23 Most Beautiful Places in the Dolomites: Including a Map!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, but there are places that most people agree are the most beautiful. The Dolomites in Italy are one of such places – designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Italy.
We’ve been to the Dolomites multiple times – I think the number is approaching double digits rapidly – so we’re very familiar with the area. These, in our opinion, are the most beautiful places in the Dolomites that offer the best views.
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.
Most beautiful places in the Dolomites
Whether it’s hikes, photo spots, or just incredible views, here are the most beautiful sights in the Dolomites. It’s in no particular order, as I couldn’t really rank them – they are all incredible!
1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Dreizinnen) – one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites
Where is it located: Nature Park Tre Cime (Parco Naturale Tre Cime), Dolomiti di Sesto; Google maps
How to visit? Go up the toll road and then hike;
Where to park: Rifugio Auronzo parking lot;
When to visit: Summer/Spring
Tre Cime di Lavaredo are the symbol of the Dolomites UNESCO World heritage site so you’ve definitely seen them. They are the three huge rock pillars (hence the Tre Cime – Three Peaks or Drei Zinnen in German).
It’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites, offering not only incredible views of the Tre Cime, but also the surrounding area.
If you don’t feel like hiking the trail, you can either go up to the mountain hut and just enjoy the view, or even check out some of the other places where you can see the Tre Cime di Lavaredo from the valleys.
Although almost all of the public transport in South Tyrol is free, the bus to the Tre Cime trailhead is paid. And if you’re driving your own car, the road to Rifugio Auronzo is a toll road, so paid, too.
2. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm; or Mont Sëuc in Ladin) – the highest alpine meadow in Europe
Where is it located: Val Gardena; Google maps
How to visit? Take a cable car from Ortisei or Siusi or a bus
Where to park: By the cable car stations
When to visit: anytime, but check that the cable cars are open
Alpe di Siusi – Seiser Alm in German – is the biggest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe. It’s an incredible and idyllic place, littered with cute little huts on rolling hills. And, of course, the Sassolungo group in the background.
When we visited Alpe di Siusi in autumn, the view really seemed like a painting to me. It just didn’t feel real! The mountains were covered in a bit of haze and the grass was such rich green…
It’s definitely one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites, and I wish we could have spent longer there.
3. Seceda – the Puez-Odle peaks
Where is it located: Val Gardena; Google maps
How to visit? Take a cable car from Ortisei
Where to park: by the cable car station
When to visit: Spring to autumn
If you look up “Dolomites” on Instagram, this will be one of the views that keep popping up. The raised broken cliffs that look like they were pushed up by some incredible force – that’s the one.
It was one of my favourite places to visit – and the best part is, that you can get there really easily. You just need to take a cable car from Ortisei!
The view is not only of the ragged peaks of Seceda, but also of the Puez-Odle Nature Park and the mountains around.
Make sure to walk towards the ridgeline and get a look of the Val di Funes valley and Santa Maddalena town.
4. Lago di Carezza (Karersee) – the Rainbow Lake of the Dolomites
Where is it located: Val d’Ega; Google maps
How to visit? Car or bus
Where to park: There is a parking lot straight opposite the lake
When to visit: Summer, the best reflection is when the sun is out. The best time of day should be the very early morning.
We’ve visited Lake Carezza multiple times – in winter, in June, and at last in the sunny August.
In winter, the snowy lake looked quite interesting. We did the hike around the Lago di Carezza, and it was quite funny – the trail was incredibly slippery at points, so we had to either slide down on our buts or, well, try and slide up.
In June, we got quite unlucky – the air was full of Sahara sand, and it even started raining. The reflection was kind of there, but the color of the water definitely wasn’t the turquoise rainbow-y one that we expected.
But in August, oh my. The view was perfect! The sun was shining and the wind wasn’t blowing, which made for perfect conditions for the reflection of the mountain range of Latemar in the emerald waters.
Just keep in mind that august is high season, as are the rest of the summer months, so expect big crowds.
5. The Church of St. Johann in Ranui
Where is it located: Val di Funes; Google Maps
How to visit? Drive or take a bus
Where to park: There are parking lots nearby
When to visit: anytime
It doesn’t really take long to enjoy the view of the Church of St Johann, unless you hike there, of course.
Just a little walk away from the parking lot you’ll find a viewpoint from which you can get a picture of the SanGiovanni church with the Puez-Odle mountain group in the background.
We visited it in October, and the fall foliage looked adorable in the background.
6. Lago di Sorapis
Where is it located: Dolomiti d’Ampezzo, not far from Cortina d’Ampezzo; Google maps (hike trailhead is here)
How to visit? Hiking
Where to park: at B&B Passo Tre Croci
When to visit: In the summer when there’s no rain
Your legs will have to work a bit to get this view, but believe me, it’s worth it. The trail is not the easiest and you have to account for at least half a day.
