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.

23 Most Beautiful Places in the Dolomites: Including a Map!

For us, the Dolomites are at the top of the most beautiful places in the world.

Weโ€™ve been to the Dolomites more than ten times, in every season – from snowstorms in winter to Sahara sand haze in June, to the golden larches in October.

Whether it’s relaxing by the Seceda, hiking Lake Sorapis, going on road trips over the mountain passes, or skiing down Dolomiti Superski slopes, we think there are so many beautiful places to enjoy!

I’ve seen people say that the Popular Places are overrated, but I honestly disagree. They are popular for a reason, and the reason is that they are exceptional.

The first time I saw Alpe di Siusi, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It didn’t look real – the mountains were a bit in the haze, so they seemed painted just at the end of the green meadows.

So if you’re looking for the places in the Dolomites that are worth a visit, these are our tried and tested ones that should go on your bucket list.

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Most beautiful places in the Dolomites

A snow-covered landscape with distant mountain ranges under a partly cloudy sky. Pine trees are scattered across the snowy ground, and the mountains are dusted with snow, contrasting with the blue sky above.

Whether itโ€™s hikes, photo spots, or just incredible views, here are the most beautiful sights in the Dolomites. Itโ€™s in no particular order, as I couldnโ€™t really rank them โ€“ they are all incredible!

1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Dreizinnen) โ€“ one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites

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.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo are the symbol of the Dolomites UNESCO World heritage site so youโ€™ve definitely seen them. They are the three huge rock pillars (hence the Tre Cime โ€“ Three Peaks or Drei Zinnen in German).

Itโ€™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 donโ€™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 youโ€™re driving your own car, the road to Rifugio Auronzo is a toll road, so paid, too – and you need a reservation to have access to it.

2. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm; or Mont Sรซuc in Ladin) โ€“ the highest alpine meadow in Europe

view of the alpe di siusi meadow with rolling hills and trees with the huge mountains of sasso group in the background in the dolomites

Alpe di Siusi โ€“ Seiser Alm in German โ€“ is the biggest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe. Itโ€™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 didnโ€™t feel real! The mountains were covered in a bit of haze and the grass was such rich greenโ€ฆ

Itโ€™s definitely one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites, and I wish we could have spent longer there.

3. Seceda โ€“ the Puez-Odle peaks

view from the seceda viewpoint with mountains and a field

If you look up โ€œDolomitesโ€ 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 โ€“ thatโ€™s the one.

It was one of my favourite places to visit โ€“ 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) โ€“ the Rainbow Lake of the Dolomites

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.

Weโ€™ve visited Lake Carezza multiple times โ€“ 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 โ€“ the trail was incredibly slippery at points, so we had to either slide down on our butts or, well, try and slide up.

In June, we got quite unlucky โ€“ 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 wasnโ€™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 wasnโ€™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

A small church with a bell tower stands in a lush green field, surrounded by dense pine forests. Behind the church, majestic jagged mountains rise against a clear blue sky, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.

It doesnโ€™t take long to โ€œdoโ€ the Church of St. Johann. But somehow, you end up staying just a bit longer than you planned initially.

This tiny white church sitting alone in the green meadow of Val di Funes is one of those views that looks almost fake. The Puez-Odle peaks rising behind it seem incredibly huge – or the church seems tiny. Anyways, altogether, it looks impressive.

One important thing to know is this: you canโ€™t just wander into the meadow. The area is fenced off and privately owned. You view it from the official photo point, which is a short walk from the paid parking area.

And yes, itโ€™s popular. Especially at sunset. So arrive earlier for a parking spot and the best photo angle.

We visited it in October the first time, and saw the place once more from afar in July, and let me tell you – the view still makes me stare in awe.

If youโ€™re already in Val di Funes for the Santa Maddalena viewpoint or the Adolf Munkel hike, itโ€™s an easy add-on. And honestly, you shouldnโ€™t skip it.

6. Lago di Sorapis

lake sorapis with a milky green water, trees above it, and mountains in the background

Your legs will have to work a bit to get this view, but believe me, itโ€™s worth it. The trail is not the easiest and you have to account for at least half a day.

