Best Hikes in the Dolomites, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Best easy-going hikes, hut-to-hut trails or tough climbs.

Hiking in the Dolomites is something else, it’s a proper adventure with a serious wow factor. Whether you’re strolling through flower-filled meadows with the family or clipping in for a high alpine via ferrata, this part of the Italian Alps always delivers. The jagged peaks catch the light in a way that stops you in your tracks, especially at sunrise or sunset when the mountains glow pink.

There’s something for everyone here. Easy-going trails, hut-to-hut hikes with hearty food stops, and tough climbs that push your legs (and nerves) to the limit. It’s not just about the challenge either, the Dolomites have a way of warming your heart. Every walk feels like a real escape into nature, with proper soul-stirring views all around. No wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I’ve picked out some of the best hikes in each Dolomites region – take a look.

Ortisei | Corvara | Cortina d’Ampezzo | San Candido | Canazei | Selva di Val Gardena | Dobbiaco | Arabba | Alleghe

Hikes in the Dolomites

• 
  Alpine Summer Holidays, Hiking in Europe: Italy, Switzerland and Norway Walks for Families & Mountain Lovers
  Instead of chasing the hottest temperatures, more people are looking for cooler mountain escapes, scenic hiking trails, alpine lakes, dramatic viewpoints and fresh air. Euronews recently reported that UK search interest for “alpine summer” is up 82% year-on-year, with travellers looking to swap crowded beaches for cooler mountain destinations, hiking trails and swimming lakes.
• 
  Monte Elmo (Helm) Hike from Versciaco (San Candido) — Panoramic Ridge Walk to Sillianer Hütte
  If you want the big view day without doing anything sketchy or technical, Monte Elmo (Helm) is perfect. You’re walking right on the Italian–Austrian border ridge, with the Dolomites to one side and wide Alpine horizons to the other, plus a very achievable summit if you use the lifts to get you up high quickly. And there’s a real bit of history up here too: this whole ridge was tangled up in the WW1 era border story, and you still see traces of old military stuff dotted around the top.
• 
  Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circular Walk from Rifugio Auronzo (Classic 3 Peaks Loop) – UNESCO site, Dolomites, Italy.
  This is the classic Tre Cime di Lavaredo walk, the one most people picture when they think of the Dolomites. By driving (or bussing) up to Rifugio Auronzo, you start high and keep the walk to a very manageable loop while still getting huge views almost the entire way. The route circles the Three Peaks on wide, well-made trails, passes some of the best rifugi in the area, and never really feels remote or technical. It does get very busy, and once you’re there ready to start you’ll see why.
• 
  Cinque Torri Circular Walk from Bai de Dones via WW1 Open Air Museum (Cortina d’Ampezzo), Dolomites.
  This is a brilliant circular walk that shows off Cinque Torri with it’s big limestone towers, easy-going alpine paths, cracking rifugios, and a real dose of First World War history. Starting from Bai de Dones, you climb steadily up to the towers, loop past Rifugio Cinque Torri and Rifugio Scoiattoli, explore the open-air museum.
• 
  Corvara → Col Alt lift, Piz d’Arlara, Ütia de Bioch & Pralongià Plateau Circular – Dolomites
  This is an easy-to-love plateau day from Corvara: walk up (or take the lift) to Col Alt, wander the rolling meadows across Ütia Bioch and the Pralongià area, then loop back via Piz d’Arlara to town. Big views the whole way, loads of hut options, and simple navigation. You can make it short and relaxing or you can stretch it out if the legs are feeling good.
• 
  Corvara to Pisciadù Waterfall via Tru dles Cascades, Passo Gardena & Rifugio Jimmy to Colfosco Loop – Dolomites