The lake, though? The milky blue color is spectacular, with the Dolomites all around it.
When we visited in august, though, the water level was extremely low. So I suggest you visit in, for example, June. Just make sure that there is no snow on the trail (yes, it can happen).
7. View of the Santa Magdalena church and Puez-Odle
Where is it located: Val di Funes; Photo spot location
How to visit? Hiking – follow signs of the Photo Spot from the town of Santa Maddalena
Where to park: Town of Santa Magdalena
When to visit: fall will offer you the view with, possible, Alpenglow, but really, any time
There’s a short walk to get to the Santa Magdalena church viewpoint. It’s really easy and doesn’t take a lot of time, but the photo spot is very popular with photographers – especially for sunset. So depart early!
We visited in October, which is theoretically low season, and there were many photographers with their tripods ready. So much so that it was hard to find a good angle!
Michal went all the way to the photo spot, while Emma and I only went up to the church of Santa Maddalena. Both offer quite nice views.
8. Passo Giau
Where is it located: Between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Selva di Cadore; Google maps
How to visit? Car or bus
Where to park: there is a parking lot
When to visit: there is a parking lot
The Giau pass looks like something straight out of a painting. The huge cliff named Ra Gusela makes the building of restaurant and hotel Giau in front of it look tiny!
Visit the area any time – we’ve been there both in summer and in the winter, and it looks different ways of beautiful.
In the warmer months, you can go a bit up the hill opposite the Ra Gusela. About 5 minutes from the parking lot, there’s a small pond which reflects the mountain very nicely.
9. Passo Gardena (Grödner; or Ju de Frara (Jëuf de Frea) in Ladin)
Where is it located: Between Val Gardena and Alta Badia; Google Maps
How to visit? Driving
Where to park: There is a parking lot
When to visit: Anytime it’s open
In our opinion, passo Gardena – Gardena Mountain pass, that is – has the most impressive views in the Dolomites. There’s both majestic mountains and breathtaking views towards the valleys of Gardena and Badia.
We did a bit of hiking (like, 10 minutes “a bit”) uphill above the pass, and we were happy we did. And if you have time, there are quite a few hikes starting at the passo Gardena that you can go on.
10. Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
Where is it located: Tre Cime Nature Park; Google Maps
How to visit? Driving and then hiking from Rifugio Auronzo
Where to park: by Rifugio Auronzo
When to visit: summer
The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint – the Mordor of the Dolomites – is one of the best short hikes that you can do there. It has some of the best views all the way there and back!
We did it at the end of June, and there was still snow at parts. The part of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike from Rifugio Locatelli was actually still closed because there was too much snow for it to be safe!
Anyways, with regards to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint hike, it takes approximately 2 hours round trip, and there’s very little altitude gain. It’s not the best hike if you get queasy with hikes, though – at parts, it’s rather steep drops on the side of the hiking trail. And the last few meters to the viewpoint itself are very narrow.
But the views… the views are definitely worth the little effort.
11. Cortina d’Ampezzo town
Where is it located: Province of Belluno; Google Maps
How to visit? Car or bus
Where to park: there are multiple parking lots, including a free one
When to visit: anytime
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most famous towns and ski resorts in the Dolomites. It’s an idyllic little town, with cute little houses, beautiful church, and of course the mountains in the background.
For an incredible view, go over the bridge and up the hill from the free parking lot. There is even a little bench where to sit and enjoy the view.
Another incredible thing to do is go up the Faloria mountain with a cable car.
If you’re looking for where to stay for your first visit to the Dolomites, Cortina is definitely one of the best places. It’s very close to some of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites, plus it’s well connected by public transport.
12. Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See)
Where is it located: Upper Val Pusteria (Pustertal); Google Maps
How to visit? Car or bus
Where to park: There is a parking lot by the lake
When to visit: anytime. I liked the view in April when the peaks were snowy.
I mention this in every article that mentions lakes in the Dolomites, but the Dobbiaco lake is my favourite one. It offers the perfect mountain lake view – emerald waters and bare mountain valley behind them. If you visit sometime in spring or autumn, there’s even snow on the mountain caps!
And very little effort is necessary to reach Toblacher See – drive or take a bus, and right there, next to the road, it is.
Quite a few activities can be done by lake Dobbiaco – hiking, fishing, even paddleboarding when the weather allows it. And if you can swing it, stay in one of the chalets – SkyView Chalets am Camping Toblacher See – which, as the name suggests, offer little chalets with a sky-view window. Sleep in your bed, and look at the stars!
13. Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
Where is it located: Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park; Google Maps
How to visit? Bus or car
Where to park: There are multiple parking lots nearby. In summer, you need to reserve a spot.
