The Dolomites are a massive mountain range in the Italian Alps in northeastern Italy, stretching across the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. In 2009, these mountains were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering a total area of 141,903 hectares.
The Italian Dolomites are without a question one of the most dramatic alpine destinations in the world. Whether youโre out driving, cycling, skiing, or hiking, youโll be captivated by the sheer cliffs, vertical walls, craggy pinnacles, karst plateaus, idyllic valleys, and alpine pastures that define the unique landscape of the Dolomiti.
Here, mountain peaks slash the sky and light up in fiery shades of crimson and violet (Enrosadira). Below the soaring pinnacles, cattle graze on undulating alpine pastures, dotted with huts. This dazzling contrast between rocky mountains and silky meadows is what makes the Dolomites so cinematic.
For the active traveler, this corner of Italy is heaven on earth. In summer, you can go hiking, via ferrata climbing, hut-to-hut hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. In winter, you can ski in the largest ski resort in the world, Dolomiti Superski.
What makes the Dolomites the most premier alpine destination in Europe is the quality of the accommodation and the cuisine, especially in South Tyrol.
Our Dolomites Travel Guide is based on 12 independent trips to the Dolomites over the course of the last 8 years.
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DOLOMITES TRAVEL GUIDE OVERVIEW
DOLOMITES ITINERARY
- 5-Day Dolomites Road Trip
- 7-Day Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary
- 10-14 Day Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES
Where Are the Dolomites
The Dolomites are located in Northern Italy, close to the border of Austria. The various Dolomites mountain groups span across the provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, Belluno, Udine, and Pordenone.
The range is bounded by Puster Valley in the North, Isarco Valley in the northwest, Piave Valley in the east and southwest, the Brenta Valley in the southwest, and the Adige Valley in the west.
Dolomites Map
The most popular resorts and holiday areas are concentrated in the provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno. On the map below, we’ve plotted all the must-see attractions across the Dolomites. Read Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites for a summary of our favorite destinations.
DESTINATIONS
Val di Fassa
Val d’Ega
What Are the Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range in the Italian Alps, which form part of the greater Southern Limestone Alps (like Sloveniaโs Julian Alps and Austriaโs Gailtal Alps and Carnic Alps).
The range encompasses many staggering peaks, 18 of which rise over 3000 meters. The highest mountain in the Dolomites is Marmolada (3342 meters).
The rocks of the Dolomites were formed over 230 million years ago, when the whole area was covered in a shallow tropical sea. Over time, deposits of coral and sea creatures progressively built up on the seafloor. About 65 million years ago, climatic tectonic events led to the creation of the alpine chain.
These light-colored Dolomite rocks are composed of the mineral calcium magnesium carbonate as well as true limestone.
Calcium magnesium carbonate was first identified by the French mineralogist Dรฉodat de Dolomieu in the 18th century. In his honor, the mineral and the rock was renamed Dolomite.
Thus, the Pale Mountains are now chiefly referred to as the Dolomites.
Best Places to Stay in the Dolomites
The Dolomites stretch across three Italian regions. It can be very difficult to grasp just how large this range is and figure out where to stay.
After many independent trips to the Dolomites, we’ve narrowed down the best places to stay:
Cortina dโAmpezzo is a prominent mountain town in Ampezzo Valley in Belluno. Cortina is the best base for hiking to Lake Sorapis, Lake Federa and the Croda da Lago Chain, Tofana di Rozes, the Cristallo Group, the Mondeval Plateau and Lago delle Baste, Cinque Torri and Rifugio Nuvolau, and the Sexten Dolomites (Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina). Related: Hiking in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Val Gardena is that valley that stretches from Gardena Pass and Sella Pass to Valle Isarco in South Tyrol. This is the best place to stay in the Dolomites if youโre traveling without a car. The top attractions in Val Gardena are Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, the Sassolungo Group, Resciesa Plateau, Vallunga Valley, Val de Chedul, and the Sella Group. Related: Hiking in Val Gardena and Skiing in Val Gardena.
Alta Badia is wedged between the Puez-Odle Nature Park and Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park in South Tyrol. Alta Badia boasts a high concentration of Michelin star restaurants and wellness hotels. If youโre looking for a luxurious holiday in the Dolomites, start your trip here. Related: Best Hotels in Alta Badia.
