11 Short And Easy Hikes In The Dolomites: Unique And Must-do

The Dolomites are a great hiking destination. Of course, there are the usual famous hikes, such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo, but if you’re not into day or even half a day hikes, there are different short and easy hikes in the Dolomites.

My overall favourite short hike is the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint hike, but these seven are all easy, they take a maximum of a few hours, and they offer beautiful views.

Best easy hikes in the Dolomites

A hiker in black attire stands with trekking poles, gazing at a rugged mountainous landscape under a partly cloudy sky. Green shrubs and rocky terrain surround the hiker.

The trails that I’ve mentioned here are in no particular order.

I tried rate them from “my favourite” to “my least favourite”, but I couldn’t, as I like them all equally. Also, harder/easier and longer/shorter didn’t really work for me.

So, to understand which one of the shorter walks in the Dolomites is the best for you, I invite you to read on.

1. Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

A rugged mountain trail leading to the dramatic Cadini di Misurina viewpoint with snow-capped peaks. The trail is lined with twisted, weathered tree roots, and green vegetation adds color to the rocky terrain. Thick, cloudy patches cover the sky. — The main viewpoint

Distance: 3.2km (2 miles) | Time: 2h roundtrip | Elevation gain: 200m | Trailhead: Rifugio Auronzo parking lot | Location: Tre Cime Nature Park

The easy hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint and back to Rifugio Auronzo takes approximately two hours.

There is quite a steep ascent at the beginning of the trail, but otherwise it’s an easy walk which offers magnificent views of the jagged peaks of the Cadini mountains.

The only thing you really need to be aware of is that the trail at parts is narrow with steep drops on one side. And the very last part to the viewpoint itself is extremely narrow.

A hiker with a backpack and trekking poles ascends a rocky mountain trail. Snow-capped peaks and dramatic, jagged mountains stand under a cloudy sky in the background. Sparse greenery and grass patches appear along the path, leading towards the stunning Cadini di Misurina viewpoint hike. — On the way up to the other viewpoint

Another thing is, there’s an “extra” viewpoint which you can reach without being afraid of slipping down a cliff. And honestly, I enjoyed the view from the other one better than from the Instagram famous viewpoint.

The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of the best hikes if you’re staying in the Eastern Dolomites, for example, in Dobbiaco – there is a bus going straight to Rifugio Auronzo. Unfortunately, unlike most of the public transport in South Tyrol, this bus is not for free. There is, weirdly, no bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Auronzo, but if you have a car, there is a large car park available.

A note: the road to Rifugio Auronzo is a toll road, and it’s open from late spring until early autumn – when there is no snow.

2. Walk along the Seceda ridgeline

paragliders seen over the seceda mountains in the dolomites with Kristine and Emma walking towards them.

Distance: less than 1.5km (less than a mile) | Time: 1h or so | Elevation gain: ~150m | Trailhead: Baita Sofie Hutte| Location: Parco Naturale Puez/Odle

The walk along the Seceda ridge is not officially a hike, but it is one of the favourite walks that we’ve done in the Dolomites and definitely one of the best things to do in the Dolomites.

Seceda is 2519m high, and it’s the highest vantage point in the Val Gardena. You get stunning views of the Puez/Odle Nature Park (part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site), Val Gardena with the Selva di Val Gardena town, and from the ridgeline, of the Val di Funes and Santa Maddalena.

It starts with a cable car ride from Ortisei in Val Gardena – you need to take 2 cable cars to get up to the Seceda Station.

Most people go to the photo spot and then continue along the ridgeline, but we did it opposite – first, we went down the trail a bit towards the alpine pastures, and then ascended to the “teeth” of Seceda. But it doesn’t really matter which way you go to first.

Scenic landscape of rolling hills and valleys with a rugged mountain range in the distance under a cloudy blue sky. The foreground features grassy fields and scattered paths, creating a tranquil, expansive view.

Depending on how much time you have, you can go farther along the ridgeline.

There’s also a panoramic point from where you get the best views – pretty much 360° of the mountains around. Theoretically, you can even see the Alps in Austria from here.

3. Santa Maddalena church panorama and the Puez-Odle Photo spot

A picturesque alpine village nestled in a lush green valley with steep, pointed mountains in the background. A church and scattered houses dot the landscape, surrounded by trees and meadows. The scene is serene and illuminated by soft daylight.

Distance: 1.5km (appr. a mile) | Time: 1h or so | Elevation gain: ~110m | Trailhead: St. Magdalena town| Location: Val di Funes

This nice and easy walk in the Dolomites takes you to one of the most famous views of these magnificent mountains. The cute church with Puez/Odle group peaks in the background looks amazing.

