A road trip in the Dolomites is something everyone should do at least once in a lifetime! After all who doesn’t dream of beautiful green meadows, bright turquoise and emerald lakes and dramatic jagged mountains that seem to come straight out of a fantasy movie?
This impressive mountain range in the northeast of Italy enchanted me so much with all its rough beauty! I was in complete awe every time I took another road, passing cinematic landscapes with magnificent mountain tops and lush meadows, decorated with cute mountain huts. I regretted instantly I had only planned to stay one week.
Planning a one week Dolomites road trip itinerary for the first time can be quite overwhelming! There are so many dreamy places to explore, hikes to do and things you need to take into account! But don’t worry, I have the perfect 7 day Dolomites road trip itinerary for you!
In this Dolomites road trip article I’ll share my personal experiences combined with all the things you need to know. That way you get a good impression of what it is like traveling there and you’ll find all the information you need to organize your trip.
Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary for one week of adventure
This map shows all the stops of this Dolomites road trip.
Duration of the trip: 7 days / 6 nights
Start: Venice San Marco airport to Misurina: 2,5 hours / 160 km
End: Lago di Carezza – Venice San Marco airport: 3 hours – 180 km
My travel period: Last week of August
This road trip is for you if… you like an active trip admiring turquoise lakes and hiking in the mountains.
CONTENT:
- Day 1 – arrival at Misurina
- Day 2 – Hiking to Cadini di Misurina & Tre Cime di Lavaredo
- Day 3 – Hiking around Lago di Braies, Lado di Dobbiaco & Lago di Landro
- Day 4 – Hiking to Lago di Sorapiss
- Day 5 – Cable car to Seceda & exploring Val di Funes
- Day 6 – Hiking at Alpe di Siusi
- Day 7 – A walk around Lago di Carezza
- How to get to the Dolomites?
- Where to stay in the Dolomites?
- What to take on a Dolomites road trip?
- Additional trips after a Dolomites road trip
Day 1 – Misurina
I landed in Venice and after about 2,5 hours of driving I arrived at my first stop for the first 3 nights: Misurina. (Take into account that you will need to pay toll for using the highway.) Since it was already 3 pm I couldn’t do any big hikes, so I decided to walk around the lake. The trail is about 3 kilometers and takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
On the way you’ll encounter some nice views on the surrounding mountains like Monte Cristallo, Col di Varda, the impressive Cadini di Misurina and the Cimon del Froppa. You’ll even get to see Rifugio Auronzo at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which already gives you an idea of the grandeur of these immense mountains! After the walk I enjoyed the sun on one of the benches to take in the nice views and to rest from the flight and drive.
You can also take the chair lift to the Col di Varda. On top you will get an amazing view on the Misurina lake and the surrounding mountains.
Day 2 – Cadini di Misurina & Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Cadini di Misurina
Wake up early to avoid the crowds and traffic, because the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is the most popular hike in the Dolomites! If you don’t want to hike an additional 4 km with a height difference of about 450 m, it is best to drive all the way up to Rifugio Auronzo. According to my hotel the toll road during the Summer is open from 6 am until 8 pm (normally 8 am – 5 pm). It costs 30€ (cash only) to drive the road and park your car at the rifugio.
First I did the easy hike to the Cadini di Misurina. You need to follow trail 117 which starts in front of Rifugio Auronzo at the end of the parking lot. If you look away from Rifugio Auronzo, you will see a path leading towards the jagged mountain peaks of Misurina. You can’t miss the path and the arrow indicating it! Just make sure, while doing the hike, to follow the indications and always keep right.
Don’t take any sideways to the left. You will end up at some creepy dangerous paths leading to nowhere else than your death! I know this sounds very dramatic, but trust me, I took one wrong turn and that “path” ended up with me holding on to the mountain side for life with slippery rocks under my feet. Luckily I could still return.
After about 30-40 minutes you will encounter the famous view of the green rocky ridge and the rough jagged mountain peaks of the Misurina mountains. I was speechless. These are some very impressive mountains and I can tell you, if you are standing on that ridge, you will feel so tiny! Honestly I don’t get how some YouTubers/Instagrammers run on this ridge. (Maybe I’m just getting old :D) It is dangerous with steep precipices on both sides. One slip or misstep and you are dead! So be careful when walking that ridge! I spent about 3 hours doing the hike, taking photos, sitting there to enjoy the view and return.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
After the Misurina hike I started the Tre Cime hike counterclockwise, because I had read this offers the best views. The hike itself isn’t super hard, but some parts are quite steep. I recommend wearing hiking boots. Sneakers will make you slip multiple times on the loose rocks.
