Dolomites (summer)

Hike: Tre Cime di Lavaredo

• Difficulty: moderate
• Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
• Length of time: 2 – 3 hours (with breaks)
• Rating: 10 / 10
• Elevation: 365 m / 1200 ft
• Trail type: loop
• Easily accessible from Cortina d’ Ampezzo

What makes this hike so special is hiking it at sunset (if possible), but noting it is important to plan enough time and consider bringing headlamps incase the trail takes longer than expected.

For this hike, you will enter the Tre Cime di Lavaredo National Park. Upon entry, the cost for parking is steep at 30 euros for the day. After paying, continue on the road until you reach the Rifugio Auronzo which marks the beginning of the loop trail. The trail can be done clockwise or counterclockwise. If looking to complete this hike around sunset, consider hiking counterclockwise. This is largely because if you are still on the trail after the sunsets, you will have light longer at the end of the trail than if done clockwise as the sun will be to your right when hiking counterclockwise and the higher parts of the mountain remain to your left.

The hike starts at Rifugio Auronzo. If choosing to hike counterclockwise, head to the Rifugio and continue past the Rifugio onto the trail towards Rifugio Lavaredo. If choosing to hike clockwise, walk away from Rifugio Auronzo further into the parking lot until you reach the trail. In this instance, you will have the larger mountain next to you directly on your right.

Here I will note the key points of interest for a counterclockwise hike. First head to the Rifugio Auronzo and follow the trail past the Rifugio towards Rifugio Lavaredo (path #101). As you walk on the straight path you will have spectacular views around the surrounding mountains. Shortly ahead of you, you will see a very small church. Continue past the church where you will soon be able to see Rifugio Lavaredo. Depending on the time of year you are visiting, the Rifugio will likely be open where people will stay for an evening. After you pass the Rifugio, the trail will turn and climb upwards. Continue to follow path 101, now following signs towards Rifugio Locatelli.

Hike up the hill where you will head straight for the famous Tre Cime rock formations. As you near the top, you will take a right and take the left path downward. This path will continue towards Rifugio Locatelli. Walk along the flatter path and look backward as the views of Tre Cime become more impressive. You will see Rifugio Locatelli as you approach it. If looking for a longer route than noted above, you can hike up to Rifugio Locatelli and do a small loop to see a lake. Our route did not include the incline to the Rifugio Locatelli and instead continued on the path towards Rifugio Langalm, switching to now follow path #105. From under Rifugio Locatelli, the walk to Langalm is noted as 1h 20. From Langalm, it will be another 30 – 40 minutes to the end point. Keep this in mind when factoring in sunset timing.

The path towards Langalm heads straight down into the bottom of a valley, which you will then proceed to climb back up. At the top of this climb offers some spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. If visiting at sunset, watching the sun illuminate the sky and mountains is gorgeous here. Continue walking along the trail towards Langalm. Once you reach Langalm, the signs note another 40 minutes back to Rifugio Auronzo.

Make your way back along the loop path until you reach a fence that you will need to go through. Here there are some steep edges so watch your step and be cautious, especially in the dark. Continue in the counterclockwise direction until you approach Rifugio Auronzo again where you will need to walk back through a large parking lot to approach your starting destination.

Rifugios along the route to consider booking for an evening – staying at one of these (esp. 2 and 3) will give you prime access to spectacular sunsets. If staying at 2 or 3, you can plan to do part of the hike to arrive at your accommodations, stay the evening and watch the sunset, and finish the hike the following morning when you depart.

1. Rifugio Langalm
2. Rifugio Auronzo
3. Rifugio Lavaredo
4. Rifugio Locatelli

Hike: Lago di Sorapis

• Difficulty: moderate
• Distance: 11.5 km / 7.2 miles
• Length of time: 2.5 – 4 hours (with breaks)
• Rating: 10 / 10
• Elevation: 425 meters / 1400 ft
• Trail type: out and back
• Easily accessible from Cortina d’ Ampezzo

Lago di Sorapis is a beautiful alpine lake with a cloudy light blue color. In order to reach this lake, you must hike there. The trailhead is located at Passo Tre Croci near the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina. If traveling from Cortina, the trailhead will be on your right. There is a very small parking lot across from the hotel and also some street parking available. Once you find the trailhead, head through the gate and down the wide, flat path. A point to note – initially follow signs for path #215 towards Rifugio Vandelli.