  Starting right in Corvara, this loop stitches together a bit of everything: the waterfall walk on Tru dles Cascades (Path 28), a steady climb to Passo Gardena on Path 650, a short pop up to Rifugio Jimmy on Path 8, then a scenic cruise down through Colfosco back to town. It’s a full, satisfying day out with constant views of the Sella towers and Sassongher, plus easy food/water stops if you want them.
• 
  Pralongià Plateau Panorama Loop from Corvara, viewpoints of the Sella, Marmolada and Sassongher – Dolomites, Italy
  Pralongià is the easy win in Alta Badia: you ride up from Corvara, land on a rolling meadow plateau, and spend the day linking viewpoints and huts with the Sella, Marmolada and Sassongher in constant view. The paths are wide and well signed, you can keep things short or stretch it out, and there’s always a rifugio not far away for a coffee or a bowl of soup.
• 
  Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) Panorama Loop, Europe’s biggest high Meadow from Ortisei – Dolomites, Italy
  This is a laid-back day out on Europe’s biggest high meadow. The cable car from Ortisei take you to the Alpe di Siusi plateau, where wide paths and rolling grassland make for easy going. You’ll loop past viewpoints and huts for lunch and coffee, with views of the Sassolungo/Sassopiatto group most of the way. You can keep it short and sweet, or wander further if the legs are happy.
• 
  Alpe Resciesa Hike & Holy Cross Chapel Loop from Ortisei. Resciesa Funicular Ride, Rifugio Malga Brogles & Ridge Walk – Dolomites, Italy
  This walk is a crowd-pleaser without being over the top. From Ortisei, the Resciesa funicular takes you straight to the ridge so you can spend your energy on the walks: experiencing the rolling meadows, sweeping views, and you’ll get to visit to a couple of classic alpine spots. The highlights are Rifugio Malga Brogles, tucked under the Odle peaks, and the Holy Cross Chapel which sits out on the edge of the pasture overlooking the valley below.
• 
  Seceda Ridgeline Hike using Cable Car up from Ortisei, then return walk back via Popular Huts – Dolomites, Italy
  From the town of Ortisei (1,245m), you’ll take the Ortisei–Furnes gondola, then transfer onto the Furnes–Seceda cable car which whisks you up to 2,500m in minutes. At the top it’s just a short stroll to the famous Seceda viewpoint — the sharp ridgeline of the Odle–Geisler peaks is one of the Dolomites’ most iconic sights.
• 
  Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) Circular Trail from Lago d’Antorno, Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  Region: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Ampezzo, Dolomites, Italy Places To Stay: To hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you can stay in Dobbiaco, San Candido or slightly further away you have Cortina d’Ampezzo. There are… Read more: Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) Circular Trail from Lago d’Antorno, Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• 
  Lago Di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis) Trail Number 215 Circular Hike, at the foot of Dito di Dio (“Finger of God”). Ampezzo, Dolomites.
  Region: Cortina d’Ampezzo — Ampezzo Valley, Dolomites, Italy Places To Stay: Stay central in Cortina d’Ampezzo for buses, shops and easy starts. If you prefer something quieter Corvara, Canazei and Selva di Val Gardena work… Read more: Lago Di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis) Trail Number 215 Circular Hike, at the foot of Dito di Dio (“Finger of God”). Ampezzo, Dolomites.
• 
  Hiking the Croda da Lago Circuit Trail – Route 434 + Lago Federa & Forcella Sonforcia. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites.
  Croda da Lago, is a very distinctive small mountain chain in the Dolomites, its jagged peaks offer a great hiking adventure, and you’ll have to go a long way to beat the beauty of Lago Federa. Being close to Cortina where we stayed, this trail is very popular all summer long.