Alta Pusteria is the Dolomites region surrounding Upper Puster Valley in South Tyrol. This is the gateway to the Northern Sexten Dolomites (Val Fiscalina, Val Campo di Dentro, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo) and the Northern Braies Dolomites (Lago di Braies and Prato Piazza).
San Martino di Castrozza is an alpine resort town in Primiero valley in Trentino. This is the best base for hiking in Pale di San Martino, the largest (and possibly the most magnificent) Dolomites mountain group.
Val di Funes is the valley that runs from Valle Isarco to the base of the Odle/Geisler Group. This is one of the most picturesque destinations in the Dolomites. Though most people only visit for a few hours, itโs totally worth staying several nights here to hike the Adolf Munkel Trail, Tullen Peak, Rifugio Genova, and Sass de Putia.
Alpe di Siusi is the largest mountain pasture in Europe and a vast plateau which stretches between the Sassolungo Group and the Sciliar Group, high above Val Gardena. Alpe di Siusi is an unforgettable place to stay when you want to be surrounded by romantic scenery far away from the madding crowds (at least in the early morning and evening). Stay here for unhurried exploration and special occasions (honeymoons, anniversaries, etcโฆ).
Val dโ Ega is the valley between the Catinaccio/Rosengarten Group and Latemar Massif. Stay here if you want to visit Lake Carezza and hike to the Vajolet Towers.
For skiing, we recommend staying in Sexten, Val Gardena, Alta Badia, or Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Learn More: Best Places to Stay in the Dolomites
Dolomites Itinerary Planning
We suggest choosing 2-4 bases and spending 2-4 nights in each base.
It’s better to stay in less places for longer periods of time, because many accommodations in the Dolomites have a minimum stay requirement of anywhere from 2 to 7 days. Additionally, there is so much to do from each base.
For example, if you have 5 days in the Dolomites, you can spend 2 nights in Val Gardena and 2 nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Learn more in our 5 day Dolomites itinerary.
If you have 7 days in the Dolomites, you could spend 3 nights in Val Gardena and 3 nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Check out our 7 day Dolomites road trip for inspiration.
If you have 10 days in the Dolomites, you could spend 3 nights in Val Gardena, 2 nights in San Martino di Castrozza, and 4 nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Plan your Dolomites trip with our 10-14 Day Dolomites Itinerary
Accommodation
There is a vast range of accommodations in the Dolomites, including farm stays, guesthouses, apartments, aparthotels, B&BS, boutique hotels, spa hotels, and mountain huts.
No matter where you stay, you can expect a high-standard of hygiene and comfort.
The Dolomites boast an unbelievable collection of luxury spa hotels, some of the best in the world. If you’re visiting on your honeymoon or anniversary, during shoulder-season when the weather is unpredictable, or in winter, you won’t regret staying in a wellness hotel like Gardena Grรถdnerhof Hotel & Spa in Ortisei, Hotel Fanes in San Cassiano, Hotel Granbaita Dolomites in Selva, Alpina Dolomites on Alpe di Siusi, Romantik Hotel Cappella in Colfosco, and Forestis Dolomites near Val di Funes.
Top Hotels
Our favorite boutique hotels, spa hotels, B&Bs, and design hotels in the Dolomites.
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When to Visit the Dolomites
We have personally visited the Dolomites in May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. To better understand the seasons, read Best Time to Visit the Dolomites.
Best Time for Hiking
The best time to hike in the Dolomites is from the end of June until the end of September.
That's when most trails are free of snow. It's also when mountain huts are open and seasonal buses and cableways are operating. Some hikes in the Dolomites begin and end with a cableway (chairlift, gondola, funicular, etcโฆ).
June | The Dolomites summer season kicks off in June. Expect some lingering snow in north facing slopes and passes. Rifugios at lower elevations start opening up in early June, while those situated at higher elevations open their doors in mid-late June. Thunderstorms are fairly common throughout the month, though they usually develop in the afternoons. Wildflowers blossom mid June through July. In early June, we recommend visiting Val Gardena, Val di Funes, and Alta Pusteria. In late June, we recommend visiting Cortina d'Ampezzo and San Martino di Castrozza.
July | July is a gorgeous month to hike in the Dolomites. It's also the start of the hut-to-hut hiking season. Flowers are blooming absolutely everywhere. Everything is open: hotels, restaurants, huts, and cableways. Like June, thunderstorms are common in July.
August | August is extremely busy. Italians are on vacation, roads are congested, and trails are crowded. Weather is generally excellent with the occasional thunderstorm.