The path starts out quite easy and in the wooded area. As you continue on the hike, you will pass over a small water bed with a tiny waterfall on your rights. Cross the stones and continue on the path up. The path will continue on a gradual incline until you reach about 2.4 miles on the trail where it will then turn into a steeper climb. The panoramic views will also be incredible from here as you can see lots of the surrounding area on a clear day. The route will get a bit more technical past here.

There will be an iron rope on the wall to support in climbing some of the steeper stone area and some manmade stairs for a few stories. Then you will continue on the stone path. The path will continue to be technical in times, and you will soon hit another spot where there is an iron rope on the wall. The drop from here is high, but the path is wide enough to feel secure. Do not rush on this part. Continue back onto the wider path no longer on a steep ledge towards the lake. Follow the path towards Rifugio Vandelli, continuing straight upwards rather than the right path. You will shortly see the rifugio which is just short of Lago di Sorapis. Rather than now going towards the rifugio, follow the path to Lago di Sorapis and you should be greeted by the lake in minutes.

The lake sits with a beautiful mountain backdrop. It is especially nice to get here around lunch. If lucky enough to arrive before the sun has hit the water, you will be able to see the lake become illuminated in sunlight which leaves it a beautiful breathtaking light blue color. Plan to pack a lunch, and maybe a drink if you fancy, to sit and enjoy the natural beauty in front of you.

Once you are ready to get on your way, begin your hike again. This path, and my recommended route, would be to take the same route back down as you climbed up. Although an out and back hike, the views especially in the portion immediately following your turning point are rewarding. On your way up, your back would’ve been to these views, and now you get the opportunity to take in the views head-on. Note the route is quite technical, which we found actually to be somewhat more challenging on the way down. Watch your step and enjoy the journey down from the Lake.

Hike: Lago di Braies

Known as a famous lake in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies draws in all forms of visitors. This is largely due to its location as it can be reached within minutes from the parking lot, and therefore allows people who are less mobile or interested in active adventures to visit the lake. With easier access brings larger crowds. In the summer, it is common to have large crowds of people coming out to photograph the lake or take a boat on the water. Regardless if visiting in the peak summer season or quieter off season, try to visit Lago di Braies earlier in the morning. The lake is especially beautiful with the mountain reflecting in the clear, quiet water. Although touristy, the lake is beautiful and picturesque so if in the area or happy to get up early for an early morning drive to see the lake, it is worth a stop.

If you would like to spend longer at the lake, you can choose to hike around the lake or on trails in the area. Additionally, you can rent a boat and take the boat out on the peaceful water. For me, a short walk along the water in the early morning with a coffee was a perfect amount of time for a visit to Lago di Braies.

Part of Val Pusteria, but easily accessible from Cortina d’ Ampezzo (about a 70 minute drive each direction)

Hike: Adolf Munkel trail

• Difficulty: moderate
• Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
• Length of time: 2 – 3 hours (with breaks)
• Rating: 9 / 10
• Elevation: 450 meters / 1500 ft
• Trail type: loop
• Part of Val di Funes, but very easily accessible from towns in Val Gardena (Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina)

The Adolf Munkel trail is a commonly travelled trail and provides stunning views of some of the Dolomite peaks around. This trail is best done with the Geiser Alm stop in the second half meaning you walk clockwise along the Adolf Munkel trail. This is important as the area in Geiser Alm is a great place to stop for lunch, enjoy a drink, and just enjoy the incredible view of the mountains at this spot. It is ideal to arrive here in the early afternoon as the sun illuminates the mountains with the afternoon light.