When to visit: anytime, but the lake is frozen and snowy in winter
Lago di Braies is probably one of the most popular lakes in the Dolomites. It’s one of the most Instagram-famous places in Italy, so expect to see lots and lots of people there. I’ve seen people in full outfits doing photoshoots with professional camera equipment.
But other than that, there are quite a few things you can do at this Pearl of the Dolomites. The loop hike around the lake is easy, and most of it can be done year long. The trail is so well groomed that I’ve seen people with strollers do it in winter!
And we really enjoyed our boat ride on the lake. It’s even not that expensive – I was surprised about the price!
The road to the last parking lots by lake Braies is restricted in summer. To drive to the lake, from July 10th until September 10th between 9:30am and 4:30pm, you need to make a reservation (and possible pay a toll) on the website.
14. Rifugio Lagazuoi
Where is it located: Mount Lagazuoi, above Passo Falzarego; Google Maps
How to visit? Cable car or hiking
Where to park: by the cable car station
When to visit: when it’s open
Rifugio Lagazuoi was one of the biggest highlights on our June trip to the Dolomites. We took a cable car up to the mountain hut from Passo Falzarego, and then hiked to the Monte Lagazuoi Piccolo.
From there, you get stunning views of the mountains around. Among other mountains, Dolomiti d’Ampezzo and even Puez-Odle and Marmolada glacier are visible from the top. The hike is easy even in snowy conditions (yes, there was snow up there in June), although, of course, you must be extra careful.
If you have a chance, plan to stay a night in the Rifugio – the sunset and sunrise views are worth it.
15. Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal)
Where is it located: Dolomiti di Sesto; Google maps
How to visit? Drive, then walk
Where to park: there is a parking lot not far from the trailhead
When to visit: anytime
I didn’t have high expectations of Val Fiscalina when Michal suggested that we go there. But I’m happy that he persuaded me!
An easy walk takes you to the valley, which is that perfect high-mountains-on-each-side valley. It’s approximately 4.5km long, and you can walk the whole length!
In Val Fiscalina, there’s a trailhead for a hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli. It is quite a steep hike with almost a 1000m elevation gain. On average, the hike takes 5 to 6 hours, so you can pretty much expect it to be a full day. But the views at the end of the north face of Tre Cime are definitely worth the effort.
16. Lago d’Antorno
Where is it located: on the way to Rifugio Auronzo; Google Maps
How to visit? Drive or bus
Where to park: there is a parking lot by the lake
When to visit: summer
It’s a shame to not stop by lake Antorno – it is just on the side of the road, after all, with a parking lot right next to it.
Lago Antorno, at first glance, might not look like anything special. But the impression is not correct – you can actually see the reflection of the south face of Tre Cime in its waters!
On the other side? You can see the famous Mordor of the Dolomites – Cadini di Misurina.
So if you’re driving the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo, make sure to stop by the lake Antorno.
17. Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese)
Where is it located: Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park; Google Maps
How to visit? Drive (toll road) or bus (paid)
Where to park: there is a parking lot
When to visit: anytime
Prato Piazza is a high mountain plateau with a beautiful alpine meadow above the Valle di Braies (yes, that Braies, the lake).
It’s in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site – the UNESCO sign is conveniently located on the side of the toilets just at the beginning of the trail.
From the short and easy hiking trail, you get unique views of the surrounding mountains. There are extraordinary views of the Croda Rossa, Cadini di Misurina, Monte Cristallo, and if you go far enough, even Tre Cime di Lavaredo!
So although getting to Prato Piazza is not free (there’s a toll road, and in summer, the road is often closed for personal cars), it’s definitely worth it. Plus, it’s not that crowded up there – Prato Piazza is, luckily, still quite unknown.
18. Cinque Torri and the WWI bunkers
Where is it located: Dolomiti Ampezzane; Google Maps
How to visit? Chairlift, then hike
Where to park: There is a parking lot by the chairlift station
When to visit: Anytime
Cinque Torri are an impressive rock formation in the Nuvolao group of Dolomiti Ampezzane. As the name translates from Italian – it’s Five Towers, and so they are – five huge rock towers.
There’s an easy hiking trail that goes in-between the rocks in the area and at the base of the Cinque Torri. During the hike, you can explore an open-air museum of the WWI and see preserved bunkers. The Cinque Torri is one of the places where Austrians and Italians fought during the Great War (Grande Guerra), and you’ll find informational panels about the war on the hiking trail.
If you’re more adventurous, it’s also possible to climb some of the Towers. And in the winter, you can ski there!
19. Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch; or Ju de Börz in Ladin)
Where is it located: Between Val Badia and Valle Isarco; Google Maps
How to visit? Car or bus
Where to park: there is a paid parking lot
When to visit: summer
Passo delle Erbe is one of the less known mountain passes in the Italian Dolomites, and honestly, it’s quite a shame. The views from it – and of it – are very nice.
