Escape to the mountains – Walks of delight in the Dolomites
A Journey Through Alpine Beauty, Timeless Traditions, and Breathtaking Trails
Whether it’s the first time or a returning visit, the Dolomites always don their superlative aura, attracting visitors from far and wide, all here to marvel and be astonished by such compelling beauty. Vast pastures, gentle slopes brimming with colourful mountain flowers, more challenging routes along historical paths, demanding hut-to-hut traverses or ridgeline walks that give an adrenaline edge, and of course gentle strolls where spellbinding views accompany you all along.
Your reward? It’s written all over your face, pink-hued by the Enrosadira – Dolomite Glow – at dusk or a lovely sunrise: words will do little justice to describe these big and small natural wonders, yours to treasure at length, deep in your heart
There are (almost) countless hiking options in the Dolomites – here is our selection of the most spectacular ones.
1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop hike
Misurina and Cortina d’Ampezzo area - An iconic loop hike that offers spectacular views of the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, starting at Rifugio Auronzo - you must book your parking slot in advance to access the area (book here https://pass.auronzo.info/Frontoffice). The loop hike can be done in both directions, the most common being counter clockwise: a gentle, mostly flat walk with options of a lower or upper trail, taking in the Cappella degli Alpini, Rifugio Lavaredo, Forcella Lavaredo with views on to the Cadini di Misurina, Rifugio Locatelli, adding a detour to Laghi dei Piani. Throughout the journey, the ever-changing perspectives of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo—those legendary limestone towers—will captivate your gaze. Whether bathed in morning mist or glowing in the afternoon sun, the views are nothing short of mesmerising. Ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a deeply moving encounter with the Dolomites' grandeur.
2. Lago di Sorapis Hike
Cortina d’Ampezzo area - A moderate hike to a turquoise alpine lake and framed by towering cliffs — a real showstopper and thus very popular – get there early to enjoy the best colours and the tranquillity of Lake Sorapis. The trailhead is located a fifteen-minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo for a 13 km-hike that will suit experienced hikers: the first part is very easy and scenic, the gradient increasing as you go along, with ropes and stairs added for security in some sections. Punta Sorapis and its unmistakeable shape will come into view, the lake now a short distance. The sediments on the ground contribute to creating its vivid colours, so swimming is forbidden to protect the ecosystem. For those seeking a longer adventure, the route may be extended into a loop trail, with two options: the lower path, which is more technically challenging, or the upper trail, offering a gentler return but equally stunning scenery. Whichever path you choose, this experience will remain etched in memory—a perfect fusion of Dolomite drama and alpine serenity.
3. Cinque Torri loop hike
Cortina d’Ampezzo and Alta Badia area - This easy, 2,5 km hike suits everyone, the staring point being Rifugio Scoiattoli, not far from Cortina – you may walk or take the chairlift to reach it – and the road is closed from 10 July to 15 September. A scenic loop hike goes via an open-air WWI museum, where you can see the restored trenches and hiding places, with stunning views onto Nuvolau, the Tofane and Lagazuoi. You will sense the potency of this pivotal historical legacy, while admiring the rugged beauty of such a vertical, rocky background. For those seeking to explore further, additional trails radiate from this area: Passo Giau and Rifugio Croda da Lago (Federa) are both excellent starting points for longer hikes, with breathtaking viewpoints across some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Dolomites.
Whether you're seeking scenic beauty, cultural depth, or simply a moment to pause and reflect, the Cinque Torri trail offers an experience that is both accessible and profound.