September | It's still busy, but not as packed as August. With the exception of a rogue snow storm, the weather is usually stable throughout the month. Mountain huts are open, cable cars are running, and transit is frequent. Learn More: Hiking in the Dolomites in September.
October | October is also a promising month to travel to the Dolomites, especially for fall colors. If you decide to visit in October, we recommend renting a car. Many mountain huts and cableways will already be closed for the season, though not all. In the end, October promises quiet trails, beautiful colors, but with less convenience. Learn More: Hiking in the Dolomites in October.
Best Time for Skiing
If your aim is to ski, the Dolomites ski season begins in December and ends in late March, or early April.
In 2024, the Dolomiti Superski network opened on December 5th. We skied in the Gitschberg-Jochtal Ski Resort and Val Gardena Ski Resort (including the Sella Ronda Ski Circuit) in early December and the conditions were surprisingly excellent.
Read Dolomites in December to find out what to see and do during the Advent season.
When You Shouldn't Travel to the Dolomites
Early Spring. Early April marks the end of the ski season. Traveling to the Dolomites in mid-late April and May is hit or miss since the weather is unpredictable. It can still snow.
Also, trails are still covered in snow, so hiking is off limits in many places.
Also, many hotels and restaurants are closed, making it difficult to find places to eat and places to stay. Due to the number of inquiries received, I wrote what to see and do in the Dolomites in May.
Late Fall. While early autumn is often a spectacular time to visit the Dolomites, you should avoid visiting the Dolomites in November. The hiking season is over and the skiing season has yet to begin.
Trails do not officially open or close in the Dolomites. However, there's more likelihood of snow and ice on the trails in November.
That being said, weather patterns are increasingly difficult to predict. In 2024, early November was more stable than the entire month of September.
Languages
The Dolomites are located in 5 different provinces within 3 regions in Northeastern Italy. One province, South Tyrol (Sรผdtirol in German, Alto Adige in Italian), was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire prior to World War I.
German continues to be the primary language spoken in this region. When traveling and hiking through South Tyrol, every street, advertisement, natural area, mountain hut, etcโฆ is written in both German and Italian. Generally, South Tyroleans are culturally Tyrolean (Austrian) rather than Italian.
Another language that you may encounter is Ladin, a romance language spoken in the provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno, by the Ladin people.
Around Val Gardena, Val Badia, Val di Fassa, and Ampezzo Valley, you may see signage and names (e.g. towns, mountain huts) in three languages: Ladin, German, and Italian.
While English speakers tend to use Italian names, it's important to be familiar with the German and Ladin names as well.
Here are a few examples:
- Alpe di Siusi (Italian), Seiser Alm (German), and Mont Sรซuc (Ladin)
- Ortisei (Italian), St. Ulrich (German), and Urtijรซi (Ladin)
- Sassolungo (Italian), Langkofel (German), and Saslonch (Ladin)
How to Get to the Dolomites
Closest Airports
Getting to the Italian Dolomites usually requires a multi-leg journey.
The closest airport to the Dolomites is the Bolzano Airport in South Tyrol, which is recently back in operation. The Bolzano Airport is serviced by the SkyAlps fleet, which offers nonstop flights to small and medium-sized cities in Europe including Berlin, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Billund, and Antwerp.
Bolzano is located on the edge of the Dolomites. It's only a 45 minute drive from Bolzano Airport to Ortisei in Val Gardena.
More airports near the Dolomites:
- Treviso Airport, Italy
- Marco Polo International Airport, Venice, Italy
- Valerio Catullo Airport (aka Verona Villafranca Airport), Verona, Italy
- Malpensa Airport, Milan, Italy
- Munich International Airport, Germany
- Innsbruck Airport, Austria
Car Travel
International travelers typically fly to the Venice Airport, pick up their rental car, and drive to the Dolomites.
Depending on where you land, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 5 hours to reach the Dolomites by car. Here's how long it takes to drive from the following airports to Ortisei and Cortina d'Ampezzo, two central destination in the Dolomites.
If you're flying to Italy, it's best to rent a car directly at the airport. We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Northern Italy.
