Summary

• Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomites through these 10 most beautiful hiking trails, each offering majestic mountain views and unique geological features.
• Stay at hotels rated 8.0 and above, conveniently located near the trails, ensuring a comfortable and well-planned hiking experience.
• Take into account trail length, hiking time, and difficulty level when choosing which hike to embark on, and be prepared for changing weather conditions in the Dolomites.

The Dolomites, defined by their majestic peaks and otherworldly geological features, are a dream destination for hiking enthusiasts. The distinctive mountainous landscapes lie in three northern regions of Italy and are part of provinces like Belluno and Udine e Pordenone. Some of the hiking trails pass through breathtaking geological structures that make them top contenders among the most beautiful mountain hikes around the world worth experiencing.

But with many hiking routes, each proving to be more breathtaking than the other, which ones deserve immediate attention? Read on to see the 10 most beautiful hikes through the Dolomites that outdoor enthusiasts can attempt. Some may be short, but they still take adventurers through awe-inspiring landscapes.

This article includes hotels rated 8.0 and above, where hikers can rest after an adventure-filled day. We’ve taken factors like closeness to the trails, amenities, and prices into consideration to ensure visitors have a comfortable stay and an easy planning process. Some have a minimum stay requirement, especially during peak seasons, so visitors should confirm beforehand.

Related: Towering Mountains To Charming Valleys: 10 Best Hikes In Gran Paradiso National Park

Cinque Torri Loop, Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cinque Torri is one of the amazing trails in the Dolomites that tourists should consider for their next adventure. The hike has jaw-dropping scenery consisting of historic war exhibits and magnificent mountain views. While hiking, adventurers explore the open-air museum featuring World War I trenches and emplacements dotting the moderately challenging loop. The trail also leads adventurers around the Cinque Torri rock formations made up of several towers. At the top, hikers wander around as they marvel at the rock mounds, and when hungry, they stop by the Scoiatolli Refuge to rest and have a snack.

• Trail length: 4.5 miles
• Hiking time: 1 hour 30 mins
• Difficulty level: Moderate

The weather can be unpredictable in the Dolomites, so it’s best for hikers to plan for different conditions.

Seceda-Rifugio Firenze-Col Raiser Trail, Puez-Odle Nature Park

The Seceda Ridge is a haven for landscape photographers with its unbeatable views of the gorgeous Odle Geisler Group, Gardena Valley, and Funes Valley. To reach this famed viewpoint, adventurers choose the easier way of riding a gondola or the immersive experience of hitting the Seceda-Rifugio Firenze-Col Raiser trail. This point-to-point trail starts on a paved road with hiking arrows leading to Rifugio Firenze. After exploring a forest and passing a peaceful lake, adventurers get to Rifugio Firenze and follow a Seceda sign through a meadow.

• Trail length: 4.4 miles
• Hiking time: 2 hours 30 mins
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Trailhead location: Col Raiser Cable Car Station

Related: It's Easy To See Why It's Worth Seeing The Dolomites, Based On These Trip Highlights

Lago di Braies Loop, Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park

Also known as Pragser Wildsee, Lago di Braies is a stunning mountain lake with a dramatic mountainous backdrop. Travelers explore this popular destination in the Dolomites via a beautiful hiking trail encircling the blue-green colored waters. The loop trail allows adventurers to see the lake at different vantages and revel in the pristine natural beauty. Although the hike is beginner-friendly and completely flat on the right side, the left side of the lake has a rocky section, which is too steep for younger children.

• Trail length: 2.3 miles
• Hiking time: 1 hour 10 mins
• Difficulty level: Moderate

For the best hiking and photography experience, hikers should plan to arrive before sunrise to catch the first light as it hits the surrounding mountains.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop, Tre Cime di Lavaredo Nature Park

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail exposes travelers to some of the most impressive peaks in the Dolomites by looping around them. Considered one of the ultimate best hikes in the Dolomites, this loop starts at Rifugio Auronzo on a flat, wide gravel road leading hikers to Rifugio Lavaredo. From here, travelers endure a steep section, but the Forcella Lavaredo viewpoint rewards their efforts with side views of Cima Picolla, Grande, and Ovest. The trail continues toward Refugio Locatelli and then to Malga Langalm before returning to the starting point.

• Trail length: 6.3 miles
• Hiking time: 4-5hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Trailhead location: Rifugio Auronzo parking area

Related: 10 Ways To Enjoy Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s Largest Natural Park

Auronzo Refuge-Cadini di Misurina, Misurina

Cadini di Misurina is another incredible Dolomites hike, which is also accessible from the Rifugio Auronzo parking area. This hike is located near Misurina, one of the mountain towns that offer the best vantage points of the Dolomites.