From the Zanser Alm parking lot, follow path 6 pointing towards Tschantschenun which heads towards Geisler Alrm and Rifugio delle Odle. Immediately, the mountains will be visible with a nice view on your right. As you approach a bridge on your right, cross the bridge and continue in the direction of path 35 towards Geisler Alm / Rifugio delle Odle. Stay on path 35 until it veers right up or straight. Take the path to the right on route 36 towards Gschnagenhardt Alm. Trail 36A is a more direct route to Geisler Alm / Rifugio Delle Odle.

Soon you will reach the highest point of the hike and have panoramic views around. Look out into the distance and see rolling mountains, or turn around to the massive Dolomite peaks behind you. Continue down the hill where you will see Rifugio Gschnagenhardt-Alm. Stop here for a drink or bite to eat if you fancy. I can recommend both the apple pancake and beef goulash. There are also chairs set out facing the peaks. At this Rifugio, you often will run into an old man playing the accordion.

If you choose not to stop here, continue past the first Rifugio, Gschnagenhardt-Alm, to Rifugio dell Odle. This is just a few minutes and can be seen from the Rifugio Gschnagenhardt-Alm. Rifugio dell Odle has a large outdoor seating area for the restaurant and also has seats on the hill behind facing the large peaks. This is one of the most spectacular and iconic views.

Enjoy a sunny afternoon taking in the fantastic views here, almost like an alpine resort. Once you wrap up your time here, the remaining portion of the loop hike is about 2 miles and takes about 40 – 60 minutes. As you continue on the path back towards the start, you will pass another Rifugio which also has food and drinks available. If you fancy, make a stop here too! Before you know it, you will be at the end of this loop hike

Hike: Sassolungo Loop

• Route: Sassolungo Loop
• Difficulty: moderate
• Distance: 13.25 km / 8.25 miles
• Elevation: 500 meters / 1650 ft
• Estimated time: 5 – 7 hours (with breaks)
• Rating: 9 / 10
• Trail type: loop
• Val Gardena, most easily accessible from Selva or Passo Sella

Sassolungo (Langkofel) is the tallest peak in Val Gardena, and a famous peak within the Dolomites. Sassolungo (Italian) and Langkofel (German) translates as “long stone” and can be understood when you see the rock for yourself.

The loop around Sassolungo is a great day hike, providing a variety of terrain and views. Overall, it is rated as a hike of moderate difficulty, especially as there is an opportunity to avoid an ascent (or descent if hiking counter clockwise) with the coffin gondola.

As this is a loop hike, there’s different places you can start from depending on where you are based. The information provided below assumes a start in Selva. The town of Selva is one of the main towns in Val Gardena. For those staying in Selva, walk to the Ciampinoi gondola and take the gondola up to the top. From the top of the gondola, take a right and start on the trail towards Rifugio Emilio Comici.

The walk from the gondola to the Rifugio will take about 30 – 40 minutes. It starts as a descent with two major switchbacks. Keep your head up as this is a path shared with mountain bikes. Although it does not look like a nice track for mountain bikes, it opens up after the switchbacks. At the bottom of the switchbacks, the path will widen and be quite flat until you reach Rifugio Emilio Comici. This rifugio is named after an Italian mountaineer.

If you’re ready for a break or need a restroom, this is a good spot to stop. From here, you’ll continue onward towards Passo Sella, where trail markers estimate about a 40 minute walk. This portion of the hike is quite flat and winds through some areas which feel like a rock garden, as rocks have collected from previous rock falls.

When given the option to choose between 526 and 526c, consider taking 526 as this path is better for hikers only. 526c is available to strollers and bikes, and thus less peaceful if this is not needed for your group. Soon you’ll approach Passo Sella, and on your right, you should be able to spot a white gondola going up the Sassolungo. This is the Sassolungo gondola, often referred to as the coffin gondola. It earned this nickname because of the appearance, as it is long and thin. Two people fit inside these gondola cars, and you have to board with a bit of a “running” start, as well as exit hopping out.

At this point of the hike, you can choose to take the gondola up to avoid a significant amount of ascending, or choose to hike up. Note the distance, time, and elevation numbers provided in the description assume you take the gondola, and thus expect all values to be higher if you opt into hiking rather than using the gondola.