I followed the trail to the Rifugio Lavaredo, then continued the least steep path to the “observation deck” called Paternsattel. From there you can choose different paths towards the Rifugio Locatelli alle Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Dreizinnenhütte) which you will see in the distance. I took the lower path, but I think the higher one will offer some more incredible views.
Once you arrive at the Rifugio Locatelli, make sure to check out the lakes on its right. They have two different colors and the view of the lakes surrounded by the stunning mountains is magnificent, especially when it is a sunny day with blue skies and cute white fluffy clouds. Before continuing also make sure to visit the cave. You will find it taking the path up near the Chiesetta Alpina. The view from up there is epic.
I had lunch on a rock in the meadow near the Rifugio Locatelli so I could enjoy the views and the sun. You can also eat at the rifugio, but it was too crowded, especially if you keep Covid-19 in mind. After lunch you continue the path towards Malga Langalm, which is a beautiful meadow with small lakes where you will often find grazing cows. On your way you will find more awesome photo opportunities. This part is more steep and exhausting, especially after a whole day of hiking. From Malga Langalm it is less than an hour to the parking lot.
Don’t forget to stop at Lago d’Antorno on your way back down. It is a small pretty lake which offers another awesome view on the Tre Cime.
To give you an idea; that day I hiked from 7.00 am until 5.30 pm and did 27310 steps, 202 floors and 19,5 kilometers! I was exhausted and I fell asleep at 8.30 pm that night! I will write a more detailed post about this hike later!
Day 3 – Hiking around Lago di Braies, Lado di Dobbiaco & Lago di Landro
Lago di Braies
After a fantastic but tiring day of hiking, it is time for a more relaxed day exploring the lakes of the region. First lake of the day is Lago di Braies (about 40 minutes from Misurina). Make sure to arrive (very) early because the place is super popular and gets crowded fast. That way you can still park your car easily and enjoy the sights in silence (Literally, you don’t even hear birds!).
You can take a walk around the lake and even rent a boat (price for 30 min: 19€ – 60 min: 29€ / opening at 8.30 am in Summer, 10 am in Winter). Since I traveled solo I didn’t rent a boat, because I was worried I wouldn’t be able to row properly or maybe even drop my camera or tripod into the water! But I did enjoy the walk and I totally understand its popularity! Lago di Braies is absolutely stunning with its bright green water reflecting the mountains. I loved the fresh air and the smell of the pines.
Please remember the road to Braies closes from 10 am to 3 pm to avoid the place being overcrowded. If the parking lots are full, they even close it earlier. When I left the place, there was a traffic line to the parking lot of about 1,5 kilometers!
Lago di Dobbiaco
On the way back to Misurina I decided to stop at Lago di Dobbiaco (19 km from Lago di Braies). There is an easy path along the lake, which draws way less tourists than Lago di Braies, even though it offers amazing views as well. I encountered a lot of families with little children who loved to watch the many water birds on the lake. There were even swans! On the northside of the lake you can find a few restaurants in case you want to have lunch here.
Lago di Landro
Nine kilometers south of Lago di Dobbiaco you’ll encounter Lago di Landro. The lake’s surroundings are more rough. To reach its “beach” you have to walk through the bushes since there isn’t a well indicated path, only multiple sandy trails often overgrown by trees.
It is a nice place to just sit and enjoy the sun or have a picnic. People were even swimming here. The reflection in the water of the Cristallo mountain range is breathtakingly beautiful.
Day 4 – Hiking to Lago di Sorapiss, a must during your Dolomites Road Trip
Wake up early to start this challenging hike to the most dreamy turquoise lake you’ll ever see! Park your car for free at the Passo Tre Croci (I started the hike at 7 am and there were only 4 more cars). Here trail number 215 starts to reach Lago di Sorapiss. The hike to the lake is about 5,5 km one way with an elevation difference of 435 m.
The first part of the hike is rather easy with a wide path through the forest. But the second part is very different! It becomes very steep and some parts I had to use both hands and feet to climb over tree trunks and rocks. Multiple metal stairs will help you to climb the mountain (This was a bit scary).
Narrow paths with cables attached to the mountain to hold on to on one side and a significant drop on the other side, will lead you deeper into the mountains. If you suffer from vertigo, you will not like this and several people have returned at this point. I chose to just hold the cables and not look too much at the depth beside me. There was one part with wet slippery sloping rocks that did not have any cables. I was glad there were trees, so I could use the thick branches to hold on to. Because I did not trust that part at all!
It took me 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Lago di Sorapiss. Which is actually pretty good for someone who spent the past months watching Netflix and did not train at all! The first glimpse of this awe-inspiring lake will leave you speechless. The view of the turquoise milky water, the green pines, the white rocks and the mountains surrounding it is jaw-droppingly beautiful.
