**This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links in this article, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
If you’re overwhelmed with planning a trip to the Dolomites and can’t seem to figure anything out, you’re in the right place! I compiled this handy guide to answer any questions you might have. With over a dozen trips to the Dolomites I can confidently help you understand and workout all the logistics behind a Dolomites roadtrip. From how to get there to deciding which base towns are best, this post has got you covered.
Many people ask me if the Dolomites are really worth visiting… I don’t think I’ll ever respond with such a quick and deafening YES to any other question. They are an absolute DREAM!
Their grandiose yet reserved beauty instantly captures the soul – pulling it deep into the universe and the present moment.
The Dolomites are not just a place, they are a natural marvel that awakens the spirit – author, myself : )
Located in northern Italy (north-eastern to be exact), the Dolomites span three different regions. There are literally hundreds of hiking trails, forests, meadows, waterfalls, and so forth to discover. A paradise for sports enthusiasts, you can try your hand at dozens of outdoor activities; from climbing to fly-fishing in the summer season, to snow-shoeing and skiing in the winter season— there is literally an option for everyone.
The following beginner’s guide is meant to help clarify all the confusion that might arise when planning a trip to the Dolomites. Find your answers to your questions below in these essential things to know before traveling to the Dolomites.
Post Contents
Planning a Trip to the Dolomites – What you Absolutely Should Know Before You Go
When is the best time of year to visit the Dolomites?
The Dolomites, like many other locations in Italy, are extremely seasonal when it comes to tourism. There are times during the year where restaurants, mountain huts, and trails remain entirely shut down or inaccessible. May and November are transition months where one season closes and the next one begins; at this time many businesses take their vacation and close down. For this reason, May and November are probably the worst times to visit the Dolomites (or the most challenging logistically speaking).
Deciding on when to visit the Dolomites really depends on what type of holiday you would like to experience. What type of activities would you like to indulge in?
Summer in the Dolomites
If you have your heart set on getting back to nature and hiking your way through dozens of meadows and plateaus, summer is definitely the way to go! This season offers the most versatility and possibility. However, crowds can be a nuisance in July and most especially August. Late June seems to be the prefect compromise. (**In early June certain mountain huts may still be closed!)
Winter in the Dolomites
If you are a fan of winter sports and mulled wine, winter is definitely the better option. Also, the snow kissed peaks of the Dolomites make for such a winter wonderland landscape! And for those holiday lovers… there are even some beautiful Christmas Markets in the area!
GET WINTER INSPIRATION AND DISCOVER HOW TO SPEND DECEMBER IN BOLZANO HERE.
Spring and Fall in the Dolomites
The Dolomites don’t really have in-between seasons to be honest.
What we call spring in the Dolomites is still what most would consider winter. Trails are frequently still inaccessible due to snow or ice (this is still considered skiing season), and temperatures are still very low. However, if crowds are your biggest worry, spring is the season you probably will encounter the least people.
Fall can also be quite complicated with erratic weather (like spring) with ice beginning to form. You will get some wonderful colors with the foliage turning but bear in mind that this is also the time of year where most lakes are at their minimum water level.
Weather in the Dolomites: what to expect and how to prepare?
You know the “4 seasons in 1 day” saying? Well, this can hold true in the Dolomites.
So, how should you prepare?
When hiking in the mountains you should always keep a watchful eye on the weather forecast (regardless if you checked it that morning and it said “sunny”). Weather in the Dolomites can turn quickly, and it can be nasty.
As a rule of thumb always have warm and waterproof clothing in your backpack. The weather might turn, the wind might pick up, or it might just be freezing at the top of your ascent… trust me, it CAN happen. A poncho, a windbreaker and a fleece jacket are the bare minimum to have with you, even if its scorching when you head out.
Also, don’t underestimate a drizzle. Don’t head out for a hike if it is drizzling or if any rain is forecast. I can’t count how many people had to be rescued last summer alone just because they underestimated what some “light showers” could do.
Lastly, while storms are frequent in the summer they fortunately usually occur in the late afternoon. This pattern generally allows for sunny and temperate mornings in the Summer. Spring and Fall are wild cards as weather can be all over the place. Winter is the driest season.
Overall, remember to be flexible. You might get bad weather but that’s okay if you’re prepared for it and have integrated some cushion days into your itinerary.
How many days do you need in the Dolomites?
