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.

Easy Dolomites Hiking Itinerary: 5 days in Cortina d’Ampezzo

ByKristine

The Dolomites are great a hiking destination, for sure, so there is a great number of hiking trails to choose from.

Our Dolomites’ hiking itinerary is for the most beautiful hiking trails around Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s based on our trips to the area, and contains such gems as Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, Cinque Torri, and lake Sorapis.

We’ve visited the Dolomites multiple times, and cannot wait to go back again and again.

So let’s see what we’ve put in our hiking itinerary.

This post might contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase anything via them, we might earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. Check our disclaimer policy for more information.

Dolomites Hiking Itinerary: 5 Days Overview

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.
Cinque Torri

So here are the highlights of our hiking itinerary for trails around Cortina.

I haven’t overfilled the days, so that you can both explore the best places and have some rest at the same time!

➡️Day 1: Arrival and lakes
➡️Day 2: Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
➡️Day 3: Cinque Torri and Rifugio Lagazuoi
➡️Day 4: Lago di Sorapis and lakes Misurina and Antorno
➡️Day 5: explore Cortina, go up Faloria, and departure

Day One: Arrival to Cortina d’Ampezzo and driving to the lakes

A cobblestone street in a quaint alpine village is lined with charming buildings featuring wooden balconies and pastel facades. Snow-capped mountains and a partly cloudy sky are visible in the background.

Day one is when you arrive to the Dolomites, so this day is going to be kind of easy. It’s so you can acclimate – depending on where you travel from, it might have been quite tiring.

Afternoon

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with a cloudy sky, showcasing a town nestled in a valley. Traditional Alpine houses with wooden balconies are surrounded by lush green fields and dense forests, with majestic mountains looming in the background.

I suppose you’ll arrive in Cortina after lunch, as that’s how it usually goes. Plus, the check in in the hotels is generally at 2PM or even later.

If you arrive before the check in time, go to your hotel and ask if you can store your luggage there – they are usually ok with it. And who knows, maybe your room is going to be ready already!

Afterwards, drive to some of the best lakes in the area.

The goal for today is lakes Landro, Dobbiaco, and Braies.

A serene mountain lake with green waters is surrounded by snow-dusted mountains. A grassy, sandy shore curves along the lake's edge, and tall trees line the opposite bank under a cloudy sky.
Lake Landro in April

Lago di Landro is located just on the side of the road on the way from Cortina to lake Braies.

You can park right next to the lake – there’s a paid parking.

Get the EasyPark app for easy payments!

A serene turquoise pond sits beside a mountain road with a wooden guardrail. Snow-dusted trees line the surrounding rugged terrain, and snow-covered peaks rise in the background under a cloudy sky.

Don’t miss the other part of the lake which is just over the road!

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks under a blue sky. Pine trees frame the foreground, with patches of snow on the ground. Fluffy clouds float above, adding contrast to the vibrant scene.
Also in April

Very close to Lago di Landro is a panoramic viewpoint for Tre Cime di Lavaredo – stop there to get your first glimpse of it and learn more about the mountaineering in the Dolomites.

A serene lake reflecting surrounding pine forest and steep mountains under a clear blue sky. Sunlight casts a shadow on part of the mountain, creating a tranquil and picturesque landscape.

Afterwards, drive on to Lago di Dobbiaco. It’s my favorite lake in the Dolomites because here, you get the perfect view of the mountain lake with a valley in the background.

A serene lake scene with five white swans gliding on turquoise water. Forested hills and a small house are in the background. A few ducks swim nearby, with a cozy lakeside cafe visible on the left.

Enjoy the views or even walk around the lake a little bit. If you’re getting hungry, there’s a restaurant where you can get a coffee and a snack.

After enjoying the lake Dobbiaco, drive on to the last spot on today’s itinerary – lake Braies.

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.

If you’re travelling (generally) between July 10th and September 10th, know that driving access to Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee is restricted during peak hours (9:30 am – 4 pm) is restricted. You have to reserve a spot for the P1 parking, park further, or take a bus to the lake.

It’s the most Instagram-popular lake in the Dolomites so be prepared to see quite a few people here. Depending on how late you are and how tired you are, you can ride the boat or just stroll around the lake.

