Top 15 Must-See Spots in Dolomites, Italy

Discover the top 15 must-see spots in Dolomites, Italy, from Val Gardena to Lago di Braies, with summer hiking tips and transport advice.

The Dolomites had been on my bucket list for almost a year before I finally visited them in summer, when I was still living in Italy. Around me, everybody talked about the Dolomites. Some people loved them in summer for hiking, green valleys, mountain lakes, and paragliding. Others dreamed about the snowy winter season, when the same mountains turn into a skiing paradise.

For me, summer was the obvious choice because hiking is one of my favorite things to do. I wanted to see the Dolomites in their green version: wooden huts, flower-filled meadows, turquoise lakes, dramatic peaks, and those peaceful mountain villages that look almost too perfect to be real.

I have to be honest: I did not visit every single place in this list during my trip. The Dolomites are huge, and it is very easy to underestimate the distances between valleys. This article is a mix of the places I visited, the spots I researched carefully while preparing my trip, and the places I still want to come back for one day.

So if you are planning your first trip and wondering what the top 15 must-see spots in Dolomites, Italy are, this guide will help you choose. I arranged the places from the easiest to the hardest to visit by public transport or organized tour, because not everyone wants to rent a car in the mountains.

Why Visit the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are not just “beautiful mountains.” They have a very special look: pale limestone peaks rising sharply above green valleys, wooden chalets, alpine churches, clear lakes, and endless hiking trails. The contrast is what makes them unforgettable.

In summer, the Dolomites feel fresh, green, and full of outdoor activities. You can hike, take cable cars to panoramic viewpoints, swim or paddle in lakes, try paragliding, eat in mountain huts, or simply sit somewhere with a coffee and stare at the peaks. I think this is one of the best destinations in Europe if you love nature but still want comfortable villages, good food, and practical transport options.

Another thing I like about the Dolomites is that each valley has its own character. Val Gardena feels organized and easy for first-time visitors. Val di Funes feels peaceful and photogenic. Cortina d’Ampezzo feels more classic and elegant. Molveno is lake-focused and relaxing. You can visit the Dolomites several times and still have a completely different trip each time.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Dolomites?

I visited the Dolomites in summer, and I think it is one of the best seasons if you love hiking. From June to September, the valleys are green, many cable cars are running, mountain huts are open, and the weather is more suitable for outdoor activities.

July and August are the busiest months. You will have the most transport options and the liveliest atmosphere, but also higher prices and more crowds at famous places like Lago di Braies, Seceda, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

June can be beautiful, especially late June, but some high-altitude trails may still have snow depending on the year. September is also a wonderful time to visit because the weather can still be good, the crowds are smaller, and the light is beautiful for photography.

If you want autumn colors, late September to October can be magical, but you need to check cable car and hut opening dates. Winter is a completely different experience, focused more on skiing, snowshoeing, and snowy landscapes.

Top 15 Must-See Spots in Dolomites, Italy

1. Lake Molveno

Lake Molveno is one of the easiest Dolomites spots to enjoy if you are arriving by public transport from Trento. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, with a relaxed holiday feeling that is different from the more dramatic rocky areas of South Tyrol.

This is a great place if you want mountain views without immediately doing a difficult hike. You can walk along the lake, take photos from the shore, swim in summer, rent a boat, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The water is clear, the village is charming, and the whole place feels very easy to enjoy.

Molveno is also a good choice if you are traveling with family or if you want a slower Dolomites trip. Not every day in the mountains has to be a challenging hike. Sometimes, sitting by a lake with a beautiful view is already enough.

Access by public transport: Easy. Take a train to Trento, then continue by bus to Molveno. In summer, there are tourist-friendly connections between Trento and the Paganella Plateau.

Photo tip: The best views are usually from the lakeshore, especially when the mountains reflect on the water.

2. Val Gardena

Val Gardena is one of the most practical and beautiful areas for a first Dolomites trip. The valley includes Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena, and it gives easy access to some of the most famous landscapes in the region.

If you are traveling without a car, Val Gardena is one of the places I would seriously consider as a base. The villages are connected by buses, and the cable cars make it much easier to reach high viewpoints without long climbs.

What I like about Val Gardena is that it gives you the “classic Dolomites” feeling very quickly. You have wooden houses, flower balconies, mountain views, cable cars, hiking trails, restaurants, and beautiful scenery all around. It is touristy, but in a way that makes the trip easier.