We did the hike in October, and can really suggest that you visit this time of year, too. Especially for sunset – as you get a chance to witness the alpenglow. It’s when the Dolomite mountains are coloured in red and orange. Plus, the fall foliage looks exceptionally beautiful around the majestic mountains.

The trail towards the viewpoint is a well-maintained asphalt and gravel path. It has a slight incline all the way up, but nothing too bad.

Make sure to continue your walk after the church – that’s not where the viewpoint is! The main photo spot is clearly marked. Just follow the signs.

4. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo – until the Rifugio Locatelli

A rugged mountain landscape featuring three towering peaks known as Tre Cime di Lavaredo, set against a clear blue sky with a few clouds. The rock formations are steep and jagged, and the surrounding area is rocky with some green patches.

Distance: 8km (appr. 5 miles) | Time: 4h or so | Elevation gain: ~160m | Trailhead: Rifugio Auronzo parking lot | Location: Tre Cime Nature Park

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike up until the Rifugio Lavaredo is easy, albeit quite long, and offers incredible views of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. It’s the first part of the Tre Cime Loop, as well as a variant of the first part of Alta Via 4 trail, which is a via ferrata trail.

The starting point of the hike is the same as for the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint – Rifugio Auronzo.

The trail here is a wide gravel path, and you’ll meet loads of people on the way. So make sure to come early – if the parking lot by Rifugio Auronzo is full, the toll road will close.

The first magnificent views of the Tre Cime that you get are at Forcella Lavaredo. If you’re tired, this is a good spot to turn back towards Rifugio Auronzo.

But if not, definitely continue on, as the views from Rifugio Locatelli are even better.

Hikers traverse a rocky, mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky, with jagged peaks in the background. The scene is dominated by gray and brown tones, with sparse vegetation. A wooden railing and viewing platform are visible on the right side.

There, you can have a bite to eat and some rest. If you’re able to, I really suggest doing a tiny detour to Laghi dei Piani, which are two nice colorful lakes just a short distance from Rifugio Locatelli.

You can turn this into a day hike – continuing on on trail #105 back to Rifugio Auronzo. This way, you get unique views of the Tre Cime, and there are also fewer people here. But to be fair, this part of the trail is moderately difficult.

Learn more about hiking Tre Cime

5. Latemar Panorama hike

A scenic mountain landscape featuring a winding dirt path through a grassy meadow with scattered rocks. Pine trees line the path, leading towards rugged, sunlit peaks under a clear blue sky.

Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Elevation gain: 250-300m | Trailhead: Oberholz | Location: Val di Fiemme

The Latemar panorama hike was an easy walk that we actually discovered by accident. We went to stay in Obereggen without any plan, and just asked the hotel what would be some kids-friendly hikes in the area.

The Latemar Panorama hike can be done as a “hard” hike with a via ferrata, but there’s an easy part of it that starts at the Oberholz mountain hut.

You need to take a cable car up to the hut, then follow the signs for the Latemar Panorama trail (or rather the map, as the signs here can be confusing).

It’s kind of like a nature walk, as on the way you have different educational and fun materials to learn about the geography and biology of the area. And you get spectacular views of the Latemar Mountain range and Val di Fiemme.

6. Alpe di Siusi – Seiser Alm Panorama hike

A picturesque landscape featuring wooden cabins scattered on rolling green hills, with tall, jagged mountains in the background. The sky is overcast, adding a serene and tranquil atmosphere to the scene.

Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) | Time: 1.5 hour | Elevation gain: ~150m | Trailhead: Mont Seuc Cable Car Station| Location: Alpe di Siusi

Alpe di Siusi is a popular spot that’s very easy to reach from Val Gardena – the main viewpoint is just a cable car ride away from Ortisei.

If you’re not feeling like hiking, you don’t have to – it’s possible to enjoy the magnificent views of the Sassolungo group mountains and the highest alpine meadow in Europe just from the Cable Car station and restaurant.

Michal walked the Panorama trail – it took him approximately a bit more than an hour to do, but he’s a fast hiker. Emma and I walked for just around 15 minutes on the trail and still got to enjoy some panoramic views.

A winding road curves through a lush green landscape with scattered trees and small cabins. In the distance, misty mountains rise under a partly cloudy sky, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

It really is just an easy walk; I’d say even one of the best easy walks in the Dolomites in regards to how many rewarding views you get on the way. Most of the trail is walking on asphalt, and you get to enjoy the rolling alpine meadows with the little cabins and views of Sassolungo from many different angles.