4. Walk through history – the Lagazuoi Tunnels
Passo Falzarego Cortina and Alta Badia Area - World War I legacy can be seen and experienced in several locations in the area, and this exciting hike starts at the Passo Falzarego, about 15 km west of Cortina d’Ampezzo or 15 km southeast of San Cassiano. An unusual, challenging hike through history, the tunnels you’ll go through were dug by soldiers, who almost improvised which way to take, creating what is now an incredible experience. The trail offers not just stunning views and challenging terrain, but also a deeply emotional connection to the past. To fully enjoy and safely navigate the tunnels—some of which are narrow, dark, and steep—you’ll need sturdy hiking shoes, a good head torch, and ideally a light jacket, as the temperatures inside remain cool even in summer. Along the way, stop and read the informative panels detailing the events that took place here, the lives of the soldiers who built the tunnels, and the strategic importance of the area during the Great War.
A unique, unforgettable experience that highlights the historical, pivotal edge of war life in the Dolomite mountains. As you ascend, panoramic vistas open up toward Lagazuoi, the Tofane, and the Marmolada, juxtaposing the Dolomites’ breathtaking beauty with their haunting past. At the summit, you can even visit the Lagazuoi Rifugio, where a coffee or local dish becomes a moment of quiet reflection surrounded by Alpine grandeur.
This trail is a rare combination of natural wonder and historical gravity, ideal for travellers seeking something more than just scenery—a chance to step inside the pages of history and emerge with a deeper appreciation of the region's soul.
5. Sassongher and its mighty peak
Alta Badia area - Rising triumphantly over verdant pastures, Sassongher looks impressive and towers over Corvara. Reaching the top means enjoying incredible views onto Alta Badia, the Sella Group, Gardenaccia and Sasso di Santa Croce. Starting in Colfosco – with a cable-car option – this moderately difficult 10-km hike leads to one of the finest panoramic points in the area. During the ascent, grassy slopes will alternate with gravel sections, with added rocky steps for a full-on Dolomite experience.
6. Seceda Ridgeline
Val Gardena Area - Think of a jagged peak and Seceda will come to mind. Part of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, this ridgeline walk is one of the most scenic in the Dolomites and perhaps the entire country, crowning the towns of Santa Cristina, Ortisei and Selva di Val Gardena. This hike offers lush meadows and sweeping views onto iconic locations like the Seceda ridgeline with the Fermeda Towers, Resciesa High Alp, Twin Peaks of Pieralongia and Seceda Alm, The trails criss cross the area, so you could shorten or lengthen the routes, tailoring your outing to your interests for a unique experience
7. Alpe di Siusi – an iconic place
Alpe di Siusi and Val Gardena - Europe’s largest alpine plateau welcomes visitors with its beauty – and it doesn’t get much better than this. Known the world over for its vast expanse of awe-inspiring and majestic mountains, nearly 800 plant varieties grow here, Seiser Alm offers more than 400 km of long and short hikes with a spectacular backdrop. Set off from Kompatsch or Ortisei, take the cable car or walk to the main trailheads, with picture-perfect scenery as a backdrop, the views stretching over Sciliar, with pleasant hikes in the Sciliar- Catinaccio Nature Park, but also Sassolungo and Sassopiatto, Pez and Burgstall among the many vertical jewels. Hiking options are almost endless here, so get ready for a superb day walking through a wonder
8. Sassolungo Circuit
Alpe di Siusi and Val Gardena - Located between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, the Sassolungo chain is bordered by the Sella Group to the east and Catinaccio to the west. A diverse and superb 18-km-long trail, with an elevation gain of 1,000m, the route goes around the mountain group, with varying ascents and descents, passing by several huts and taking in views of Sassolungo, Sasso Piatto, Spallone del Sassolungo, Punta delle Cinque Dita, Sasso Levante and Innerkofler Tower. Start at Passo Sella and enjoy the spectacular setting for an unforgettable day in the Dolomites.
9. Not to be missed
Outdoor hot tub - Rifugio Scoiattoli, Cinque Torri imagine relaxing in a hot tub at 2255m, sipping some champagne and looking at the amazing Cinque Torri. Are we reaching for the stars? Not quite, although they won’t feel far away. The Scoiattoli Hut is the ideal starting place for many summer routes and can be reached from several passes, with hikes of various lengths, while in the winter it sits bang on the groomed slopes, part of the Cinque Torri ski area, linked to the Alta Badia one. You can also arrive at the hut in the evening with a chair lift, have dinner, soak in the tub and then go down with a snowmobile. Whatever the season, do not miss the chance to try this extraordinary experience. It’s unique and it’s waiting for you.
