Famous for their jagged peaks and crystal-clear lakes, the Dolomites have a way of making every other mountain range feel a bit ordinary. This guide to the best hikes in the Dolomites highlights ten stunning day hikes that combine epic views with trails for every kind of adventurer.

The Dolomites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy, are part of the Alps and stretch across three regions. Known for their dramatic peaks, expansive meadows, and turquoise alpine lakes, they’re  also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most iconic hiking destinations.

But it’s not just the landscapes that make the Dolomites a favorite among hikers. Well-marked trails, detailed maps, and a network of cozy mountain huts make exploring easy, with options ranging from casual strolls to challenging multi-day treks.

To make planning your trip easier, I’ve put together a list of ten of the best hikes in the Dolomites, focusing specifically on the most stunning day hikes for all skill levels. For each one, you’ll find technical info, tips on how to get there, and what to expect along the way. And if you’re wondering where to base yourself to access most of these incredible routes, you’ll find helpful advice at the end of the article.

1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo 

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop is probably one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites, and for very good reason. It takes you around the famous Three Peaks, offering views that feel almost too dramatic to be real. Located near Cortina d’Ampezzo, this is a classic day hike that works for beginners looking for a challenge or seasoned hikers wanting an easy but unforgettable route.

• Starting point: Rifugio Auronzo Parking Area
• Lenght: 10 km (6.2 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain: 470m (1,300 feet) 
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate, with some rocky sections

If you’re staying nearby, Cortina d’Ampezzo is your best base, just a 30-minute drive or bus ride from the trailhead. Along the way, you’ll find two standout rifugios: Rifugio Locatelli and Rifugio Lavaredo, both perfect for grabbing lunch or a drink while soaking in the views.

Rifugio Auronzo, where the hike begins, is also accessible by car or public transportation in peak season. Buses run from Cortina to the base of the Tre Cime toll road, where you can catch a shuttle to the trailhead.

For more detailed information and trail maps, you can visit the AllTrails page.

• • Read More: Tre Cime di Lavaredo – Hiking Guide

2. Seceda Ridgeline Hike

Seceda’s ridgeline offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Dolomites, with the jagged peaks of the Odle Group creating a very dramatic backdrop. This day hike is accessible via a cable car from Ortisei in Val Gardena, making it a convenient option for many hikers.

• Starting point: Seceda cable car station 
• Lenght: 8 km (11 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain of 300m (980 feet)
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours 
• Difficulty level: moderately easy

Staying in Ortisei is recommended, as it offers a range of accommodations and is the starting point for the cable car to Seceda. Along the hike, you’ll find rifugios like Rifugio Firenze and Rifugio Troier, where you can take a break and enjoy traditional dishes amidst stunning landscapes.

Public transportation to Ortisei is straightforward, with regular bus services available. The cable car station is within walking distance from the town center, and once at the top, the well-marked trails make navigation easy.

For detailed trail information and maps, refer to the AllTrails page.

• • Read More: Seceda Peak Italy – Your Essential Hiking Guide

3. Sorapis Lake Trail

Lago di Sorapis is one of those places that feels like a reward for the effort you put in. This alpine lake, with its unreal turquoise water, is tucked away in the heart of the Dolomites near Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s a popular day hike that offers a mix of woodland trails, rocky sections, and unbeatable views, making it perfect for hikers who want a little challenge with a huge payoff.

• Starting point: Passo Tre Croci
• Lenght: 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain: 600m (1,970 feet) 
• Duration: 5 hours
• Difficulty level: moderate, with some narrow and exposed sections

Cortina d’Ampezzo is the best base for this hike, and buses from the town center will take you to the trailhead at Passo Tre Croci. Rifugios are limited on this hike, so pack snacks and water. Once you reach the lake, though, you’ll find plenty of scenic spots to rest and enjoy the view before heading back.

For more details and a map of the route, check out the AllTrails page.

4. Alpe di Siusi Meadows Walk

If you’re after wide-open spaces and easy-going trails, Alpe di Siusi is where you want to be. Known as Europe’s largest alpine meadow, this area in the Dolomites offers a peaceful escape with jaw-dropping views of the Sciliar and Sassolungo peaks. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed day hike, especially if you’re traveling with family or prefer a more leisurely pace.