Well, it depends on how many things you want to see and how many accommodations you will be staying at. In the “How to Structure a Dolomites Itinerary” section below, I cover some basic information and tips that will help you devise your itinerary. (For example, factoring in “cushion days” in case of bad weather).
I’m a proponent of slow travel, especially when spending the better part of a trip outdoors. Hiking can be exhausting. You don’t want to burn out and not be able to savor each moment. You’re supposed to enjoy your time in the Dolomites and leave feeling fulfilled… not depleted as if you’ve rushed through a tiring marathon!
So, how many days are enough for a Dolomites road trip?
As a rough guide I would recommend the following amount of time:
(*Rest days don’t mean not doing anything – see this section for what I mean by rest days and active days*)
With small kids:
5 full days | 1 hotel | 3 active days & 2 rest days |
7 full days | 1 hotel | 4 active days & 3 rest days |
10 full days | 1 or 2 hotels | 5 active days & 5 rest days |
14 full days | 1 or 2 hotels | 7 active days & 7 rest days |
21 full days | 1, 2, or 3 hotels | 11 active days & 10 rest days |
30 full days | 1, 2, or 3 hotels | 15 active days & 15 rest days |
TIP for PARENTS! For small kids I find it’s best to stay longer and rent an entire apartment and stay in the same accommodation the entire time – for more information see Where to Stay section below.
Without small kids:
3 full days | 1 hotel | 2 active days & 1 rest day |
5 full days | 1 or 2 hotels | 3 active days & 2 rest days |
7 full days | 1 or 2 hotels | 5 active days & 2 rest days |
10 full days | 1 or 2 or 3 hotels | 7 active days & 3 rest days |
14 full days | 1 or 2 or 3 hotels | 10 active days & 4 rest days |
21 full days | 1 or 2 or 3 hotels | 14 active days & 7 rest days |
30 full days | 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 hotels | 20 active days & 10 rest days |
How to get to the Dolomites Italy
If flying into Italy:
The closest and largest international airport to the Dolomites is in Venice (Marco Polo). This is hands down your best option for flying in. From Venice you then have 3 options to make your way up to the Dolomites.
How to get to the Dolomites from Venice
Driving from Venice to the Dolomites
Rent a car at the airport and drive. Drive time is about 2-3.5 hours depending on your base town.
Take the Bus from Venice to the Dolomites
You can take the ACVO bus from Venice to the town of Cortina which takes about 2.5 hours. Bear in mind that this option means you will then have to rely on transportation to and from Cortina. I recommend you NOT do this and have your own car – more on that in the next section.
Trains from Venice to Dolomites
There are no direct trains into the area of the Dolomites from major cities. If heading towards the South Tyrol eastern Dolomites in Trentino-Alto Adige (Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Val d’Ega, etc.) you can take the direct train to Bolzano from Venice and then rent a car from there. Drive time from Bolzano to final destination will depend on your base town.
If heading towards the eastern Dolomites in the Veneto region, you can take the train from Venice to Calalzo, but I highly discourage this option. It is not direct, so you will be changing trains AND taking a bus and you also will need to take further transportation to get to your accommodation. I strongly encourage you to rent a car instead – see section below!
Other Secondary Airports Nearby: Bolzano, Treviso, Verona, Innsbruck
If already in Italy:
According to how far away you are from the Dolomites, you can decide whether to fly, take the train or drive. From southern Italy it is best to fly in and use the same directions as above.
From Rome, we’ve always preferred taking the train into Bolzano (5 hrs from Rome) and renting our car there. From Bolzano it’s only a 45-minute drive to the Val Gardena area.
Do you need a car in the Dolomites?
In my opinion, YES! Although many people claim that a car is not essential for visiting the Dolomites… I disagree. I mean yes, there are numerous bus lines and shuttles during high season operating daily especially in and out of Cortina, but most of them have limited stops and time schedules.
Do you want to spend your vacation figuring out connecting bus lines or worrying about missing the last ride and getting stranded? And what about all the hordes of tourists packed like sardines or having to carry and lug all your gear around and about? That sounds rather unpleasant to me.
Driving in the Dolomites
But is driving in the Dolomites doable? Absolutely!
As opposed to a more chaotic southern Italy where driving often means fighting for your right of way or dodging wild vespas, driving in the Dolomites is quite easy. Rules of the road are strictly followed (and enforced!) and driving conduct in general is of a much more orderly fashion. Also, roads are very well maintained.