First I took a lot of photos since there were barely any people and then I started to hike along the lake counterclockwise. I just couldn’t help myself from taking photos and admiring the stunning views along the way. I paused at the “beach” to have lunch and enjoy the sun. Swimming here is strictly forbidden. So please respect that.
Around 11 am more and more people started to appear. I spent about 4 hours at the lake and then I returned via the same trail. This was more difficult because the trail became very crowded (I don’t understand why people start this hike during the hottest/busiest part of the day) and I had to pass a lot of people, which was a little scary at the parts with the cables. Descending was also more difficult with all the slippery loose rocks and the scary views at times. It took me 2 hours to return. After the walk I drove to my next destination; Compatsch in Alpe di Siusi (2,5 hours drive).
Alpe di Siusi is not accessible by car from 9 am to 5 pm, unless you stay at one of the hotels there (only the day of check in you are allowed to drive between those hours). So keep that in mind if you are planning to go there. If you aren’t staying here, you can park your car at the parking lot in Compatsch (day ticket costs 17€).
Day 5 – Cable car to Seceda & exploring Val di Funes
Seceda 2500 m
About 40 minutes driving from Compatsch lies Ortisei, a cute mountain village I regret not exploring more due to lack of time. At 8.30 am the first cable car leaves at Ortisei to the top of Seceda. I advise to check the weather in advance to make sure you’ll be able to see the mountains at the top and you’ll wear appropriate clothing. Seceda is 2500 m high so it can be very windy and cold up there. The cost to take the two cable cars (Ortisei-Furnes & Furnes-Seceda) is 34€ round trip per person, so you want to be sure you’ll be able to see something! The cable car ride takes less than 10 minutes.
Once you arrive you will be blown away! Not only by the amount of wind up there (when I was there it was damn cold and super windy!), but also by the insane view of the most dramatic mountain of the Dolomites; Seceda! It has crazy jagged peaks and huge drop-offs which makes it all the more photogenic and mysterious. Especially when it gets covered in misty clouds rolling over it.
When I was there it was super cloudy and cold, but I was still able to get some shots! You can go hiking and you’ll also find mountain huts to warm up with a hot drink or meal. I didn’t do the hikes due to the weather, but if I ever return and the weather is nice, I definitely will!
Val di Funes
After spending hours at the top of Seceda I took the cable car back down and drove to Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes (45 min drive). First I visited the cute Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui (entrance 4€ in small cash). This photogenic little church lies in a beautiful meadow surrounded by magnificent mountains. Unfortunately I couldn’t see much of the mountains due to the cloudy weather. But the views were still very dreamy.
Then I explored Santa Maddalena for a while. You can hike around the town to get some nice views on the village and its church, but the weather started turning bad when I was there so I had to return to the hotel in Alpe di Siusi.
Day 6 – Hiking at Alpe di Siusi
Normally on the sixth day of this Dolomites Road Trip I would be hiking the whole day at Alpe di Siusi to be able to admire the views of the breathtakingly gorgeous mountain tops and the green meadows with their cute mountain cabins. But since a heavy (thunder)storm arrived that night and many more were expected during the rest of the day, I wasn’t able to do that. So I left the mountains a day earlier than planned.
I do advise to plan a day of hiking in this area! Next time I really hope I’ll get better weather so I can do those scenic hikes! A reason for me to return to the Dolomites one day!
Day 7 – A walk around Lago di Carezza
On my way back to Venice I made a stop at Lago di Carezza (1h 10 min drive). This is a small alpine lake known for its wonderful bright emerald & turquoise colors and the view of the summits of the Latemar and Catinaccio mountains. I know I cover a lot of lakes, but I assure you that they are all worth visiting. I just couldn’t get enough of these gorgeous treasures of nature!
The lake is surrounded by fences, but it is still possible to take photos and have a nice walk around the lake. Don’t climb over those fences though, because you’ll get fined! Try to get there before 10 am, because it is a popular place!
How to get to the Dolomites?
The nearest international airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport. I rented a car and drove to my first stop, Misurina (about 2,5 hours of driving) to start this Dolomites road trip.
You could also land in Innsbrück (Austria) which is a little further. Or, if you live in Europe, drive to Italy using your own car.
Where to stay during your Dolomites road trip?
The first three nights of my Dolomites Road Trip I stayed at Misurina, by the lake. This was the perfect spot, because the furthest place I visited in this region was only a 40 minute drive away (Lago di Braies). At Misurina you have plenty of restaurant options and it is also a nice spot to relax at the end of your day.
- Grand Hotel Misurina (I stayed here and it was great!)
