19 Best Hikes In The Dolomites That Will Take Your Breath Away [2026]

Hiking in the Dolomites has been one of my absolute favorite travel experiences of my life so far. The views, sunsets/sunrise, stunning lakes, and the incredible vibe these mountains offer – there is no place like the Dolomites. I came here to hike the Alta Via 1, followed by multiple day hikes across the mountains, all by myself, during a time when I was facing many life changes.

I was up there for 8 hours every single day, just reflecting and letting my legs guide me. It felt like home, and soon after, I decided to move here. So now, I actually live close to the Dolomites and get to explore new hiking trails every summer.

So, in this article, I’ll share the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites with you. These are the most worth it, if you’re visiting for the first time!

Have fun!

19 Best Hikes In The Dolomites: Map & Overview

Here are the 19 top hikes in the Dolomites I suggest for your trip. I’ve ranked them from easy to more difficult. So, choose based on your fitness level or the type of trip you prefer:

1. Resciesa
2. Alpe di Siusi
3. Seceda Circuit
4. Tre Cime Loop
5. Cadini Di Misurina
6. Lago Di Sorapis
7. Croda Da Lago
8. 5 Torri Circuit
9. Santa Magdalena Loop
10. 5 Torri – Rifugio Averau – Rifugio Nuvolau
11. Rifugio Pederu – Rifugio Fanes
12. Sassolungo Circuit
13. Selva – Vallunga
14. Adolf-Munkler Weg
15. Saltria – Rifugio Sasso Piatto
16. Compatsch – Schlernhaus – Rifugio Alpe Di Tires – Compatsch
17. Selva – Passo Gardena – Rifugio Puez
18. Sass Pordoi – Piz Boe
19. Passo Falzarego – Rifugio Lagazuoi

👉 LET ME GUIDE YOU IN THE DOLOMITES: Are you visiting the Dolomites and would like me to accompany you? Hire me as your personal guide – I can take you to the most beautiful mountain excursions, places and mountain huts, e-biking in Alpe di Siusi, without you having to hustle and figure out the logistics. Contact me: [email protected] Or book this 1-on-1 travel chat (consultation) with me and I’ll help you plan.

Easy Hikes In The Dolomites

Let’s start with easy hikes. These hikes don’t require much fitness; I’d consider them as walks. Yet, the views are as if you were to hike to the highest peaks in the Dolomites. So, here they are, if you are more on the leisurely side and want to combine easy hiking with relaxation:

1. Resciesa

Resciesa is the one that surprised me the most, because from a town’s perspective, it doesn’t seem like something very interesting. But once you’re up there – wow! My mind was blown away.

You’ll start in Ortisei (Val Gardena) and take a cable car to Resciesa. Then follow a circuit; there is just 1 pathway that will take you to the top, towards the cross. On the way, you’ll pass by Rifugio Resciesa, where you can have snacks, lunch, or delicious desserts.

Enjoy the views of the Alpe di Siusi and Sassolungo mountains as you walk around. The entire circuit from the cable car station, via rifugio, to the cross, and back to the cable car (without stopping) takes about 1.5 hours.

2. Alpe di Siusi

If you want to experience paradise on earth, spend at least 1 day in Alpe di Siusi – the highest alpine meadows in Europe. It offers so many easy walks/hikes.

You can access it from Ortisei by taking the red cable car. Or from Seis town by taking the blue cable car. I recommend getting there from Ortisei and then following the pathway towards the ICARO Hotel. First, you’ll walk for about 5 minutes through a forest, and after, the views spread out in front of you – I’ve teared up so many times here, it’s so spectacular.

You can hike to Malga Sanon (hut), Edelweiss Hut, or even higher to Rifugio Molignon.

NOTE: If you’re tired of hiking, rent an e-bike and bike through all the roads there – it’s such a great experience, and you’ll get to see more in a day.

3. Seceda Circuit

Staying still in Ortisei, you can take 2 cable cars leading up to Seceda – one of the most popular mountain excursions in the Dolomites. With that said, go early in the morning to avoid crowds.