Once at the top of the gondola, you’ll find Rifugio Toni Demetz and will also see a lot of climbers. This is a very common via ferrata spot and you’ll see a board with information on many of the different ways to climb here.

If hungry, grab a bite to eat here. However, I will note, the next rifugio is fabulous and where I would recommend stopping if you are not yet ready to sit down for a meal. Now at the peak elevation of the hike, it’s time to start descending. To continue the loop, you’ll descend down the opposite side of the gondola. For this portion of the hike, you will definitely want hiking poles. While doable, the path has a lot of loose gravel.

The signs estimate approximately 50 minutes to reach Rifugio Vicenza. While accurate for some, for those who prefer descending slower, this may be a bit too quick. Take your time and enjoy the descent. The terrain is impressive here as you are on the rock, very different fro the views and terrain earlier. Once you reach Rifugio Vicenza, the major descent portion is done.

Rifugio Vicenza is a fabulous spot to stop and enjoy a break after the long descent. It has great views, and can be especially appreciated as it really can only be reached on foot so all those visiting are also out hiking. There service is pretty quick here and perfect on a nice summer day to sit outside. Once you’ve wrapped up, you’ll continue on the loop on path 525. When you soon reach a fork in the path, choose the route pointing towards Comici Hutte. Path 525 will transition into 526 and continue to wrap around the Sassolungo. You’ll reach a point with a steep, but short, incline. At the top here, you again have a choice.

For those who are tired and do not feel up to finishing the loop, follow path 526b (approx 20 minutes) to the top of Mont de Seura chairlift. Here you will be able to take the chairlift down to the town of Santa Cristina and can find a bus back to Selva.

For those who are up for continuing the loop, the remaining portion will be about 1 – 1.5 hours to reach the top of the Ciampinoi gondola. Following signs towards Comici Hutte. Keep in mind, chairlifts and gondolas close (usually between 4:30 – 5:30) and thus it is important to keep track of time so you are able to take the chairlift or gondola as planned.

The initial portion is largely flat, but on a thin path. There’s some incredible views to your left on a clear day. The path then becomes more rolling. We eventually hit a point in the path where we intercepted snow, and this was in late July. We saw people crossing with one foot in front of the other, as the path was quite slippery and not easy to walk on with normal hiking shoes. Fortunately, we were able to find a spot where we could descend and cross an area where the snow appeared to end, and then ascend back onto the main path.

The path continues from here on a thinner ridge, where it’s again important to watch your step as there are parts of the path with loose gravel. There will be some additional ascending required before this portion of the path is completed. Once the path meets back with a wider path, minutes from Rifugio Emilio Comici, you’re within 30 – 45 minutes of the end of the hike.

Here you will re-trace your steps back to the Ciampinoi gondola. First continue on the flat, wider path before reaching the two switch backs which you will need to ascend. After the two switch backs, you will wrap around the corner and should soon see the gondola. At this point, you are done and can take the gondola back down to the town of Selva!

Hike: Colfosco and Jimmi Hutte

• Difficulty: moderate
• Distance: 11.5 km / 7 miles
• Length of time: 4 – 6 hours (with breaks)
• Rating: 8 / 10
• Elevation: 615 meters / 2000 ft
• Trail type: Out and partial back
• Alta Badia – hike starts and ends in Corvara / Colfosco

For those staying in Corvara, take the Borest gondola up from Corvara to the town of Colfosco. It’s also possible to drive, take a bus, or walk this distance (about 30 minutes). Upon reaching Colfosco, now take the Colfosco gondola up which will gain more elevation than the first gondola. The top of the Colfosco gondola is where the hike will properly begin.

Before you get going, stop in Rifugio Edelweiss for a coffee and then get on your way. From Rifugio Edelweiss, you’ll immediately start ascending quickly. You’ll be taking a path towards Utia Forcelles. The majority of the elevation will be required to get from Rifugio Edelweiss to Utia Forcelles. Once you reach Utia Forcelles, the views really begin. From here, you’ll continue on a flatter path for awhile, enjoying a more leisurely hike with incredible views.