We were in Alpe di Siusi on a bit of a hazy day, and it really looked like a painting. It was hard to absorb that this magnificent view is real.

7. Cinque Torri

A woman and a child with raised arms stand on a grassy hill, facing towering gray rock formations under a partly cloudy sky. The scene suggests a feeling of exploration and awe in a natural mountainous landscape.

Distance: 1.9km (1.2 miles) | Time: 1 hour | Elevation gain: ~130m | Trailhead: Rifugio Scoiattoli | Location: Nuvolao group in the Dolomiti Ampezzane

Cinque Torri is a two in one attraction – you can enjoy hiking and climbing here, as well explore the open-air WWI museum (the Museum of the Great War) with tunnels and bunkers.

You can choose from different hiking trails near Cinque Torri – there are, obviously, hard ones here, such as to Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau, but there are a few easier ones, too.

A rustic wooden and stone shelter with a metal gate stands on a rocky terrain. Informational signs are placed on the wooden beams. The shelter's roof is made of overlapping wooden planks, and the interior appears empty.

The easiest one is basically a simple walk in-between rocks and at the base of Cinque Torri. It’s one of the best hiking trails for kids – Emma really enjoyed the few times she had to go up and down some rocks on the trail.

The trailhead is at the Rifugio Scoiattoli chairlift station, from which you actually get a great view of the surrounding Dolomiti d’Ampezzo.

8. Cascate del Pisciadu and Cascate di Mezdi

A person in a green shirt and shorts sits by a small waterfall in a lush, mountainous landscape. Surrounding them are green bushes and tall evergreen trees. The sky is overcast, and the scene is calm and serene.

Distance: 4.8km (3 miles) | Time: 2 hours | Elevation gain: 215m | Trailhead: Hotel Luianta parking lot| Location: Alta Badia

The statistics include our hike a bit up the Cascate di Mezdi. If you go only to Cascate di Pisciadu and back, it’s a 2.8km (1.7 miles) hike that takes an hour or so.

The Cascate di Pisciadu walk in Alta Badia valley leads to a very pretty waterfall. We recommend that you do this hike in the late spring or early summer, as otherwise it might not have any water.

When we did the Cascate di Pisciadu hike in the middle of June, there was plenty of water flowing, making the waterfall seem quite big. But from what I’ve read, many other people have had a different experience, with the waterfall being quite empty.

If you continue on the trail instead of turning back, you’ll reach another waterfall on the way – it’s flowing from Val di Mezdi. This one didn’t really have that much water, but it was definitely less discovered, thus you can explore it better.

A stunning waterfall flows down a rocky mountainside surrounded by lush green trees and towering peaks. The water cascades over large boulders, creating a picturesque and serene natural scene.

Val Mezdi actually might be interesting to alpine climbers – the upper part of the valley is covered in snow even in the summer and the chains that used to be there are missing, so the ascent there can be done only with proper equipment.

The trail that leads through there is the one for Rifugio Boe, and the suggested route is to go to the Pisciadu mountain hut instead of the snowy and icy valley.

9. Lago di Carezza loop

Crystal-clear turquoise lake surrounded by lush evergreen trees with majestic mountains in the backdrop under a clear blue sky. Pink flowers frame the foreground, adding vibrant color to the picturesque landscape.

Distance: 1km (0.6miles) | Time: 20 minutes | Elevation gain: minimal | Trailhead: Lago di Carezza car park | Location: Val d’Ega

An easy 20 minute walk around Lake Carezza, which lets you explore how the color of the emerald waters of the lake changes from different angles. You get to see the typical view of the Latemar range being reflected in the Lago di Carezza, and from the other side, you see the Catinaccio range. However, that one doesn’t reflect in the waters of Karersee.

We went around the lake in winter, too, and it was rather fun. The trail was completely icy, so at parts, we had to slide down hills on our backs.

It was quite hard to go uphill, though, even with our proper hiking shoes – as I mentioned already, the trail was complete ice.

An adult and a child in winter clothing walk up a snowy path lined with a wooden fence, surrounded by snow-covered trees and ground.

It did make for a fun adventure, though.

10. Lago di Braies loop

A person in a red and blue jacket stands on a rock by a tranquil lake surrounded by forested mountains. The sky is overcast with low-hanging clouds, creating a serene and misty atmosphere. The lake's surface reflects the mountains and trees.

