Are you searching for the best places to visit in the Dolomites in summer? Then look no further! We put together this blog post to ensure that you have the best time in the Dolomites and can visit all the beautiful places we’ve already been to! Of course, we included essential travel tips as well as general information on every location listed. And we put the exact coordinates to some unknown photography spots as well. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the Dolomites together!
9 best places to visit in the Dolomites in summer
We know that there are more than just nine places that might be on your Dolomites Bucket List and, trust us, they are all worth it! We just wanted to equip you with the 9 best places to visit in the Dolomites in summer in case you have no clue where to go or you are searching for locations to visit in summer.
General information about the Dolomites
The Dolomites – Dolomiti in Italian – are a mountain range in north-eastern Italy. They are located in the regions of Veneto, Trentino, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Since 2009, the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Who needs to visit the Dolomites as soon as possible?
Everyone who’s crazy about mountains, hiking, beautiful alpine lakes and fairytale-like places. We’d say it’s the perfect place to spend a romantic weekend as well as an adventurous family vacation. And sure, if you love to take pictures, the Dolomites are a place that will blow your mind!
Moreover, it’s also safe if you want to travel solo as a woman and a popular place among backpackers as well as luxury travelers. We can assure you that you will find some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the Dolomites.
How to get to the Dolomites
There are several ways to get to the Dolomites in Italy. The easiest way would be to fly into nearby cities in Europe (e.g. Verona, Venice, Zurich, or Munich) and then driving into the Dolomites by car. We’d highly suggest to spend some time in the city you will fly into. They’re all beautiful, interesting and worth stopping by.
How to get around in the Dolomites
You can travel the Dolomites by using public transportation but we would not suggest to do so. We’d recommend to rent a car upon arrival if you do not travel by car already. It’s so much more comfortable to have a car in the Dolomites as you don’t need to rely on certain buses.
Let’s start with the 9 best places in the Dolomites!
1. Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Dolomites! No trip to South Tyrol is complete without paying a visit to this magical place. Especially if it’s your first time in the Dolomites. During our road trips we saw a lot of lakes, but none of them come close to the beauty of Lago di Braies. It’s safe to say that Lago di Braies is one of the best places to visit in the Dolomites.
How to get to Lago di Braies in South Tyrol
Luckily, Lago di Braies is very easy accessible. The most convenient way to get there is by car, because of the big parking lot right next to the lake. It’s €6 per day ad from there it’s only a 5 minute walk to the pier.
When to go
Due to its accessibility, Lago di Braies can get very crowded even in the morning. You should definitely opt for sunrise if you want to experience Pragser Wildsee without the crowds. However, some photographers will keep you company.
You shouldn’t leave without knowing…
We visited Lago di Braies twice and although we thought that it’d be way more crowded during summer, actually the opposite held true. If you want to take some nice pictures at Lago di Braies, we’d highly recommend to arrive well before sunrise. Sounds crazy? But surely isn’t. In summer, we arrived around 45 minutes before sunrise and the best spots were already taken. Since we thought that it’d be less crowded during fall, we arrived a few minutes prior and it’s been even more crowded.
And you should absolutely know that the pier is closed before the boat rental opens or you can book a photoshoot at the „famous boathouse“. We were lucky enough to get some shots when we visited Lago di Braies first nice we hadn’t booked the boathouse (because we simply didn’t know about it).
2. Tre Cime
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the best places to visit in the Dolomites in summer – and winter as well – because after a quick hike, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views. Drei Zinnen are probably the most famous mountain peaks in the Alps and the landmark of South Tyrol and the Val Pusteria.
The entire hike is about 10km, but you can already see the Tre Cime di Lavaredo after a few meters. Actually, most scenic route starts at Rifugio Auronzo to the Drei Zinnen Hut. Then, the next stop would be at the Malga Langalm which actually tends to be surrounded by the cutest cows! However, we didn’t make it that far. Unfortunately, we visited the Tre Cime in fall and it was very foggy. We thought that this wouldn’t ruin our trip as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo should be high enough. To make a long story short: We did the hike. And we also saw the Drei Zinnen, but we didn’t manage to walk any further due to the fog that permanently surrounded us.
How to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo in South Tyrol
Don’t be discouraged when you’re surrounded by fog during the drive up there. There’s a very little chance that you’ll be surrounded by fog the entire time, like we were. Normally, you can ask the locals if they think that you can go up the same day or the next day and there’s a pretty high chance that they know the weather conditions and can tell you if you’ll be able to see something up there or not. The most convenient way to reach the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking trail is to go by car. Park you car at Rifugio Auronzo and start the hiking trail on the left side of the house. In order to use the road up, you’ll have to pay €30 toll for cars. It’s less for motorbikes but we don’t remember the exact prices.
