Best Places to Visit in Dolomites - Top 10 for Your Adventure Trip

Overview of the Dolomites, Italy

If there’s one place in Europe that perfectly captures the essence of nature’s grandeur and adventure, it’s the Dolomites in northern Italy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a jaw-dropping mountain range that seems straight from a fantasy film. Located in South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno, the Dolomites are famous for their dramatic peaks, lush alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and a seriously rich blend of Italian and Austrian culture.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a road tripper, a mountain biker, or just someone chasing those postcard-perfect views, this region has something for you. From iconic hikes to crystal-clear alpine lakes, we’re breaking down the best places to visit in the Dolomites—including some of the top 5 and top 10 most beautiful places in the Dolomites that will steal your heart in every season.

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Dolomites, Italy

1. Seceda

2. Lago di Braies

3. Tre Cime di Lavaredo

4. Alpe di Suisi

5. Sassolungo Peaks

6. Val di Funes

7. Lago di Sorapis

8. Gardena Pass

9. Lago di Carezza

10. St Johann in Ranui church

Seceda

Best Season to Visit: Late Spring through Early Fall Best Months: June – October

Seceda is one of the most photographed places in the Dolomites—and for good reason. Those knife-edged ridgelines that seem to slice right through the clouds? Yeah, they’re real. Located in the Puez-Odle Nature Park, Seceda’s dramatic spires offer some of the best views in the Dolomites, especially during sunrise and sunset.

You can reach the top by cable car from Ortisei, which makes it accessible even for those who aren’t up for a strenuous hike. Once there, explore several hiking trails that wind through lush alpine meadows. In summer, the hills explode with wildflowers, while fall brings a golden hue to the landscape that’s nothing short of magical.

If you're a photographer, this is one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites to capture that classic jagged mountain skyline. And if you're just here for the views? Trust us—Seceda is the best place to see the Dolomites in full glory.

Lago di Braies

Best Season to Visit: Summer through Early Fall Best Months: July – October

No list of Dolomites tourist attractions is complete without Lago di Braies (also known as Pragser Wildsee). This turquoise-blue lake is tucked into a forested valley and surrounded by towering limestone peaks—it honestly looks like someone turned up the saturation in real life.

Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” Lago di Braies is one of the top 10 places to visit in the Dolomites, especially for first-timers. Rent a classic wooden rowboat and glide across the glassy surface (preferably early morning to beat the crowds). Or walk the easy 2.2-mile loop trail around the lake—perfect for casual hikers and families.

Pro tip: Get here early! By mid-morning, this spot becomes a hotspot for Instagrammers and tour buses. And while it can get busy, the lake’s beauty still makes it one of the best places to go in the Dolomites, no matter the season.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Best Season to Visit: Late Spring through Fall Best Months: June – October

These three iconic peaks—Tre Cime di Lavaredo—are basically the poster children for the Dolomites. Their dramatic, towering presence is visible from miles away and defines much of the region’s rugged charm. If you’re hunting for the best place to see the Dolomites, this might take the crown.

Located in the Sexten Dolomites, the Tre Cime loop hike is one of the area's most famous and rewarding trails. It’s about a 6.2-mile loop with moderate difficulty, giving 360-degree views of the spires and the surrounding mountainscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass alpine huts where you can refuel with some hearty local fare—think dumplings, strudel, and espresso.

It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites in summer when the snow has melted, and the green valleys come alive with color. Photographers love the contrast of the limestone against the blue skies, and hikers love the rewarding panoramas around every bend.

Alpe di Siusi

Best Season to Visit: Late Spring through Early Fall Best Months: June – September

Welcome to the largest alpine meadow in Europe! Alpe di Siusi (also known as Seiser Alm) is what dreams are made of—wide-open fields dotted with wooden huts, wildflowers swaying in the breeze, and the Sassolungo peaks towering in the background.

This high-altitude plateau sits at about 6,500 feet and is easily accessible via cable car from Ortisei or Siusi. Once you're up there, you’ll find rolling meadows perfect for easy hiking, biking, or just chilling out with a picnic and soaking in the views.

