Top 10 Best places to visit in the Italian Dolomites
The Italian Dolomites are a dream to visit. With stunning views everywhere: from vibrant blue lakes, to ragged peaks, lush valleys and eye-catching mountains. At every turn, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of this region. I have definitely fallen in love and I want to go back. Here are my top ten favourite spots I have visited, but please know this only scratches the surface.
Last updated on: 7 Aug 2025
Top 10 Best places to visit in the Italian Dolomites
1. Seceda
Seceda is easily one of the highlights of our Dolomites trip. There were clouds riding up the mountain, impressive steep peaks and easy accessible hiking trails. Don’t miss this spot when you go to the Dolomites.
📍Seceda
We took the first gondola up from the village of Ortisei to Furnes and then the Furnes-Seceda cable car. I suggest taking your breakfast with you and enjoy the view of the clouds riding up the mountain.
After that, it is definitely worth exploring the area around Seceda where you can choose from different hiking routes. For more information about Hiking Routes around Seceda: please see number 8. Puez-Odle Nature Park.
2. Vallunga
Vallunga was a really nice surprise. We did not plan this hike before we got to the Dolomites, but I noticed this hike in some local travel information. It sounded good, so we checked it out. Vallunga, “the long valley’ takes you through a lush green valley, offering spectacular views of the surrounding high mountains on both sides. This was my boyfriends favourite hike.
📍Vallunga: at the end of the hike you get to “Pra da Ri” where you can relax and picnic. Or ride a bike here.
📍Vallunga
Bonus: in spring, you might get lucky. When the snow is melting, a small but beautiful lake forms in Vallunga. When we were there, the lake was there, but muddy so not that special. But I have seen photos of a beautiful colourful lake so I hope you get to see it.
3. Lago di Braies
Lago Di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is a stunning lake surrounded with huge mountains. It is also the place a lot of people go to, so expect crowds and plan your trip well (get there early for parking and less crowds). I still recommend to visit this lake, simply because it is just so pretty and really easy to get to. We walked around the entire lake and had a little picnic on the waters edge.
📍Lago Di Braies
📍Lago Di Braies
4. Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Another icon of the Dolomites is Tre Cime di Lavaredo: three towering peaks that appear out of nowhere. This area in the Dolomites has countless hiking trails that you can explore, so you can easily spend a whole day here or even a few days. Along the way you will come across several Refugios (mountain huts), where you can enjoy a nice drink or meal and take in the spectacular views of Tre Cime.
📍 Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This photo is taken at the “Viewpoint on the Three Peaks of Lavaredo”, because I wanted to practice photography and shoot The Crime at Golden hour.
5. Lago di Sorapis
This is a must-see spot in the Italian Dolomites. It is truly one of my favourite hikes, ever. It takes around 2 hours to get to Lake Sorapis. However, we took way longer, because we stopped several times to look at the incredible views. Once we got to the lake, I could not believe my eyes. The views got even better. The colour of the lake is vibrant, green-blue and Mount Sorapis is impressive.
📍Lago di Sorapis
The beautiful turquoise colour of the lake is created by the silt from the glacier. To protect this unique and fragile ecosystem, people are not allowed to swim here. This way the turquoise blue color is retained. This picture does not do justice to how beautiful this lake and the surrounding mountains are. You just gotta see it for yourself!
Tip: Start early to avoid the crowds. This is one of the harder hikes we have done, so make sure that you are up for it and prepare well please.
6. Rasciesa High Alp
In Val Gardena there are many beautiful places to visit. But I got one special tip from a local that I like to share with you: take a hike on the famous alpine pastures of the Rasciesa.
Why? Because this is a favourite hike among locals and for good reason. From this High Alp, you have excellent views on all the surrounding mountains, such as Seceda and the Iconic Sassolungo. Some even say, that you will have the best view of the Sassolungo from here.
📍Sassolungo as seen from Rasciesa
Hike Information:
You can take the funicular from Ortisei in Val Gardena to Resciesa. From here, maybe stop for some food of a coffee first at Chalet Restaurant Rasciesa. From there you already have some good views. After that, I suggest to hike to Resciesa Mountain Hut and on your way back stop at the Panoramic Viewpoint.
See the hiking map of val Gardena (Rasciesa is on the bottom right)
📍Views from Rasciesa High Alp with Seceda mountain in the background.
📍Sassolungo mountain as seen from Rasciesa High Alpin
Unfortunately we had to outrun a thunderstorm, so some of the pictures are a bit daunting. Luckily, we were back at the funicular just in time. Of course, we checked, the weather before, but it can change quickly. So please keep an eye out for bad weather in the mountains.
📍The alpine pastures of the Rasciesa High Alp
7. Rotwand-Croda Rossa
This hike in the Italian Dolomites offers excellent views of the surrounding peaks and lush valleys. We did the Rotwand-Croda Rossa Trail 15 and recommend this route.
📍 Rotwand-Croda Rossa
Trail 15 includes varied terrain, ranging from forested paths to rocky outcrops, making it suitable for those with moderate hiking experience. Following this route, you will get to a viewpoint that highlights the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
8. Puez-Odle Nature Park
After taking in all the spectacular views of Seceda, we explored the surrounding area: we hiked from Seceda to Col Raiser. This hike in Puez-Odle Nature Park, was the most scenic hike we did in the Dolomites. Walking through this beautiful alpine pasture, you are treated with panoramic views on the Odle group, but also of the rest of Val Gardena’s Dolomites, such as the Sella Massif and Sassolungo.
📍Puez-Odle Nature Park
Begin by walking down from the Seceda Ridgeline to Baita Troier Hütte. Maybe say ‘hi’ to the alpacas and enjoy the views at this restaurant.
📍Seceda Alpaca’s
📍 Baita Troier Hütte
After that follow the trail to Pieralongia alp and the 60 meter high menhir. We picknicked here and enjoyed the lovely views.
Finally make your way down to Col Raiser where you can take the cable car down.
📍 Puez-Odle Nature Park
9. Ortisei
Visit the charming village of Ortisei, surrounded by mountain peaks. Since this village is probably already on your route, it's very easy to add it to your itinerary. We walked around the city, had a cup of coffee while admiring the view and ate delicious Italian ice cream.
📍Ortisei
📍Ortisei
10. “Dolce far Niente"
Do you know this famous Italian saying? It is about being present, enjoying the simple pleasures of life and embracing a balanced lifestyle.
“Dolce far Niente",
which means
“the sweetness of doing nothing”.
Why not make use of this and do as the Italians do?
Spent a day lying in the sun doing nothing. Go out to indulge yourself in some delicious Italian food and good company. No rush, no other place to go, just this moment. Letting go of everything else.
Sounding like your mom….
Of course we all want to see these iconic places in the Italian Dolomites, but you are probably on holiday, so please also take time to relax and recharge.
We varied between an active day and a relaxing day. I can really recommend it, it sparks joy ;-). We all have busy lives and holidays are also a time for you to rest. Maybe read a book, listen to some music, or eat. You are in Italy of all places!
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
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