The Dolomites are a large mountain range in northeastern Italy, part of the Italian Alps. They spread across the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. In 2009, the Dolomites were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 141,903 hectares.
The Italian Dolomites are definitely one of the most stunning mountain destinations in the world. Whether you're driving, cycling, skiing, or hiking, you'll be amazed by the sheer cliffs, steep walls, jagged peaks, flat plateaus, charming valleys, and alpine meadows that make up this unique landscape.
Best Time for Hiking in the Dolomites
The best time to hike in the Dolomites is from late June to the end of September. During this period, most trails are snow-free, mountain huts are open, and seasonal buses and cableways are running. Many hikes in the Dolomites start or end with a cableway ride, like a chairlift or gondola.
What to See and Do in the Dolomites
Dear Lykkers, below, we’ve listed some of our favorite places to visit and things to do in the Dolomites.
Stay in a Rifugio
One of the best things about hiking in the Dolomites is staying in a mountain hut.
Spending the night in a hut surrounded by stunning views is an amazing experience. It’s also practical if you’re tackling a longer hike, like the 3-Day Rosengarten Trek or the Alta Via 1.
We love the atmosphere in Dolomite Rifugio. People play cards, read, study trail maps, and enjoy drinks. Plus, dining with other hikers lets you meet new people and share stories.
Staying in a hut also lets you see how the mountain colors change throughout the day. For example, when we arrived at Tierser-Alpl-Hütte in the late afternoon, the mountains were purple, but by morning, they had turned yellow.
Dolomites Accommodations
You can enjoy the Dolomites in many ways. If you want to explore the culture of the valleys and towns, we suggest staying on a farm.
If you're looking for a luxurious escape, check out the 5-star spa hotels in the area.
For hikers planning long trips, we recommend staying in mountain huts.
Roter Hahn Farm Stays
Roter Hahn (Red Rooster) is a trademark for high-quality farm stays in South Tyrol. There are 1,600 Roter Hahn farms in the region, aiming to connect visitors with the rural life of South Tyrol and provide farmers with an additional income.
We stayed at three Roter Hahn farms and had excellent experiences each time. The hosts were welcoming, the rooms were clean, and the prices were very reasonable.
To find farm stays, visit the Roter Hahn website. Each farmhouse page has a form where you can request a reservation. If the farmhouse is available on your chosen dates, they will contact you by email.
Luxury Wellness Hotels
If farm stays seem too rustic and you're looking for something special, consider these top wellness hotels:
• Romantik Hotel Cappella in Colfosco, Alta Badia: Around $600 per night; Check-in time: 2:00 PM, Check-out time: 11:00 AM.
• Hotel Fanes in San Cassiano, Alta Badia: Check-in time: 3:00 PM, Check-out time: 11:00 AM
• Forestis Dolomites in Bressanone/Brixen: Around $760 per night; Check-in time: 3:00 PM, Check-out time: 11:00 AM.
Lykkers, did you find any tips or recommendations that sparked your interest in planning a trip? Share your favorite activities or destinations in the comments below. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, let us know how you’d make the most of a Dolomite adventure!
