August in the Dolomites is the height of summer, with snow-free trails, fewer thunderstorms than in early summer, and daylight that lingers until 8:30 pm. It’s also peak tourist season, when hotel prices skyrocket, parking lots overflow, and the most famous hiking trails can feel more like a parade than a wilderness escape.
The good news? With a bit of strategy, you can still experience the Dolomites at their most magical. This guide will help you sidestep the worst of the crowds and discover breathtaking corners that rarely make it onto Instagram.
Overtourism and crowds frustrate many, but few are willing to venture beyond the usual tourist trails. Follow my tips below to step off the beaten path, even if only ever so slightly.
- Car-Free Travel: How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car
- Road Trip Itineraries: 5-Day Dolomites Road Trip, 7-Day Dolomites Road Trip, 10-14 Day Dolomites Road Trip, and Munich to Dolomites Road Trip
- Favorite Hikes: Day Hikes in the Dolomites
- What to Do: Things to Do in the Dolomites
- Where to Go: Places to Visit in the Dolomites
- Places to Skip: Cinque Torri, Lake Sorapis, Seceda, Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail, Lake Carezza, and Lago di Braies
Where to Stay in the Dolomites in August
If I were booking a trip to the Dolomites this August, I’d seek out a peaceful hamlet in Val Badia, preferably La Val or Longiarù, to escape the crowds and experience authentic alpine charm. I’d also consider visiting San Martino di Castrozza.
Related | Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer
Longiarù
Longiarù (Lungiarü in Ladin, Campill in German) is a Ladin village tucked away in a side valley of Val Badia, serving as a peaceful gateway to Puez-Odle Nature Park. One of the valley’s highlights is its historic mountain hamlets, known as Viles, some of which date back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
From this secret valley, hikers can access Sass de Putia, Antersasc Valley and Crep dla Dodesc, and even Val di Funes.
Kati and I stayed in the aparthotel Les Dolomites Mountain Lodges (read our Les Dolomites review) and hiked the Ütia Ciampcios & Kreuzjoch Circuit Trail, which I summarized in our Alta Badia Summer Guide. We hope to return soon to explore more of the valley.
More places to stay in Longiarù | Lüch de Vanc (budget, breakfast & dinner included), or Berghotel Sanví (luxury)
La Val
La Val (La Valle) is a small village in Alta Badia, perched above the valley floor, between Badia and San Martino in Badia. Of all the Alta Badia villages (Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, and San Cassiano), La Val is the quietest. It also offers a hidden entrance to Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park.
Where to Stay in La Val | Lüch de Crusteles (budget), Apartments Miribunghof (budget-midrange), Ciasa Plandros Apartments (budget-midrange), La Palsa (3-star hotel), and Hotel Plan Murin (3-star hotel).
San Martino di Castrozza
San Martino di Castrozza is located in Primiero Valley in the Trentino region of the Dolomites. It’s the gateway to Pale di San Martino, the largest mountain range in the Dolomites. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Pale di San Martino is by far the most breathtaking mountain range in the region.
Kati and I visited San Martino di Castrozza in September, so I can’t speak for August. I imagine it’s busy, but nothing like the crowds in Val Gardena or Cortina d’Ampezzo. While popular with Italians, San Martino di Castrozza remains largely overlooked by international tourists since it lies south of the main hotspots.
Where to Stay in San Martino di Castrozza | Residence Taufer (budget), Hotel Vienna (midrange), or Sayonara Nature & Wellness Hotel
Quiet Hiking Trails in the Dolomites
These are some of our favorite lesser-known day hikes in the Puez-Odle Group, Sexten Dolomites, Prags/Braies Dolomites, and Ampezzo Dolomites.
While a few trails may start near popular spots or briefly cross busier paths, most of the route remains peaceful and uncrowded.
Quiet Trails in Val di Funes
Tullen Peak | Tullen is the highest summit in the Odles d’Eores (Aferer Geisler) mountains, a sub-group of the Puez-Odle range. The hike to Tullen begins at the Zannes (Zans) car park in Val di Funes. I love this trail for its unique views of the Odle/Geisler peaks and the fascinating high valley through Odles d’Eores. Read my Tullen Peak trail guide.