Eventually you’ll reach a fork in the road, with an option to ascend towards Rifugio Jimmi. This will require some further climbing, but you’ll soon be at your lunch spot. After about 20 minutes, you reach Rifugio Jimmi and can comfortably sit for lunch with spectacular views.

At this point, there’s a few different options. For those who are ready to be done hiking, take the Frara gondola down which is linked with the Plans gondola. At the bottom of the Plans gondola, you’ll need to walk about 15 minutes to reach the Borest gondola where you started this morning, and can take Borest gondola back to Corvara.

For those looking for a bigger hike, you can continue above Rifugio Jimmi and complete a loop which brings you back to the Colfosco gondola.

For those who would like to hike more, but do not have a full afternoon to spend hiking more, you can start by back tracking the route you came and then descend to the Borest gondola. After descending from Jimmi Hutte, you’ll continue back on the path you came on. Eventually you’ll reach a point where you have an option to turn right. Take the right which will have you descending further again.

At this point, you’ll be winding through some more wooded areas rather than on a ridge trail. You’ll eventually approach small towns and road. Follow signs to reach Colfosco where you’ll ultimately be looking to get back to the Borest gondola. Take the gondola back to Corvara to wrap up the hike.

Hike: Col Alt Loop

• Difficulty: moderate
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Length of time: 3 – 5 hours (with breaks)
• Rating: 6 / 10
• Elevation: 212 meters / 700 ft
• Trail type: loop
• Alta Badia – hike starts and ends in Corvara

This hike starts from the town of Corvara where you will take the Col Alto gondola. From the top of the gondola, you’ll start walking down hill towards the Braia Fraida chairlift. The walk here is short, maybe 10 – 15 minutes. While taking the chairlift is definitely not required, it can be a nice option to help keep this as a shorter hike for a morning.

One important point to note about this route is this is a shared area with mountain bikers, and a very common place for mountain bikers to cycle. With this in mind, it requires you to be very aware when walking on the paths. On the plus side, this whole hike is special as the majority of the hike will provide panoramic views.

From the end of the Braia Fraida chairlift, you’ll take a right towards Utia Tabla. You’ll walk towards the main entrance, but then continue on the path past this hut and the path will begin to veer left where you’ll see a sign. Follow the path towards Rifugio Ütia Bioch. There’s some immediate climbing, but this will flatten out once you reach Rifugio Ütia Bioch. From this rifugio, there are nice chairs to sit in with beautiful views.

From here, the path will be generally flat with a slight incline. Head towards Pralongia. Once you reach Rifugio Alpino Pralongià, you’ll have another opportunity for a break. If you are not keen to stop, continue onward towards the Pralongia chair lift and Punta Trieste, which was about a 20 – 30 minute walk from Rifugio Alpino Pralongià.

At Punta Trieste and the top of the Pralongia chair lift, you’ll find Rifugio Punta Trieste. This is a great spot to sit for lunch and a drink, as the terrace offers stunning views out on the Marmolada and Sella Group.

Following a sufficient break, take the chairlift down or choose to hike for extra steps, but note the time and distance estimates provided above assume you’ve taken the chairlift. From the bottom of the chairlift, its about a 45 minute walk back to the town of Corvara. The walk is not the nicest, as it runs next to the road. There is a separate path for the first part of the route so you are not actually walking on the road. The second half of the walk requires a bit of time on a smaller road, but you are nearly at the town at this point.

With the above in mind, if the bus is nearby, it may be nice to just take the bus back to town. The hike ends back in Corvara where you started.

Santa Magdalena church

Santa Magdalena is the main town in Val di Funes, and offers incredible views of the Geisler mountain range. Santa Magdalena church provides an iconic photo spot drawing many to the Dolomites.