When to go
We’d highly recommend to plan this visit during summer or during winter. Make sure to arrive pretty early in order to escape the crowds. We’ve visited Drei Zinnen during fall and were quite disappointed, because it was cold, snowing and more than just foggy.
You shouldn’t leave without knowing…
You should definitely pack a jacket, no matter if it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter. It can get pretty cold and windy at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
3. Lago di Sorapis
The Lago di Sorapis hike is something we recommend to everyone whenever someone asks us about the best places to visit in the Dolomites. During our last time in South Tyrol, we had breakfast and heard the people next to us talk about possible hikes for the day. We instantly recommended to hike to Lago di Sorapis, also known as Sorapissee. They loved their hike and the views up at 2,500 meters.
If you love mountain lakes, crisp clean air and a place that could also be part of a fairytale, then Lago di Sorapis is something we’d hands on recommend. After a 3 hour hike, you’ll be rewarded with the bluest lake we’ve ever seen, scenic views wherever you look and an atmosphere that’s out of this world.
How to get to Lago di Sorapis in South Tyrol
Your hike starts and ends at Passo Tre Croci. The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can also take the bus during summer months. We’d highly recommend to go by car though, because this place and the hiking trail is very crowded during the day.
When to go
If you want to visit Lago di Sorapis, you should definitely plan your visit in spring, summer or fall. Just in case you’ll be in South Tyrol during winter: Of course, you can also hike to Lake Sorapis in winter, but it could be that there is no water in the lake. Since it’s one of the best things to do in the Dolomites and comes with a pretty exhausting hike, we’d recommend spring or summer for a visit.
You shouldn’t leave without knowing…
When visiting Lago di Sorapis, you should know that this hike is definitely not an easy one. Read more about it in our blog post about Lago di Sorapis.
4. Alpe di Siusi
If there is one place in South Tyrol that we could spend endless time in, it’s Alpe di Siusi. It’s by far one of the best places to visit in the Dolomites, because it simply has everything you could ever dream of! There are mountain peaks wherever you look, you can go skiing, snowboarding or hiking, drink hot chocolate in one of the mountain huts or simply enjoy a day off in the sun.
We’ve been to Alpe di Siusi during summer and winter and we loved both! During summer, we enjoyed one of the most mesmerizing sunrises we’ve ever seen and during winter, we enjoyed the first snow in the Dolomites. Whatever you’re up to, make sure to visit Alpe di Siusi at least once during your time in South Tyrol.
How to get to Alpe di Siusi in South Tyrol
You can get to Alpe di Siusi by car, but you have to know that you’re not allowed to drive up there between 9am and 5pm. You can only drive up to Alpe di Siusi and around if you booked a hotel or apartment. If you plan to visit Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi between 9am and 5pm you can take the cable car. However, this is pretty expensive which most people drive up before 9am and park their car at the parking lot which allows them to enjoy the day hiking or doing whatever they’re up to.
When to go
As previously mentioned, summer and winter are equally beautiful at Alpe di Siusi! Hence, we can definitely recommend any season. However, if you want to visit Alpe di Siusi without the crowds, we’d definitely recommend to go up before sunrise and drive back down around 9am.
You shouldn’t leave without knowing…
Before visiting Alpe di Siusi, we want you to know that you cannot drive up between 9am and 5pm. It’s forbidden in order to ensure that there’s no traffic throughout the day, because Alpe di Siusi simply isn’t made for cars but is a place to relax, connect to nature and enjoying the views.
5. Val di Funes
Chances are high that you’ve seen this postcard-perfect place once before. Val di Funes is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the Dolomites as it’s absolutely stunning. And you’ll definitely know what I mean once you’re there.
The little village you are looking for is Santa Maddalena and you’ll have to walk to the spot where everyone takes this famous pictures. But let me tell you: It’s well worth it. It’s a wonderful region to stay in or to explore if you’re into photography or simply looking for some of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol! We actually stayed in Ortisei when we visited Val di Funes and it was a scenic route to our final spot.
How to get to Val di Funes in South Tyrol
Of course, the easiest way is to go to Val di Funes by car. However, you could also take a bus, but you’ll end up being surrounded by crowds this way. We visited Val di Funes during fall and were surprised that it’s been so empty during sunrise!
When to go
The best time to go is during sunset in summer, because you’ll get to experience the beautiful pink-orange mountain peaks. It’s also beautiful during sunrise when the village is still asleep and the sun goes up behind the mountain.
You shouldn’t leave without knowing…
In case you want to visit Val di Funes, you should definitely know that you cannot drive through the village. We’d highly recommend to park your car above the village and walk to the photography spot, which is on the other side of Santa Maddalena.