Places to Stay in the Dolomites

• 
  10 Most Romantic Hotels in the Dolomites. Honeymoons, Anniversary Trips or a Peaceful Mountain Break for 2.
  Best Hotels for Hiking in the Dolomites. Handpicked hotels with trails on the doorstep, jaw-dropping views, and all the comforts after a day on the mountain.
• 
  Best Hotels for Hiking in the Dolomites.
  Best Hotels for Hiking in the Dolomites. Handpicked hotels with trails on the doorstep, jaw-dropping views, and all the comforts after a day on the mountain.
• 
  Best Ski-In Ski-Out Hotels in the Dolomites. Ski Hotels & Accommodation near the Ski Slopes or Ski Lifts in Italy.
  The 10 Best Ski In & Ski Out Hotels and Accommodation in the Dolomites Italy. Ski Hotels & Accommodation near the Ski Slopes or Ski Lifts in Italy.
• 
  Best Family-friendly Hotels in the Dolomites. Hotels with Kids, means Kids Clubs, Spacious Rooms, Pools, Entertainment and more.
  10 Family-Friendly Hotels with Warm Hospitality, Kids’ Playrooms, Kids’ Activities, Pools, Entertainment, Childcare & Spacious Family Rooms.
• 
  Best Hotels with Mountain Views in the Dolomites. Spectacular Balcony Views and Pools with 360 Views of the Dolomites.
  Best Hotels with Mountain Views in the Dolomites. 10 exceptional hotels with iconic balcony views, peaks-at-sunset & perfect for Hiking & Skiing.
• 
  The 10 Best Hotels in the Dolomites with Hot Tubs / Baths / Pools in South Tyrol Region. Wellness hotels for Familes and Couples, perfect for recovering after Skiing or Hiking.
  The 10 Best Hotels in the Dolomites with Hot Tubs / Baths / Pools in South Tyrol Region. Wellness hotels for familes and couples, perfect for recovering after skiing or hiking.
• 
  Alleghe, is a peaceful lakeside village nestled in the shadow of Monte Civetta, one of the most dramatic and iconic peaks in the Dolomites. Lakes, forests, and towering rock faces.
  Alleghe is a peaceful lakeside village nestled in the shadow of Monte Civetta, one of the most dramatic and iconic peaks in the Dolomites. Located in the Belluno province of Veneto, Alleghe combines serene alpine charm with access to some truly spectacular hiking terrain, especially if you love lakes, forests, and towering rock faces.
• 
  Arabba, a Small Alpine Village tucked beneath the mighty Sella Group, is one of the best-kept secrets for hikers in the Dolomites.
  Arabba, a small alpine village tucked beneath the mighty Sella Group, is one of the best-kept secrets for hikers in the Dolomites. Located in the Veneto region, near the border with South Tyrol and Trentino, Arabba offers direct access to some of the most dramatic high-altitude trails in the eastern Dolomites — without the bustle of larger resort towns.
• 
  Selva di Val Gardena, Dolomites – High altitude Hiking base in the upper end of Val Gardena and direct trails onto Puez-Odle, Sella Massif & Sassolungo.
  Selva di Val Gardena (known as Wolkenstein in German and Sëlva in Ladin) is one of the best hiking bases in the entire Dolomites region. Tucked into the upper end of Val Gardena, this high-altitude village sits between towering peaks and opens directly onto trails that climb into the Puez-Odle Nature Park, the Sella Massif, and the Sassolungo Group.
• 
  Dobbiaco is a peaceful, well-connected village located at the northern edge of the Sexten Dolomites in South Tyrol, close to Cortina. A strategic, versatile hiking base.
  Dobbiaco (known as Toblach in German) is a peaceful, well-connected village located at the northern edge of the Sexten Dolomites in South Tyrol. Often overshadowed by more famous neighbours like Cortina or San Candido, Dobbiaco is actually one of the most strategic and versatile bases for hiking in the eastern Dolomites – especially for those seeking both stunning scenery and easy logistics.
• 
  Canazei, Dolomites in the heart of Val di Fassa in Trentino. One of the best all-round hiking bases framed by the Sella Group, Marmolada and Sassolunga.
  Canazei, located in the heart of Val di Fassa in Trentino, is one of the best all-round hiking bases in the Dolomites. Framed by the dramatic peaks of the Sella Group, Marmolada, and Sassolungo, it’s a magnet for outdoor lovers, offering instant access to some of the region’s most iconic high-altitude trails and panoramic viewpoints.
• 
  San Candido, Dolomites, a Scenic Town in the Sexton Valley. A fantastic base for hikers looking for a relaxed and authentic mountain experience.
  San Candido (known as Innichen in German) is a peaceful yet incredibly scenic town located in the Sesto/Sexten Valley in the eastern Dolomites, near the Austrian border. While it’s quieter than the likes of Cortina or Ortisei, San Candido is a fantastic base for hikers looking for a more relaxed and authentic mountain experience, with excellent access to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, and the Sesto Dolomites.
• 
  Cortina d’Ampezzo, often dubbed the “Queen of the Dolomites”, is one of the most glamorous and dramatic hiking bases in Italy.
  Cortina d’Ampezzo, often dubbed the “Queen of the Dolomites”, is one of the most glamorous and dramatic hiking bases in Italy. Set within the wide Ampezzo Valley in the province of Belluno, this alpine town offers hikers a unique blend of rugged natural beauty, high-end mountain culture, and direct access to some of the most awe-inspiring trails in the Dolomites.
• 
  Corvara (Alta Badia), Dolomites. Stunning mountain village in the heart of the Alta Badia region and a central hiking base in the Dolomites.
  Ortisei (known as Urtijëi in Ladin and St. Ulrich in German) is one of the most picturesque and popular hiking bases in the Dolomites. Tucked into the lush Val Gardena valley in South Tyrol, this mountain town combines postcard-worthy alpine scenery with easy access to two of the region’s most iconic hiking areas: Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.
• 
  Ortisei (Val Gardena), Dolomites. One of the most picturesque and popular hiking bases in the region. Below are Ideas & Options for Places to stay in Ortisei for Hiking.
  Ortisei (known as Urtijëi in Ladin and St. Ulrich in German) is one of the most picturesque and popular hiking bases in the Dolomites. Tucked into the lush Val Gardena valley in South Tyrol, this mountain town combines postcard-worthy alpine scenery with easy access to two of the region’s most iconic hiking areas: Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.
• 
  Best Places To Stay in the Dolomites for Hiking. These places double up as Best Places to Stay When Skiing in the Dolomites.
  Looking for Places To Stay in the Dolomites? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning a summer hiking adventure or a winter skiing escape, the Dolomites offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. From charming alpine villages and luxury mountain resorts to cosy family-run guesthouses and remote rifugi (mountain huts), this UNESCO-listed region is packed with unforgettable places to stay.