Day hikes in the Dolomites
If you’re visiting the Dolomites in summer, I think I only need one guess to know why you’re there…. and if i’m correct, it involves some hiking boots, a backpack and some exciting adventures ahead 🤩
The Dolomites are renowned for some of the most stunning hikes and you can see why if you type it into any search engine, Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, Seceda… do I need to mention anymore. There are a variety of different hikes but the ones I will mention below are day hikes.
I visited using a tour company called WeRoad and whilst it was a great way to experience the Dolomites, I would love to go back and explore more on my own/with friends. We visited many unique parts of the Dolomites but there were quite a few that we didn’t visit either. So here’s a list of what we did and then where else I would love to visit.
** my biggest tip is to pay for an All Trails subscription, as you can download offline maps and trust you’re staying on track 🧭 (it has saved me many times)
#1 Tre Cime
📍 10.1 km - ⬆️ 493 m gain - ⏰ 3.5 - 4 hr
The most popular hike in the Dolomites. It’s quite easily accessible for all fitness levels, however there are some sections which are steep so the correct hiking shoes are required. We did this hike and the views were beautiful 🤩
I highly recommend packing your own lunch and sitting near the three peaks - I had a very cute moment with my friend at this point and I will always remember it 🥪
Top tip: you need to pre-book parking as you won’t be able to enter otherwise. The price is €40 for a car which is plenty of time for you to complete this hike.
If you aren’t driving you can technically start hiking from certain points (i.e. Val Marzon, Lake Antorno) or during summer periods buses and shuttles you can travel from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Auronzo di Cadore
#2 Seceda
📍 10.9 km - ⬆️ 609 m gain - ⏰ 4 - 4.5 hr
There are quite a few different hiking routes for the Seceda route. To reach the Seceda ridgeline you will need to ride the cable car from Ortisei. There is parking at the cable car in Ortisei (be mindful, it’s not the most affordable ~ €2.5/hr with a daily maximum of €30). This is going to be the easiest option, unless you want to hike from the bottom of the valley.
If you are going to get the cable car, you need to book tickets prior to your arrival. It is suggested to book the ticket the day before and the times are in 30 minute intervals.
📍 12.7 km - ⬆️ 598 m gain - ⏰ 4 - 5 hr
Becoming very popular for a reason, it is a challenging hike, with some narrow sections. However, you will be treated with turquoise water and mountain views that I am so jealous I missed out on.
We had this part of our plan when visiting the Dolomites but the weather decided to be a pain on the day we chose so we had to adapt but it is probably the biggest hike on my bucket list for the Dolomites.
📍 7.6 km - ⬆️ 659 m gain - ⏰ 3 - 4 hr
We completed this hike on our trip to the Dolomites and sadly for us the weather was AWFUL. When I say awful, I mean it… we couldn’t see a thing at all. ☁️
You will start near Lagazuoi Refuge but this trail is quite interesting and holds significant historical meaning as it was used during World War I. It was originally built for Austrian soldiers but can now be walked on by yourself through tunnels and trenches.
📍 3.5 km - ⬆️ 208 m gain - ⏰ 1.5 - 2 hr
The quickest hike of the lot, but you can do many more challenging hikes if you search on All Trails that include this section. It will be quite popular as it is the same starting point as Tre Cime at Rifugio Auronzo.
Therefore, if you are planning on completing this hike you will need to pre-book tickets to gain access to the parking and road.
📍 16.7 km - ⬆️ 1,039 m gain - ⏰ 5 - 7 hr
In the heart of Val Gardena, this hike is the longest on my list and you may have seen it rise in popularity recently for a certain donut you can buy along the way….. 👀 🍩
You can find the donuts at the bottom of Mount Sassolungo at Rifugio Friedrich August. There are many reviews stating that you should bring trekking poles due to loose gravel and steep sections.
📍 3.9 km - ⬆️ 189 m gain - ⏰ 1 - 1.5 hr
So this technically isn’t a hike BUT you have to do it!!
Most people will only will only visit and make their way to the boat shed to hire a canoe. Don’t get me wrong, there are still people on the path all the way around the lake but it’s no where near as busy as I expected it to be.
You will need to pre-book your parking for Lago Di Braies during peak season. I mention this on my instagram, but P4 is your best option and is only a 10 minute walk from the lake.
On the other side of the lake the views are just as spectacular so it’s a must ❤️
📍 10 km - ⬆️ 559 m gain - ⏰ 3.5 - 4.5 hr
First thing to note is that you may need via ferrata gear for this hike depending on what you want to do on this hike. If you want to go behind the waterfall than you will need the gear, but if not you can walk the standard trail and skip the ferrata section.
There will be some steep climbs, but for a unique waterfall amongst the dolomites this one is for you. 💧
#9 Passo Giau - Forame (Cinque Torri)
📍 9.2 km - ⬆️ 473 m gain - ⏰ 3.5 - 4 hr
Near Selva di Cadore, this route is considered challenging and will pass quite a few rifugios along the way. The main attraction on this hike will be the Cinque Torri which are five rock formations.
The parking is free but it is still recommended to arrive early to ensure you get one.
There are obviously plenty more that you can do in the Dolomites, however, this list gives you a nice mix of the classics and a few different options as well. Remember to plan properly and book ahead for parking if it is needed.