And maybe even more – because even on the way, you’ll want to stop and look in all the directions for those views. We for sure did.

The lake itself? 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 we couldn’t see the “true” blue color. But it was still worth it.

It will not be the best hike for you if you’re weary of heights – there are very narrow sections on the way, with some chains for support (on the cliff side, not on the “drop” side), as well as a bit of scrambling on stones and ladders.

But if you’re up for the challenge? Definitely go for it.

7. View of the Santa Magdalena church and Puez-Odle

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.

Thereโ€™s a short walk to get to the Santa Magdalena church viewpoint. Itโ€™s really easy and doesnโ€™t take a lot of time, but the photo spot is very popular with photographers โ€“ 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.

And the most amazing thing? There are even hotels here in the area that offer these views straight from your room.

8. Passo Giau

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 โ€“ weโ€™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, thereโ€™s a small pond which reflects the mountain very nicely.

9. Passo Gardena (Grรถdner; or Ju de Frara (Jรซuf de Frea) in Ladin)

In our opinion, Passo Gardena โ€“ Gardena Mountain pass, that is โ€“ has the most impressive views in the Dolomites. Thereโ€™s both majestic mountains and breathtaking views towards the valleys of Gardena and Badia.

We did a bit of hiking (like, 10 minutes โ€œa bitโ€) 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

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.

The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint โ€“ 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 thereโ€™s very little altitude gain. Itโ€™s not the best hike if you get queasy with hikes, though โ€“ at parts, itโ€™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 viewsโ€ฆ the views are definitely worth the little effort.

11. Cortina dโ€™Ampezzo town

Cortina d’Ampezzo isn’t just a “cute little mountain town”.

It’s one of the most famous towns and ski resorts in the Dolomites. And it’s made even more famous now by the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Yes, the houses are charming. Yes, the church tower is photogenic. Yes, the mountains wrap around the town in a way that feels almost theatrical.

But what really makes Cortina special is what an incredible base for exploring the Eastern Dolomites it is.

From here, youโ€™re close to Tre Cime, Lago di Misurina, Cinque Torri, Passo Giau, Lagazuoi, Sorapisโ€ฆ the list goes on.

Weโ€™ve stayed near Cortina more than once, and every time it makes logistics simpler. There are proper supermarkets, restaurants that stay open longer into shoulder season, and enough accommodation options to suit different budgets.

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.

If youโ€™re looking for where to stay for your first visit to the Dolomites, Cortina is definitely one of the safest places you can choose without overcomplicating everything.

12. Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See)

the emerald green waters of lake dobbiaco with snowy mountains in the background

I always say this in my lakes articles, and Iโ€™ll say it again. Lago di Dobbiaco is my favorite lake in the Dolomites.

Not because itโ€™s the most famous. Not because itโ€™s dramatic like Braies. But because it just feels right.

It offers the perfect mountain lake view โ€“ emerald waters and the perfect mountain valley behind them. If you visit sometime in spring or autumn, thereโ€™s even snow on the mountain caps – that’s what we saw in April and November.

We’ve walked part of the loop trail around the lake, and I remember thinking how balanced the whole scene looked. Forest. Water. Mountains. Space.

Itโ€™s incredibly easy to visit, which makes it perfect for arrival day or a slower morning. But donโ€™t let the easy access fool you into rushing it.

Walk a bit. Sit in the restaurant and enjoy some coffee. Look how the swans sail the waters, or how fishermen try to catch the fish.

Or even stay in one of the chalets – SkyView Chaletsย am Camping Toblacher See โ€“ which, as the name suggests, offer little chalets with a sky-view window. Sleep in your bed, and look at the stars without light pollution – what can be more incredible?

13. Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

A mountain lake with turquoise water and wooded shores is surrounded by towering peaks. People walk on a wooden dock next to a rustic cabin. The scene is bright and sunny, with a few clouds in the blue sky.

Lago di Braies is probably one of the most popular lakes in the Dolomites. Itโ€™s one of the most Instagram-famous places in Italy, so expect to see lots and lots of people there. Iโ€™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 Iโ€™ve seen people with strollers do it in winter!

And we really enjoyed our boat ride on the lake. Itโ€™s even not that expensive โ€“ I was surprised about the price!