This is one of the top 5 places to visit in the Dolomites for families, casual travelers, and photographers alike. In the early morning, the mist curling over the meadows creates an ethereal feel that’s pure magic. Summer is the best time to catch the meadow in full bloom, making it one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites hands down.

Sassolungo Peaks

Best Season to Visit: Summer through Fall Best Months: July – October

Towering and dramatic, the Sassolungo (Langkofel) Group dominates the landscape near Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi. These rugged peaks look like something out of a fantasy movie and are among the best places in the Dolomites for experienced hikers, climbers, and mountain lovers.

If you're up for a challenge, the Sassolungo Circuit Hike is an exhilarating 10-mile loop that circles the massif. It’s one of the best places to go in the Dolomites if you want variety—think steep switchbacks, panoramic ridge walks, and a few rifugios (alpine huts) for tasty pit stops.

You can also access the peaks by taking the Sassolungo cable car, which is a bucket list ride in itself—it's essentially a vintage standing "egg lift" that whisks you straight into the mountains. The area is stunning in the fall, too, when the larches turn golden and the crowds thin out.

Val di Funes

Best Season to Visit: Spring through Fall Best Months: May – October

Val di Funes (Villnöss Valley) is like a painting come to life. This quiet, scenic valley is best known for its storybook churches, like the iconic St. Magdalena Church and St. Johann in Ranui Church, set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of the Odle/Geisler peaks.

It’s one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites and a must-visit for photographers, especially during golden hour. The valley is less touristy than other parts of the Dolomites, giving it a serene, untouched charm that’s rare these days.

In summer and early fall, the meadows are lush and the hiking trails are in prime condition. The Adolf Munkel Trail, running at the foot of the Odle Group, is perfect for a moderate day hike. With its blend of natural beauty and quiet charm, Val di Funes earns its spot as one of the top 10 places to visit in the Dolomites.

Lago di Sorapis

Best Season to Visit: Late Spring to Early Fall Best Months: June – September

Tucked away in the Ampezzo Dolomites, Lago di Sorapis is a hidden jewel that rewards the adventurous. With its surreal milky-turquoise water, jagged limestone cliffs, and remote setting, this glacial lake is absolutely one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites—and it makes you work a bit to enjoy it.

You’ll need to hike in to see it. The trail (starting from Passo Tre Croci) is about 7.5 miles round-trip, moderate in difficulty, with some narrow sections along cliff edges that include steel cables for support. But trust us—the views at the end are so worth it. There’s a sense of tranquility and raw nature here that you won’t find in more tourist-heavy areas.

This is hands-down one of the best places to visit in the Dolomites in summer when the trail is clear and the lake is at its most vibrant. Bring good hiking shoes, snacks, and your camera—this is a hike you'll remember forever.

Gardena Pass

Best Season to Visit: Summer through Fall Best Months: June – October

Love road trips and sweeping alpine vistas? Then Gardena Pass (Passo Gardena) needs to be on your radar. Connecting Val Gardena to Val Badia, this stunning mountain pass is a favorite among cyclists, bikers, and photographers. At an elevation of 7,008 feet, it’s one of the most scenic drives in the Dolomites.

Gardena Pass is part of the Great Dolomites Road, and every curve brings new views of craggy peaks, green valleys, and winding roads that seem tailor-made for adventure. There are numerous pull-offs and parking areas to take in the scenery, snap photos, or start a hike.

The area is also surrounded by some excellent trailheads, making it one of the best places to go in the Dolomites for day hiking. Autumn adds a golden glow to the landscape, while summer offers clear skies and cooler mountain air—perfect for road trippers looking to escape the heat.

Lago di Carezza

Best Season to Visit: Late Spring to Early Fall Best Months: May – October

Also known as the “Rainbow Lake”, Lago di Carezza (Karersee) is a compact but absolutely mesmerizing alpine lake located near Nova Levante. Surrounded by dense evergreen forest and overlooked by the Latemar mountains, it’s famed for its emerald-to-aquamarine hues that seem to shift with the light.

While it’s not large, it packs a punch in terms of beauty—and is one of the top 10 places to visit in the Dolomites, especially for casual travelers or families with limited time. There’s a short, easy loop trail around the lake, making it ideal for a relaxed morning stroll or a picnic.