- Hotel Lavaredo
- Quinz – Locanda al Lago
- Hotel Sorapiss
- Hotel Miralago
You could also stay at Cortina d’Ampezzo if you like a more vibrant town. It is only 14 km from Misurina and 1 hour from Lago di Braies.
- Hotel Montana (friends stayed here)
- Hotel Olimpia
- Rosa Petra SPA Resort
- Hotel Capannina
The other three nights I stayed at Compatsch in Alpe di Siusi. Next time I’ll probably choose to stay at Ortisei for 2 nights and one night in Alpe di Siusi. Ortisei is a cute town and the perfect base to explore Seceda and Val di Funes. A night at Alpe di Siusi is perfect to be able to start your hike early and catch the sunrise!
Compatsch:
- Piccolo Hotel Sciliar (I stayed here. It is a very basic hotel, but clean!)
- Alpina Dolomites
- Camera Alpe di Siusi
- Hotel Bellavista
- Seiser Alm Urthaler
Ortisei:
- Casa Al Sole (friends stayed here)
- Hotel Maria
- Chalet Sophia
- Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti
- Apartment Manuel
- Garni Halali
- Alpenheim Charming & Spa Hotel
What to take on a Dolomites road trip?
On this Dolomites road trip you’ll have to take clothes for all seasons! During the Summer you will get hot days of 30°C, but in the morning it can be very chilly (5°C wasn’t an exception). In the valleys it can be warm, on top of the mountain it can be cold (or vice versa). So always wear layers. I took various outfits with me in the car, in case the weather would change while driving around.
Hiking boots are a must. Sneakers are often not appropriate to do these mountain hikes due to the loose or wet rocks. You need to make sure you have a good grip so you won’t slip. Hiking boots also protect your feet more.
A backpack filled with food and water is also a must when hiking in the mountains. You need to keep your energy levels up and stay hydrated.
Wear sunscreen! At high altitude your skin is more exposed to greater UVA rays and you’ll burn fast if you don’t.
Obviously photography gear is something you don’t want to forget since the views in the Dolomites are absolutely stunning!
If you have walking sticks, I recommend taking them as well.
Cash money is necessary in the Dolomites. The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo can only be paid with cash and certain parking lots also require cash.
Additional trips after doing a Dolomites Road Trip
Treviso
Since I had to flee the mountains a day earlier due to the stormy weather, I booked a night at Treviso, a cute little town also known as Little Venice, that is only 30 minutes from Venice Airport. In Treviso you’ll find the typical Italian squares with palazzos, but also picturesque canals. I really enjoyed exploring this charming town. I only spent an afternoon here, but that was sufficient to get a first good look! I’ll add a mini guide on the blog about Treviso later!
I stayed at Hotel Continental near the central station and the city center.
Venice
Since I had an extra day I also did a day trip to Venice. It was easy to take the train from Treviso. It only took 30 minutes to get there and I could spend the whole day wandering through Venice using my own one day walking itinerary!
The last night I prefered staying at Mestre since it was only 15 minutes from Venice Airport. If you want to skip Treviso you can also take the train from Mestre which only takes 5 minutes until you arrive in Venice!
I stayed at the Best Western Plus Hotel Bologna, which was one of the most modern high tech hotels I ever stayed at! The train station was right across the street!
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Don’t hesitate to leave comments or questions down below!
Looks like an absolutely amazing trip. Who took the far away pic on the ridge btw? Was it Tony?
No, my new Dutch friends that I met during the hike took that photo with my instructions, since it was too far to take it with Toni the tripod 🙂
Great article ! can you tell at what time of the year you went ? and describe the weather ? thank you 🙂
Hi!
Thanks!
All that info is in the article!
Hi, what a great trip! I’m currently planning a trip to Dolomites with my mum and so far your itinerary is my favourite! and I absolutely love the photos you took! 🙂 How far in advance did you book the hotels please? I’m looking to go next year in August and just wonder if I should be booking stays already, haha! thank you!!!
Hi, I always book when I decide to go on the trip. With Booking.com you can always change your plans when you take the free cancelation option.
Hi, thank you so much for your very informative itinerary. I am planning to visit the Dolomites and would definitely go to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Reading through the description in your itinerary and seeing the photo of the view from the cave you visited I am not sure if the cave is near Chiesetta Alpina or perhaps Chiesetta San Bernardo instead. Would you be able to let me know please? Thank you in advance.
Hi,
I quote my blog post: “Before continuing also make sure to visit the cave. You will find it taking the path up near the Chiesetta Alpina. The view from up there is epic.”
Enjoy your trip!
Hi,
I’ll look up the cave when I get to Chiesetta Alpina. Thank you for the information again!
You’re welcome! You will love it!!