Are you looking for the best things to do in the Dolomites? This mountain range is definitely one of the most stunning we have ever visited in our life. You will find countless different activities to do during your vacation in this unique place. However, if you are looking for advice on skiing and snowboarding in the Dolomites this article is not suitable for you. So we have created a list of the best things to do that we recommend the most in both winter and summer. From adventurous treks to relaxing walks in picturesque villages, the Dolomites have a lot to offer even the most discerning traveler. So let’s start reading!
Stroll along the streets of Ortisei
Ortisei is a small town located in the heart of Val Gardena surrounded by countless mountains. Several hike routes start from Ortisei and it’s a well-known holiday destination in the Dolomites. We fell in love with this town from the first time we visited it in December. Indeed, Ortisei is beautiful with all its Christmas lights, pastel-colored houses and festive air. Stroll along its main street and indulge in a hot chocolate or mulled wine in one of its cafes. In addition, the cable car departs from the main square to reach the summit of Seceda. So don’t miss this picturesque town if you travel to Val Gardena.
Visit the MMM Corones
MMM Corones at Kronplatz is one of the six facilities in the Dolomites dedicated to traditional mountaineering and to his father Reinhold Messner. This museum designed by the visionary mind of Zaha Hadid is devoted to mountain history. Furthermore, it’s possible to enjoy wide views of the surrounding mountains from inside. If you want to spend a different day in the Dolomites, we recommend that you visit this museum and the entire Kronplatz area.
Eat a pizza at 2500m in Seceda
Have you ever eaten a pizza in the high mountains? You can do it in Seceda! In fact, when you come out of the cable car, you will find a bar/restaurant offering countless delicious dishes and pizza. So you can recharge your energies and enjoy a beautiful view of the Odle from the summit of Seceda.
See the Tre Cime di Lavaredo from the Locatelli Refuge
Reaching the Locatelli Refuge to see the majesty of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is an experience to do at least once in a lifetime. The starting point is the Auronzo Refuge. Take path 101 which leads you along the southern side of the Tre Cime to the Lavaredo Refuge. So, continue towards the Forcella di Lavaredo until you reach a descent for the Locatelli Refuge. Finally, once you arrive at the Locatelli Refuge, you can recharge your energy with a hot meal of sausage and polenta. Also, it’s possible to spend the night at the refuge but you must book in advance.
Take a ride in a wooden boat at Lake Braies
This fairytale lake surrounded by mountains is not only a perfect spot for your photos but also a very romantic place. In fact, on the pier of the cabin on the lake, it’s possible to rent one of the wooden boats to take a ride on the lake. Try this experience if you visit Lake Braies in the summer. In fact, in winter it’s covered in ice and snow!
Visit the Alpe di Siusi
The Alpe di Siusi, also known as Seiser Alm, is a plateau in the Dolomites that boasts unique landscapes. For this reason, it’s very popular with tourists both in summer and in winter. However, access to the plateau is limited to car traffic from 10 am to 5 pm. Alpe di Siusi is a unique place surrounded by beautiful nature and breathtaking landscapes such as the views of the mountains of Langkofel Group in the background. Also, book a table for dinner with a mountain view at the Rauchhütte restaurant. You will love it!
Take a bath in a hot tub at the QC Terme Dolomiti
Give yourself a day to rest your muscles and relax in one of the most beautiful spas we have visited. In fact, the QC Terme offers many options for your well-being, as well as an outdoor swimming pool with whirlpools, saunas, steam baths and hot tubs. Remember to book your visit to this spa in advance as it’s crowded in both summer and winter.
Taste the typical Canederli of the Dolomites
Canederli are a very tasty typical dish of Trentino that you will find in many restaurants and refuges in the area. They are prepared with simple ingredients such as stale bread, milk, soft wheat flour and cheese. Also, the Canederli exist in different variations such as speck, butter, spinach, duck liver, radicchio.
Spend a few hours relaxing at Lake Carezza
Set among dense fir woods, under the slopes of the Latemar massif, Lake Carezza is a beautiful alpine lake in the Dolomites. Moreover, thanks to a large parking lot, a few meters away, the lake is easily accessible by everyone. In summer it’s very nice to walk along the path around the lake. Also, remember that it’s forbidden to cross the wooden fence or swim in the lake. Lake Carezza is one of the classic tourist destinations of the Trentino-Alto Adige famous for its dark green color and the panorama with the mountains in the background.
Indulge in shopping in Cortina
Cortina is the queen of shopping in the Dolomites thanks to the luxury shops for the most demanding customers. Furthermore, this town surrounded by mountains is one of the best ski resorts in Northern Italy. In addition to shopping, Cortina boasts delightful restaurants such as Ristorante Al Camin and El Brite de Larieto. We recommend that you book your table in advance.
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