A person wearing a red life jacket and sunglasses is rowing a wooden boat on a clear turquoise Braies lake in the Dolomites surrounded by forested mountains. The sky is partly cloudy, and there are rocky mountain peaks in the background.

Depending how much time you spend in each spot, this trip should take you two to three hours. The drive back to Cortina would take approximately an hour.

Evening

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.

If you have time and energy left, there are 2 places that you can consider adding to your itinerary for this day.

A group of hikers walk along a gravel path through a lush green meadow, surrounded by hills and scattered trees. Snow-capped mountains and a dramatic, cloudy sky form the backdrop.

First option is Prato Piazza. Just know that the same like Lake Braies, access to it might be limited so check out.

Prato Piazza is a high-altitude alpine meadow with incredible views towards the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature park. On clear days, you can see all the way to Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina. This is an easy hiking trail, pretty much just a walk, so quite ok for the first day of your trip.

A person sits on a rock ledge near a cascading turquoise stream surrounded by rugged rock formations and dense forest. The water flows energetically, creating small rapids as it winds through the serene natural landscape.

The other option that you can add is Gorge di Felizon. It’s actually on your way back to Cortina, so easy to visit. We went there in April, and it really is a beautiful gorge with crystal-clear blue glacial water river.

After you’re back in Cortina, have dinner. The easiest option would be if you have dinner included in the hotel. If not, consider going to Ristorante Il Vizietto – we liked the food there. Just check for reservations, as in summer, it might get full.

Check out my favourite short hikes in the Dolomites

Map of the day

Day Two: Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

tre cime di lavaredo in august in the dolomites with a little church, cloudy mountains, and lots of people on the trail

Day two brings you the first serious hikes! Some of our favourite ones, actually.

Morning

A person wearing sunglasses, a pink jacket, and a black backpack takes a photo with a smartphone. Behind them are the rocky peaks of a mountainous landscape under a partly cloudy sky.

This second day is not for sleeping in.

You need to go to Rifugio Auronzo where the trailhead for both hikes is. Make sure to arrive at the toll gate before 9am, as the parking lot fills up rather quickly. If the parking is full, the road up to Rifugio Auronzo will be closed.

It might happen that the Rifugio Auronzo will only be accessible by reservation. I’d consider using public transport for planning purposes.

tre cime di lavaredo in august from rifugio locatelli in the dolomites with lots of people everywhere

Start with the hike around Tre Cime di Lavaredo. You can have lunch in the Rifugio Locatelli – it has quite a good restaurant, and more importantly, it’s conveniently located.

People are scattered around a scenic mountainous landscape with rugged peaks. Some are sitting, and others are walking along a dirt path. In the background, there's a small lake reflecting the cloudy sky. Patches of grass and rocky terrain dominate the foreground.

A bit behind Rifugio Locatelli there’s Laghi dei Piani –  two beautiful lakes, which are easy to reach.

All you need to know about hiking Tre Cime

Afternoon

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

After hiking the Tre Cime, go to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. It’s an easy hike that doesn’t take too much time. But the views are definitely worth it!

Two people stand on a rocky mountain peak with arms outstretched under a mostly cloudy sky. Jagged mountain peaks are visible in the background, and green shrubs dot the foreground.

Don’t miss this hike!

Why you shouldn’t miss the Cadini di Misurina hike
A wooden walkway with rustic railings leads to a calm lake surrounded by tall pine trees. In the background, jagged mountain peaks rise against a partly cloudy sky, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.
Lake Antorno and Tre Cime

If you wish, and if you still have energy, check out the lakes Antorno and Misurina on the way back to Cortina. If not, leave them for day four after hiking lake Sorapis!

view of lake misurina with some buildings on the far coast and mountains in the background

From lake Antorno, you can see the South side of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. And from lake Misurina, you can see Cadini di Misurina.

Evening

view of a garden, rainy terrace, and mountains from a spa in hotel lajadira and spa cortina d ampezzo in the dolomites
Spa Area in the Hotel Lajadira in Cortina

Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the wellness area of your hotel.

For dinner, check out Baita Fraina.

Map of the day

Day Three: Cinque Torri and Rifugio Lagazuoi

A scenic view of towering rock formations in a mountainous landscape under a blue sky with clouds. A winding dirt path leads through green grass towards the rocks, with a few scattered trees along the way.

