Our 7-day Dolomites Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Discover our definitive 7-day Dolomites road trip itinerary.
Uncover the best of this stunning Italian region, including major sights and attractions, best day hikes, and where to eat, as well as all the essential travel information you need.
After two trips to its jagged peaks, emerald lakes, verdant meadows, and quaint towns, we’re utterly convinced the Dolomites are heaven on Earth.
Only in Nepal have we come close to feeling as we do in the Dolomites; a sense of pure awe and elation at the epic landscapes surrounding us. We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve stopped, jaw firmly on the floor, and drooled over the views in front of us.
Surrounded by such natural beauty, The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dolomites, which span the provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, Verona and Belluno, are full of endless things to see and do.
From picturesque mountain lakes such as Lago di Braies to the soaring peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, beautiful mountain towns such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, to endless alpine meadows, delicious food (and beer, and wine!) and some of the best hiking on earth, the Dolomites are worthy of your vacation time.
•••
To help you explore the best of the Italian Dolomites, we’ve put together our 7-day Dolomites itinerary.
Best explored by car, our Dolomites road trip itinerary takes in all the major sights and attractions, best day hikes, as well as some hidden gems you’re yet to read about (thank us later!). We’ve also included our personal recommendations on where to stay and eat, handy tips for driving in the Dolomites, a location map and more.
Use our Dolomites road trip guide as your bible, and you’re sure to have the best week of your life.
Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary
#1 Witness the rainbow lake of Lago di Carezza
#2 Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
#3 Watch sunrise at Seceda
#4 Admire insta-famous Lago di Braies
#5 Drive over Passo Gardena
#6 Trek through the underrated Fanes National Park
#7 Eat South Tyrolean fare at Alpinn restaurant
#8 Explore the pretty towns of South Tyrol
DOLOMITES ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
HIRING A CAR IN THE DOLOMITES
First things first; if you’re doing a road trip to the Dolomites, you’re probably going to need a car!
We’d recommend hiring a small all-wheel-drive / SUV in Bolzano, which is pretty much the gateway to your Dolomites adventures. Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities.
Expect to pay anywhere between £80 - £200 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type).
We use Rentalcars.com to book our rental cars, which is an aggregator of all the major car hire companies.
BOOK | Search for car rental options in Bolzano here.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE DOLOMITES
The Dolomites are one of those places that you could visit at any time of the year and still have a memorable experience.
HOWEVER.
We believe the absolute best time of year to visit the Dolomites is during September and early October.
WHY?
The shoulder season is when the crowds in the Dolomites are far less, yet the weather is still comfortable (think crisp mornings and beautiful clear days). Although you won’t have the attractions or trails entirely to yourself, you will be able to thoroughly enjoy the stunning surroundings without the insane summer crush (more on that below).
Spring is also a wonderful time to visit (mid-June - July), as the wildflowers cover the meadows with bright bursts of colour, and the snow still covers the upper mountains, providing the most picturesque of backdrops to your explorations.
If possible, we’d avoid visiting during the summer months of July - August as the Dolomites become extremely busy with Italian and German holidaymakers, as well as foreign tourists.
As a result, the main attractions and destinations can be overrun, the roads busy, and the summer temperatures almost too warm for outdoor activities.
It’s important to note that the Dolomites are essentially a tourist resort and a lot of the towns and amenities (hotels, restaurants) shut down during the off-season, from mid-October - December, and between April - June.
This doesn’t mean you can’t visit the Dolomites during this period; it's just that you may struggle to find an array of accommodation options.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN THE DOLOMITES?
Our Dolomites itinerary is based on exploring the region for 7-days/one week in total, taking in a mixture of natural beauty, perfect day hikes, modern museums, and the best regional food.
However, we’re very much of the opinion that you could spend forever in the Dolomites and still find places to visit and things to see, so how long you stay here is completely up to you.
If you’re planning to enjoy a few overnight hikes as well as the main sights, 10 nights might be a better option.
If you’re planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the Dolomites highlights.
OUR 7-DAY DOLOMITES ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
DOLOMITES ITINERARY | OUR DOLOMITES ROAD TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
We’ve now, happily, visited the Dolomites five times (read our detailed Dolomites travel guide here), spending over two weeks exploring all the region has to offer (hint: a lot!).
