and I loved the photos we took.
After hiking around the lake, we also treated us with a hot chocolate at the local café! However, when you travel Lago di Braies in summer and want to get the whole boat experience, make sure to be there as soon as the rental place opens. The rentals start from 8:00 am – 10:00 am, depending on the month you are visiting. To get more specific information, check out la palafitta, the rental services’ website. And although I didn’t get to rent a boat this time, I did it the year before. So I can tell you, it is as magical as the Instagram-pictures suggest!
Lago di Dobbiaco
After finishing our hot chocolate at the Lago di Braies, we headed straight to Lake No. 2 for the day! The Lago di Dobbiaco is only a short drive away from the Lago di Braies. It is also the perfect place for you to unwind and indulge in the mountain views surrounding it. We went on a walk around the lake and it was truly stunning! It is also very inviting to just sit on one of the benches around and read for a little while.
Lago di Misurina
Next up on this Dolomites Itinerary is the wonderful Lago di Misurina! The breathtaking lake is the next one to walk around. And of course while it is perfectly stunning all around, you can find an old house on its end, that turns the scenery into a shot straight out of Wes Anderson’s „The Grand Budapest Hotel“. In reality, that house is called the „Instituto Pio XII – Centro di diagnosi, cura e reabilitazione dell’asma infantile“ and is a hospital for asthmatic childtren.
Buffet at the B&B
After hiking around 3 lakes in total, we enjoyed a hot shower and some relaxation. We also treated ourselves to the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina’s evening buffet and it was worth the splurge! It was incredibly delicious and filled with local delicacies. I think I ended up eating 3 portions of basil Spätzle.
Day 3 – Magnificent Drive, Check In Fortschöllhof, Evening Carbonara
The next day, we seized our chance to sleep in and relax since we had gotten up so early before. We snuggled and then packed everything up before enjoying another morning at the glorious breakfast buffet of the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina’s . Then it was already time to check out and embark on the next part of our Dolomites Itinerary!
Scenic Drive from Cortina to Fortschöllhof
Once our bellies were full and we checked out of the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina’s, we started our drive to the place we would stay at next. The drive is approximately 2,5 hours long, however, we took our time getting from A to B. Meaning, here you can stop at whatever beautiful sight you can find. From playing in the snow that was still laying on the top of the Passo Giau to every other beautiful turn. Somewhere along the way, we stopped to eat the snacks we smuggled with us from the hotel buffets and just enjoyed wasting time away. Another hihglight is also to stop at a local supermarket to buy all the ingredients for your dinner. One of the greatest things about traveling the Dolomites is that it combines mountain ranges with Italian food. So I just had to get everything for a home-cooked meal.
Lago di Carezza
Depending on when you arrive at Fortschöllhof, you can also decide to go on the most picturesque detour I can imagine. Only a one hour drive away from your hotel from the night is the Lago di Carezza. The Lago di Carezza is nother charming, emerald lake, which is simply the best place to get some steps in for the day after driving so much. It is nestled into the coniferous forest behind it like a jewel and it sparkles like one too. After admiring it long enough, we also took a walk around it, taking in all the beauty of the Dolomites.
Helpful Tips for Visiting the Lago di Carezza
- It can get quite crowded around the lake, so if you want to get the best pictures, make sure to bring your wide-angle lens and some patience!
- Due to an increase in visitors, you have to pay for parking near the lake. You can not miss the parking lot.
Check-in at the Fortschöllhof & a Cozy Dinner
After a long day of wonderful views and sceneries, it is time to check into your new place to stay! As over the next few days, you will be exploring many things in the surrounding areas, Fortschöllhof makes for the perfect base. Originally a farm, the family owning it also rents out multiple apartments on their grounds. It has a very rural and comfy vibe and you can feel the family’s dedication to make your trip memorable in everything they do. We opted for one of their places that has a kitchen, so I could make the most perfect Carbonara. Oh and of course, when in Italy, you have to have some Aperol Spritz as an aperitif!
Day 4 – Alpe di Siusi – The Highlight of this Dolomites Itinerary
The next day of this trip was all about visiting one place that had been on my bucket list forever – the Alpe di Siusi. For me, this magical alpine meadow is the embodiment of how I imagine the Dolomites to look like. It is such an iconic postcard-motive, it is the top thing on every Dolomites itinerary. We seized visiting it for a chance to not only take pictures and fly our drone but also to hike the day away and indulge in Kaiserschmarrn to get our stamina back up.
Getting to the Alpe di Siusi
Getting to this wonderful meadow is a little tricky since cars are more or less forbidden to drive there. The only way you are allowed to drive up there is if you either have to get to your hotel on the Alpe di Siusi or if you come to park in the designated parking lots in Compatsch. However, if you want to park there, be there before 9:00, as the roads leading towards Alpe di Siusi are closed from 9:00 – 17:00.(Although I try to update my Dolomites itinerary regularly, make sure to check the actuality of this information!). If you don’t need to come by car, you can also take the lift either from the town of Siusi or St. Uhlrich.
The Most Iconic Photo Spot in the Dolomites
First things first – as a content creator, the first place I had to go to was the most iconic photo spot in the Alpe di Siusi. The best times to get there are either sunrise or sunset. As I didn’t check where to find the iconic viewpoint properly, we got lost on our way. That meant we lost a lot of that precious early morning light, however, it was still a glorious photo spot. That’s why I made sure to leave a tag on the Map for you.