Just bear in mind that the majority of rental cars provided in Europe are manual so if you’re not comfortable driving stick, make sure to specify you need an automatic car when booking (preferably 4×4 or 4-wheel drive).
Drive-Time
One last note on driving in the Dolomites is to factor in that most mountain roads are non-direct. What I mean by this is that they snake in and out having to go around mountains or lakes. This means that although two places on a map may look close to one another, the drive time between them may be significant. Always be aware of your drive-time when structuring your itinerary – it can add up really quickly!
CAR-SICKNESS! If you’re prone to getting car sick or if you have small children, you might want to carry with you some motion sickness medication (preferably non-drowsy) – the roads can get quite zig-zaggy.
Planning A Trip in the Dolomites: How to Structure an Itinerary?
So, in order to plan a Dolomites holiday that goes smoothly (and doesn’t cram too much), there are a couple of golden rules I’ve devised to help with that.
1. Decide your base towns according to what you want to see or hike
The Dolomites are a vast area spanning almost 16,000 km2. You don’t want to book a hotel only to find out that driving to the instagram-worthy Lake Carezza takes 2+ hours!
First pick your hikes or attractions (factoring in how many days you have at disposal – see section above). Then based on where they are you can decide where it’s best to book your accommodations.
2. Plan rest days
I cannot stress this enough! Hiking can be exhausting, and even if you’re not hiking, just plain traveling can get exhausting. I recommend splitting your days into active days and rest days. Rest days don’t necessarily mean lying around your hotel room doing nothing. You can still do light activities that are not physically demanding or that don’t entail too much driving. Just because they are easy doesn’t mean they are any less gorgeous. Remember, you’re in the Dolomites… everywhere you look is absolutely stunning!
Rest Day Activity Examples:
- Easy and flat hikes (many lakes are perfect for this!)
- Go to the spa (there are dozens to pick from!)
- Go to the outdoor/indoor waterpark (kids love this!)
- Take a cable-car to a summit and just picnic or eat at a rifugio
Planning rest days is not only essential for your body but it’s essential for possible bad weather. You might get a couple of rainy days while visiting the Dolomites – that’s okay! There are plenty of indoor things you can do when it rains. If you’ve planned and set aside some easy half-day or indoor activities ahead of time, you won’t have to miss out on anything!
3. Don’t cram things – Max 1 planned activity per day
On a similar note, how many things you do within a single day is equally as important. I don’t recommend more than 1 hike or outdoor activity per day. Even if it is an easy walk around Braies Lake, you’ll see that you can really make an entire half day out of it and really soak it in. Cramming too many things in per day will leave you too tired to really enjoy it. You’ll miss out on that mountain bliss!
4. Finish hiking no later than 3/4PM
Mountain life is completely different from city life. It’s early to rise and early to bed.
It’s best to be on the trails early (10 is already late) to avoid crowds and to make the most of daylight (warm temperatures). In the evening, you will want to head back at a decent time to guarantee you get enough rest for the next day. And if you want to supper out, keep in mind that most restaurants close as early as 8pm! If you want to have ample time to wash up and eat, make sure you get to dinner early.
5. Don’t stay less than 2 nights in any town
I get it… it’s hard to fit everything in when planning a trip to the Dolomites. But take it from firsthand experience, it’s better to leave something out than to rush around in a frenzy.
If you’re hopping around hotels, I do not recommend staying anywhere less than a minimum of 2 days (which to me, is already too little time).
Where to stay in the Dolomites?
So, it can be overwhelming to figure out which base town(s) to choose when planning a trip to the Dolomites. Below I’ve outlined a quick diagram with the best base towns according to their proximity to the most popular attractions of the area. (If these towns are not to your liking or budget there are many more to choose from!)
Val Gardena, Val di Tires & Val Badia
Best Towns: Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva di Val Gardena, Corvara, Badia
Good Base for: Alpe di Siusi, Seceda Ridgeline, Passo Gardena, Sellaronda
Val di Funes
Best Towns: Santa Maddalena, Bressanone, Ortisei
Good Base for: Odle/Geisler Peaks, Church of Santa Maddalena, Church of San Giovanni
Val Pusteria
Best Towns: Cortina, San Vito di Cadore, Dobbiaco, San Candido, Brunico, Valdaora
Good Base for: Lago di Braies, Lago Sorapis, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cima Cadini, Cristallo, San Candido Bike Trail
**If you are relying on public transportation, I recommend you base yourself in the town of Cortina.
What is the best area to stay when visiting the Dolomites if you want to stay in only 1 place?
