5 Scenic Hikes to Explore in the Dolomites

The Dolomites, easily accessible from Venice or Milan, are one of my all-time favorite places in Italy and a must-visit destination. To truly appreciate the region’s striking beauty, embark on a hike through its dramatic landscapes—think lunar-like terrain, towering peaks, and emerald alpine lakes.

There are two main ways to explore the Dolomites on foot. First, you can stay in villages like Cortina d’Ampezzo, using gondolas, buses, or private drivers to reach a variety of trails. Alternatively, for more avid hikers, a hut-to-hut trek offers longer days and the chance to immerse yourself fully in the mountains. Keep in mind that the huts have shared dormitory-style rooms with communal bathrooms, and reservations should be made six months to a year in advance. They offer full board, so there’s no need to pack meals.

Whichever option you choose, I recommend hiring a guide and driver. They’ll help keep you on track and enhance your experience with insights into World War I history and the region’s unique geography.

Below are some of my favorite day hikes from Cortina, where you’ll find plenty of lodging, excellent restaurants, and shopping. Some of these trails are quite popular and iconic, so expect to share the route with other hikers. I’ve included trail stats along with a short overview of each hike and its highlights. All you need is a sturdy pair of hiking shoes, a day pack for water and essentials, and trekking poles if you prefer (I do!). Most hikes offer the option to stop at a cozy mountain hut for lunch or an espresso. I never pass up some speck and cheese with fresh bread—speck is a delicious cured ham and a staple in the Dolomites.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina

Hiking Distance – 6.4 miles | Elevation –1300 feet | Route Type – Loop Trail | Duration – 3 to 4 hours | Level – Moderate | Parking Lot – Rifugio Auronzo (45 mins north of Cortina by car) 

This is one of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites—and for good reason. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, located in the South Tyrol region, is named for its three towering peaks that have become a symbol of the Dolomites’ rugged beauty.

For the loop hike, you’ll set out from Rifugio Auronzo and follow a wide gravel trail that winds past sheer rock faces, across ancient scree slopes, and alongside alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in season. Midway, pause at Rifugio Locatelli, where sweeping views span the Italian and Austrian Alps—and it’s the perfect spot for a cappuccino break.

If you have time to explore, there’s a set of pretty blue lakes and a few intriguing World War I caves just a short walk from the rifugio. From there, the trail zigzags down a rocky valley—the steepest part of the route—passing a charming alpine hut before climbing up to the Forcella Col di Mezzo ridge.

Back at Rifugio Auronzo, the adventure doesn’t have to end. You can opt for a short hike (2 miles with 690 feet of gain) to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, which offers one of the most dramatic vistas in the Dolomites.

Me hiking the Tre Cime di Laveredo

Lago di Sorapis from Passo Tre Croci

Hiking Distance – 6.8 miles | Elevation –984 feet | Route Type – RT | Duration – 4 to 5 hours | Level – Moderate+ (with some rocky sections, exposure and cables) | Begins – Passo Tre Croci (15 mins from Cortina by car) 

This is a more challenging hike, but well worth the effort if you’re up for the reward of reaching a striking, turquoise-hued glacial lake set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites. Keep in mind this is a popular trail, so expect to share it with other hikers.

The route offers expansive views and lush forest scenery, combining visual appeal with a bit of adventure. The hike begins at Passo Tre Croci, about 15 minutes by car from Cortina d’Ampezzo. You can take Trail 215 or 217, but I prefer Trail 215—it’s a bit “easier,” as long as you’re comfortable with some exposed sections and drop-offs. Metal ladders, cables, and ropes are installed to assist in those areas. Good balance and no fear of heights are essential.

From the Passo Tre Croci parking lot, follow signs for Trail 215 and Lago di Sorapis. The trail climbs steadily uphill, crossing rivers and winding through a densely forested valley before tracing the edge of some fairly exposed cliff faces. As you ascend, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains become even more impressive.

Eventually, you’ll reach a junction near Rifugio Vandelli, which sits above and to the left. Continue straight—the lake is just beyond the next rise. After spending time soaking in the views or enjoying a picnic by the water, return via the same trail back to the road.

The blue color of Lago di Sorapis is truly extraordinary—something you have to see to believe.

Lago di Sorapis in the Dolomites

Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau – with optional hike around the Cinque Torri 

Hiking Distance – 2.5 miles (add on 1.2 miles with Cinque Torri) | Elevation –1100 feet  (add 430’ for Cinque Torri)| Route Type – RT | Duration – 1.5 to 2 hours (add 1 hr for Cinque Torri)| Level –Easy | Begins – Baita Bai de Dones ( 25 mins from Cortina) 

This is one of the easiest hikes on my list, but also a classic. Rifugio Nuvolau sits atop Mount Nuvolau at an elevation of 8,500 feet, perched on the edge of a cliff with sweeping 360° views of the Dolomites. It’s one of my favorite places in the region—not just for the views, but also for the chance to sit on the terrace and enjoy lunch and a beer.

Along the way, you’ll pass Rifugio Averau, known for pasta dishes that linger in your memory long after the hike. The homemade ravioli and mushroom tagliatelle are my favorites.

This hike begins with a chairlift ride to Rifugio Scoiattoli. You can choose to do the Cinque Torri Loop either before or after the hike to Rifugio Nuvolau. Since the towers are more beautifully lit in the afternoon, I recommend heading to Rifugio Nuvolau first for the best photos later on.

From Rifugio Scoiattoli, follow the wide gravel path that climbs gradually toward Rifugio Averau. Once there, the trail becomes steeper and more rugged as it leads to Rifugio Nuvolau. Though this section is more physically demanding with uneven terrain, the views are absolutely worth the effort.