From the cable car, follow the loop to the viewing point and keep walking on the pathway as the scenery of the Odle Alps changes in front of you. I’ve never seen such cool mountain shapes in my life.

You can hike down to Col Riaser and back up to the cable car, or just to the nearby huts like Baita Daniel or Baita Sofia. You’ll love the views of the Sella Group Mountains in front of you, enhanced with paragliders flying around!

👉 READ ALSO: Unique 5-Day Hike In The Dolomites: Self-Guided Itinerary

4. Tre Cime Loop

Switching to the other side of the Dolomites, welcome to Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s the easiest place to access from Venice (the closest airport). From Cortina, you can drive or take a bus to Rifugio Auronzo. That’s where your hike starts.

Follow the 3 Cime Loop as you hike around the famous 3 peaks of the Dolomites. This is perhaps the most popular hiking trip here, so I was quite sceptical.

But let me tell you, the tourists spread out, and it did not feel as busy as I expected it to be. It was 100% worth it. And the views – I think I don’t even have to mention, it’s so stunning.

Hike to the 3 Cime Rifugio for some lunch and then return. Count with 4-5 hours for the entire hike.

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5. Cadini Di Misurina

Staying at Rifugio Auronzo, going the opposite direction, you can hike towards the Cadini di Misurina viewing point. You’ll face the other side of 3 cime. It takes about an hour, with a slight uphill section. In the end, other surreal mountain shapes await you. It’s an easy hike.

And I actually managed to do both, 3 Cime and Cadinidi di Misurina in 1 day as a day trip from Cortina, so go for it, if you’re not tired.

6. Lago Di Sorapis

Another great day hike from Cortina is to visit the crystal-clear and blue Lago di Sorapis.

You’ll have to take a bus or drive the same direction as you would to see the 3 Cime. But, get off soon at a parking called ‘Misurina – Passo Tre Croci’. From there, follow the Trail CAI 215 until you reach the lake. It takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to walk to the lake, depending on your pace.

This hike is equally crowded and popular as 3 Cime, so I also highly recommend starting as early as you can to avoid crowds. But the colors of the lake are truly surreal and worth the walk.

7. Croda Da Lago

You’ll start at Ponte de Ru Curto. From there, follow the trail for about 2.5 hours as you see the stunning Croda da Lago massif above you until you reach Lago Federa. There is a rifugio to enjoy lunch and the mountain reflections in the lake are next level.

Then, return to the same spot as you started. It’s an easy hike you can make from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

8. 5 Torri Circuit

One of my absolute favorites (I feel like almost all of them are, lol)! Cause it’s just getting more and more beautiful. If you’re in Cortina, travel to the other side (west) until you reach Parking Seggovia 5 Torri.

From there, you can either hike for about 1.5 hours or take a chair lift to Rifugio Scoiattoli. That’s where your 5 Torri Loop starts.

It’s an easy walk through the trenches from WWI. This used to be one of the main areas where battles between Austrians and Italians were held as they were defending their territories. You’ll not only get to learn a bit about the history, but also enjoy unique rock formations on the way. It’s one of the best things to do in the Dolomites in summer.

After, have a great lunch at Rifugio Scoiattoli and return to the parking. It’s one of my favorite rifugios in the Dolomites!

9. Santa Magdalena Loop

Last but not least, the easiest walk of them all is located in the Val di Funes region of the Dolomites.

Drive or take a bus to a town called Santa Magdalena. From the town center, follow the road towards the local church (Chiesa di Santa Maddalena). I’m sure you’ve seen pictures from this viewing point with the church (Church of St. John) and dramatic rocks in the background. It’s here.

You can also do it with a stroller and children.

Medium Hikes In The Dolomites

Here are some medium-difficulty hikes in the Dolomites. That means, they’re still easy to follow, but with more uphill sections. Yet, totally manageable for everyone (if you’re looking for a bit of challenge, but not too difficult):

10. 5 Torri – Rifugio Averau – Rifugio Nuvolau

Coming back to 5 Torri, once you’re at Rifugio Scoiattoli, you can keep hiking uphill towards Rifugio Averau (for about an hour). And from there, keep hiking up to the highest point here, which is Rifugio Nuvolau.