Quiet Trails in Val Gardena
Val de Chedul – Vallunga Valley Circuit | Starting in Selva di Val Gardena, this loop trail climbs up the wild and mostly quiet Val de Chedul valley to the e Crespëina High Plateau, which is part of the massive Puez-Odle Altopiano. The route carries on to Rifugio Puez, , where you’ll likely encounter more hikers, before descending into the Vallunga Valley. Read my Val de Chedul – Vallunga hiking guide.
Col dala Pieres | This prominent peak in the Puez-Odle Group is an exciting but challenging day hike, beginning at the Col Raiser gondola mountain station. Detour to the Stevia Hütte on the Stevia plateau for a snack, before continuing to the summit. Read my Col dala Pieres hiking guide. Because the Col dala Pieres hike overlaps with the Piz Duleda peak hike, it’s best to choose one of these two routes to avoid repetition.
Quiet Trails in Alta Badia
Gherdenacia Plateau Hike | Starting at the Gardenaccia Chairlift Mountain Station, accessible from La Villa, this point-to-point trail crosses the Gherdenacia Plateau (part of the Puez-Odle Altopiano) to Rifugio Puez and then descends to Colfosco. The highlight of this hike is visiting Rifugio Gardenacia. Read my Gherdenacia Plateau Hiking Guide.
Quiet Trails around Val Pusteria
Gaisl High Trail | A rewarding point-to-point hike traces the northern base of the Hohe Gaisl massif in the Braies/Prags Dolomites, winding through a series of cirques. It begins at the Prato Piazza car park (accessible by bus) and finishes at the Ponticello/Brückele car park. Read my Gaisl High Trail guide.
Hochalpenkopf Peak | Although I recommend avoiding Lago di Braies in August, the Hochalpenkopf Loop Hike is the one exception worth making.
Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Trail | This hike is hands-down one of my favorites in the Sexten Dolomites and, for me, the most spectacular way to reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This hike starts in Val Campo di Dentro, a side valley of Sesto/Sexten Valley. Read my Torre dei Scarperi hiking guide for all the details.
Quiet Trails near Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail | This extraordinary hike circuits the Tofana di Rozes massif in the Ampezzo Dolomites, starting at Rifugio Angelo Dibona. Read my Tofana di Rozes circuit hiking guide.
Tips for Visiting Popular Destinations in August
Tre Cime di Lavaredo in August
Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the iconic three peaks of the Sexten Dolomites, are surrounded by a dramatic colosseum of jagged spires and rugged massifs, each uniquely shaped and equally captivating.
The easiest way to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is by driving the Auronzo toll road to Rifugio Auronzo. Starting in 2025, it’s mandatory to pre-book the toll road and parking through an online reservation system. The hope is that this will reduce congestion at this popular site.
For many, Rifugio Auronzo may be the only feasible way to visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo. But, if you’re an experienced and fit hiker (comfortable with some scrambling), I would hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Val Campo di Dentro (Innerfeldtal in German) following this Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Trail.
You can also hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Val Fiscalina.
Lago di Sorapis in August
I strongly recommend skipping the hike to Lake Sorapis in August.
If you’re staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo, hike these trails instead: Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail (difficult) and Croda da Lago Circuit Trail.
Val di Funes in August
In Val di Funes, razor-edged limestone peaks rise dramatically above a pastoral valley that seems plucked from a fairy tale.
Most first-time visitors flock to three areas in Val di Funes: (1) the Santa Maddalena Church viewpoint along the Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail, (2) the Church of St. John viewpoint, and (3) the Adolf Munkel Trail.
In August, skip the well-known Adolf Munkel Trail and opt for the quieter Rifugio Genova Circuit Trail (moderate) or the more challenging Tullen Peak hike instead.
If you’re based in Val Gardena and don’t plan to stay in Val di Funes, I don’t recommend driving there just to hike the Adolf Munkel Trail. Instead, take the Resciesa funicular from Ortisei and hike across the Resciesa plateau to Malga Brogles: the true start (or end) of the Adolf Munkel Trail.
