A favorite destination for nature lovers, the Dolomites, or Dolomiti in Italian, is a mountainous region that is part of the Alps in northern Italy. Dominated by 18 majestic peaks, its diverse landscape consists of more than 350,000 acres of jagged pinnacles, rugged rocks, icy glaciers, deep gorges, lush forests, and verdant valleys. Due to its stunning beauty and well-preserved Mesozoic carbonate shelf system that was formed 250 million years ago, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
Throughout the Dolomites, cities and towns dot the countryside, each part a fascinating smorgasbord of unique customs and languages. In fact, before the end of World War I, South Tyrol and Trentino were part of Austria, which explains why 75 percent of the region’s population speaks German as their mother tongue.
Get there
The Dolomites trace the northeastern border between Italy and Austria, traversing the Italian provinces of Belluno, Alto Adige (also called South Tyrol) and Trentino. The highest point of the mountain rises almost 11,000 feet above sea level.
The trip from Milan to Bolzano takes a little over 3 hours by car or train. While it is possible to see a large number of the Dolomites by train or regional bus, many travelers prefer to rent a car to explore small towns and natural areas that are not on public transport routes.
Climate in the Dolomites
The weather can change abruptly in the Dolomites, so be prepared for anything. Fall generally comes early with frosts present in late August. People flock to the region to see the fall foliage burst of color, before winter covers the landscape with snow that may not melt until late spring. Summers are short but beautifully lush and green.
What to do in the Dolomites
Filled with dramatic ridges and unspoiled lakes, rivers, forests, and meadows, the region draws visitors year-round, with most coming for summer or winter sports.
Here is a list of some of the best things to do in the Dolomites.
- Spectacular ski and snowboard slopes: clean air, pristine surroundings and high peaks make the Dolomites an ideal place for all kinds of outdoor winter sports. Depending on the annual snowfall, slopes at higher elevations may open in early fall and remain open until late spring.
- Tackling a Via Ferrata Climbing Route: A via ferrata (sometimes plural called vie ferrate ) is a protected climbing route equipped with steel cables attached to the rock wall, which climbers can use to secure themselves. Each via ferrata is classified according to the difficulty, determined by the incline and the length between the wineries. The most sought-after vie ferrates are found near Cortina, Alta Badia and Val di Fassa.
- Take a stunning drive on Great Dolomites Road – One way to see the Dolomites up close is to plan a drive up the stunning Great Dolomites Road ( Grande Strada delle Dolomiti ). An engineering feat, the road cuts through the mountains starting outside Bolzano and ending at Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- Barrel Downhill on a Mountain Bike – Mountain biking is a popular hobby in the temperate climate during the summer months. Whether you join a private bike tour or go on your own, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views along winding trails and bumpy bike paths.
- Fly over snowy peaks in a hot air balloon: In early and mid-January, the skies over Dobbiaco fill with hundreds of hot air balloons taking part in the annual Balloon Week festival. Book a private balloon tour that will take you up and down for a panoramic view of the Alta Pusteria Valley of the Dolomites.
Dolomites towns and cities to visit
- Belluno – The Alpine town of Belluno is considered the gateway to the Dolomites. Located between the Piave and Ardo rivers, this charming town is surrounded by meadows and hills, making it the perfect base for mountain biking and hiking.
- Bolzano-Bozen – The capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano, has beautiful parks, flower-lined promenades, and a cog railway and cable car that transport passengers to the ski areas and plateaus with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Must-sees include the Duomo di Bolzano and the Archaeological Museum where you can meet Ötzi the Iceman, an incredibly well-preserved glacial mummy dating from the Copper Age.
- Brunico-Bruneck: Brunico was founded in the 13th century and is the largest city in the Kronplatz holiday area in South Tyrol. Along with the luxurious Plan de Corones ski resort, other popular city attractions include the Brunico Castle and the Messner Mountain Museum.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Cortina d’Ampezzo is a fashionable town in the province of Belluno. Cortina not only has a wealth of landscapes, but it also has museums, art galleries, fine restaurants, luxury hotels, and one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. In summer, mountaineers flock to the area to try the challenging ferrata trail nearby.
- Merano: Merano is a pretty spa town best known for attracting literary figures like Franz Kafka and Ezra Pound. Its main thoroughfare of smart shops and elegant hotels is second only to its beautiful gardens that line the Passirio River.
Where to ski
- Val Gardena Ski Resort: Val Gardena, in South Tyrol, high up in the Dolomites, is an international vacation spot frequented by winter sports enthusiasts. Part of the Sella Ronda circuit, Val Gardena has 80 lifts and more than 300 miles of connected slopes. The town of Selva Gardena offers visitors many opportunities for cultural events and leisure activities.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort: One of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world, the Cortina d’Ampezzo slopes are ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. It has 47 lifts and offers a variety of fun activities for families, such as tobogganing, tobogganing, ice skating, and even hockey.
- Ortisei Ski Resort: Best known for its excellent cross-country skiing, Ortisei Ski Resort is located in the Val Gardena Valley. After exploring the quaint little town, you can take the narrow-gauge railway to the 8,000-foot summit to see one of the most beautiful Alpine pastures in all of Italy.
Where to walk, bike and climb
- Hiking – A must for keen hikers and climbers, the Belluno Dolomites National Park is a nature reserve with glaciers, waterfalls, forests, and archeology museums. Renon-Ritten is another hiker’s paradise, perched on a plateau overlooking the city of Bolzano.
- Mountain biking: For the more daring riders, the Herrensteigh in the Kronplatz area offers a variety of challenging downhill and freeride trails.
- Mountaineering: Monte Cristallo is located in the center of the Dolomites and has four peaks, which form the Cristallo group. The highest reaches an elevation of over 10,000 feet and can be explored by cable car or by climbing one of its three ferrata routes. The 1993 movie “Cliffhanger” with Sylvester Stallone was filmed there.
Where to stay
- Luxury Hotels: Stay in storybook alpine mountain cabins or rustic, elegant wooden chalets with Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class wine sommeliers, and panoramic indoor and outdoor infinity pools. Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort, an adults-only option near Bolzano, was recently named one of the best spa hotels in the world.
- Wellness Hotels: Indulge in soothing treatments and unwind in thermal spas at a Dolomites wellness hotel. The facilities and services available include swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, aromatic baths and relaxing body massages. In Ortisei, Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti offers a high-end experience. The Hotel Quelle Nature Spa Resort is a luxurious wellness hotel with a family atmosphere in the northeast of Bruneck.
- Mountain and Alpine Cabins: Also known as shelters, mountain or alpine cabins are scattered throughout the Dolomites. They serve as a rest stop where hikers and climbers can grab a hearty meal before hitting the trail again. Some cabins offer overnight stays, but it is highly recommended to book in advance.
The official website for South Tyrol has a lot of information on things to do and places to stay in the Dolomites.
