An introduction to walking in the Dolomites

Walking in the Dolomites

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a mountain range in northeastern Italy. Known for their dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and charming villages, the Dolomites offer an endless array of fantastic routes for walkers, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes.

With our two guidebooks to walking in the Dolomites, you can experience the very best that this region has to offer.

The best time for walking in the Dolomites

The best time to visit the Dolomites for walking is during the summer months (June to September). The weather is warm and dry, with clear skies offering stunning views. However, the mountains can be crowded during peak season.

Spring (May) and autumn (October) are also good times to visit. The crowds are smaller, and the scenery is beautiful, with vibrant fall foliage or spring wildflowers.

Be aware that some high-altitude trails may still be snow-covered in spring.

The Pustertal (Val Pusteria)

The lower part of the valley is narrow and shady; the walks in this guide are concentrated in the upper valley – where you’ll find some of the most famous motifs of the Dolomites, like the Drei Zinnen/Tre Cime di Lavaredo… along with plenty of other walkers!

The Villnösstal/Val di Funes is by far the quietest and most unspoilt walking area. That might be because there are no lifts at the foot of the mighty Geisler/Odle peaks.

Below the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi

The villages of Kastelruth/Castelrotto, Seis/Siusi and Völs/ Fiè, below the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi have kept their rural character, even though they are very touristic.

Vines are cultivated in the area, and there are many well-preserved medieval farms. The alm itself, the largest alpine pasture in Europe, is for the most part car-free.

Although it’s full of people for most of the year, you will usually be able to find a quiet place for yourself on this huge plateau.

Between Schlern/Sciliar and the Rosszähne/Denti di Terrarossa you can also be sure of plenty of high-alpine walking options.

Rosengarten/Catinaccio

The Rosengarten/Catinaccio area is an alpine surprise bag, filled with boulders, scree-filled gullies and cauldrons, rock teeth, ridges and mighty walls.

But it also offers gentler walking — like the isolated Tschamintal/Valle di Ciamin and the track to the idyllically-cited Haniger Schwaige (dairy) in the Tiersertal/Val di Tires.

Grödnertal/Val Gardena

In the wide Grödnertal/Val Gardena (with Sella and Puez) there are numerous lifts and tourist resorts (St Ulrich/Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Wolkenstein/Selva) with tens of thousands of hotel beds and a lot of through traffic.

The real focus here is winter sports, but at the head of the valley Langkofel/ Sassolungo and the mighty Sella group rise and invite you to go on high alpine walks.

Gadertal/Val Badia

The Gadertal/Val Badia is known for its late-medieval hamlets called ‘viles’. They are particularly beautiful in Wengen (La Val), but there are also beautiful specimens to marvel at near the Seres mills.

The mighty Fanes group rises at the southern end of the valley – a place of ancient legends and myths. Alpine warfare in the First World War can be experienced in a spectacular way for hikers on Lagazuoi – it’s good to know that you are in a more peaceful European era.

Fassatal/Val di Fassa

The Ladin-speaking Fassatal/Val di Fassa is one of the most visited of all the valleys. Places like Vigo di Fassa, Pozza di Fassa, Moèna, Campitello and Canazei (Ladin: Cianacei) make good bases for exploring around the Pordoi and Fedaia passes.

One of the most famous walks in the range, the Bindelweg/Viel dal Pan, an easy walk on good trails, runs from one pass to the other.

This valley is also a good base for walks in the Rosengarten area – see above.

Agordino

The Agordino offers stunning scenery of mountains and lakes without being overly crowded – here you’ll find Civetta and the ‘Wall of Walls’, together with hikes from the Falzàrego Pass.

The Pale di San Martino and Marmolada are within easy reach.

Ampezzo

Ampezzo is best known for chic Cortina and as a winter sports centre, and prices are exceedingly high. But do not miss the easy approach to the Drei Zinnen/Tre Cime di Lavaredo via Lake Misurina!

Tips for walking in the Dolomites

• Plan your route: Be aware of the difficulty level and the time it will take.
• Check weather conditions: The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so check the forecast before setting out.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and layers that you can add or remove as needed.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks: Stay hydrated and fuelled throughout your hike.
• Respect the environment: Leave no trace, and stick to designated trails.
• Be aware of wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as ibex and marmots.
• Tell someone where you’re going: Let someone know your planned route and expected return time.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and unforgettable hiking experience in the Dolomites. We offer two guidebooks to walking in the Dolomites.

Book one covers the north and west of the range, including Sciliar/Schlern and Catinaccio/Rosengartem.

Book two covers the centre and east from Val Gardena (Gröden) to Cortina.