Guided Hiking in the Dolomites: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Some great hikes in the Dolomites include the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. A hike around the Marmolada mountain, which sits at 3,344 meters, is a great option. If you’re looking for a more extended trip, consider a hut-to-hut trek along the Haute Route.

Varied hiking trails: Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or a multi-day hike, you’ll find what you’re looking for. There are also hikes for both advanced hikers and beginners.

Family-friendly: Here you’ll find hikes that are suitable for a range of age groups. The Dolomites were also once a backdrop to world wars, so there is also a lot of educational value in a family trip here.

Spectacular scenery: From sparkling aquamarine lakes to sheer rocky mountains, the Dolomites are jam-packed with jaw-droppingly beautiful sights.

The weather is mild and sunny in the summer, with average temperatures sitting at around 15- 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Expect more rainfall in the summer than in the other months.

Venice airport is the main entry door to the Dolomites, and where most visitors fly in. Other options nearby include Venice, Milan, Innsbruck, and Munich. From there you have train and bus options to reach Cortina, Bolzano, and other major towns in the Dolomites, but usually with internal connections. Using public transportation to move around the Dolomites is possible, but options can be quite limited, so renting a car will be the best choice if you want flexibility to move around.

Unlike many other regions in Italy, the Dolomites enjoy pleasantly cool summer weather, with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C, making it an ideal season for hiking adventures. During this time, all mountain huts are open, making it perfect for multi-day treks. Beyond hiking, the Dolomites offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, via ferrata, and mountain biking in a truly breathtaking setting.

Autumn (September to October) is another fantastic time to explore the Dolomites. The larch trees turn a brilliant golden yellow, the alpenglow on the peaks reaches its most vivid hues—perfect for stunning photography—and the trails are much quieter with fewer visitors.

Spring (May to June) is also highly recommended, especially for those who love alpine wildflowers, which begin blooming in late spring and peak in July. During this period, the valleys are lush and vibrant with greenery, adding even more beauty to the landscape.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Sexten Dolomites

These three limestone peaks rising to the sky ―also known by their German name, Drei Zinnen― are one of the most legendary landmarks in the Dolomites. They are part of a section of this mountain range called Sexten Dolomites. In the past, the border between Italy and Austria ran across this peak. The area was a battlefield during World War I and many old trenches, fortifications and tunnels can still be found in the surroundings.

1-day hiking programs around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo usually leave from the towns of Misurina or Auronzo di Cadore. Make sure you catch the sunset and you’ll witness a fascinating spectacle, with the iconic towers turning orange and red as the sun goes down.

Marmarole, the wild section of the Dolomites

Those seeking an off-the-beaten-tracks experience will be allured by Marmarole, a wild, isolated and fairly unexplored section of the Dolomites. These mountains lie to the west of the Cadore Valley and close to one of the Dolomites’ major peaks ―Antelao (3,263 m). Some of the oldest and most beautiful mountain huts of the range are found here, so it’s a great place for a hut-to-hut hiking tour.

Friulian Dolomites, getting close to the Adriatic Sea

The Friulian Dolomites lie in the Italian provinces of Udine and Pordenone. The area is protected by the Regional Natural Park of Friulian Dolomites and it’s a true paradise for mountain lovers. One of the most famous landmarks in this region is the Campanile di Val Montanaia, an isolated 300 m tall pinnacle. You can go hiking around Val Montanaia for the day or set out on a several-day guided itinerary in the Frulian Dolomites.

The beautiful Pale di San Martino (Pala group)

This is the most southern section of the Dolomites and a very famous ski area during winter. The closest getaway to visit this area is the famous holiday resort of San Martino di Castrozza. Majestic peaks and deep valleys are the main features of this area, which can be explored through the ‘Alta vía 2’, a historical route which offers breathtaking views and follows the trace of ‘the pioneers’, the first alpine climbers to attempt these peaks.

Brenta Dolomites, to the west

This group of majestic, towering peaks lies in Trentino, to the west of the rest of the Dolomite mountains. They are comprised of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park, surrounded by lakes and the Adamello glacier. They are home to many via ferrata routes, like the famous “Via della Bocchette”.

The Dolomites are the place where via ferratas were born.

The most usual starting point for trips in this area is Madonna di Campiglio. Some itineraries include a 3-day hut-to-hut program with an exciting mix of hiking, stargazing and via ferrata.

The Catinaccio or Roserganten Group

The Catinaccio massif is an iconic sight of the Dolomites. Also known by its German Name ‘Roserganten’, these are the peaks that make the backdrop of Bolzano, considered the gateway to the Italian Dolomites. In a similar way to the ‘Tre Cime di Lavaredo’, the Catinaccio mountains also glow and turn an orange-pink at dawn and sunset. Surrounded by emerald lakes and green pastures, the place is the ideal setting for a multi-day hiking tour, staying at some of the many mountain huts in the group.

Alta Vía 1: the Dolomites Haute Route

This is the classic long-distance hiking route in the Dolomites. It takes between 10 to 15 days to complete this 150 km trail, which goes along the Eastern section of the Dolomites. Of course, you can also choose to hike just a section of the Haute Route and combine it with a visit to specific landmarks, like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Mount Pelmo, the peak shaped like a throne

Mount Pelmo is one of the giant massifs of the Dolomites, rising in complete isolation between the valleys of Ampezzo, Zoldo and Cadore. Starting from Staulanza Pass, a stunning high mountain pass which connects the Zoldo and the Cadore valleys, the are many hiking trails that explore Mt Pelmo and allow incredible views of the surroundings.

The Dolomites stretch along the provinces of Trento, Belluno and South Tyrol, so there are many towns and mountain villages where you can stay. The best option for you will depend on your itinerary. Here's our selection:

South Tyrol: Bolzano, Ortisei, Corvara.

Belluno: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Auronzo di Cadore, Agordo, Alleghe.

Trento: Canazei, Campitello di Fassa, San Martino di Castrozza, Madonna di Campiglio.

How important is it to hire a certified guide?

Booking a certified guide is strongly recommended, particularly for outdoor adventures, as it can significantly enrich your overall travel experience. These professionals bring expert knowledge, advanced training, and essential safety skills to the table. They not only help ensure your well-being but also offer in-depth insights into the destination and customize the journey to match your interests.

Basic hiking kit (sturdy boots, layers, rain shell), plus helmet, harness and via-ferrata set for protected routes. Trip pages list exact kit — a pre-trip checklist is provided with every booking.