Next up is the Cinque Torri. Named for its five prominent rock towers (Cinque means five in Italian), this area also features several smaller pillars and spires. It was the site of intense conflict during World War I between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces. Bunkers, trenches, and tunnels built into the rock have been restored and now make up the open-air Museum of the Great War, complete with interpretive signs detailing key battles.

The Cinque Torri Loop is a circular trail that begins and ends at Rifugio Scoiattoli. It passes the WWI sites, circles the five towers, and continues past Rifugio Cinque Torri before looping back to the start on a well-marked path. Numerous side trails branch off from the loop, allowing you to extend your hike if you want to explore more of the area.

Aerial view of Rifugio Nuvolau, the oldest mountain hut refuge in the Dolomites

Cinque Torri, Dolomites, Italy

Falzarego Pass via the Frontline Trail 

Hiking Distance – 2.5 miles | Elevation –- -650’| Route Type – point-to-point | Duration – 2 to 3 hrs | Level –Easy | Begins – Rifugio Lagazuoi 

This hike along the Frontline Trail begins at Rifugio Lagazuoi (9,028 feet), where the views are truly world-class. To get there, take the Lagazuoi cable car from Passo Falzarego.

The Frontline Trail gets its name from the World War I tunnels and military posts scattered along the route. If you plan to explore the tunnels, be sure to bring a helmet and flashlight. The hike follows a series of downhill switchbacks, making it a relatively easy route—ideal for families. With no tricky or exposed sections, it’s a great introduction to hiking in the Dolomites.

From the rifugio, follow Trail #401 to the right and head downhill. At the first junction, stay right again and continue on Trail #410 toward Passo Falzarego and Forcella Travenanzes. Once you reach Forcella Travenanzes—another trail intersection—take Trail #402 to the right to continue your descent to Passo Falzarego.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy close-up views of Tofana di Rozes, one of the Dolomites’ most impressive peaks. From here, the path steepens slightly as it winds downhill to the Falzarego Pass.

Note: The Lagazuoi cable car operates only during the summer season, typically from late May to mid-October.

The Three Lakes Walk 

Hiking Distance – 8.1 miles | Elevation –- -2838’| Route Type – point-to-point | Duration – 5 hrs  | Level –Moderate to Difficult | Begins – Lake Pianozes (10 mins from Cortina) 

I love this hike for its rich variety of landscapes—forests, waterfalls, and alpine lakes all in one.

The trail begins at Lake Pianozes, a peaceful alpine lake nestled in a dense forest. After taking in the scenery at Lake Pianozes, return to the road and hike uphill for about 45 minutes along Trail #430 toward Lake d’Ajal. This lake features clear waters framed by thick forest, springs, wetlands, ravines, and deep rocky gorges.

Retrace your steps about 300 feet and take the more challenging Trail #431, which winds through the forest and brings you near Beco d’Ajal, an area dotted with massive boulders. From here, you’ll get impressive views across the Ampezzo Valley. After gaining nearly 3,280 feet in elevation and hiking for over three hours, the trail emerges from the forest, revealing a spectacular panorama.

This is where you’ll find Lake Federa—one of the most beautiful and well-known alpine lakes in the Dolomites. It’s set in a dramatic landscape surrounded by peaks like Becco di Mezzodì and Croda da Lago, and adjacent to Rifugio Croda da Lago. This is a perfect place to stop for lunch and enjoy the views from the lodge.

From the rifugio, continue downhill on Trail #432, which leads to Malga Federa. This alpine farm sits in a stunning location, surrounded by forest and mountain views, with sweeping vistas of the Ampezzo Valley and surrounding ranges.

From Malga Federa, follow the signs to the new Gores de Federa trail. This scenic path takes about 40 minutes and leads to Ponte di Federa, crossing five suspension bridges over the Ru Federa river and passing waterfalls, ravines, and streams.

Continue onward to Trail #428, which reconnects with Trail #430 and brings you back to your starting point, completing the circuit.

Lake Federa and Rifugio Croda da Lago

Other Notable Mentions:

Via Ferrata
Choose from one of the many Via Ferrata routes throughout the Dolomites, which use ladders, rungs, and steel cables to traverse steep rock faces and exposed ledges. These protected climbing paths were originally developed by soldiers during World War I to navigate the region’s rugged terrain. Book with a certified climbing company—they’ll provide both a guide and all the technical equipment. This activity is not recommended for those with a fear of heights or exposure, but it does offer some of the most dramatic views in the Dolomites.

San Cassiano to the Fanes Plateau
Located in the Parco Naturale di Fanes-Sennes-Braies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of my favorite hikes in the Alta Badia region of South Tyrol. The trail begins in the charming town of San Cassiano and covers roughly 8.5 miles, taking about 5.5 hours to complete. It’s of moderate difficulty and features two excellent rifugi—Rifugio Fanes and Rifugio Lavarela. Nestled between them is the peaceful Lech Vërt lake, making for a perfect mid-hike rest stop.

Alpe di Siusi Panorama Trail
The Alpe di Siusi region is home to Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadows. Hiking here feels like stepping into a scene from The Sound of Music, with wildflowers, grazing cows, and lush pastures framed by towering peaks. Take the cable car from Ortisei and follow the well-marked trail that loops around the plateau. This easy to moderate hike covers about 7.5 miles and offers expansive views throughout.

Alpe di Siusi, Dolomites

I hope you get to enjoy some—or all—of these hikes. For full trail guides and maps, consider using a hiking app like AllTrails. 

Inspired to plan your own journey? Explore our customizable private Italy itineraries or connect with a Vaya Europe specialist to craft a trip that fits your interests. 

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