From Malga Brogles, you can explore as much of the trail as you like. Experienced alpine hikers comfortable with scree can cross the Odle/Geisler Range and continue on to Seceda. Everyone else should stick to an out-and-back route. Here’s our guide to the Resciesa-Malga Brogles-Seceda hike.
Where to Stay in Val di Funes | Appartements Pension Sonia (budget), Fallerhof (budget), Hotel Fines (midrange), Proihof (midrange), or Hotel Tyrol (luxury)
Seceda in August
Seceda is a summit in the Odle / Geisler Group, which commands awe-inspiring views of the sharp, gravity-defying Fermeda peaks.
Anyone wanting to avoid crowds altogether should skip Seceda in August.
For a striking new perspective on the cinematic Fermeda and Geisler peaks, consider hiking to Col dala Pieres Peak (difficult).
If you plan to take the cable car from Ortisei to the Seceda summit, aim for the first departure of the day. An early start is the best way to avoid the mid-morning circus. From the cable car station, we always recommend following the Seceda-Rifugio Firenze circuit trail.
However, if you’re an experienced alpine hiker, I recommend following the Resciesa-Malga Brogles-Seceda hike. By the time you reach Seceda in the afternoon, crowds are likely, but for the most part, the trail will be quite enjoyable.
To skip the cable car entirely, hike to Seceda and Monte Pic starting in the Cristauta/Praplan car park above Santa Cristina.
Where to Stay in Val Gardena | To avoid the August bustle in Ortisei, stay in nearby Santa Cristina, or in Selva (away from the road). Read our guide to Where to Stay in Val Gardena.
Alpe di Siusi in August
Alpe di Siusi is a vast mountain pasture above Val Gardena, offering endless trails and cycling routes. To experience it without the crowds, consider staying on the plateau itself. This way, you’ll enjoy peaceful evenings and mornings away from the day-trippers.
If you stay on Alpe di Siusi, be sure to explore the trails around your accommodation. Using Alpe di Siusi as a base to visit other areas like Puez-Odle Nature Park is not ideal due to driving restrictions on the plateau and traffic regulations of the Siusi – Alpe di Siusi access road.
Alternatively, skip Alpe di Siusi and explore Armentara Meadows in Alta Badia instead.
Where to Stay on Alpe di Siusi plateau | Sporthotel Sonne (best views), Hotel Steger-Dellai (historic hotel), COMO Alpina Dolomites (5-star luxury), or Paradiso Pure Living Vegetarian Hotel (vegetarian hotel)
Weather & Temperature
August is typically the hottest month in the Dolomites. In the valleys, daytime temperatures range from 23°C to 29°C, while at higher elevations (between 1,500 and 2,000 meters), it’s generally at least 5°C cooler.
Fortunately, temperatures drop at night, falling to between 14°C and 16°C in the valleys.
Be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Ortisei August Temperatures
- Daytime Temperature: 23°C – 29°C
- Nighttime Temperature: 13°C – 16°C
Cortina d’Ampezzo August Temperatures
- Daytime Temperature: 23°C – 29°C
- Nighttime Temperature: 14°C – 16°C
Visiting in Peak Season: What You Need to Know
Traffic Regulations
To reduce overtourism in sensitive natural areas, local authorities enforce traffic regulations during high season. If you’re visiting in August, you may need to pre-book access to certain roads like the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and sometimes parking.
Some restrictions apply for the entire summer, while others are only in effect from mid-July to mid-September. If you plan to visit Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint, Prato Piazza, Val Fiscalina, or similar spots, make sure to plan ahead.
Mountain Hut Reservations
If you plan to hike hut-to-hut in the Dolomites, book the mountain huts along your route as early as possible. If securing overnight stays proves difficult, consider a self-guided hike such as this fast-paced 7-day Best of the Dolomites Trek or this moderately-paced 9-day Best of the Dolomites Trek.
More Dolomites Travel Guides
When to Visit:
- Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
- May in the Dolomites
- September in the Dolomites
- October in the Dolomites
- November in the Dolomites
- December in the Dolomites
Where to Stay:
- Best Hotels in the Dolomites
- Val Gardena Hotels
- Alta Badia Hotels
- Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Europe Summer Guides:
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