The entire hike from Rifugio Scoiattoli to Rifugio Nuvolau takes about 2.5 hours. And the views from the top – you’ll have to see for yourself.

👉 READ ALSO: Dolomites Itinerary: 5 Unforgettable Days In The Italian Alps

11. Rifugio Pederu – Rifugio Fanes

These ones are part of the famous Alta Via – hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites. But you can easily do them as a day trip hike.

Start at Rifugio Pederu. The ascent is pretty steep at first, but the mountains and rocks around are very unique. It will take you about 3 hours to get to Rifugio Fanes.

Once you’re there, also visit Rifugio Lavarella, just a 5-minute walk away. They have their own brewery, and the atmosphere is so peaceful. You’ll get to eat delicious food and listen to cows’ bells. Then return to Rifugio Pederu, or even stay a night here, it’s so magical!

12. Sassolungo Circuit

Okay, I’m not going to say the word ‘one of my favorites’ again, as you’re probably getting tired of it :D… but what can I say – Sassolungo blew my mind even more than any other hikes I’ve described before it.

You’ll drive or take a bus to Passo Sella. First, you’ll probably truly be mindblown by the stunning Sassolungo mountains in front of you. So take it all in and stare as much as you need.

Then, you can take the amazing 1-person cable car (as I like to call it), well, it also fits 2 people, to Rifugio Toni Demetz. You can also hike it for about 2 hours. From there, follow the only trail and descend to Rifugio Vicenza. Be careful as the rocks are quite slippery.

From Rifugio Vicenza, you have 2 options. Either turn right and walk around Sassolungo until you reach Rifugio Comici. Or turn left and follow the other trail until you reach Rifugio Sasso Piatto, and then keep hiking to Rifugio Friedrich August. They have the best donuts here (if you’re not too late, you’ll see them fresh and ready to eat as you enter the rifugio).

Then keep hiking back to Passo Sella.

Allow 5 hours if you take the cable car and walk via Rifugio Comici, and 6-7 hours if you hike via Rifugio Sasso Piatto.

13. Selva – Vallunga

If you’re staying in Val Gardena, you’ll love this hike. It’s a bit more challenging than the others, but amazing! Start in Selva and follow the Vallunga valley towards the Vallunga waterfalls.

You can then either hike back to Selva if you have enough, or keep hiking to Rifugio Puez for lunch. It feels a lot more secluded and mountainous here, as not many people do this hike.

14. Adolf-Munkler Weg

Returning to Val di Funes and Santa Magdalena, you can follow a rather easier hike that is called Adolf-Munkler Weg. Start at Malga Zannes. Then follow a train until you reach the Glatschalm hut and keep going further up to the Geisleralm. You can then return to Santa Magdalena.

Or extend it to a 2-day hike trip. Keep hiking to Rifugio Malga Brogles and then via the Pana Scharte section, you’ll make it to Seceda. Then, take the cable car to Ortisei, and you’ve got a wonderful 2-day hike for your trip.

15. Saltria – Rifugio Sasso Piatto

One more hike I’ve got for you is again in the Alpe di Siusi. You’ll need to first get to Saltria (the other main town in Alpe di Siusi). From there, first take a chair lift to Wild O’williams hut, or you can hike it for about 1.5 hours.

Then, keep walking for an extra 40 minutes until you reach Rifugio Sasso Piatto. Going back to Saltra/Compatsch, you can take the same way, or keep walking alongside the mountains towards Passo Duron.

Then start descending – you’ll reach Rifugio Molignon and from there, just keep walking until you’re back at the roads of Alpe di Siusi.

Difficult Hikes In The Dolomites

Now, I’ll give you the secret hikes I’ve discovered as I was staying in Val Gardena – these are truly my favorite hikes of all. They are long and challenging, you’ll get to see a lot, and the rewards afterwards are priceless.