Bolzano Airport, Italy | 1 hour to Ortisei and 2:15 hours Cortina dโAmpezzo
Marco Polo International Airport, Venice, Italy | 3:20 hours to Ortisei and 2 hours to Cortina dโAmpezzo
Treviso Airport, Treviso, Italy | 3 hours to Ortisei and 1:50 hours to Cortina dโAmpezzo
Valerio Catullo Airport, Verona, Italy | 2:15 hours to Ortisei and 3 hours to Cortina dโAmpezzo
Malpensa Airport, Milan, Italy | 4:30 hours to Ortisei and 5 hours to Cortina dโAmpezzo
Innsbruck Airport, Austria | 1:30 hours to Ortisei and 2:40 hours to Cortina d'Ampezzo
Munich International Airport, Germany | 4 hours to Ortisei and 5 hours to Cortina dโAmpezzo
Train + Bus Travel
We've traveled to the Dolomites with and without a car. A car affords more flexibility, but you can definitely travel to the Dolomites without a car. Learn about when to visit, where to stay, and how to craft an itinerary in How to Visit the Dolomites without a Car.
Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to get to the Dolomites by transit from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.
If you're flying to the Venice Airport, take the Cortina Express, or FlixBus from the airport to Cortina d'Ampezzo. You can rely on Dolomitibuses to get around the Dolomites (high season only).
If you're traveling to the Dolomites from nearby cities (Verona, Florence, Bologna, Milan), or neighboring countries, you can take a train to Bolzano (Bozen), or San Candido (Innichen). From Bolzano, there are direct buses to Val d'Ega and Val Gardena. Use these sites to help plan your trip:
Dolomiti Bus - transit schedules for the province of Belluno, Veneto Region
Sรผdtirolmobil.info - journey planner and timetables for transit in South Tyrol, Alto Adige
What to See and Do in the Dolomites
Below, we've highlighted some of our favorite destinations and things to do in the Dolomites. Explore this topic further in Unforgettable Things to Do in the Dolomites.
Stay in a Rifugio
One of the best things about hiking in the Dolomites is that you can sleep in a mountain refuge (Hรผtte, Rifugio).
Sleeping in a mountain hut, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, is a wonderful experience in and of itself. However, it's also very practical, if you want to break up a longer trek like this 3-Day Rosengarten Trek or the Alta Via 1.
We love the atmosphere of Rifugi in the Dolomites. People play cards, read books, examine trail maps, and drink Schnaps. And because you're seated with other hikers at dinner, you get to connect with new people and share your experiences.
If you need support with route planning and booking, we recommend these self-guided hikes: 9-day Best of the Dolomites Trek and 10-day Alta Via 1.
Read Next: Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites
Climb a Via Ferrata
A via ferrata (โiron wayโ) is a mountain route that is protected by a series of rungs, pegs, ladders, and cables.
Hikers can securely tackle exposed and vertical passages, by grasping and clipping into cables (using a via ferrata lanyard and climbing harness).
Though a thrilling activity today, via ferrata climbing was borne out of necessity during the First World War. Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops battled against each other in the Dolomites mountains. Permanent lines and ladders were affixed to rock faces to help troops move quickly and safely at high elevations.
Via ferrata routes are graded on a scale from 1 - 6 (easy - challenging), using the Smith/Fletcher dual grading system, or on a scale from A - F (easy to extremely difficult), using the Schall grading scale.
Here are some via ferrata hikes we've done: Gran Cir summit (Grade A), Oskar Schuster (Grade B/C), and Sass Rigais (Grade B/C0. Consult this guidebook to find routes.
Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo
In the past, we always recommended hiking this 4-hour Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop trail around the Three Peaks, starting at Rifugio Auronzo at the top of the toll road. Unfortunately, this gorgeous trail is now overly crowded due to its social media fame.
A great alternative, suitable for fit and experienced mountain hikers with no fear of heights, is the Torre dei Scarperi hike starting in Val Campo di Dentro.
It's also possible to hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal near Sexten.
The first time Kati and I visited the Tree Peaks was along this 3-day Tre Cime di Lavaredo hut-to-hut route.
Discover the Meaning of Wellness in Alta Badia
Nestled between the Puez Mountains, Fanes Group, Sella Group, Mount Sassongher, and the Cir peaks, Alta Badia is one of the best destinations in the Dolomites. This charming region in South Tyrol delights with its idyllic scenery, numerous hiking trails, and stellar hotels.
When it comes to wellness and spa hotels, Alta Badia is the reigning queen of the Dolomites. These hotels pamper guests with their extensive wellness and sauna facilities, gourmet half-board menus, alpine-chic design, and scenic locations.