Day three is again a bit more relaxing, to give you an opportunity to recuperate after hiking the whole day before.

Morning

A woman and a man sit on a chairlift, smiling at the camera. The woman wears a blue shirt and sunglasses on her head; the man wears a light green shirt and sunglasses. A young child in pink is between them, face blurred. Trees are in the background.

In the morning, drive to the Seggiovia Cinque Torri – the Cinque Torri chairlift parking. Ride the chairlift up to the Rifugio Scoiattoli and hike around the Five Towers. There is also the WWI open air museum with preserved bunkers and tunnels, where you can learn a bit of history of how the war went in the Dolomites.

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.

If you have the energy, consider hiking to Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau where you can have lunch.

A rugged mountain landscape with rocky peaks and green patches, under a partly cloudy sky. A winding path leads through the terrain, with sparse trees and shrubs scattered around. Snow-capped mountains can be seen in the distance.

In case you do decide to hike to these mountain huts, you’d be finished by early afternoon – but you do need to start around 8am then.

Check out the best views in the Dolomites – with little to no hiking!

Afternoon

A rugged mountain under a blue sky towers over a parking area filled with cars. Green foliage covers parts of the landscape below the rocky cliffs. The foreground features a metal fence and structural components.

For the afternoon, drive on to the Falzarego pass and take the Lagazuoi cable car up to the Rifugio Lagazuoi. Hike to the Monte Lagazuoi Piccolo, which offers incredible views all around.

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with snow patches. A group of hikers on a trail leads to a cabin on the ridge. Majestic mountain peaks and a partly cloudy sky form the backdrop.

If you didn’t hike to Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau, have lunch at the Rifugio Lagazuoi. We had lunch there on our trip in June, and can say that it was very tasty!

A person holds a glass of red wine against a backdrop of a mountainous landscape with lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The glass features a mountain logo.

There’s also an option of hiking down from Lagazuoi to Passo Falzarego through tunnels that were made in World War I.

The best places you can visit in the Dolomites in Summer

Evening

A woman wearing sunglasses and a maroon jacket smiles for a selfie on a snowy mountain peak. Beside her is a wooden crucifix with a statue of Jesus. The background shows a partly cloudy sky and distant mountains.

In the evening, you can relax in your hotel again.

Map of the day

Day Four: Lago di Sorapis and lakes Misurina and Antorno

A tranquil alpine scene featuring a calm lake with large white rocks, surrounded by green trees. In the background, rugged mountains rise under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

Day four brings us another half a day hike. This time, it’s to the magical Lake Sorapis – it’s a hike that should only be done in summer when you are sure that there will be no snow.

Morning

A smiling couple wearing sunglasses poses for a selfie in front of a rocky landscape with a serene, milky blue lake. Green vegetation covers the slopes in the background.

In the morning, set off for Passo Tre Croci, where the trailhead for the lake Sorapis hike is. You can park either at the mountain pass or B&B Tre Croci.

If these parking lots are full, there’s also “Parking for lake Sorapis – Trail No.: 215“.

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with rugged peaks under a blue sky. Pine trees cover the slopes, and two hikers walk along a rocky trail in the foreground. Fluffy clouds dot the sky, adding a serene touch to the panorama.

The overall distance to hike to Lake Sorapis is approximately 5km one way and the trail is quite varied (trail nr 215). It’s steeper at some parts, kinda exposed at other parts with several sections equipped with metal chains and ladders to help you. It’s nothing technical, though, all you really need is surefootedness and good hiking shoes.

Michal hiking on rocks during the lago di sorapis hike in the dolomites in summer

While the overall elevation gain is only about 130m, the total ascent and descent on this hike is approximately 430m. The hike can be considered moderately difficult, and we don’t recommend doing it if you’re prone to vertigo.

A glass of orange-colored aperitif with ice and a glass of frothy beer sit on a wooden table. In the background, there are blurry views of mountains and trees under a clear sky.

For lunch, go to Rifugio Alfonso Vandelli Monte Sorapiss (Rifugio Vandelli) – it’s a simple mountain hut with lodging, where you can get some traditional foods. It’s open in the summer season (late June to late September) from 11:30am until 2:30pm.