6. Lago di Carezza
Lago di Carezza, also known as Karersee, is a small alpine lake in the Dolomites. The small mountain lake is famous for its calm waters, dark green color and the beautiful mountain panorama in the background.
And unfortunately, we didn’t get to see any of it because of – you may already know it – the fog. We were pretty unlucky during our last time in South Tyrol, but that’s just another reason to come back again!
How to get to Lago di Carezza in South Tyrol
Lago di Carezza is easy to reach by car and it’s actually a pretty touristic place. Hence, you could also go by bus. If you’re visiting early morning or late afternoon, you can easily find a spot alongside the road to park. If you’re visiting during the day, you have to park at a nearby parking lot.
When to go
We’d really advise you to come here early in the morning. We visited Lago di Carezza in the morning as well, but got unlucky with the weather conditions. However, there was no single soul (no wonders). We also heard that it’s pretty uncrowded during the morning.
You shouldn’t leave without knowing…
If you’re about to visit Lago di Carezza, you should definitely know that the colors of the lake are the most beautiful if the sun is out. Thus, you can absolutely visit during rain or if it’s cloudy but we would recommend to plan this beautiful lake for a sunny day.
7. Seceda Ridge Line
The Seceda Ridge Line is famous for a reason, as most people visit this beautiful landscape for the view and the many photography opportunities. Imagine watching the sunrise early in the morning in winter or marveling at the crystal clear view in summer. It truly is one of the absolute best places to visit in the Dolomites.
How to get to Seceda Ridge Line in South Tyrol
There are theoretically two ways to visit the Seceda Ridge Line. You can either take the cable car up or hike there. The former is quite expensive as a trip costs € 35, so you have to pay € 70 there and back per person; the latter, however, is quite strenuous. Hiking takes about 4 hours.
When to go
You should take the first cable car that goes up. In summer, this is around 8am. By taking the first cable car, you can ensure that you escape the crowds while enjoying Seceda to its fullest. We honestly think that it’s well worth it to get up early in order to enjoy this mesmerizing view without anybody else – besides the people who also took the first cable car.
You shouldn’t leave without knowing…
Before you visit Seceda, you should definitely know that Google Maps shows you a way to drive up but this is impossible. You can’t drive up to Seceda, unfortunately. Thus, you should plan your visit accordingly and take the cable car or simply hike all the way up.
8. Lago di Misurina
Lago di Misurina, also known as Misurinasee, is a rather small alpine lake right next to the streets. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset and it’s less crowded than other lakes in this area. We visited Lago di Misurina quite spontaneously and loved watching the sunset, drinking wine and simply enjoy the beautiful South Tyrolian nature.
How to get to Lago di Carezza in South Tyrol
Lago di Misurina is easy to reach by car and there is a parking lot right beside the lake. You can just park your car, enjoy the sunset with some wine and leave again. We’d highly recommend this! If you don’t have a car, you can either go there by foot or by bike or even take a bus.
When to go
Since Lago di Misurina is a popular sunset spot, go visit the lake during sunset! The mountain peaks behind Lago di Misurina will turn red and pink and it’s just beautiful to watch.
You shouldn’t leave without knowing…
When visiting Lago di Misurina, you should know that it’s completely different from other lakes in this area. It’s a lake that’s right next to the street and isn’t hidden in the woods.
9. Passo Giau
When we first visited South Tyrol, we weren’t aware of the beautiful winding roads you can drive in the Dolomites! During our first visit, we made sure to visit major landmarks like Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, Lago di Misurina and didn’t pay attention to the smaller things. If that even makes sense, because Passo Giau is quite popular.
However, we finally made it to Passo Giau during our second visit and loved the scenic drive, the mysterious woods and the fog that made our time even better! Although we could not see the mountains that normally surround the roads at Passo Giau, we loved our drive and would definitely do it again.
How to get to Passo Giau in South Tyrol
You have two options to enjoy Passo Giau in the Dolomites: Drive the winding roads with your own car or rented vehicle, but you can also take a bus! There’s a popular hiking spot at the end of the pass and buses will also take you there. However, we’d highly recommend to drive these roads on your own, either by car or motorcycle.
When to go
Whenever you want. Passo Giau is a pass that’s open all day long. Whenever you feel like driving some winding roads, do it.
You shouldn’t leave without knowing…
When visiting Passo Giau you should definitely be able to drive winding roads and not get sick or getting dizzy.
We really hope you liked this blog post about the 9 best things to do in the Dolomites. Here are some other posts you might like:
- 8 Best and easy hikes in the Dolomites
- Lago di Braies travel guide
- Best things to do in Bavaria in summer
- Everything you need to know about the German Königssee
- Top things to do in and around Berchtesgaden
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