If you only want to stay in 1 area, I recommend picking either Val Gardena (west) or Val Pusteria (east) as your base valleys. In my opinion they offer the most variety of hikes and scenery. In these valleys you’ll want to try to book the towns that are most central. For Val Gardena I would recommend Ortisei, for Val Pusteria I would recommend San Vito di Cadore or Dobbiaco.
We generally like to limit the number of hotels we check in and out of and prefer driving a bit further to reach different destinations (I loathe packing and moving luggage lol). Sticking to one base town/accommodation is also recommended if you have limited time or are traveling with small kids.
Where to go in the Dolomites?
There are literally hundreds of hikes, photo spots, lakes, and mountain passes to pick from when planning a trip to the Dolomites. For us, our highlights include Lake Sorapis, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the view of the Odle peaks at Geisler Alm. If we had to pick one however, I would say the Alpe di Siusi take the cake for their versatility (60+ trails for all hiking levels and 180km of ski slopes) – not to mention their outstanding scenery.
Are the Dolomites expensive?
Lastly, a question I get asked by many is, “is it expensive to visit the dolomites? – how much does it cost?”
In comparison to the rest of Italy, yes, the Dolomites are more expensive. But compared to the French-Italian Western Alps, they are definitely cheaper.
So how much should you prepare to spend in high season?
Rough Expenses Per Day in Summer (high season):
Below I’ve broken down a rough guide as to what you can budget for (taking into consideration a mid-range hotel and an SUV car). Note that this is only an estimate as prices may change in time. Also consider that winter will be more expensive if you’re skiing as you will have to factor in a ski-pass as well.
Car Rental: | 50€ – 120€ |
Hotel: | 100€ – 200€ |
Food: | 30€ – 60€ |
Cable Car: | 20€ – 40€ |
Parking: | 5€ – 20€ |
Total: | 205€ – 440€ |
**Total Cost not per person if not traveling solo! Remember that car rental, accommodation and parking is split amongst your party, so total per person could drop significantly. Also, you might not be taking a cable car each day.
There are certainly ways to save money. Staying in an apartment may reduce your accommodation price and if you pack a lunch or cook your own meals your food costs will drop considerably. Also, if you rent a smaller and manual car, your rental costs will further reduce. You can also avoid park entry or cable car fees if you’re willing to hike or walk into the area instead (this however will considerably lengthen your hikes and requires an excellent athletic standing).
FAQ When Planning a Trip to the Dolomites
Any last minute questions? Here are the answers to the most common queries regarding a Dolomites roadtrip.
Do you need hiking shoes for the Dolomites?
Yes, unless you’re only planning to do very simple short flat walks. As a general rule, any hiking will require a hiking shoe. Depending on terrain and hike difficulty, I would go further and recommend hiking boots. They are more versatile and give you better ankle support and stability. *Remember to break these in before your trip to avoid blisters and new-shoe blues!
Do I need a map when hiking in the Dolomites?
Yes! When hiking you often will find poor service in the Dolomites, hence any digital maps that are not pre-downloaded may not load correctly or at all. For this reason, I highly recommend you download offline digital maps or purchase a paper map. I find that the most detailed and precise maps to be the Tabacco Maps. You can purchase a print map guide or download digitally via the app (*remember to do this BEFORE your hike, BEFORE you lose service*). I prefer the paper version as I find the printed maps to be more thorough and easier to mark on. Plus, if I forget to download the map beforehand, I always have the paper version handy.
How is WIFI in the Dolomites?
In many accommodations in the Dolomites, you will find good Wi-Fi service. However, don’t expect Wi-Fi at most mountain huts. The altitude and weather can make the signal extremely spotty and unreliable. Some mountain huts do not have a router or internet access altogether.
How is cell phone service in the Dolomites?
Not optimal. You generally will have decent service at your accommodation but don’t rely on service when hiking – on many hikes service can get quite patchy.
Will my car GPS work if there is no signal?
Yes, your car GPS works via satellite and not through cell phone towers.
If, however, you are using navigation via your mobile phone, you will want to download maps and routes beforehand. Mobile phones can still track you via GPS when there is no signal (so you can see where you are on the map), however, to get the route/map loaded in the first place, you need to have service. Preloaded maps don’t need cell-phone service. See “downloading offline digital maps” above.
What language do they speak in the Dolomites?