The legend goes that a sorcerer shattered a rainbow into the lake out of heartbreak, which explains the ever-changing colors. Whether you believe the folklore or not, Lago di Carezza is absolutely one of the best places to see in the Dolomites, especially in early morning or just after rainfall, when the water acts like a mirror.

St. Johann in Ranui Church

Best Season to Visit: Late Spring through Fall Best Months: May – October

Last but definitely not least, the tiny St. Johann in Ranui Church is an icon of Dolomites photography. Located in the Val di Funes, this humble baroque church set against the towering Odle/Geisler Peaks is one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites—if not all of Italy.

The church itself dates back to the 1700s, but it's the setting that steals the show. Surrounded by green fields and dramatic cliffs, it feels like a scene from a fairy tale. You can view it from the panoramic platforms nearby or walk a short trail around the meadow to get different angles.

Pro tip: Respect the fences and photography guidelines—this is private farmland, and the locals appreciate travelers who treat it with care. Fall is a particularly stunning time to visit when the fields turn golden, and the air gets crisp. If you're looking for the best place to see the Dolomites in a peaceful, spiritual light, this is it.

Why Choose AdventureTripr for Your Dolomites Adventure?

Planning a trip to the Dolomites can feel overwhelming—especially when you're trying to figure out how to fit in all the best places to visit in the Dolomites, from Lago di Braies and Tre Cime di Lavaredo to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi. That’s where AdventureTripr comes in. We make it easy for you to experience the top 10 places to visit in the Dolomites without the stress of researching every detail. With our expertly curated itineraries, you’ll discover both iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems—guided by local experts who know the terrain like the back of their hand.

Our trips are designed for travelers of all experience levels, so whether you're a seasoned trekker or just looking for the best place to see the Dolomites with minimal hiking, we've got options for you. We take care of logistics like transportation, lodging, and timing—so you can focus on soaking in the views and making unforgettable memories. From scenic mountain passes like Gardena Pass to the most beautiful places in the Dolomites in summer, AdventureTripr brings you the heart of this breathtaking region with none of the guesswork. If you're ready to explore the best places in Dolomites, Italy, in a way that’s meaningful, well-paced, and full of adventure, we're here to make it happen.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

Answer 1: The best season to visit the Dolomites is from June to October, when the trails are clear, the meadows are in bloom, and the weather is perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and photography. Summer offers vibrant colors and longer daylight hours, while fall delivers golden foliage and fewer crowds. This makes it the ideal window to explore the top 5 places to visit in the Dolomites like Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Val di Funes.

Question 2: What are the most beautiful places in the Dolomites to see?

Answer 2: Some of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites include: Lago di Braies – The iconic turquoise lake, Tre Cime di Lavaredo – The region’s most famous hiking loop, Alpe di Siusi – The largest alpine meadow in Europe, Lago di Sorapis – A glacial-blue lake that’s worth the hike, and Val di Funes and St. Johann Church – A photographer’s dream. These are considered the best places to go in the Dolomites, whether you're a casual traveler or a seasoned adventurer.

Question 3: How difficult are the hikes in the Dolomites?

Answer 3: Hiking in the Dolomites offers a range of experiences for every level. Some trails, like the Lago di Braies loop or Alpe di Siusi meadows, are easy and family-friendly. Others, like Tre Cime di Lavaredo or the Sassolungo Circuit, are moderate to challenging and require good stamina. If you're unsure which hikes suit you, AdventureTripr tailors each itinerary to your fitness level and travel goals—so you can enjoy the best places to visit in Dolomites stress-free.

Question 4: Why should I book with AdventureTripr instead of planning the trip myself?

Answer 4: Great question! Planning a trip to the Dolomites—especially if you want to see the best places in the Dolomites in summer—can be overwhelming. Between figuring out transportation, booking the right mountain huts or hotels, and navigating trail networks, it’s a lot. With AdventureTripr, you get access to insider knowledge, support from local partners, and thoughtfully designed trips to the best places to see the Dolomites—all while saving time and avoiding tourist traps. Plus, we know how to time your visit to avoid the crowds and maximize the magic. Your only job? Show up and soak in the view.