Our Dolomites itinerary covers everything from the insta-perfect lakes to the vertiginous rocky peaks, incredible day-hikes to the must-see museums, not forgetting a host of incredible restaurants, and a spot of adrenalin here and there.
Although our itinerary isn’t actually one that we've followed on either of our two trips here; it is an amalgamation of all the best things to do in the Dolomites that we’ve personally enjoyed and discovered.
It’s essentially a more thorough version of the dream itinerary we’d send our friends or family with the caveat of “you HAVE to visit these places”.
•••
We’ve also created our road-trip guide in an easily followed circular loop through some of the region’s most beautiful roads and stunning regional towns, starting and ending in the accessible and wonderfully pretty city of Bolzano.
At this point, we should add that the Dolomites really do look their best in the early morning, or late evening, so there may be a few early mornings in there - but trust us - you won’t regret waking up and enjoying the natural environment before everyone else does.
In short, this is your Dolomites road trip bible - your ultimate guide to the best of the Dolomites, and one we hope will make you fall just as in love with the region just as we have.
Related | Our favourite things to do in the Dolomites
OUR DOLOMITES ROAD TRIP ITINERARY MAP
We've outlined our Dolomites road trip route and itinerary in the map below.
To save our map, click the star the right of the map title while will download the map to: your places - maps in your Google account.
DOLOMITES ROAD TRIP ITINERARY | OUR DAY BY DAY GUIDE
DAY #1 | BOLZANO TO NOVA LEVANTE/WELSCHNOFEN
Start your road trip in Bolzano, the surprisingly charming provincial capital of South Tyrol (we very much recommend spending a few days here prior, it’s wonderful).
Bolzano is full of things to do, and even a short walk through the old town will have you see most of the main attractions.
Fun fact: Mark’s granddad once owned and operated a hotel in one of Bolzano’s squares, and to this day he talks extremely fondly of the city and wider region - a love that has definitely been ignited in Mark too!
At the very least, we recommend walking down and through the connected passageways off via Argentieri. Here you can see an example of the old-town architecture, and enjoy an espresso at one of the many cafes.
•••
Upon leaving Bolzano, make your way on the SS241 towards Nova Levante/Welschnofen, the small but pretty town and gateway to Lago di Carezza. The drive is extremely picturesque, with a backdrop of vine-covered hills and soaring peaks, and fast-flowing alpine rivers leading you towards Nova Levante.
Depending on your arrival time, you may want to try a short hike from town or enjoy wellness at your hotel.
DO | Explore parts of Bolzano, including via Argentieri and the local markets
STAY | We enjoyed a comfortable stay at Hotel Stella-Stern, Nova Levante. Book here
DAY #2 | LAGO DI CAREZZA, AND HIKE TO OBERHOLZ, PASSO GARDENA
Don’t hate us if you’re not a morning person, but today is going to be an early one.
The stunning emerald waters of Lago di Carezza are just a 10-minute drive from Hotel Stella Stern in Nova Levante, and are best witnessed in the early morning just prior to sunrise. Watch the sun hit the top of the jagged limestone peaks of the Latemar range, before encasing the valley in a golden glow.
Once you’ve witnessed nature doing her thing, take the short walk around Lago di Carezza, enjoying the fresh mountain air and misty spruce forests.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel (or elsewhere) before checking out and driving towards the ski-resort town of Obereggen (20 mins - follow road SS241, then SS620).
•••
From Obereggen we recommend hiking up to the next stop on our Dolomites itinerary, Oberholz (it’s also possible to take a cable car!).
Oberholz Alpine hut is a recently-opened contemporary restaurant with incredible panoramic views of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Dolomites. The hike is steep but easy and should take around 2 - 3 hours to complete. The reward though is waiting for you when you arrive.
Oberholz is home to some seriously world-class cuisine, using ingredients from South Tyrol to create simple, wonderful mountain food. We recommend the burrata plate and the alpine mushroom risotto. In summer, rest the legs and enjoy a beer or wine on the sun terrace overlooking the ridiculous view, before hiking (or taking the cable car) back down.
From Oberholz, take the road back towards Nova Levante and Lago di Carezza, to Plan del Graba and the start of the Dolomites most impressive road, Passo Gardena (1.5 hours, follow the roads SS241, SS48 and SS242).