The main languages spoken are German and Italian; you’ll hear more German in Trentino-Alto Adige and Italian in Veneto. There is also a third language called Ladin, which you might sporadically hear in the valleys of Val Gardena, Val Badia and Val di Fassa.
As such, you’ll find that most names (towns, cable car stations, mountain huts, etc.) are spelled out in both German and Italian… (and at times Ladin as well). For example, the famous 3 Peaks are known as Tre Cime di Lavaredo in Italian or Drei Zinnen in German. This can get confusing so always double check names! (I try to always mention both names in my Dolomites blog posts)
Do you need to bring cash to the Dolomites?
YES! Even though many accommodations and restaurants accept card, many rifugi (mountain huts) do not.
Can you get altitude sickness in the Dolomites?
Yes, but it’s not likely. Altitude sickness usually starts to kick in above 2,500 meters and can present itself (at these mild altitudes) with shortness of breath or an accelerated heartbeat. It’s generally not a problem if you stay for short spans of time at altitudes of 2,500-3,000 meters. (Above 3,000 meters is a completely different story!)
There are not too many mountain huts or hiking routes at extreme altitudes in the Dolomites. BUT… there are some. Please double check the altitudes of where you will be hiking, especially if you plan to be there for hours at a time or if you will be sleeping overnight.
For more information I encourage you to further your reading on altitude sickness.
Are drones allowed in the Dolomites?
The rules of drone flying in the Dolomites are quite confusing when reading online. There is conflicting information and quite a large “grey area” when it comes to no-fly zones. However, the Dolomites are a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site and as such are protected. As a general rule no drones are to be flown in national parks in Italy. Please refrain from flying your drone unless you have a permit or specific permission. Violators can be fined, and their devices confiscated.
Are there bears in the Dolomites?
Yes, it is estimated that there are currently about 100 brown bears living in Trentino Alto Adige. Nevertheless, as they stand for such a small number, they are generally something not to worry about. The Dolomites fauna also includes wolves, but you probably won’t encounter those either. Common encounters can occur with deer, marmots, and hares.
Can you camp in the Dolomites?
Yes, you can camp in the Dolomites but only in authorized campsites. Wild or free camping is rigorously prohibited.
What is a Via Ferrata?
A via ferrata is a hiking/climbing route that requires the use of steel cables, ladders, and rungs (all fixed to the mountain rock) to complete it. The routes can be very simple with just a few exposed sections (where you will most likely only need to latch on with your carabiners to the provided steel cables), to extremely challenging, where you need extensive climbing experience. Check out my guide on the Gran Cir via ferrata – a great via ferrata for experienced hikers looking to complete their first via ferrata.
Before heading out on a ferrata, make sure you are equipped with the right gear and if you are not extensively experienced always head out with an official guide.
What is a Rifugio?
A rifugio (plural = rifugi) is a mountain hut. You will encounter many on your hikes. Some offer only dining, while others allow overnight stays (which you need to book in advance). Rifugi provide the perfect rest stop for your day hikes or an ideal overnight accommodation if you’re hiking hut to hut (hikes that span more than 24 hours with overnight stops).
Where can I rent a bicycle in the Dolomites?
There are literally hundreds of bike rental shops around the Dolomites depending on which valley you are cycling in. For the Val Pusteria, and more specifically, the San Candido – Lienz bike path, we highly recommend Papin Bikes.
Are the Dolomites vegan-friendly?
Not as much as you would think. Tyrolean cuisine is very much butter-based – most things are either cooked in it or seasoned with it. This could limit your dietary options at times. It’s less complicated for vegetarians.
So, there it is… my top tips for planning a trip to the Dolomites! I know that travel planning can be very stressful, so if there is anything else I can help you with I’m happy to assist! Also, if you have any other tips or any feedback whatsoever, I would love for you to share in the comments below. I’m always eager to improve my guides.
Don’t forget to follow along on my adventures at @ladolcefitvita…
Buona Vacanza! Have a Great Vacation!
Need more help planning a trip to the Dolomites? Continue your research with these helpful guides:
- 10 Dolomites Bucket List Places You Cannot Miss
- Gran Cir Via Ferrata – Beautiful Iron Path from Passo Gardena
- Visiting Lake Carezza: The Rainbow Lake of the Dolomites
- Easy Loop Trail Around Stunning Emerald Braies Lake
- Off-the-beaten Path: Explore the Quiet Alpine Lake in Dobbiaco
Pin Me for Later!
This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.
Leave a Reply