Things To See & Do In The Dolomites

A land filled with wonder and adventure, the Dolomites is the perfect place to visit all year round, summer or winter, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. From awe-inspiring landscapes to a tremendous selection of outdoor activities, this magnificent mountain range located in northeastern Italy is the perfect playground for all you adventurers out there!

So, let us inspire you with some of our favourite things to see and do...

Messner Mountain Museum Corones

Perfect for all you devoted mountaineers out there...

Nestled on the summit of Kronplatz, right on the edge of South Tyrol’s mountain plateau, discover the sixth and final gemstone of the magnificent Messner Mountain Museums. An architectural beauty designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaza Hadid, the MMM Corones is dedicated to the mountain’s history, traditions and discipline of mountaineering, while offering the most spectacular views over the Dolomites. This collection of otherworldly museums were created by renowned climber Reinhold Messner, who was the first person to climb all 14 mountains around the world. “The museum is a mirror of the world of my childhood - the Geislerspitzen, the central buttress of the Heiligkreuzkofel (the most difficult climb in my whole life) and the glaciated granite mountains of the Ahrn Valley.”

From the works of art inside the museum reflecting some of the world’s most famous peaks, to the series of staircases acting as waterfalls in a mountain stream, hike up to the Messner Mountain Museum Corones, indulge in its awe-inspiring architecture and breathe in that fresh alpine air overlooking the unique views over the Dolomites, 7500 feet above sea level.

Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

As most of you have probably seen or heard of this spectacular lake in the Dolomites, a visit to Lake Braies is absolutely crucial! Known as the ‘Pearl of the Dolomite Lakes’, it is one of the largest and most popular lakes in Northern Italy. This is the perfect place for all you nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts and of course, photographers. It’s surrounded by the dramatic alpine mountains of Croda del Becco (Seekofel) that reflect onto the crystal clear, emerald green waters (every photographer's dream). Dazzling all year round, Lake Braies is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Whether it’s taking a 2-hour hike around the lake or discovering the little chapel built in 1904 on the shoreline, you can surely spice up your Instagram feed with some stunning shots. Make sure you rent a boat from the picturesque wooden boathouse to get the full breathtaking experience of the lake. We do recommend going in the summer, otherwise, it may get pretty chilly!

Just imagine rowing in clear turquoise waters, indulging in the myths and legends that surround you and breathing in that crisp, fresh morning mountain air… It’s basically heaven on earth, right?

Three Peaks

The landmark of the Dolomites, one of the most popular mountains among climbers and probably one of the most photographed mountain ranges in the Alps, the Three Peaks is every nature lover and mountaineer's dream. Located in the Three Peaks nature park, these imposing rock formations pierce the sky at nearly 3000 meters high; they formed over 200 million years ago and are home to a collection of picturesque valleys, ancient forests, alpine meadows and magical lakes – attracting thousands of visitors around the world.

There is a myriad of hiking trails, cycling paths and climbing routes, each with various levels of difficulty catering to beginners and experts – so don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before! These three spikey monoliths are breathtaking all year round, as it puts on display an array of colours throughout the year; from dark greys to glowing reds, it is truly magical, and definitely every landscape photographer's dream. Make your way to the top, indulge in the enchanting scenery that surrounds you and breathe in that fresh mountain air!

Rifugio Lagazuoi Sauna

What better way to relax than in the highest sauna in the Dolomites?

On the snowy peaks of Mount Lagazuoi at Cortina d’Ampezzo lies a unique and enchanting wood-fired Finnish sauna – the highest sauna in the Dolomites! Rifugio Lagazuoi is perched at an altitude of over 9000 feet above sea level and is a popular refuge for hikers and skiers alike.

Accommodating around 6 to 8 people, a trip to this barrel-shaped sauna is the perfect mix of a relaxing and unforgettable experience. Summer or winter, imagine retreating to this relaxing space after a long day of hiking or skiing, indulging in the heat from the fire and breathing in the fresh scent of balsamic oils… sounds like heaven right? Take in the expansive views over the mountain tops, find yourself in a deep state of relaxation and let this space relieve all your everyday worries and stresses. We cannot think of a better way to relax and look over sky-high mountain peaks at the same time!

Val di Funes

Nestled within the rolling green meadows under the magnificent Puez-Odle mountain group, discover the fairytale valley of Val di Funes, also known as Villnöß. Located about 30 kilometers from the charming city of Bolzano, it’s home to the famous tiny church of St Johann and is probably one of the best places to capture the perfect photo in South Tyrol. Indulge in the wonderful landscapes, wander through the small village of Santa Maddalena, home to nearly 400 residences, and be enchanted by the awe-inspiring massif backdrop.

If hiking is your thing, we recommend going around May to September as there are endless exciting trails to take around the valley; take the Adolf Munkel trail which leads you to the Geisler and Odle mountains, or the Herrensteig trails - there are so many options. You can also do some snowshoeing during the wintertime!

Trentino

The perfect place for those who love to ski, appreciate ancient traditions, enjoy hiking between mountain huts and of course, enjoy some delicious local food, discover the alpine heart and soul of the Dolomites here in Trentino. This region is all about the environment; over 30% of the territory here is subjected to environmental protection and has a truly eco-friendly and sustainable vocation.

So why not explore this wondrous place, indulge in the gorgeous landscapes of Lake Garda and allow yourself to be blown away by the warm hues of that alpenglow that hits the mountain peaks during sunrise and sunset? Whether you’re looking to skim down endless trails of untouched pistes, tantalise your tastebuds in the surrounding valleys or just to make use of the mountain passes, escape to the magical place where man and nature live in harmony.