The Dolomites, in northeastern Italy, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 and are one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in Europe. These mountains formed from ancient coral reefs and get their name from dolomite, the pale rock that turns pink and orange at sunrise and sunset (what locals call "enrosadira"). These are the 10 places we wouldn't miss, with everything you need to know in 2026 to visit them: access, reservations and hikes.
They're all in our Dolomites PDF travel guide, with itineraries, restaurants and hotels, and in our Dolomites Google Maps map.
The 10 must-see places in the Dolomites
1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo
These three rock towers are the most iconic image of the Dolomites. The loop trail starts at Rifugio Auronzo, is about 10 km long and takes 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace. If you're into climbing, there are also via ferratas in the area.
In 2026: the toll road up to Rifugio Auronzo requires an online reservation at auronzo.info. It costs €40 per car, €60 per RV and €26 per motorcycle, and the ticket is valid for 12 hours.
2. Lago di Braies
An alpine lake with turquoise water, the mountains reflected on its surface and the famous wooden rowboats. We recommend going at sunrise or sunset, when it's at its most beautiful and least crowded. The walk around the lake is a very pleasant, flat stroll.
In 2026: from July 1 to September 15, between 9:00 and 16:00, you can only drive up with a parking reservation at prags.bz. The other option is the bus (line 442 from Dobbiaco/Villabassa or 439 from Monguelfo), which also needs to be booked online during those dates.
3. Seceda and Val Gardena
Val Gardena is a gorgeous valley with the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena, known for their woodcarving and Ladin culture. From Ortisei, the lifts take you up to Seceda, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Dolomites, with the Odle peaks dropping vertically below you.
In 2026: on top of the lift ticket, since 2025 there's a €5 fee for the trail to the viewpoint. A daily visitor cap is being considered, so check the official website before you go.
4. Alpe di Siusi
It's the largest alpine meadow in Europe: miles of pastures with the Sassolungo and the Sciliar in the background. It's perfect for walking without big climbs or for exploring by mountain bike. The trails around the Sassolungo are some of the most beautiful in the area.
In 2026: since June 29, you have to book the P1 (€15/day) and P2 Compatsch (€30/day) parking lots online. The easiest option is to take the gondola up from Siusi, which has a large free parking lot at the bottom. And if you're in a camper van, heads up: sleeping in your vehicle is banned here and you can get fined.
5. Passo Gardena and the Sella Ronda
Passo Gardena connects Val Gardena with Alta Badia and is one of the most beautiful roads in the Dolomites. It's part of the Sella Ronda, the loop around the Sella massif over four mountain passes (Gardena, Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo), which you can do by car, by bike or, in winter, on skis.
In 2026: the plan to close Passo Gardena to private traffic in September 2026 is on hold for now, but it could come back. Check the news before you go.
6. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Cinque Torri and Passo Giau
Cortina d'Ampezzo is the "Queen of the Dolomites," with a lively town center and lots of restaurants. Very close by are two of our favorite spots:
- The Cinque Torri: you go up by lift, and there are short walks and remains of World War I trenches. They're also a classic for rock climbing.
- Passo Giau: a mountain pass with jaw-dropping views, ideal for sunrise or sunset.
7. Lago di Sorapis
You can only reach this milky turquoise lake on foot. The trail starts at Passo Tre Croci, near Cortina, and has a few exposed sections with cables, so wear good shoes and give yourself plenty of time. Bring a picnic to eat with a view of the lake.
8. Marmolada
It's the highest mountain in the Dolomites (3,343 m) and the only one with a glacier. From Malga Ciapela, a cable car goes up to near the summit, with 360-degree views over almost every group in the Dolomites. For the more experienced mountaineers, the guide suggests the Punta Penia via ferrata (check its status first, because the Marmolada has had partial closures in recent years).
9. Val di Funes
A quiet valley, famous for two churches with the Odle in the background: Santa Magdalena and San Giovanni in Ranui. This is also where the hike to Rifugio Brogles starts, one of the hikes in the guide.
10. Lago di Carezza
A small green-and-blue lake with the Latemar reflected in the water. The loop walk takes about half an hour and is perfect at sunset. RV parking is around €36 for 24 hours.
Other places worth visiting
If you have more days, the guide also includes Lago di Misurina (very close to the Tre Cime), the hikes to the Torri del Vajolet and Lago d'Antermoia in the Catinaccio, and the San Martino di Castrozza area with the Pale di San Martino. And if you want to really experience the mountains, spend a night in a mountain hut like Rifugio Lagazuoi and enjoy a traditional dinner. Keep in mind that huts usually only open from June to mid-October, and in July and August it's best to book ahead.
Practical tips for visiting the Dolomites
- Get around by car or camper van. Public transportation works (Südtirolmobil in South Tyrol, Dolomitibus in Veneto), but it's much slower.
- Get up early. At the most famous spots, arriving early makes all the difference: fewer people, easier parking and the best light.
- Check the webcams before taking a cable car. That way you'll know if it's foggy up top before you pay for the ticket.
- Try the local food. Canederli, polenta, speck, spätzle and, for dessert, strudel.
- Leave no trace. Take your trash with you and stay on the trails: these are fragile, protected ecosystems.
To plan your route, check out our 7-day Dolomites itinerary by car or camper van, our guide to where to stay in the Dolomites and our pick of the most beautiful villages in the Dolomites.
And if you want everything in one place, our Dolomites PDF guide has 7- and 14-day itineraries, hikes, mountain huts, restaurants and hotels. With our Dolomites Google Maps map, you'll have every spot on your phone.
We always recommend getting travel insurance; we always use IATI Seguros.