14. Rifugio Lagazuoi

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 dโ€™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 โ€“ the sunset and sunrise views are worth it.

Travel Planning services

Ready to stop dreaming about the Dolomites and actually plan the trip?

If youโ€™re feeling overwhelmed by routes, logistics, or where to even start, you donโ€™t have to figure it out alone. My Dolomites travel planning services turn ideas into clear, realistic itineraries built around how you like to travel.
From scenic drives to hikes, villages, and hotels, Iโ€™ll help you plan a trip that feels exciting, doable, and stress-free.
Letโ€™s plan your Dolomites itinerary and get you one step closer to going.

Get Custom Itinerary Help

15. Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal)

A scenic mountain landscape with towering peaks and patches of snow. A winding dirt path leads through a lush green meadow dotted with trees. Two people walk along the path under a partly cloudy blue sky.

I didnโ€™t have high expectations of Val Fiscalina when Michal suggested that we go there. But Iโ€™m happy that he persuaded me!

An easy walk takes you to the valley, which is that perfect high-mountains-on-each-side valley. Itโ€™s approximately 4.5km long, and you can walk the whole length!

In Val Fiscalina, thereโ€™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 dโ€™Antorno

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.

Lago dโ€™Antorno is the lake people almost skip, and that’s quite a mistake.

Lake Antorno is just on the side of the road on the way to Rifugio Auronzo, so most people are laser-focused on getting to Tre Cime. They glance at it through the windshield and keep driving.

Don’t be like them!

At first glance, Lago d’Antorno might not look like anything special. But the impression is not correct. On a clear day, youโ€™ll see the south face of Tre Cime reflected in the lake. Turn to the other side, and youโ€™ve got the famous Mordor of the Dolomites – Cadini di Misurina.

We stopped here before hiking Cadini in June and before hiking Tre Cime in August, and it felt like a calm pause before the drama. The boardwalk, the trees, the still water. Then those jagged peaks in the background reminding you where you are.

It takes 20 minutes. But itโ€™s one of those small stops that makes the whole day feel more complete.

So if youโ€™re driving the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo, make sure to stop by the Lake Antorno.

17. Prato Piazza (Plรคtzwiese)

Prato Piazza is a high mountain plateau with a beautiful alpine meadow above the Valle di Braies (yes, that Braies, the lake).

Itโ€™s in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site โ€“ 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 (thereโ€™s a toll road, and in summer, the road is often closed for personal cars), itโ€™s definitely worth it. Plus, itโ€™s not that crowded up there โ€“ Prato Piazza is, luckily, still quite unknown.

18. Cinque Torri and the WWI bunkers

Cinque Torri is one of those places that looks impressive in photos. And then you stand next to the towers and realize the scale is completely different in real life – and yes, it’s even more impressive.

Cinque Torri are a massive rock formation in the Nuvolao group of Dolomiti Ampezzane, surrounded by open alpine meadows. You can take the chairlift up or hike from below, depending on how much energy you have left that day. As the name translates from Italian โ€“ itโ€™s Five Towers, and so they are โ€“ five huge rock towers.

But what makes this place different from other dramatic rock formations in the Dolomites is the history.

Thereโ€™s an easy hiking trail that goes in-between the rocks in the area and at the base of the Cinque Torri. As you walk the loop around the towers, youโ€™ll come across preserved World War I trenches and bunkers.

This was an actual frontline between Austrian and Italian forces during the Great War (Grande Guerra), and youโ€™ll find informational panels about the war on the hiking trail.

And if youโ€™re into climbing, Cinque Torri is also a major spot for that. In winter, it turns into a ski area.

Itโ€™s one of the more versatile stops in the Dolomites – easy enough for a relaxed half-day, but interesting enough to stay longer.

19. Passo delle Erbe (Wรผrzjoch; or Ju de Bรถrz in Ladin)

Scenic mountain view with rocky peaks and scattered clouds above. A parking area with numerous cars is surrounded by lush green trees. A wooden information board is in the foreground on the right.

Passo delle Erbe is one of the less known mountain passes in the Italian Dolomites, and honestly, itโ€™s quite a shame. The views from it โ€“ and of it โ€“ are very nice.

