1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo — The Iconic Circuit

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) are the most recognisable symbol of the Dolomites. The circular hiking trail around these three colossal limestone towers is arguably the most beautiful day hike in the Alps — a relatively easy 10-kilometre loop with panoramic views that will leave you speechless at every turn. The peaks glow pink and orange at sunset — the famous enrosadira phenomenon.

Location: Near Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Sesto Dolomites.

History: The area was a frontline during World War I, with tunnels and trenches still visible in the rock. The Tre Cime have been a symbol of the Dolomites since the first mountaineers scaled them in the 19th century.

Highlights:

• The full circuit hike: 10 km, 3–4 hours, moderate difficulty
• Rifugio Auronzo — starting point with terrace views of the peaks
• Rifugio Locatelli — perfect lunch stop at the base of the north face
• World War I tunnels and open-air museum in the surrounding rock

2. Lago di Braies — The Jewel of the Dolomites

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is the most photographed lake in the Dolomites, and for good reason. Nestled at the foot of the imposing Seekofel massif, its emerald-green waters are so clear you can see the submerged tree trunks at the bottom. The wooden boathouse and rowboats are the classic shot, but the full lakeside walk (3.5 km, easy) offers stunning views from every angle.

Location: Val Pusteria (Puster Valley), about 1 hour from Cortina.

Highlights:

• Morning walk around the lake before the crowds arrive
• Rowing a wooden boat across the emerald water
• Photography of the Seekofel reflected in the still lake
• Winter ice skating on the frozen surface

3. Seceda & the Val Gardena Ridgeline

Seceda offers one of the most dramatic mountain silhouettes in the world — impossibly steep, jagged rock spires rising from a sloping green pasture. The cable car from Ortisei delivers you to a high-altitude paradise of wildflower meadows, cow-dotted pastures, and a ridgeline hike that feels like walking on the edge of the world. The view of the Odle/Geisler peaks is pure alpine poetry.

Location: Val Gardena, reachable by cable car from Ortisei.

Highlights:

• The Seceda ridgeline photograph — the classic view from the top
• Hike to Rifugio Firenze through alpine meadows
• Via ferrata Cir to the Odle peaks for experienced climbers
• Paragliding off the mountain for the ultimate Dolomites view

4. Great Dolomites Road (SS48)

One of the great alpine drives of the world, the Great Dolomites Road runs from Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo, crossing the magnificent Passo Pordoi (2,239 m) and Passo Falzarego. The road snakes through dramatic mountain passes, past turquoise alpine lakes, and through valleys dotted with Tyrolean villages. Expect to stop every 15 minutes for photos.

Route: Bolzano → Passo Costalunga → Passo Pordoi → Cortina (or reverse).

Duration: 3 hours driving, but plan a full day with stops.

Highlights:

• Passo Pordoi — highest point on the road, cable car to Sass Pordoi summit
• Passo Falzarego — WWI museum and chairlift to Lagazuoi summit
• Lago di Carezza — a turquoise mountain lake near the Bolzano end
• Marmolada glacier — the highest peak in the Dolomites

5. Cortina d’Ampezzo & Winter in the Dolomites

Cortina d’Ampezzo is the queen of the Dolomites — a glamorous mountain resort surrounded by some of the most dramatic peaks in the range. In winter, it offers world-class skiing across the Dolomiti Superski network (450 km of slopes). In summer, it’s the base for countless hikes, via ferrata routes, and mountain bike trails. Even if you don’t ski, Cortina’s alpine beauty, elegant cafés, and mountain hut dining make it a destination in itself.

Location: Eastern Dolomites, 2 hours from Venice.

History: Hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and will co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Milan. Cortina has been a fashionable alpine retreat since the early 20th century.

Highlights:

• Olympic ice skating track and winter sports facilities
• Winter skiing on the Tofane and Faloria slopes
• Summer via ferrata routes for all skill levels
• Alpine dining — try casunziei (stuffed pasta) at a mountain hut

6. Alpe di Siusi & the Scenic Train Ride

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is Europe’s largest high alpine meadow, a vast rolling plateau at 1,800 metres surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Sciliar massif. In summer, it’s carpeted in wildflowers; in winter, it’s a cross-country skiing paradise. Getting there is half the adventure — take the narrow-gauge railway from Bolzano through the Isarco Valley, then a cable car up to the alp.

Location: South Tyrol, above the town of Siusi.

Highlights:

• Wildflower meadows in June and July
• Hiking trails across the plateau with 360° peak views
• Cross-country skiing in winter — 60 km of groomed trails
• Scenic train ride from Bolzano to Castelrotto