Standout hotels include Hotel Cristallo in La Villa, Hotel Kolfuschgerhof in Colfosco, Romantik Hotel Cappella in Colfosco, Hotel Fanes in San Cassiano, Lagaciรณ Hotel Mountain Residence in San Cassiano, and Hotel Badia Hill in Badia (read our Badia Hill hotel review).
Marvel at the Seceda Ridgeline and Hike around Val Gardena
One of the most thrilling viewpoints in the Dolomites is the Seceda summit in Puez-Odle Nature Park, high above Val Gardena. From the Seceda ridge, the jagged Odle peaks look like a Swiss Army Knife, eternally stabbing the sky.
There are a number of ascent routes leading to Seceda, including a direct cableway from Ortisei, Resciesa to Seceda, and Cristauta/Praplan Parking Lot to Seceda (no cableway needed).
Learn More: Best Hiking Trails in Val Gardena
Visit Lago di Braies: The Pearl of the Dolomites
Embedded in Fanes-Senes-Braies nature park at the foot of Croda del Becco, Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee in German) is the most famous attraction in the Dolomites.
Due the the lake's popularity, there are traffic regulations during high season. I've explained this in detail in our Lake Braies travel guide.
My number one tip for visiting Braies Lake is visit early and hike to Hochalpenkopf.
While you're in the area, do carve out time to visit Prato Piazza plateau and walk to the Monte Specie summit (Strudelkopf in German) for a striking view of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. You can also hike this exciting Gaisl High Trail from Prato Piazza to Ponticello
Hike at the Foot of the Odle/Geisler Peaks
The sawtooth Odle/Geisler Group is one of the most striking mountain groups in the Dolomites. There are so many ways to experience these memorable mountains.
From Val di Funes, you can hike along the foot of the Odle Peaks by following the Adolf Munkel Trail. This path delivers sensational views of these pinnacles and leads to Gschnagenhardt Alm and Geisler Alm.
Perhaps the most popular photo motif is that of Santa Maddalena Church backed by the Odle spires in Val di Funes. You can follow the Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail to get to the viewpoint.
Another option is to hike to summit of Tullen in the Odle dโEores/Aferer Geisler Group. This is still a secret.
Adventurous hikers may want to tackle the Col dala Pieres summit hike, starting in Val Gardena, for another striking vantage point of the Odle Peaks.
Discover World War I Trails and Tunnels
During World War I, the front between Austria-Hungary and Italy ran through the Dolomites. A bitter mountain war was waged between the opposing sides from 1915 to 1917.
Both armies built tunnels, trails, and trenches to secure the border and protect themselves. The reason why there is such a great network of trails today is due to the efforts of these WWI soldiers.
During the course of the war, the greatest threat to both armies was the extreme weather. In December 1916, avalanches buried 10,000 Italian and Austrian troops in just two days.
Though itโs impossible to imagine how a war could be fought in such unforgiving terrain, there is plenty of evidence pointing to this regionโs inglorious past.
To see trenches, tunnels, trails, and other relics from the war, hike to the open-air museum at Cinque Torri, the Lagazuoi Tunnels, Monte Piana, and the Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail.
Explore the Pale di San Martino Mountains
The largest and perhaps the most beautiful mountain group in the Dolomites is often overlooked.
Pale di San Martino, or simply the Pala Group, is located in Trentino and Belluno, between Primiero, Vallde del Biois, and Agordino.
We recommend staying in the resort of San Martino di Castrozza in Trentino. From here, you can venture up to the Altopiano delle Pale di San Martino and circuit Pala di San Martino or even summit Cima della Vezzana.
For the most glorious sunset and alpenglow display, head to Passo Rollo and walk up to Baita Segantini.
Venture to Val Venegia for a lovely walk or a thrilling hike to Rifugio Mulaz.
Hike to Lago di Sorapis
Lago di Sorapis is a glacial lake in the Sorapiss Group in the Ampezzo Dolomites.
Set in a natural natural amphitheater and ringed by forest and rock, Lago di Sorapis bewitches with its milky-blue hue and rugged mountain backdrop. You might think youโre looking at an enchantressโ pool filled with a magic potion.
Lake Sorapis is only accessible by foot. Starting at Passo Tre Croci mountain pass, which is about halfway between Cortina d'Ampezzo and Lake Misurina, it only takes 2 hours to reach the lake. Follow trail 215 in the direction of Rifugio Vandelli.
Experienced hikers should consider the return route to Passo Tre Croci via Forcella Marcuoira saddle.