If you have a drone, you can fly it at the Alpe di Siusi (for now). Just make sure to fly cautiously and not disturb any other visitors. Of course, please check website’s of local authorities before flying and do your own research. This Dolomites Itinerary was written in September 2024 and rules might change when you read this.
Kaiserschmarrn Lunch at Schgaguler Schwaige
Once all my desired pictures and videos were shot, a quite demanding appetite kicked in. It was time to indulge in a brunch worthy of hiking the Dolomites: a delicious plate of Kaiserschmarrn. The place to go here is the Schgagguler Schwaige, where you can warm up and enjoy your meal to the fullest. Having the Kaiserscharn right there was quite an important step in the preparation for the upcoming hike.
Did you know, you can also buy my photos as sceensavers for your phones and computers? Check out my Etsy store for further information?
Hike Hike Hike
As I wanted to take in as much of Alpe di Siusi, it was my goal to spend as much time hiking it that day as possible. We accomplished that mission and hiked more than 15 kilometers that day. All while hiking uphill, downhill, and also through a lot of snow which was still covering certain hilltops. It was beyond exhausting and I think I have never been as whiny on a hike before. But of course, all the wonderful views were more than worth it! For further information on the Alpe di Siusi hiking trails, check out the Alpe di Siusi official website. Once on the way home, we stopped in Siusi for some groceries and had a cozy evening in Fortschöllhof.
Day 5 – Val di Funes
Giving our (well only mine to be honest) sore muscles a rest, we took the next morning slowly and decided to sleep in. We enjoyed an extended breakfast at Fortschöllhof taking in the beautiful views of our balcony. Spending the morning reading and relaxing was incredibly serene and felt like the exact activity a place like Fortschöllhof was created for. Of course, we didn’t waste the whole day away and went out exploring some more too! On the Dolomites itinerary for the day is a very special and very picturesque place – the Val di Funes. Val translates to valley and that valley is a magnificent place to spend a sunset and hike a little in.
Hiking to the Valley Viewpoint
The first thing that there is to do at the Val di Funes is to hike to the first major viewpoint where you can overlook the town and mountains behind the Val di Funes. The entire hike around the valley is very picturesque and not too hard on exhausted people. You can also use it as another picture opportunity if the sunlight isn’t too harsh for you. Those not too eager to hike all the way can also simply walk to the viewpoint and return to the village for coffee and cake.
San Giovanni Church
One of the major things to see in the Val di Funes is the lovely San Giovanni Chruch. You can’t really see it from either of the viewpoints uphill or even when you are getting closer to it. That’s because it is hidden behind a fence. Since the area the chapel is placed on is in private hands, you will have to pay a fee if you want to enter it. We happily paid the fee of 3€ but one thing that shocked us was that we had no other option but to pay it in coins. Luckily we had enough cash on our hands to pay it, but it is important to come prepared.
Once in the area, all you will be able to focus on is the wonderful view that you get to take in. There on the green hill, the chapel of San Giovanni stands tall in front of a majestic mountain range. And while you enjoy the sun going down behind you the only sound you really hear is the chatting of other tourists. It is very peaceful there and not to miss when traveling the Dolomites. Once the sun had vanished behind the mountains we got the chills and headed back for one final night in Fortschöllhof.
Day 6 – Seceda, Spa night at the Wanderhotel Kaiserhof
Are you ready to explore one last epic mountain area? The last day on this Dolomites itinerary is dedicated to two things: experience the eye-opening and breathtaking beauty of Seceda and curing your sore muscles with some much needed spa time.
Stepping Into a Different World – Seceda
This day’s hike will lead you to Seceda, one of the must see’s when visiting the Dolomites. The rough mountains make for the ideal scenery for photographers who are looking for a photo motif that looks more like Middle Earth than our humble realm. There are also many hikes to be taken up there and if you are looking for the ideal hiking trails, check out Seceda’s Official Website for further information. To get to Seceda, you can choose between 3 cablecars going uphill. Which on you choose depends on where you start and of course which hiking trails you wish to see!
Ending Your Trip to the Dolomites with Some Much Needed Spa Time at Wanderhotel Teiserhof
After hiking and walking for so many days, I was almost desperate to get into a sauna and enjoy some much needed relaxation. I found it in the last hotel in this Dolomites Itinerary, the Wanderhotel Teiserhof. Once we unpacked our things in our cozy room, we almost sprinted downstairs to their spa. We enjoyed it as long as we could, only to get interrupted by some demanding empty stomachs, who just couldn’t wait any longer to be fed. We found just what we needed in the restaurant of the Teiser Stern, another hotel close by. Their food is hearty, warming and made from local produce, which I always love. All these lovely things made it very easy to feel almost at home at the Teiserhof and makes me want to go back very soon!
Day 7 – Leaving the Dolomites
The day we had to leave the Dolomites came sooner than expected and left us sadder than expected too. It felt like we had so much more left to explore. But one friend of mine once told me that you should never explore everything in one place so that you always have a reason to return.
Once checked out of the Hotel Teiserhof, we embarked on the journey back home. For us, this meant another stop in Seefeld, breaking our way home into smaller portions. Which was much needed because of the traffic that awaited us. That’s why I recommend you do the same and combine your way back home (or your way to the airport) with another stop to make your trip home more relaxing.
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