Sunrise at Cima Tofana - Cortina d'Ampezzo - The third section of the Tofana-Freccia nel Cielo cable car allows you to reach the highest peak in Cortina d’Ampezzo: the Tofana di Mezzo (3244m). From the vast terrace, a sublime 360° vista opens in front of you; the view is so unique and spectacular that the Cima Tofana almost feels spiritual. You will take the cable car in the dark and then reach the hut; from there, an easy path takes you to the top and the view is simply breathtaking
Spëisa ladina: Ladin cookery course - Alta Badia Food conceals the culture of a land. What better way to find out about Alta Badia’s rich and colourful Ladin history and culture than by taking part in a cookery course? You can choose between a Spëisa ladina, discovering the secrets behind an apple strudel, barley soup with turtres or puccia with crispy bacon, or a Spëisa ladina moderna, where traditional tastes are reinvented and presented with a modern twist. Put on your aprons and start cooking. Bun apetit!
Atelier Aron Demetz - Selva di Valgardena The artist Aron Demetz is a symbol of the path some people have taken in Val Gardena, when craftsmanship becomes contemporary art. Aron may well be the leading authority of this movement, often led by young ones, where unconventional ways are explored, once the techniques of wood working are mastered. Aron’s story sums up two routes: the one of craftsmanship towards its future and the one of the artist, who reaches the highest degree of artistry: the Venice Biennale and many other, significant international exhibitions.
Judith Sotriffer, the toy maker of Val Gardena - In Ortisei, in the heart of Val Gardena, you will find a lab crafting wooden toys which bring back memories of the old days. Judith Sotriffer chisels and carves Arolla pine to craft hand-painted dolls. Anyone walking into her fairyland steps back in time, when wooden toys were a means of survival for Val Gardena inhabitants. Judith is sure that her workshop does not live off old-time traditions alone, in fact it looks to the future. She tells us that “In these years of activity and research, I wanted to discover ancient work traditions to combine them with modern ones. My biggest wish, today, is to pass on this knowledge to my children.”
10. Food and wine
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Da Aurelio - A couple of hairpin bends under the Passo Giau, set in a picture-postcard landscape, this venue is pleasant, typical and smart, with a magnificent terrace. You will savour an extraordinary culinary experience, varying from fish to vegetables and game, always aiming at the same outcome: the exceptional celebration of tastes, aromas and techniques. At the end of the meal, your senses will be highly pleased. A meticulous service where everyone feels at home.
Al Camin You are guaranteed courtesy and quality here. Fabio, the chef and owner, offers traditional cuisine with an interesting, innovative twist. A warm and cosy setting with an impeccable service. The wine list is rich and refined. High-quality meat, poached eggs with taleggio cream and spinach with truffles are on offer, although the dishes change according to season.
Peziè de Parù - Mountain Hut Just about three miles from the centre of Cortina, this mountain hut restaurant lies in the superb Pezié de Parù meadow, on the road to the Passo Giau. An authentic place which aims to be what it actually is: a welcoming restaurant, with a no-frills, mountain-based menu which makes you want to go back. The inner Stube and the terrace overlooking the Tofane are splendid.
Rifugio Averau - Mountain Hut Directly on the slopes, it can be easily reached on foot, or with the Passo Giau chairlift. Paola and Sandrone take it in turns at cooking and are renowned for their highly refined cuisine, to be savoured on the big terrace with an astonishing 360° view on the Dolomites. The wine list is as wide as the surrounding scenery. This is surely among the finest restaurants at altitude in the entire Alpine region. The trout tartare is a treat.