Passo Gardena is a high mountain pass connecting the valleys of Gardena and Badia. At an elevation of 2,136m above sea level, the pass consists of many tight hairpins bends and some of the best views in the Dolomites.
We recommend stopping at the various viewpoints on the way before arriving in the town of Corvara in Alta Badia, where we recommend staying for two nights.
DO | Visit Lago di Carezza, hike to and dine at Oberholz Mountain Hut, drive over Passa Gardena
STAY | Enjoy the beautiful timber interior of Mountain Hotel Mezdi, Colfosco/Corvara. Book here
READ | Our guide to Lago di Carezza
DAY #3 | GRAN CIR SUNRISE HIKE, BURNING DOLOMITES SUNSET
Another early morning is on the cards (sorry guys!), but one you won’t regret, as the hike/via ferrata too summit of Gran Cir is one of the best things we’ve done in the Dolomites.
Starting at 4 am (depending on the time of year, it could be earlier or later depending on sunrise times), the hike starts from Passo Gardena (Refugio Frara) before snaking its way up a scree gully towards the summit. From here, there’s a mix of hiking, scrambling and rock climbing to get to the Gran Cir peak just in time for sunrise.
From the summit, the sunset is truly spectacular. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the Dolomites surrounding you, including the Sella Group, Sassolungo, and the Monte Antelao and Pelmo.
Be warned though, this is not a hike for the faint-hearted. Parts of the trail are a Via Ferrata (though it is possible to complete the trail without being roped in) and it requires a decent hiking skill set and level of fitness. If you’re unsure, it’s possible to hire a guide in Corvara to take you to the summit safely.
•••
Returning down, drop into JimmiHütte for an incredible and well-deserved breakfast. After all, nothing tastes sweeter than a good feed after an early morning hike and beautiful sunrise.
After two early mornings in a row, we recommend chilling out during the midday hours. Either nap and enjoy the wellness at your accommodation, or head into town and enjoy lunch (and espresso) and one of Corvara’s cafes.
Alternatively, head to the town of San Cassiano and take the cable car to Piz Sorega, then take a short walk to Rifugio Ütia de Bioch to enjoy some authentic South Tyrolean cuisine.
We suggest sampling the deliciously simple Schlutzkrapfen, a ravioli-esque dumpling filled with spinach and ricotta, served with parmesan and chives, and Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake served with applesauce and cream.
Rifugio Ütia de Bioch also has a ridiculously well-stocked cellar, so prepare to sample some regional wines, too.
From the rifugio, you can also experience some of the best views of over the Dolomites, including views to the tallest in the region, Marmolada.
DO | Hike to Gran Cir peak, enjoy South Tyrolean cuisine at Rifugio Ütia de Bioch
STAY | Continue your stay at the beautiful timber interior of Mountain Hotel Mezdi, Colfosco/Corvara. Book here
summer in südtirol | 19 amazing things to do in south tyrol
DAY #4 | SECEDA TO TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO
Seceda (pronounced ‘Seh-chey-da’), with the peaks of Fermeda Towers jutting out from behind the Seceda mountain, is one of the most instantly recognisable in all of the Dolomites, and a must-visit on any Dolomites itinerary.
To get to this epic vantage point, take the Seilbahn Seceda cable car from Ortisei (€32 return) to the top of Seceda and admire the views for yourself (we recommend taking the earliest possible cable car to enjoy the surrounds crowd-free). Once at the top, follow trail #1 towards the epic peaks in front of you.
The views overlook many of the Dolomites’ most iconic and stunning peaks, including the Sella group, Sassolungo, and Mt. Schlern, as well as the insta-famous Alpe di Siusi meadow.
There are a number of huts to enjoy a morning coffee/Kaiserschmarrn break in the sun, including Baita Sofie, which has a beautiful sun terrace overlooking the Val Gardena.
If you’re keen to stretch the legs, then hike back down to Ortisei (2 hrs). Alternatively, jump aboard the cable car down to the town.
•••
From Ortisei, we recommend heading west towards the Dolomites most famous landmarks, Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
The drive lasts around 2 hours, so we recommend stopping on the way into the famous alpine resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, famous for hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics, and of course for James Bond’s visit during “For Your Eyes Only". The picturesque old town is worth a quick stroll, but we recommend continuing on to the famed three peaks of Tre Cime/Drei Zinnen to start your afternoon hike.