Adventurers begin this short hike by heading toward Rifugio Col De Varda and climbing uphill as they admire the exquisite backside views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. After taking pictures, hikers continue along the cliff trail, offering breathtaking valley views, and pass under rock outcroppings as they approach the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Once at the outlook, travelers stand in awe of the Cadini di Misurina mountain ranges and retrace their steps.

• Trail length: 2.1 miles
• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Trailhead location: Refugio Auronzo parking area

Combining the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop with the Cadini di Misurina Trail saves money and time.

Rifugio Nuvolau, Cortina d’Ampezzo

Rifugio Nuvolau sits on Mount Nuvolau and offers panoramic views of the Dolomites. Adventurers start this hike by boarding a chairlift ride to Rifugio Scoiattoli, trek to Rifugio Averau, and then proceed to Rifugio Nuvolau. A gravel path leads hikers uphill from Rifugio Scoiattoli to Rifugio Averau while offering Cinque Torri and Tofana di Rozes views. From Rifugio Averau, adventurers proceed to Rifugio Nuvolau for about half an hour via an uneven rocky path. Once at Rifugio Nuvolau, hikers soak in the Passo Giau views on a terrace.

• Trail length: 2.5 miles
• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate

Related: The Green Heart of Italy: 10 Most Beautiful Towns To Visit In Umbria

Croda da Lago Circuit, Cortina d’Ampezzo

The Croda da Lago Circuit takes adventurers to the alpine Lake Federo, Forcella Ambrizzola, and Forcella Rossa. As one of the underrated trails in the Dolomites, this loop trail is perfect for travelers who want to explore nature without crowds. Hikers wander in a lush pine forest for the first few miles and soon reach the crystal-clear Lago Federa. From the lake, adventurers hike uphill to Forcella Ambrizolla and get views of the mountain lake and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The trail then leads hikers to the steepest section as Forcella Rossa comes into view.

• Trail length: 8 miles
• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Trailhead location: SP638 at Ponte de Ru Curto

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a mountain town known as the Queen of the Dolomites and is a scenic winter destination with exciting winter activities.

Compatsch-Biotop Großes Moos-Panorama, Alpe di Siusi

Alpe di Siusi, or Seiser Alm, is a picturesque high-altitude meadow with hiking and biking trails winding through the green hillsides. As adventurers walk through the rolling hillsides, the staggering mountain vistas come into view, especially along the Compatsch-Biotop Großes Moos-Panorama trail. This fantastic loop trail starts from Compatsch and offers staggering Catinaccio, Sciliar, and Sassolungo mountain views. The hike then leads hikers to Alpenhotel Panorama before returning to the starting point along the Joch path near Siusi allo Scillar.

• Trail length: 4.8 miles
• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Trailhead location: Compatsch parking lot area

Hikers can take the Seiser Alm cable car or a bus from Siusi allo Scillar to avoid the paid and crowded parking lot at the starting point.

Related: 14 Most Beautiful Towns In Italy (That Aren't The Amalfi Coast)

Adolf Munkel Trail, South Tyrol

The Adolf Munkel Trails is a fun track running along the foothills of the spectacular Geisler/Odle mountain group. Outdoor lovers start this trail at the Zanser Alm in Val di Funes and follow trail #6 to Rifugio delle Odle along a paved road. After about one mile, travelers reach the Adolf Munkel Weg Trail and hike through a dense evergreen forest, but there are occasional views of the surrounding mountains. Travelers reach a fork in the trail and hike to Malga Casnago via scenic trail #36A to Geisler Alm before returning to the starting point.

• Trail length: 5.9 miles
• Hiking time: 3 hours 15 mins
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Trailhead location: Zanser Alm parking lot area

Lago di Sorapis via Passo Tre Croci, Ampezzo Dolomites Regional Nature Park

Hiking Lago di Sorapis, or Lake Sorapis, a beautiful aquamarine lake surrounded by majestic Dolomites peaks, should be one of the things on an Italian summer bucket list. Adventurers reach this gem by hiking a moderately challenging trail, starting at Presso Tre Croci. The first section of the track is easy as it follows a wide forest track with a slight elevation change, offering breathtaking lush forest and mountain views. However, the second portion of the trail is demanding as hikers walk along the edge of a mountain and climb metal ladders with cables for support.

• Trail length: 7.6 miles
• Hiking time: 4 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Trailhead location: Passo Tre Croci