Distance: 3.2km (2 miles) | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Elevation gain: | Trailhead: Lago di Braies car park | Location: Val d’Ega

Just like with Karersee, you can also hike around lago di Braies. The path is easy and smooth, and you can even go around most of the lake with strollers. Only on the left side of the lake (when looking from the hotel), there are wooden staircases.

Walking around, you get to admire different mountains, such as Monte Nero and the impressive Croda del Becco. From the parking side of the lake, you get the quintessential view of the “Pearl of the Dolomites” – the boathouse, boats, emerald waters, and Croda del Becco.

A serene lake with clear turquoise water surrounded by lush green forests and towering mountains under a partly cloudy sky. People in small boats paddle on the water, and a dock is visible on the left side.

Lago di Braies is also where the world-famous Alta Via 1 multi-day trek starts.

11. Cascate di Riva

A scenic view of a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. A wooden fence lines a pathway in the foreground, leading to the waterfall. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the scene.

Distance: 3.4km (2.1 miles) | Time: 1h20min | Elevation gain: 170m | Trailhead: Cascate di Riva Campo Tures (Parking lot) | Location: Parco Naturale delle Vedrette di Ries

The Cascate di Riva hike offers you great views of the waterfalls. It goes through a pine forest, on a foresty trail, and zig-zags over the Riva River.

It’s perfect for warmer days in the beginning of summer or the end of spring – the trees give a bit of shade and the waterfalls, when full of water, can refresh you a bit. That time of year means fewer crowds, too.

The trail is a bit steep at times, and there are “stairs” on it. But even Emma could run up most of it.

cascate di riva in the dolomites - a waterfall very full of water in between trees. there's a bit of a rainbow visible.

The best part about the Cascate di Riva hike? You can zipline down to the trailhead!

The hikes’ trailheads on the map

Some additional info for planning your trip

Here are some that will help you plan a trip to the Dolomites.

How to get to the Dolomites

A winding road curves through a lush green valley with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky. A small building stands near the road surrounded by grassy hills.

There are three ways to get to the Dolomites: drive your car, take a bus, or take a train.

The car is the easiest option, as it gives you incredible freedom. You can come and go as you please, and stop almost wherever for the views.

If you take a train, you’ll arrive in Bolzano and then have to use either local trains or buses. There is no train station in Cortina d’Ampezzo, so a bus is inevitable if you wish to explore the East side of the Dolomites (and you should!).

Buses are more convenient if you need to rely on public transport. You can get buses from Cortina, Verona, and other places.

Learn all you need to know about getting to the Dolomites.

Where to base yourself for hiking

Depending on how many days you have in the Dolomites, you should base yourself either in one or two places. The Dolomites are generally divided in two parts – the Eastern, where places such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tre Cime, and Lake Braies are, and the Western, with Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi, and Seceda.

If you have less than 3 nights, stay in one place, and choose from Eastern or Western. So, for example, in the East of the Dolomites, base yourself in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dobbiaco or San Vito di Cadore (blue on the map), and in the West, somewhere in Val Gardena (Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei, for example) or Canazei (green on the map).

The red marks are Alta Badia, which is more or less in the middle of the Dolomites. It’s generally considered more luxury, thus more expensive. And keep in mind that although it is more central, it still takes long to drive anywhere from there.

In conclusion about the easy walks in the Dolomites

A person sits on a rocky path near a large jagged rock formation against a backdrop of distant mountains and a clear blue sky. The landscape features sparse vegetation and rugged terrain.

So, here you have our favourite shorter hikes in the Dolomites. They’re good for pretty much all skill levels, and most can even be done as family hikes.

I hope this makes your trip planning easier! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me!

FAQ: Short walks in the Dolomites

Can you hike the Dolomites as a beginner?

Yes, you can. The short and easy hikes I’ve listed are perfect for beginners.

Can you hike the Dolomites in sneakers?

Yes, it’s possible to hike these short hikes that I’ve listed in sneakers. But it’s better to have hiking shoes.

Do I need hiking poles for the Dolomites?

For these short hikes you don’t really need hiking poles, although I did use them on the Cadini hike. But if you want to do moderate to hard day hikes, it’s a good idea to have hiking poles.

What is the best month to hike the Dolomites?

The best months to hike in the Dolomites are July and august.

What is the best base town for hiking the Dolomites?

The best base towns for hiking the east of the Dolomites are Cortina d’Ampezzo and Dobbiaco, and the best place to base yourself for hiking in the West is Val Gardena.

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11 Short and Easy Hikes in the Dolomites: Unique and Must-do