Alta Badia
Moritzino - Mountain hut Close your eyes and expect an extraordinary culinary experience. You will savour sublime squid ink noodles, layered upon the velvety carpet of clams and scallop carpaccio, and you will be enraptured. You will taste Chardonnay Kreuth of 2011 guiding you through this unforgettable journey. Now open your eyes – the dazzling whiteness of the snow will blind you for
an instant. Then, suddenly, they appear in all their splendour – the majestic peaks of the Dolomites that stand out from the bluebird sky. The snow covers the meadows with its pure white mantle as far as the eye can see.
Rifugio Scotoni - Mountain hut At 2040m, you’re in for an absolute treat at this rad mountain hut. Appealing and cozy, it offers BBQ specialities, home-made pasta and juicy desserts, combining Tyrolean tradition with sublime artistry and the finest local ingredients. Paying a visit is a must.
Rifugio Col Alt - Mountain hut Located at the arrival of the Col Alt cable car, with a panoramic terrace with views encompassing the Marmolada, the Sella and the Sassongher, this is a reference point for greedy folks who dare to challenge 2000m to have the unusual satisfaction of tasting oysters and champagne at altitude. You will find traditional dishes, such as sautéed potatoes with eggs and speck, polenta, finferli mushrooms, fresh tagliatelle with deer ragu, but also original dishes such as Kamut® spaghetti with new onions and sausage.
Cocun Cellar Restaurant - San Cassiano At Ciasa Salares Cocun (“bottle cork” in Ladin): the name itself embodies the soul of this wine-cellar restaurant. And what a wine cellar it is too, with over 1900 labels and 24,000 bottles from every corner of the world. Created by Jan Clemens Wieser, the spirit of the restaurant is his deep bond with his homeland and Ladino traditions, combined with biodynamic philosophies and global excellence, for a vibrant, easy-going venue with the highest of standards.
Val Gardena
Anna Stuben *Michelin - at Gardena Hotel - Heimund Brunner, a young, talented south-Tyrol chef, has led the cuisine of the gourmet restaurant “Anna Stuben”in Ortisei since December 2011. His is a modern, innovative, creative cuisine, based on the excellence of raw materials. It features the marriage of Mediterranean cuisine with his own from South Tyrol, and a blend of Italian fantasy and first-rate local ingredients, cooked and served with contemporary methods and technique
4 Sajons Restaurant - At Gardena Hotel invites you on a culinary journey, where the freshness of seasonal produce takes centre stage.
Haita Sofie - Mountain hut You will find this hut on Seceda, directly on the pistes at 2410m, right under the top station. Tyrolean specialities and a large selection of excellent wines.
Rifugio Troier - Mountain hut Simple, but exceptional home cooking on the Seceda, a little isolated but peaceful, offering a staggering view. At the base of the Cima Fermieda, it's your best bet if you want to avoid the crowds.
Fienile Monte - Mountain hut A gourmet hut, a genuine, one-of-a-kind treat. The cellar offers over 400 labels. A snowmobile may even take you here from the Salei Hut or the Passo Sella in the evening: those are nights to remember.
Rifugio Comici - Mountain hut With an Alpine pioneer as its namesake, this mountain hut has itself done a fair bit of groundbreaking. Original features can be found all over the hut: the photos
of family, friends and notable personalities, Alpine traditions and the close bond to these lands give the place a haven-like atmosphere where mountain lovers, skiing fans and pleasure seekers all enjoy spending their time. You will also find fish-based recipes and the venue is known for its themed evenings. It’s the cool place to be right now.
Travel Tips where to stay
Local DMC to enjoy the best experiences Dolomite Mountains
Ask for more info about the best experiences and itinereraries we can design in Tuscany
marketing@claudiadarin.it
All contents, photos and texts are subject to copyright. They are only authorised on my website and social media. Ideas can be a source of inspiration, but any unauthorised use of images and texts is strictly forbidden. All rights reserved.