Access by public transport: Easy to moderate. You can reach the area by train to Bolzano, Bressanone, or Chiusa, then continue by bus to Val Gardena.

Photo tip: Walk around Ortisei or Selva in the morning or evening, when the villages look especially charming with the mountains in the background.

3. Alpe di Siusi

Alpe di Siusi, also called Seiser Alm, is one of the most famous alpine meadows in the Dolomites. It is a huge high plateau with rolling green fields, wooden huts, and mountain peaks in the distance.

This is one of the most beginner-friendly places in the Dolomites because you can reach it by cable car and choose easy walking routes. You do not need to be an advanced hiker to enjoy it. Even a short walk here can feel special.

In summer, Alpe di Siusi is all about wide open landscapes. It is less dramatic than Tre Cime, but it has a soft, peaceful beauty. If you like photography, this is a dream place, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Access by public transport: Easy from Ortisei or Siusi using cable cars and local buses.

Photo tip: Go early if you want quiet meadow photos with fewer people.

4. Seceda

Seceda is probably one of the most iconic views in the Dolomites. The sharp ridge, green slopes, and dramatic mountain backdrop are exactly the kind of scenery that makes people put the Dolomites on their bucket list.

One of the best things about Seceda is that it is quite accessible from Ortisei by cable car. That means you can reach an incredible viewpoint without doing a long uphill hike. Of course, you can still hike around the area if you want, but the main view is not only for expert hikers.

This is a place I would include in almost every first-time Dolomites itinerary, especially if you are staying in Val Gardena. It is popular, but for a good reason.

Access by public transport: Easy if you are based in Ortisei. Take the cable car up to Seceda during the operating season.

Photo tip: The classic ridge view is best when the weather is clear. Clouds can arrive quickly in the mountains, so try to go early.

5. Sassolungo and Passo Sella

Sassolungo is one of the most impressive mountain groups near Val Gardena. You can admire it from many viewpoints, but Passo Sella is one of the classic places to see it up close.

This area is especially beautiful if you want dramatic mountain scenery without going too far from Val Gardena. Depending on your plan, you can take a bus, drive, or use lifts and hiking trails in the area. There are also many organized tours that include Passo Sella as part of a Dolomites panorama route.

For hikers, this is a fantastic area. For non-hikers, even just stopping at the pass and enjoying the view is worth it. The scenery feels powerful and very “Dolomites.”

Access by public transport or tour: Moderate. It is easier in summer when buses and lifts are operating, or with an organized tour from Val Gardena or nearby towns.

Photo tip: Wide-angle photos work well here because the mountains are huge and very close.

6. Val di Funes

Val di Funes, also known as Villnöss, is one of the most photogenic valleys in the Dolomites. When I think of the Dolomites’ postcard look, this is one of the first places that comes to mind: green meadows, small churches, wooden farms, and the Odle peaks rising dramatically behind them.

Even if you are not planning a long hike, Val di Funes is worth visiting for the scenery alone. The famous views around Santa Maddalena and the Church of St. John in Ranui are some of the most beautiful in the region.

This valley feels quieter than Val Gardena and Cortina. It is still famous, of course, but it has a softer and more peaceful atmosphere. If you love photography, I would put it very high on your list.

Access by public transport: Moderate. You can reach Val di Funes by local bus from Bressanone/Brixen or Chiusa/Klausen.

Photo tip: Late afternoon is beautiful here, especially when the light hits the meadows and peaks.

Lean more: How to Visit Val Di Funes from Trento or Bolzano

7. Adolf Munkel Trail and Geisler Alm

If you want to turn Val di Funes into a hiking day, the Adolf Munkel Trail is one of the best choices. It takes you closer to the Odle/Geisler peaks and gives you that amazing feeling of walking beneath dramatic rock walls.

Geisler Alm is one of the most famous mountain huts in the area, partly because of its beautiful view. It is the kind of place where you can rest, eat something, and look at the mountains thinking, “Yes, this is why people love the Dolomites.”

This hike is not the hardest in the Dolomites, but it still requires proper shoes, enough time, and good weather. If you are not used to hiking, check the route carefully before you go.

Access by public transport or shuttle: Moderate to hard. You first need to reach Val di Funes, then continue toward the Zannes/Zans area, depending on the seasonal bus or shuttle options.

Photo tip: Take photos from the meadows near the hut with the Geisler peaks behind.

