A guide to Dolomites in Summer: 15 things to do, places to go and stay
Explore the majestic Dolomites in Northern Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for summer adventures. This region offers everything from challenging hikes and water sports on vibrant rivers to serene lake swims and relaxing thermal baths. Discover iconic peaks, hidden valleys, and charming villages for an unforgettable alpine experience.
Dolomites
A stunning mountain range in northern Italy, renowned for its breathtaking peaks, valleys, and suitability for hiking and outdoor sports, especially in summer.
Malga Campo
An alpine pasture in Val di Sole, popular for e-biking up to the Malga Monte Sole where you can enjoy local food and views.
Val di Sole
A valley in Trentino known for outdoor adventures, especially water sports on the Noce River and e-biking.
Comano Thermal baths
These thermal baths offer relaxation amidst the incredible mountain landscape of Bormio, known for its natural springs and wellness treatments.
Adamello-Brenta National Park
A vast protected area in Trentino, home to the Adamello Glacier and the picturesque Brenta Dolomites, popular with hikers and photographers.
Trento
A city in northern Italy that hosted a conference, featuring the MUSE Museum of Science and Natural History which offers unique activities.
Bolzano
A city in northern Italy that serves as a gateway to the Dolomites and is a convenient place to rent a car for exploring the region.
Belluno
A town in northern Italy accessible by train, serving as a point to reach the Dolomites region.
Madonna di Campiglio
A popular ski resort area in Italy, also offering great experiences for road trips through the Dolomites in summer.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
A famous town in the Dolomites, set to host the 2026 Olympic Games, known for its breathtaking location and high-quality resorts.
Alpe di Siusi
Europe's largest high-alpine meadow, offering extensive hiking and stunning natural beauty in South Tyrol.
Val di Non
A valley in Trentino renowned for its apple orchards and the stunning Santa Giustina Lake, offering kayaking adventures.
Venice Airport
An airport serving as a common entry point for travelers heading to the Dolomites, with transfer options available.
Malga Monte Sole Chalet
A chalet situated at the top of Malga Monte Sole, providing a place to eat local food and admire views of the Adamello glacier after an e-bike ride.
Bormio Thermal baths
Located in Bormio, these natural thermal springs are a historical landmark offering relaxation and wellness treatments within the Stelvio National Park.
Stelvio National Park
A national park located in the Alps, known for its ski slopes, natural thermal baths in Bormio, and beautiful valleys.
Tret Alpine Lake
A secluded artificial water reservoir near Tret in Trentino Alto Adige, offering a unique sunrise swimming experience after a hike.
Lago dei Caprioli
An alpine lake in Trentino where melted snow in early June creates numerous small waterfalls cascading into the valley.
Val di Rabbi
A valley within Stelvio National Park where you can chase waterfalls, including the Rio Ragaiolo, and experience crossing a Tibetan bridge.
Tibetan Bridge
A 100-meter long suspension bridge in Val di Rabbi, offering an adventurous way to view the Ragaiolo Falls from 60 meters above.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The 'Three Peaks of Lavaredo', a symbol of the Italian Alps, are famous hiking destinations with three distinct peaks reaching almost 3,000 meters.
Lake Braies
A stunning alpine lake in the Dolomites, celebrated for its beautiful landscape and often considered a top destination for summer visits.
Lake Carezza
A picturesque alpine lake in the Dolomites, famous for its stunning colors and surrounding forests and mountains.
Val Fiscalina
A valley offering scenic hiking paths, particularly towards Drei Zinner (Tre Cime di Lavaredo).
Drei Zinner
The 'Drei Zinner', or Tre Cime di Lavaredo, are three distinct, famous peaks that are a symbol of the Italian Alps.
Gran Cir Via Ferrata
A hiking path located in the Dolomites, offering scenic views and access to mountain trails.
Passo Gardena Trail
A trail located in the Dolomites, providing access to scenic mountain landscapes.
Adamello Glacier
One of the largest glaciers in Europe, located within the Adamello National Park and visible throughout the year.
Ragaiolo suspension bridge
A 100-meter long suspension bridge, also called the Tibetan Bridge, that crosses over the powerful Ragaiolo Falls.