These are also the least crowded, as many people stay hiking within the easy loops and trails. So, if you want to experience the authentic mountains, these hikes are for you.

16. Compatsch – Schlernhaus – Rifugio Alpe Di Tires – Compatsch

If you are in Alpe di Siusi, I highly recommend that you enjoy this hike. But make sure you’ve got the entire day – it’s going to take you about 6 hours without much stopping (so 8 hours with stops and enjoying).

Start in Compatsch and hike for about 3 hours to Schlernhaus. After, walk through various interesting rock colors and shapes for about 2 hours until you reach Rifugio Alpe di Tires.

Have a late lunch here. Once you start walking from the rifugio back to Compatsch, after about 10 minutes of walking, this is where one of the most stunning views of the Dolomites awaits you. Take some time to admire it and soak it all in.

Then hike to Forcella Denti, and from there, start descending towards Compatsch, with even more surreal views. I just kept walking with my mouth open here, it’s that breathtaking.

NOTE: You can easily split this hike into 2 days and just hike to 1 rifugio at a time. But I personally think doing them both in 1 day as a loop is an extra experience. Or stay overnight in one of the rifugios.

👉 READ ALSO: Epic 3-Day Hike In The Dolomites: Self-Guided Itinerary

17. Selva – Passo Gardena – Rifugio Puez

Another great and challenging hike awaits you from Selva di Val Gardena. First, hike to Passo Gardena & Jimmi Hütte. From there, keep following the trail until you reach Forcella Cir. Then keep walking via Furcela de Ciampei until you reach Rifugio Puez.

From Rifugio Puez, you have 3 options. The easiest would be to walk back to Selva via Vallunga. Or, you can return the same way to Passo Gardena and then back to Selva.

What I did was I kept hiking via the steep rocks towards Rifugio Firenze and Col Raiser. From Rifugio Puez, it took me about 3.5 hours to get to Rifugio Firenze, and there was 1 really steep section with ropes. But it was 100% worth it.

I barely met any people on the way, and again, the views… were out of this world! It’s a bit more challenging, but it’s such a hidden gem.

18. Sass Pordoi – Piz Boe

I didn’t know what to expect from this hike. But at the very end of my 2-week exploration of the Dolomites, when I came for the first time, I extended my stay for 1 more night, and booked a night at a rifugio on the top of Piz Boe (one of the highest peaks).

I actually had no idea where I was heading. I just found it on Google Maps as I wanted to see the sunrise on my last day… well, this ended up being my absolute favorite place in the Dolomites. I’m not joking, it’s still my favorite ever since, even since I’ve moved here. I’ve already been here multiple times, that’s how much I love it!

Take a cable car from Passo Pordoi to Sass Pordoi, and then enjoy a 2-hour hike to the top of Piz Boe. I need to warn you, though, towards the end, like the last 40 minutes, it’s very steep, and there are some ropes and a little via ferrata. So, if you are terrified of heights, this hike might not be for you.

You don’t need special equipment, just hold onto the via ferrata and keep going up. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the entire Dolomites, as this peak is more or less in the middle of it all.

19. Passo Falzarego – Rifugio Lagazuoi

If you’re in the 5 Torri area, make it also to Passo Falzarego, another beautiful mountain pass.

From there, you can hike for about 2.5 hours, through steep sections, following other trenches from WWI, to the top of Lagazuoi. Treat yourself to a delicious lunch and desserts at the Rifugio Lagazuoi, or even stay for the night. It’s one of the highest rifugios here, and staying here is like being in a paradise.

Then, you can either walk back to Passo Falzarego (approx. 2 hours) or just take the cable car.

Best Multi-Day Hikes [Hut-To-Hut Hiking] In The Dolomites

Last but not least, I also have some multi-day hikes in the Dolomites for you. I’d highly recommend making these trips, as it’s going to be the most authentic experience.

Just pack into that 50L backpack, and go with friends or solo, and get lost in the mountains. Best time guaranteed!