Part of Val di Funes, but very easily accessible from towns in Val Gardena (Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina)

Alps di Siusi

The Alps di Siusi, also known as Seiser Alm, is the largest high-alpine mountain plateau in Europe. It includes 52 sq. km of land with 450 km of hiking trails and is well above sea level. When exploring the mountain plateau, it leaves you feeling like you are lost in the Sound of Music. Depending on where you are staying will impact how you choose to get here.

From Ortisei, you can catch the Ortisei – Alps di Siusi gondola (Mont Seuc Gondola). A one-way gondola ticket up costs around 16 euros and a one-way gondola ticket down costs around 16 euros, with a roundtrip option at 24 euros. The ticket office will also ask if you would like to purchase a ticket for the chairlift for 5 additional euros. For flexibility, we would recommend purchasing this ticket as it may be nice to take the chairlift up the hill back to the gondola after you have hiked in the area.

If you prefer a challenge, you also have the option to hike up from the town, but it will be quite a steep incline.

Seceda Ridgeline

The Seceda Ridgeline can be reached by taking a long hike, or using the Seceda Cableway. A roundtrip ticket with the cableway costs approximately 27 euros. First you will take a gondola up the mountain, and then switch to a cable car where you will get off and head towards the Seceda Ridgeline. The Seceda Ridgeline viewpoint is only about a 10 minute walk from the top of the cable car.

If you used the cable car to come up, plan to spend additional time up here hiking in the area. Although expensive to come up just to see the Seceda Ridgeline, it is quite a spectacular view. On clear days, you will also be able to have panoramic views of the surrounding areas, which includes visibility of the Austrian Alps.

Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous, look into paragliding. Some companies will offer paragliding tandem rides from the top of Seceda. This provides a great opportunity to go up and see the Seceda Ridgeline, and then fly down with a trained paragliding instructor to see the surrounding areas at a birds’ eye view.

Lago di Carezza

Another famous lake which is possible to drive up to rather than hike to reach, Lago di Carezza is a beautiful emerald green lake. At the main viewing point, the mountains behind it reflect into the lake. When visiting, plan to walk around the lake. It is quite small and only takes about 20 minutes, but provides a nice way to see the lake from different viewpoints and enjoy the scenery. There is paid parking available across the street with a fairly large parking lot.

Part of Val d’Ega, but easily accessible from Ortisei (about a 70 minute drive each direction)

Paragliding

If you are an adventure seeker and want a different viewpoint of the Dolomites, consider taking a tandem paragliding flight. When paragliding, you will likely meet your pilot at the bottom of a gondola and head to your take-off point. The take-off point is usually a steep hill. The pilot will set-up the parachute along the side of the hill. Once ready, you will be hooked together and to the parachute. Then you will start running down the steep hill, and quite quickly, you will be flying. At this point, you will be soaring above and have a new vantage point of the Dolomites.

Fly2 offers paragliding from Ortisei with a few different options for flight types available. I would recommend taking a flight for 20 – 25 minutes. This is enough time to enjoy the flight and take in the views.

Via Ferrata

This is a type of climbing, which literally translates as “iron treks”. It is a protected climbing route where iron cables are set up along the route, which climbers then use to clip in and out of while completing the trek. The Dolomites have a lot of via ferrata routes. For those who have tried it before, you can try out different routes or opt to book with a guide. If you are new to via ferrata, be sure to book with a guide first to show you how it is done and take you along a route.

Catores has a variety of options for guided via ferrata routes. Check out options available on the website or stop inside their office in Ortisei. They also offer a lot more options than just via ferrata, including climbing, guide hikes, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and more.

Cycling

As a mountainous area, the Dolomites are full of ascents and descents. Consider renting road bikes or e-bikes to explore on two wheels. Although many of the roads might not be ideal to cycle on, there are other areas where biking is nice. Try cycling the Sella Ronda which is a well-known ski loop if you are up for a longer ride as it is just over 50km.

Towns

The Dolomites has lots of little, charming towns spread throughout the region. Ortisei, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Selva, Santa Cristina, and Corvara are just a few of the many towns. Be sure to explore some while visiting, whether it includes stopping through for a coffee, grabbing an afternoon drink on a terrace, shopping, or enjoying a nice evening meal.