Or you can always pack sandwiches for yourself, that’s what we did. Many hotels also offer lunchboxes.

The only way to pay is cash – so make sure to bring some.

Afternoon

Scenic view of a mountainous landscape, featuring rugged peaks in the distance under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The foreground includes greenery, rocky terrain, and a pathway leading towards the horizon.

You can choose your own way back from Lake Sorapis. We hiked it as an in-and-out hike, but it’s possible to do it as a loop!

kristine and michal sitting on a rock in the milky blue lake sorapis in the dolomites

The loop is more interesting, but at the same time, a lot more difficult to do. It’s the trail nr 216 towards Forcella Marcoira.

Caution: experienced hikers only! It’s a technical trail which is sometimes not clearly marked and gets dangerous.

After the hike, you can go to lakes Misurina and Antorno.

Evening

Modern electric fireplace set in a curved stone wall, displaying realistic glowing embers and faux logs. The surrounding stones are textured and light-colored, adding a rustic contrast to the sleek design of the fireplace.

Evening brings packing! And relaxing after the day, of course.

Day Five: explore Cortina, go up Faloria, and departure

A scenic landscape features a winding road leading through a hilly area with sparse trees. In the background, rugged snow-capped mountains rise under a partly cloudy sky. A few houses and a small church are nestled among the trees.

On the day of departure, explore the town of Cortina.

Morning

In the morning, after having breakfast, you’ll need to check out of your hotel. Most of them allow luggage storage, so use this opportunity to enjoy some things in Cortina!

Go up a viewpoint (it’s where we went in April – the picture above is from there) to see how the town looks like with the mountains in the background.

Walk around the town centre, check out the churches, and go have some lunch.

After lunch

Small white chapel with a sloped roof and bell tower, surrounded by a grassy area. A leafless tree stands in front. Snow-capped mountains are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

If you have time after having lunch, take a cable car up Faloria. Enjoy the panoramic views from the viewing platform, and you can even have a snack at the restaurant on top.

And with this, the itinerary ends.

A person in a dark coat and backpack stands on a dirt path, gazing at a mountainous landscape dotted with trees and houses. Snow-capped peaks rise in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Hope you had a good time!

Map of the day

Where To Stay

A man and woman stand on a balcony smiling. The woman wears a pink hoodie and sunglasses, and the man wears a gray sweater. Behind them, there are mountains, buildings, and parked cars under a clear blue sky.
Hotel Oasi

For this specific itinerary, I recommend you stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Here are some accommodation options.

📍Budget Option: Hotel Oasi – located just by the Faloria Cable Car. We stayed there on a fall trip, and loved the central location.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hotel Lajadira&Spa – on the edge of Cortina, a hotel with a nice spa. We really loved the quiet-er area.
📍Luxury Option: Grand Hotel Savoia (a Radisson group hotel) in the very center of Cortina. It offers amazing views, too.

Other places where to stay in the Dolomites

FAQs

How many days do you need to hike the Dolomites?

As many days as you possible can afford – both financially and physically. If you do some hard hikes, you need to let your body recuperate to not overdo it. I think five days is a good option.

Can a beginner hike the Dolomites?

Yes, definitely. There are many beginner-friendly, easy hikes in the Dolomites.

Is 4 days enough for the Dolomites?

Four days is the minimum that I plan for the Dolomites for my trips.

Where to start when hiking the Dolomites?

Start with finding hikes that you like! There are many other options, not just multi-day hikes.

Last thoughts

view from tre cime hike in the dolomites in summer with peaks of misurina in the clouds and rifugio alfonso on the right side

The Dolomites are incredible mountains with many places to base yourself for hiking. If it’s your first hiking trip, I believe Cortina is the best place to stay!

I hope you find this itinerary helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – we even have a Facebook group!

Found this post helpful? Share it!

Dolomites Hiking Itinerary | Would you like to do some hiking in the Dolomites? Here's a great starter itinerary for 5 days of hiking and exploring the Dolomites around Cortina d'Ampezzo! | Dolomites hiking trip | summer | trails
Dolomites Hiking Itinerary | Would you like to do some hiking in the Dolomites? Here's a great starter itinerary for 5 days of hiking and exploring the Dolomites around Cortina d'Ampezzo! | Dolomites hiking trip | summer | trails

Similar Posts