📍 Compatsch – Schlernhaus – Rifugio Alpe di Tires (sleep over) – Rifugio Sasso Piatto – Rifugio Friedrich August – Passo Sella – Sass Pordoi – Piz Boe (sleep over)

📍 Lago di Braies – Rifugio Sennes (sleep over) – Rifugio Pederu – Rifugio Lavarella (sleep over) – Malga di Gran Fanes – Armentarola

📍 Rifugio Lagazuoi – Passo Falzarego – Rifugio Scoiattoli (sleep over) – Rifugio Averau – Rifugio Nuvolaus – Rifugio Fedare

📍 Selva – Jimmi Hutte – Rifugio Puez (sleep over) – Rifugio Firenze – Col Raiser – Seceda – Ortisei

📍 Santa Magdalena – Malga Zannes – Geisleralm – Pana Scharte – Seceda – Ortisei

Practical Tips For Hiking In The Dolomites

I have more tips for you if you need help planning your hiking trip to the Dolomites in detail. So check them out below:

What Is The Best Month To Hike In The Dolomites?

June and July are the best months to hike in the Dolomites. Everything is super beautiful and green, meadows are full of flowers, rivers and lakes filled with crystal-clear water from melting snow/glaciers, and the weather tends to be great, too.

What To Pack For Hiking In The Dolomites?

I packed into a 50L packpack with a couple of T-Shirts that I rotated, 1 long hiking pants, 1 pair of leggings, 1 pair of shorts, a couple of socks and bras, 1 windproof and waterproof jacket, and 2 light sweaters. Then hiking boots and 1 pair of sneakers, and you’re ready to go. You don’t need much. Take it easy and pack light.

Where To Stay In The Dolomites

To enjoy these hikes, I recommend staying either in Cortina d’Ampezzo or Val Gardena (Ortisei or Selva towns). These are the 2 best base places, from which you can explore all these hikes.

I’d recommend spending 4 nights in Cortina and about 10 nights in Val Gardena, to cover as much as you can.

I’ve also written a full article about where to stay in the Dolomites, recommending my favorite hotels in each area. So, check out the article for more specific tips and book your favorite hotels.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most popular questions about hiking in the Dolomites. Get my answers below:

What Is The Most Beautiful Hike In The Dolomites?

Compatsch to Schlernhaus to Rifugio Alpe di Tires and back to Compatsch is in my mind the most beautiful hike in the Dolomites I’ve done. It’s not so crowded, the views are spectacular, always changing, and you’ll get to visit 2 amazing mountain huts on the way.

What Is The Most Beautiful Mountain In The Dolomites?

The Odle Mountain Peaks are the most beautiful in the Dolomites. You’ll get the best views of them from Seceda – the shapes are so stunning.

What Not To Miss In The Dolomites?

Val Gardena, Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, Sassolungo, 5 Torri, and 3 Cime with Rifugio Lagazuoi are a few of the unmissable things to experience in the Dolomites.

Is It Possible To Go Solo Hiking In The Dolomites?

Yes, 100%. I hiked almost half of the Dolomites as a solo woman over 2 weeks. Trails were easy to follow, and I think it’s even better to go alone as you’ll get to reflect on life and just have a great time with your own thoughts, in pure nature.

Do I have To Be Fit To Hike The Dolomites?

No, you don’t have to be fit. There are many easy hikes and walks you can enjoy and still experience the Dolomites in their perfect beauty.

Can I Go Hiking In The Dolomites Without A Car?

Yes, you can go hiking in the Dolomites without a car. I’ve done it for over 2 weeks, and not having a car was even better. Because you can go anywhere and hike loops for long hours and finish at a different place than where you started, without having to worry about the car.

WRAP-UP: Best Hikes In The Dolomites

These are the best hikes in the Dolomites. I recommend you put it on your itinerary. There are many more, but these definitely have the most breathtaking scenery and are very unique.

I’m still dreaming about these hikes, that’s how great they were and how much they impacted my life. If you have any questions, contact me at [email protected]. I will also be happy to plan your hiking itinerary to the Dolomites, or book this 1-on-1 travel chat (consultation) with me if you want to plan in real time.

Happy Dolomites Hiking!

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