Are you planning a trip to the Dolomites and wondering which of the top places in the Dolomites you simply can not miss? Look no further because I got you covered! The Dolomites are a mountain range in North Italy and one of the must-dos when traveling to Italy! In the Dolomites, you have never-ending natural wonders of rough mountains blending in with lush rolling meadows and crystal-clear, emerald-colored lakes. It is one of those places you will come back to again and again once you have seen them for the first time.
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FAQ about exploring the Dolomites
How do I Get to the Dolomites?
If you want to get to all the top places in the Dolomites, the first thing to do is to fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport and drive from there with a rental car. Of course, this only applies to you if you are coming in from abroad. As I live in Germany, I went to the Dolomites in my own car, turning the trip into a road trip.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are the ideal destination for a road trip and switching between your hotels. Due to the locations of the top places in the Dolomites, I recommend booking at least two hotels, the first one being close to the Lago di Braies and Lago di Misurina. Here, I loved staying in the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina for its cozy rooms, great views, and delicious breakfast. Once you have seen all the beautiful lakes of the area, make sure to move on towards the Alpe di Siusi and the Val di Funes and check into the amazing Fort Schöllhof for an authentic mountain home experience close to the top attractions of the region. However, if you are more inclined to stay in a hotel to avoid self-catering, check out the Wanderhotel Teiserhof.
When to Visit the Dolomites?
Depending on when you travel the Dolomites throughout the year, you are promised to get various travel experiences! When traveling the Dolomites during spring, you might still be playing in the snow surrounding Lago di Misurina and have to share your hiking trails with the last skiers. If you go to the Dolomites in summer, you can expect rolling green hills and a hiker’s paradise. In autumn, you will get moody sceneries and golden forests. And during winter time, it is time to put on your skiers!
How to Get Around in the Dolomites?
In my opinion, the Dolomites are one of the destinations where not doing a road trip is missing out big time! With a rental car (or your own one), you are incredibly flexible and can visit all the top places at your own pace. Guided bus tours might be an alternative, but I think being independent here will be the best option in any case.
Lago di Braies
Let’s start this list of the top places in the Dolomites with my personal favorite. Lago di Braies is one of those places that feel like a postcard motif from every perspective and angle. With its famous boathouse and mountain scenery it is one of the most magnificent places in the Dolomites (or maybe even in the world?).
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure to walk around it, to see all of its grandeur.
- Renting a boat there is also a must-do and so much fun! The private boat experience costs around 50€ now, which is a little bit pricey.
- If it gets cold there, warm up with a nice coffee or hot cocoa at Emma’s Bistro, right next to the lake.
Alpe di Siusi
Another place that feels just like stepping into a postcard is the Alpe di Siusi. The alpine meadow with the small huts is such an incredible place, especially on a foggy morning when the rising sun turns the mountains from blue to gold in just a few hours. I really recommend going there for sunrise and hiking for as long as you please to ensure you get all the lovely views of the Alpe di Siusi.
Helpful Tips:
- You can get the best Kaiserscharrn at Malga Schgaguler Schwaige
- Cars are not allowed at the Alpe di Siusi and they even restrict the access from the main road leading to the Alpe di Sisui from 9:00 – 17:00. So if you want to get to the Alpe di Siusi by car, you have to be early and park it in Compatsch.
Lago di Dobbiaco
Quite close to the Lago di Braies, one of the highlights of the Dolomites is another emerald-colored lake that makes for the perfect walk around it! The Lago di Dobbiaco is just as gorgeous as all the other lakes in the Dolomites, with breathtaking mountain views all around.
Val di Funes
If I told you, that the Dolomites have an incredible amount of postcard motifs, would you believe me? Because there is another one that you just can’t miss and it is the Val di Funes. Val means valley and it might be the most incredible and picturesque valley that I have seen so far. Once you have parked your car in town, make sure to hike up towards the viewpoint of the Panorama di Santa Maddalena, so you can take in the town and its magnificent mountain backdrop. Once you have returned back to the town, also make a quick detour to the Church of St. John, which is a lovely chapel. This place is ideal for witnessing the sunset over the Val di Funes.
Helpful Tips
- Parking is only allowed in town and you will have to leave the car behind, once you started your hike.
- If you want to visit the Church of St. John, make sure to bring some cash with you, as the chapel is located on private grounds and the owners put up a barrier around the chapel and you can only get in by putting 2€ into a machine.
Lago di Misurina
Yet another top place in the Dolomites turns out to be a lake, but the truth is, they are also just too beautiful to miss out on them! The Lago di Misurina is no exception, especially as it is one of the places that are kept in winter’s snow a little longer than other places, that’s why we walked around it in snow even in April. However, one of the most prominent features of the Lago di Misurina is the hospital, which so strongly resembles the Grand Budapest Hotel from Wes Anderson’s movie, creating a very magical atmosphere at Lago di Misurina.
Lago di Carezza
Last but not least – yet another lake! One of the top places in the Dolomites is the Lago di Carezza. With its stunning emerald color, the lake already looks like a gem. Combined with the evergreen trees surrounding it, it looks like the living room of magical creatures of every kind. Definitely a must-do on everyone’s Dolomites itinerary!
Helpful Tips:
- You can only park at the enclosed parking lot, as Lago di Carezza is a place, many tourists visit during their Dolomites vacation.
- It is amazing to take a walk around the lake but you can also hike longer distances there, if you want to!
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