Rio Ragaiolo waterfall
A waterfall located in Val di Rabbi, known for its powerful flow and the impressive Tibetan Bridge that crosses above it.
Santa Giustina Lake
A large artificial lake in Val di Non, surrounded by picturesque scenery and offering opportunities for kayaking through hidden canyons.
Flume Park Novella Santa Giustina
Offers guided kayaking tours on Santa Giustina Lake, ensuring safety and providing insights into the surrounding nature.
Noce River
A river in Val di Sole known for its challenging rapids, making it a prime location for rafting and extreme water activities.
Hotel Kirchenwirt
A hotel located near Tre Cime di Lavaredo, offering a vantage point for watching the sunrise over the Dolomites.
Hotel Luna Mondschein
A hotel in Ortisei / Funes with views of Seceda, providing a good spot to experience the sunrise in the Dolomites.
Ortisei
A town in South Tyrol, located between Alpe di Siusi and Val Gardena, offering access to hiking, climbing, and stunning Dolomite scenery.
Funes
A valley in South Tyrol known for its picturesque scenery, including the iconic Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui.
MUSE
The Museum of Science and Natural History in Trento, offering an inspiring environment for learning and engaging activities.
Resia Lake
A unique man-made lake in the Dolomites featuring the visible bell tower of a submerged ancient church.
Der Reschensee
Also known as Resia Lake, this striking location features the remains of a submerged village, marked by a visible church bell tower.
Lake Sorapis
A stunning turquoise lake located in the Dolomites, requiring a hike to access its beautiful scenery.
Tra Cime di Lavaredo
The 'Tra Cime di Lavaredo' are three distinctive peaks, a symbol of the Italian Alps, offering some of the most breathtaking hiking experiences.
Val di Funes
A scenic valley in South Tyrol, famous for its charming church, Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui, and stunning mountain vistas.
Val Gardena
A valley in the Dolomites offering diverse opportunities for hiking, climbing, and relaxation, with stunning landscapes.
Marmolada
The highest peak in the Dolomites, known as the 'Queen of the Dolomites', characterized by its impressive glacier.
Seiser Alm
The German name for Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high-alpine meadow, offering extensive areas for summer and winter activities.
Val di Fiemme
A valley in Trentino, Italy, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
San Martino di Castrozza
A mountain resort town in Trentino, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
Verona
A city in Italy with an airport that serves as a convenient gateway for reaching the Dolomites region.
Milan
A major city in Italy with an airport (Bergamo) that provides access to the Dolomites.
Bergamo Airport
An airport serving Milan, offering another entry point for travelers heading to the Dolomites.
Innsbruck
A city in Austria that is close to the Italian border and serves as a convenient point to access the Dolomites.
Valerio Catullo Airport
The airport serving Verona, providing a convenient option for travelers flying to the Dolomites region.
Felixer Weiher
Also known as Tret Alpine Lake, this secluded spot offers a refreshing swim after a hike in the mountains.
Lago di Resia
A man-made lake in the Dolomites, notable for the visible bell tower of a submerged village.
Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui
A small, picturesque church in Val di Funes, famous for its stunning setting against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomite mountains.
Santa Magdalena
A village in the scenic Val di Funes, providing beautiful views and access to iconic Dolomite landscapes.
San Pietro
A location within Val di Funes, offering a place to stay and enjoy the surrounding Dolomite scenery.
Auronzo di Cadore
A town in the Veneto region of the Dolomites, offering good accommodation options and proximity to alpine lakes and Cortina.
Comelico
An area near Auronzo di Cadore in the Dolomites, known for its mountainous terrain.
San Vito di Cadore
A quiet town near Cortina d'Ampezzo, offering gentle mountain landscapes ideal for climbing and hiking, making it a great summer destination.
B&B La Coa
An intimate bed and breakfast in Auronzo di Cadore, offering a comfortable stay close to the town's amenities.
Lake Misurina
A beautiful alpine lake in the Dolomites, renowned for its picturesque setting and often called the 'Pearl of the Dolomites'.