Lago di Sorapis is a very popular and crowded trail. If you're seeking quieter trails around Cortina d'Ampezzo, consider these hikes instead: Croda da Lago Circuit Trail, Tofana di Rozes Circui Trail, and Passo Giau to Mondeval.
Go on a Culinary Hike across Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German, Mont Sรซuc in Ladin) is the largest high-alpine pasture in Europe, covering a surface area of 56 square kilometers.
This high-altitude plateau is located in South Tyrol, high above Val Gardena, Castelrotto, and Siusi.
This is a great destination for easy walking coupled with excellent food and wine.
If you follow the Hans and Paula Steger Trail from Compaccio/Compatsch to Saltria, you can detour to the gourmet Gostner Schwaige and Rauchhรผtte alpine pasture huts.
Ambitious hikers can tackle the Rifugio Bolzano to Rifugio Alpe di Tires circuit hike starting in Compaccio. The Tierser Alpl refuge is one of the very best places to eat South Tyrolean cuisine.
Best Alpe di Siusi hike: Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail
Drive or Ski across the Dolomites Mountain Passes
As you travel between different valleys in the Dolomites, you will drive over a series of mountain passes.
These mountain passes are destinations in their own right. Many passes are home to cableway valley stations, restaurants, shops, car parks, and huts. Passes also serve as important trailheads.
Skiers can also ski all the passes around the Sella massif, by following the Sella Ronda ski circuit.
From Passo delle Erbe, you can hike the circuit trail around Sass de Putia.
From Passo Gardena, you can hike to Gran Cir, Sass da Ciampac, and Cima Pisciadu.
From Passo Giau, you can hike to the Mondeval plateau, Lago delle Baste, and even Lago Federa.
From Passo Sella, you can embark on the circuit trail around Sassolungo and the Via Ferrata Oskar Schuster.
From Passo Pordoi, we recommend hiking the Viel del Pan and Alta Via Della Cresta circuit trail.
What to Eat and Drink
Italian Custom: Coperto
Coperto means cover charge. Itโs the fee you pay to sit at a table in a restaurant. Generally, the fee is somewhere between 1 EUR and 5 EUR. This may, or may not be advertised on the menu.
What to Eat in the Dolomites
Contrary to what most believe, the food in the Dolomites isnโt homogenous. As you explore the many regions of the Dolomites, youโll encounter Italian, Tirolean (Austrian), and Ladin cuisine.
Brettljause is a snack board with speck (dried ham), sausage, cheese, bread, and butter.
Knรถdel are large breadcrumb dumplings made with either Speck (ham), Kรคse (cheese), or Spinat (spinach). Knรถdel is often served in a soup, or as a side dish. You can also order the Knรถdel-Trilogie (Tris di Canederli in Italian), which is three dumplings (ham, spinach, cheese), garnished with butter and parmesan.
Schlutzkrapfen (Mezzelune in Italian) is half-moon-shaped stuffed pasta, similar to ravioli. Traditionally, Schlutzkrapfen is filled with curd cheese and spinach. Our favorite type is stuffed with Eierschwammerl (chanterelle mushrooms).
Sรผdtiroler Naturjoghurt mit Preiselbeeren is natural yogurt with cranberries.
Polenta is boiled cornmeal. Polenta is commonly served with mushrooms, meaty stews, sausages, and fried cheese.
Casunziei Ampezzani is beetroot ravioli served with poppy seed butter. This is a specialty of the Ampezzo valley region. We recommend eating this dish at El Brite de Larieto near Cortina d'Ampezzo.
What to Drink in the Dolomites
White Wine. South Tyrol is a major wine producer. And, 60% of their total harvest is white wine. They make excellent Gewรผrztraminer, Weissburgunder, and Chardonnay.
Schnaps. "Ein Schnapserl in Ehren kann niemand verwehren!โ Translation: "No One can refuse a cherished schnaps." This toast perfectly captures the culture of South Tyrol. After dinner, many people opt for a Schnapps, as opposed to espresso, as a digestif.
Dolomites Travel Blogs
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Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Best Areas & Hotels
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Our Favorite Luxury Hotels in the Alps
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Hotel Milla Montis: Gourmet Design Hotel in South Tyrol, Italy
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Skiing in the Dolomites: Guide for First Timers
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Visit Seceda Dolomites Viewpoint: With or Without Cable Car
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Skiing the Sella Ronda in the Dolomites: Our Experience + Tips
