The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy, a UNESCO site. Jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, mountain refuges. Best in July-September. 7 trails worth doing.
1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Length: 10 km · Time: 3-4 hours · Difficulty: easy · Elevation: 2,320 m
The symbol of the Dolomites — 3 stone peaks rising like teeth from a plateau. Loop trail from Rifugio Auronzo (paid parking €30). Easy — almost no climb. Better early morning or evening — crowds during the day. The most famous views in the Dolomites.
2. Lago di Sorapis
Length: 13 km · Time: 4-5 hours · Difficulty: moderate · Elevation: 1,925 m
Turquoise lake in a rocky cirque. Color comes from glacial flour in the water. Trail has rope handrails in places, not hard but needs care. Start from Passo Tre Croci (€8 parking). On the way back — Forcella Marcuoira with views of Tofane.
3. Seceda
Length: 5-12 km depending on option · Elevation: 2,519 m
The most famous «jagged» ridges of the Dolomites. Cable car up from Ortisei (€32 round trip), short walk from the top station to the viewpoint. Can hike down to the valley (3-4 hours descent) — otherwise back via cable car.
4. Alpe di Siusi
Length: 5-15 km · Difficulty: easy · Elevation: 1,800-2,000 m
Europe's largest alpine plateau — 56 km² of green meadows under Sassolungo and Schlern. Cars not allowed 9:00-17:00 (only cable car or residents). Trails for all levels. With kids — perfect, views — too.
5. Cinque Torri
Length: 6 km · Time: 2-3 hours · Difficulty: easy · Elevation: 2,361 m
«Five Towers» — compact group of rocks famous in climbing. At the base — open-air WWI museum (this was the Italy-Austria front line). Start from Rifugio Scoiattoli (paid parking). Via ferrata for experienced.
6. Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
Length: 4 km · Time: 1-1.5 hours · Difficulty: very easy
The most photogenic Dolomites lake — emerald water, Croda del Becco reflection, wooden boats on the shore. Loop trail around the lake. Note: July-September requires advance entry booking at pragserwildsee.com.
7. Rifugio Vajolet
Length: 12-15 km · Time: 5-7 hours · Difficulty: hard · Elevation: 2,243 m
Serious trek to a group of refuges in the heart of Rosengarten massif. 800 m climb. Views of Vajolet Towers — some of the Alps' most famous walls. Can overnight at Rifugio Vajolet (€60 half board). Not for beginners.
When to go
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Late June | Snow gone, flowers, fewer tourists |
| July | Longest days, warm, crowds |
| August | Ideal — stable weather, but Lago di Braies needs booking |
| September | Best — golden autumn, clear days, fewer people |
| October | Cold, upper refuges close, possible early snow |
What to bring
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Hiking poles (Sorapis, Vajolet descents — save your knees)
- Hardshell jacket — Alps weather changes fast
- Sunscreen SPF 50 (high UV at altitude)
- 2 L water + snack (popular routes have refuges with food)
- Cash/card for refuges — €15-25 for lunch in a mountain refuge