• Starting point: Compatsch area of Alpe di Siusi, accessible via cable car from Ortisei or Castelrotto. 
• Lenght: 10–12 km (6–7.5 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain: 300m (980 feet)
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours 
• Difficulty level: it’s an easy trail, accessible to hikers of all skill levels.

The best place to stay nearby is Castelrotto (Kastelruth), a charming village with plenty of accommodation options. Rifugios like Rifugio Molignon and Rifugio Edelweiss are dotted along the trails, offering local food and drinks with stellar views.

Getting here is straightforward. Public buses connect Castelrotto and Ortisei to the cable cars leading up to Alpe di Siusi, and the meadow is well-marked once you’re there. For a detailed trail map, visit the AllTrails page.

5. Adolf Munkel Trail

The Adolf Munkel Trail is often considered one of the most scenic low-altitude hikes in the Dolomites. Tucked into the stunning Val di Funes, this trail is a loop that runs along the base of the Geisler/Odle peaks, giving you constant views of jagged spires that feel almost close enough to touch. It’s a day hike that perfectly balances effort and reward, making it a favorite for hikers of all levels.

• Starting point: Zanser Alm (Malga Zannes), a short drive from Santa Maddalena
• Lenght: 9 km (5.6 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain: 400m (1310 feet)
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Difficulty level: easy to moderate

Santa Maddalena, a picturesque village at the foot of the Dolomites, is the best base for this hike. From there, you can reach the trailhead at Zanser Alm by car or local bus. Along the way, you’ll pass rifugios like Rifugio delle Odle and Rifugio Brogles, where you can refuel with local dishes or simply sit back and admire the peaks.

Public transportation is a great option here. Buses run regularly to Santa Maddalena, and a shuttle service operates during peak season to take hikers to Zanser Alm. For detailed trail maps and information, check out the AllTrails page.

6. Cinque Torri Loop Hike (via Bai de Dones)

Cinque Torri is a short but memorable hiking loop near Cortina d’Ampezzo that combines breathtaking mountain scenery with a dose of history. The towering rock formations, known as the “Five Towers,” are fascinating enough on their own, but this area also served as a key battleground during World War I. The mix of natural beauty and historical significance makes this hike stand out in the Dolomites.

• Starting point: Cinque Torri chairlift station
• Lenght: 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain: 400m (1310 feet) 
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Difficulty level: moderate, with some rocky sections

The best place to stay nearby is Cortina d’Ampezzo, which offers easy access to the trailhead. Along the hike, you’ll find Rifugio Scoiattoli, perfectly positioned for a break with incredible views. You can grab a bite, relax, and even spot some of the restored WWI trenches nearby.

Public transportation is available from Cortina. Buses run to the Passo Falzarego area, and a chairlift can take you up close to the start of the trail in Bai de Dones. For detailed trail information and maps, visit the AllTrails page.

7. Passo Giau and Monte Nuvolau Hike

If you’re looking for an alternative way to explore the Cinque Torri area, this route from Passo Giau to Monte Nuvolau adds an extra layer of adventure and some of the most expansive views in the Dolomites. Compared to the shorter Cinque Torri hike, this trail offers more variety—climbing up to the panoramic summit of Monte Nuvolau and taking you through a more rugged, open landscape. It’s a fantastic choice if you’ve got the time and want a longer, more challenging experience.

• Starting point: Passo Giau
• Lenght: 10 km (6.2 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain of 500m (1,640 feet)
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours to complete
• Difficulty level: moderately challenging, with some steep sections 

Base yourself in Cortina d’Ampezzo for easy access to Passo Giau. Along the way, you’ll pass Rifugio Nuvolau and Rifugio Cinque Torri, both ideal spots for a hearty meal or a coffee with unbeatable views.

Public transportation options include buses from Cortina to Passo Giau during the hiking season. For a detailed map and route information, check the AllTrails page.

8. Lake Braies Circuit

Lake Braies, often called the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” is one of the most photographed spots in the region. This hike takes you on a circuit around the lake, offering stunning views of its turquoise waters framed by towering peaks. The trail is short and mostly flat, so it’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking to soak in the scenery without breaking too much of a sweat.