8. Lago di Carezza

Lago di Carezza, or Karersee, is a small but very colorful lake famous for its emerald and turquoise shades. It is one of the easier lake stops to include if you are traveling between Bolzano, Val d’Ega, or the western Dolomites.

The lake is not huge, so you do not need a full day here. A short walk around the lake is enough for most visitors. But the colors are beautiful, especially when the weather is clear and the mountains reflect on the water.

Because it is easy to access, it can be crowded. I would not expect a hidden gem, but I still think it is worth seeing if it fits naturally into your route.

Access by public transport or tour: Moderate. It can be reached by bus from Bolzano or included in organized Dolomites day tours.

Photo tip: Reflections are best on calm days with little wind.

9. Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, is one of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites. You have probably seen photos of wooden boats on turquoise water with mountains behind them. That is Lago di Braies.

Because it is so famous, it is also one of the busiest places in the Dolomites. I still think it deserves a place on this list, but it is important to go with the right expectations. Do not expect to have it to yourself in peak summer unless you arrive very early or visit outside the busiest season.

You can walk around the lake, rent a boat in season, or simply enjoy the view from the shore. The circular walk is not too difficult, but some parts are uneven, so comfortable shoes are still useful.

Access by public transport: Moderate. You can take a train to Dobbiaco/Toblach or Villabassa/Niederdorf, then continue by bus to the lake. In peak summer, reservations or special access rules may apply, so check before going.

Photo tip: The classic boat-house view is near the main arrival area, but walking around the lake gives you quieter angles.

10. Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most famous towns in the Dolomites and a useful base for the eastern side of the region. It has a more elegant feeling than some smaller villages, with shops, restaurants, hotels, and beautiful mountain views all around.

Cortina is especially practical if you want to visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cinque Torri, Lago di Misurina, Lago di Sorapis, or other nearby hikes. Many organized tours also start from or include Cortina.

Even if you do not stay overnight, it can be a good stop to understand another side of the Dolomites. Val Gardena feels more alpine-village style, while Cortina feels more like a classic mountain resort.

Access by public transport: Moderate. Cortina is reachable by bus from Venice, Mestre, and other towns, but train access is not direct.

Photo tip: Walk around town in the evening when the mountains glow and the streets feel lively.

11. Cinque Torri

Cinque Torri is one of the most interesting places in the Cortina area. The name means “Five Towers,” and the rock formations are very distinctive. It is also an area with World War I history, open-air museum paths, and beautiful views.

This is a great choice if you want a mix of scenery and history. The hiking here can be adjusted depending on your energy level. You can take lifts in season and then walk around the towers, or connect it with longer routes.

Compared with some other famous Dolomites hikes, Cinque Torri feels quite manageable, especially if you use the lift. It is a good middle-ground option: dramatic, photogenic, and not as demanding as Lago di Sorapis or some high mountain routes.

Access by public transport or tour: Moderate. It is easiest from Cortina using seasonal buses, lifts, or organized tours.

Photo tip: The rock towers look especially impressive when photographed with people or hikers for scale.

12. Lago di Misurina

Lago di Misurina is a beautiful lake near Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Many people pass through this area on the way to Tre Cime, but the lake itself is worth a stop.

The scenery here is calm and open, with mountain views reflected in the water when conditions are good. It is not as famous as Lago di Braies, but that can be a good thing. It feels less pressured, and it is a nice place to pause before or after a bigger mountain day.

If you are visiting without a car, Lago di Misurina can also be useful as a connection point for buses and shuttles toward Tre Cime, depending on the season.

Access by public transport: Moderate to hard, depending on the season. It is best combined with Cortina, Dobbiaco, or Tre Cime transport routes.

Photo tip: Try sunrise or sunset if you are staying nearby, when the lake is quieter.

13. Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most iconic places in the Dolomites. The three peaks are dramatic, powerful, and instantly recognizable. For many hikers, this is one of the top bucket-list spots in northern Italy.

The classic loop hike around Tre Cime is popular because it gives amazing views without being an extreme alpine climb. However, it is still a mountain hike, so you need proper shoes, layers, water, snacks, and good weather awareness.

By public transport, Tre Cime is possible but requires more planning than places like Seceda or Alpe di Siusi. Seasonal shuttles and buses operate to Rifugio Auronzo, but tickets, reservations, and schedules can change, so do not leave this part unplanned.

Access by public transport or tour: Harder but possible in summer. You can use seasonal buses or shuttles from Dobbiaco, Cortina, Misurina, or Auronzo depending on the route and date.