Thereโ€™s a hike here which you can do โ€“ a circuit trail around the Sass de Putia. It takes approximately 4 hours and is a bit less than 13km long.

Unfortunately, I didnโ€™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: Jรซuf de Sela or Jouf de Sela)

Passo Sella is one of the four passes on the Sellaronda trail. Weโ€™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 โ€“ see the Sassolungo from different angles. Thereโ€™s also โ€œCitta dei Sassiโ€ here โ€“ a โ€œCity of rocksโ€, 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 โ€“ itโ€™s breathtaking to see the sunset or sunrise lights on the mountains. But itโ€™s breathtaking in the bad way to drive those hairpin bends in the dark.

21. Obereggen and the Latemar Panorama trail

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.

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. Itโ€™s generally a full day hike, but you can make it shorter, too โ€“ 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 โ€œbookโ€ which explains how the Dolomite mountains came along.

22. Lago di Misurina

A serene lake bordered by dense forests and overlooked by towering mountains. In the distance, a few buildings, including a prominent large yellow structure, sit near the waterโ€™s edge. Small boats are visible on the calm water, enhancing the tranquil ambiance.

Lago di Misurina is the largest natural lake of the Cadore region.

You’ve probably seen it – it’s the big lake, yellow house, and the Cadini di Misurina in the background.

Itโ€™s very easy to visit Lake Misurina โ€“ itโ€™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 youโ€™re using public transport).

There are restaurants. There are paddle boats in summer. Itโ€™s accessible and uncomplicated. So you’d think that it feels crazy busy.

But it’s really not – many people just stop for a quick photo and move on.

And hereโ€™s the thing – the setting is genuinely beautiful, so even if you’re just stopping here on the way to or from Tre Cime, don’t miss it! Walk the lakeside path, grab a coffee, and just take in the reflections.

Yes, itโ€™s not a remote hidden gem. Itโ€™s a classic stop.

And sometimes, classics are popular for a reason.

23. Cascate del Pisciadรน โ€“ and Cascate Val di Mezdi

Cascate di Pisciadu and Cascate Val di Mezdi are two waterfalls that you can see on one short hike. Itโ€™s less than 5km long with both waterfalls. If you go only to Cascate del Pisciadu, which is the more famous of the two, itโ€™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 thatโ€™s when thereโ€™s most water in the rivers โ€“ 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 โ€“ there are picnic tables by Cascate di Pisciadu!

Map of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites

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 dโ€™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?

Itโ€™s a hard question, but my vote would go to Seceda for the Drama, Alpe di Siusi for the romance, and Cadini di Misurina for the feeling of Lord of the Rings.

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 Iโ€™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 youโ€™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 โ€“ Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Prato Piazza, and so many others.

How to put these together?

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.

After more than ten trips to the Dolomites – in everything from snowstorms to Sahara sand haze – these are the places that we consider the most beautiful.

If itโ€™s your first visit, donโ€™t try to see everything. Base yourself in Val Gardena or Cortina and build out from there.

Love easy views? Focus on the mountain passes and lakes.

Prefer real hiking adventures? Prioritize Tre Cime, Sorapis, and Cinque Torri.

And if youโ€™re staring at this list wondering how to turn it into an actual route – thatโ€™s exactly what my Dolomites map (and planning services) are for.

On my April trip to the Dolomites, I wanted to do a road trip all around the Dolomites to see some of the places in this list in one day – Passo Giau, Lago di Carezza, Alta Badia, and San Candido. That would have meant 6 hours of driving only, without stops. Which is, to say it bluntly, impossible.

So tell me โ€” which view are you dreaming about most right now?

Travel Planning services

Ready to stop dreaming about the Dolomites and actually plan the trip?

If youโ€™re feeling overwhelmed by routes, logistics, or where to even start, you donโ€™t have to figure it out alone. My Dolomites travel planning services turn ideas into clear, realistic itineraries built around how you like to travel.
From scenic drives to hikes, villages, and hotels, Iโ€™ll help you plan a trip that feels exciting, doable, and stress-free.
Letโ€™s plan your Dolomites itinerary and get you one step closer to going.

Get Custom Itinerary Help

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