• Starting point: parking lot near Lago di Braies
• Lenght: 4 km (2.5 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain: 180m (590 feet)
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Difficulty level: easy

The best base for this hike is Pragser Wildsee, the small area surrounding the lake, or you can stay in nearby towns like Dobbiaco or Brunico. While there aren’t rifugios directly on the trail, there’s a café near the parking area where you can grab snacks and refreshments before or after your walk.

Public transportation is a great option for reaching Lago di Braies. Buses run frequently from Dobbiaco and Brunico to the lake, especially during peak season when parking can be limited. For more detailed trail information and maps, visit the AllTrails page.

• • Read More: A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Lake Braies

9. Cadini di Misurina Trail

For those seeking a hike that feels a little more off-the-beaten-path but still delivers incredible views, the Cadini di Misurina Trail is a perfect choice. Located near the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, this hike offers a quieter alternative with jaw-dropping ridgeline views and dramatic spires that seem to cut right into the sky. It’s a great option if you want a less crowded experience in one of the most stunning parts of the Dolomites.

• Starting point: Rifugio Auronzo parking lot
• Lenght: 7 km (4.4 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain: 300m (990 feet)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty level: moderate, with a few narrow sections along the ridge 

Base yourself in Misurina, a small but scenic town with accommodations and easy access to the trailhead. Along the way, you won’t find any rifugios directly on the trail, so pack snacks and water for the hike. That said, Rifugio Auronzo, near the Tre Cime toll road, is a short drive away if you want a hearty meal before or after the hike.

Public transportation is available. Buses from Cortina d’Ampezzo or Dobbiaco run to Misurina, and from there, it’s a short journey to the trailhead. For more detailed trail maps and information, check out the AllTrails page.

• • • Read more: Cadini di Misurina Hike – How To Get To The Iconic Viewpoint

10. Croda da Lago and Lake Federa Trail

Croda da Lago and Lago Federa is one of those hikes that feels like a well-kept secret. Tucked just outside Cortina d’Ampezzo, this trail leads you through quiet forests, open meadows, and finally to Lago Federa, where the water mirrors the surrounding peaks on a calm day. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to sit for a while and soak it all in before heading back.

• Starting point: Ponte di Rocurto
• Lenght: 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain: 900m (2,950 feet)
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Difficulty level: moderate

Cortina d’Ampezzo is the ideal base, with plenty of places to stay and eat. Along the hike, Rifugio Croda da Lago is a highlight—a rustic mountain hut where you can grab a meal or simply enjoy the view.

Public transportation works well for this one. Buses from Cortina will drop you at the trailhead at Ponte di Rocurto, or you can drive if you prefer. For more detailed information and trail maps, you can visit the AllTrails page.

Given the diverse spread of hikes across the Dolomites, no single town is within 30-40 minutes of driving to all of them. However, there are a few towns that offer excellent access to multiple trails, making them ideal bases for your adventure.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a fantastic choice for exploring the eastern Dolomites. From here, you can reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo in about 30 minutes, Lago di Sorapis in 15 minutes, and Cinque Torri in around 20 minutes. It’s also close to the starting points for the Passo Giau to Monte Nuvolau hike and the Croda da Lago trail, both within a 25-minute drive.  Cortina is, however, a bit farther from Lago di Braies and Adolf Munkel Trail.

Ortisei in Val Gardena is an excellent option for hikes in the western Dolomites. The town is perfectly situated for the Seceda Ridgeline and Alpe di Siusi hikes, since both begin with a cable car directly from Ortisei. It’s also a short 30-minute drive to Passo Gardena, the starting point for the Puez-Odle Altopiano hike, and about 40 minutes from the trailhead for the Adolf Munkel Trail. 

Dobbiaco (Toblach) is a great base if your itinerary focuses on hikes near the northeastern Dolomites. Lago di Braies is just a 15-minute drive away, Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina can be reached in 30 minutes, and Lago di Sorapis is a 40-minute drive. 

For the best experience, consider splitting your stay between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei to cover both the eastern and western Dolomites with less driving. This way, you can fully enjoy the variety of trails the region has to offer without spending too much time on the road.

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Tags: Best Hikes in the Dolomites Italy; Best Day Hikes in the Italian Dolomites