There’s a hike here which you can do – a circuit trail around the Sass de Putia. It takes approximately 4 hours and is a bit less than 13km long.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do the hike, or even go that much closer to the mountain, as there was a thunderstorm incoming. The road to Passo delle Erbe is steep, narrow, and, well, scary, so I decided to just rather go down to the valley.
20. Passo Sella (Sellajoch; Ladin: Jëuf de Sela or Jouf de Sela)
Where is it located: Between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa; Google Maps
How to visit? Car, bus, or bike
Where to park: There is a paid parking lot
When to visit: anytime
Passo Sella is one of the four passes on the Sellaronda trail. We’ve been there both in the summer and in the winter, and the views were incredible in both seasons.
In the summer, you can easily hike around the area – see the Sassolungo from different angles. There’s also “Citta dei Sassi” here – a “City of rocks”, where you can hike in-between (and over, and under) huge rocks, as well as go rockclimbing.
In the winter, enjoy skiing and views of snowy valleys around the Passo Sella. We did a bit of snowball fighting, too.
If you have the opportunity, stay in the hotel Passo Sella – it’s breathtaking to see the sunset or sunrise lights on the mountains. But it’s breathtaking in the bad way to drive those hairpin bends in the dark.
21. Obereggen and the Latemar Panorama trail
Where is it located: Val d’Ega; Google maps
How to visit? Cable car, then hike
Where to park: There are quite a few free parking lots in Obereggen
When to visit: Summer
The area around Obereggen is still quite undiscovered by international visitors. When we visited it in august, it was crowded, yes, but, compared to the other places in the Dolomites during the summer season, it seemed quite ok.
One of the best things we did was part of the Latemar Panorama trail. It’s generally a full day hike, but you can make it shorter, too – which we did, as it was just me and Emma.
The hike goes under the Latemar group, and you get quite breathtaking views of both the mountain peaks and the valley below.
I really liked that there are different informational, entertaining, and educational stops along the way, such as the Latemar Cinema or a “book” which explains how the Dolomite mountains came along.
22. Lago di Misurina
Where is it located: Cadore; Google maps
How to visit? Drive or take a bus
Where to park: Just by the lake
When to visit: Summer
Lago di Misurina is the largest natural lake of the Cadore region. You’ve probably seen this image when learning about the Dolomites – big lake, yellow house, and the Cadini di Misurina in the background.
It’s very easy to visit Lake Misurina – it’s just on the side of the road in the Misurina town, and you even have a free parking lot there (as well as a bus stop if you’re using public transport).
It’s easy and doesn’t take long to visit Lago di Misurina. You can just stop there on the way to or from hiking the Tre Cime or Cadini di Misurina.
23. Cascate del Pisciadù – and Cascate Val di Mezdi
Where is it located: Val Badia; Google maps
How to visit? Drive and then hike
Where to park: By hotel Luianta
When to visit: end of spring or beginning of summer
Cascate di Pisciadu and Cascate Val di Mezdi are two waterfalls that you can see on one short hike. It’s less than 5km long with both waterfalls. If you go only to Cascate del Pisciadu, which is the more famous of the two, it’s less than 3km and takes only an hour or so. Plus, the whole hike is almost flat.
Our recommendation is to go in June or so, as that’s when there’s most water in the rivers – thus, the waterfalls are more roaring. And when we visited, there were barely any people here.
Take a snack with you and have a picnic – there are picnic tables by cascate di Pisciadu!
Map of the places with the best views
Blue marks are lakes, Red ones are mountain passes, Yellow – hikes, Purple – best easily reachable views and Other places
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful town in the Dolomites?
The general consensus is that the most beautiful town in the Dolomites is Cortina d’Ampezzo. But to be fair, we also really liked Selva di Val Gardena, Dobbiaco in Val Pusteria, and Canazei in Val di Fassa.
What is the most scenic spot in the Dolomites?
It’s a hard question, but my vote would go to Seceda or Alpe di Siusi. They are both very unique.
What is the most scenic pass in the Dolomites?
The mountain pass with the most impressive views, in our opinion, is the Gardena pass. You get both scenic valley views and monumental mountains.
Where is the famous picture of the Dolomites?
There are many famous pictures of the Dolomites, but three come to mind when I’m thinking of the most popular ones: Tre Cime di Lavaredo mountain; Seceda; and the view of Santa Maddalena church and Puez-Odle mountains.
What is the most beautiful valley in the Dolomites?
Val Gardena is one valley from which you’ll easily access lots of the most famous views in the Dolomites, for example, Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.
The other valley which has many famous sights is Val Pusteria – Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Prato Piazza, and so many others.
In conclusion…
There are so many beautiful places in the Dolomites that it was hard for me to stop listing them! These 23, though, are the top ones for us.
Which ones are making it into your itinerary? Let me know!
Liked this post? Share it with others!