Photo tip: The loop gives many angles, but some of the best views are not only at the start. Keep walking if the weather is good.

14. Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint

The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint has become very famous because of its sharp, jagged mountain view. It is close to the Tre Cime area, but it feels different: more dramatic, narrow, and adventurous.

This is not the easiest viewpoint for everyone. The trail is shorter than many big hikes, but parts can feel exposed, and you need to be comfortable walking on mountain paths. If you are afraid of heights or the weather is bad, it may not be the right choice.

I would only add Cadini di Misurina if you already plan to visit Tre Cime and you have enough time, energy, and good conditions. It is beautiful, but it is not a casual photo stop.

Access by public transport or tour: Hard. First you need to reach Rifugio Auronzo or the Tre Cime area, then hike to the viewpoint.

Photo tip: Be careful and respectful on the trail. The view is amazing, but safety is more important than a photo.

15. Lago di Sorapis

Lago di Sorapis is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites, famous for its milky turquoise water. It looks almost unreal in photos. But it is also one of the harder places on this list because you need to hike to reach it.

The trail to Lago di Sorapis is very popular, but it is not an easy lake walk like Lago di Braies. There are narrow sections, rocky paths, and exposed parts. It is best for people who are comfortable hiking and have proper shoes.

I included it last not because it is less beautiful, but because it requires more effort and planning. If you love hiking, it can be one of the highlights of your Dolomites trip. If you prefer easy viewpoints, I would choose Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, or Lago di Braies instead.

Access by public transport or tour: Hard. You usually need to reach the trailhead near Passo Tre Croci from Cortina, then hike to the lake.

Photo tip: Go early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds and to give yourself enough time to return safely.

To make planning easier, here is a simple map of the places included in this guide. The Dolomites are spread across different valleys and provinces, so seeing them on a map helps a lot when deciding where to stay and how many places you can realistically visit in one trip.

How to Get to the Dolomites

The Dolomites are in northern Italy, but there is no single “Dolomites city” where you arrive and everything is nearby. The best route depends on which area you want to visit.

If you are visiting the South Tyrol side, especially Val Gardena, Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, or Lago di Braies, the most useful train hubs are Bolzano, Bressanone/Brixen, Chiusa/Klausen, and Dobbiaco/Toblach. From there, you can continue by regional bus.

If you are visiting Molveno and the Brenta Dolomites, Trento is the most practical gateway. From Trento, you can continue by bus to Molveno and the Paganella area.

If you are visiting Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cinque Torri, Lago di Misurina, or Lago di Sorapis, you can arrive by bus from Venice, Mestre, or other towns in Veneto. Cortina is a good base for this eastern side of the Dolomites.

If you have a car, you will have more freedom, especially for sunrise, sunset, and remote viewpoints. But I would not say a car is always necessary. Many famous Dolomites spots are reachable by train, bus, shuttle, cable car, or organized day tour. The most important thing is to check seasonal timetables, because many mountain buses and cable cars change between summer, autumn, and winter.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites

For a first trip without a car, I would choose one or two bases instead of trying to move around every day. The Dolomites look compact on a map, but the mountain roads and bus connections can make travel slower than expected.

Val Gardena

Val Gardena is one of the best places to stay if this is your first time in the Dolomites. Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena are all beautiful bases. Ortisei is especially convenient for cable cars to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi, so it is a great choice if you want easy access to iconic views.

Bressanone or Chiusa

Bressanone and Chiusa are good bases if you want easier access to Val di Funes by public transport. They are also connected by train, which makes them practical if you are traveling without a car.

Dobbiaco or San Candido

Dobbiaco and San Candido are useful bases for Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and the Three Peaks area. They are not as “classic postcard village” as some other Dolomites towns, but they are practical for transport.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina is a good base for the eastern Dolomites. It works well for Lago di Misurina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cinque Torri, Lago di Sorapis, and day tours. It is more expensive, but very convenient.

Molveno

Molveno is perfect if you want a more relaxed lake-and-mountain stay. It is great for families, couples, and anyone who wants beautiful scenery without doing intense hikes every day.

The Dolomites are the kind of destination that stays in your mind long after the trip ends. If this is your first trip, my advice is not to try to see everything. Choose one or two bases, check transport carefully, and leave some space in your itinerary for slow mountain moments. The Dolomites are not only about ticking off famous places. Sometimes the best memory is simply walking through a green valley, breathing fresh air, and looking up at those incredible peaks.

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