Follow the SS49 road that heads through South Tyrol towards the town of Misurina. From here, take the toll road towards Rifugio Auronzo (30€ - open 7am - 7pm).
The half-day hike is in our opinion the most beautiful in the Dolomites.
Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, the imposing three peaks loom high above as you walk the circuit. The surrounding peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Dolomites are just as impressive, while the hike takes in beautiful turquoise mountain lakes, verdant alpine plains and endless valleys.
If possible, stay around for sunset to enjoy the three peaks at their most beautiful. If you do have more time spare, we’d definitely recommend a stay overnight in the Drei Zinnen Hütte / Rifugio Locatelli during the summer months, as sunrise over the three peaks is an insanely beautiful experience.
We’ve written a detailed guide to hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, including some alternative ways to access the park and avoid the €30 fee for car entry - so we recommend checking that out here.
Stay the evening in the picturesque market town of San Candido/Innichen, just a short 30 minute drive north in the Puster valley.
DO | Enjoy the views from Seceda, explore parts of Cortina d’Ampezzo, hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
STAY | The Berg Hotel in Sexten/Sesto offers huge rooms with incredible views (and amazing food!). Book here.
Alternatively, check prices and availability in San Candido here
DAY #5 | LAGO DI BRAIES, LUMEN AND ALPINN
Another day, another early morning (sensing a theme here yet?!), but pre-sunrise really is the best time to see the achingly beautiful Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee).
Fortunately, Lago di Braies is a short 30-minute drive away from San Candido (follow the SS49, turn off just after Niederdorf/Villabassa and follow the signs).
The most iconic alpine lake in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies is famous the world over for its emerald waters, recognisable boathouse, beautiful spruce pine forests and towering limestone peaks. It’s more impressive in 3D, save for the 100’s of photographers that scramble for the best vantage points, even in the early hours. Read our complete guide to Lago di Braies here.
To escape the crowds, take the picturesque 1-hour walk which follows the shores of the lake and provides the most majestic views from almost every angle.
From Lago di Braies, head west towards the town of Brunico/Bruneck and the famous holiday region of Kronplatz.
•••
While Kronplatz is known for its myriad of outdoor pursuits, from hiking and biking to paragliding, we recommend changing the pace of your Dolomites itinerary and visiting the modern, architecturally designed museums at its summit (take the cable car to the summit - €19 return).
The recently opened Lumen Museum of Mountain Photography is a one-of-a-kind space dedicated to mountain photography (Adults: €17, open 10 am - 4 pm, Monday - Sunday).
Built into the old cableway station, this architecturally designed building takes you through the history of mountain photography, as well as adding modern-day elements (the mirror room is the best room in the building!) across four floors. As far as museums go, this is one of the best we’ve ever visited.
Adjacent to Lumen is Alpinn restaurant, the brainchild of Michelin-starred South Tyrolean chef and culinary legend, Norbert Niederkofler. Norbert’s philosophy is creating a kitchen in perfect harmony with the nature surrounding it, one that’s connected to the environment and its residents.
Alpinn only uses seasonal, organic ingredients sourced from the surrounding valleys as part of their ‘mountain to plate’ philosophy to create a range of exceptional dishes, all enjoyed overlooking the Dolomites from 2,275m.
You absolutely must have the risotto with wild garlic and wood sorrel (€18), washed down with a mountain Spritz (South Tyrol’s version of an Aperol Spritz) or local wine.
•••
Post lunch, take a short walk to Messner Mountain Museum Corones, which is located on the west of the mountain (Adults: €10, open 10 am - 4 pm, Monday - Sunday).
Built by famed architect Zaha Hadid, the museum is curated by famous mountaineer, Reinhold Messner, and is dedicated to traditional mountaineering and mountain history in the surrounding area of the Dolomites and Alps.
Featuring underground galleries and a cantilevered viewing platform over the valley, the building itself is enough to visit.
After enjoying the museums, take the cable car back down to Riscone/Brunico and head to your accommodation for some wellness and relaxation.
DO | Lago di Braies, Lumen Photography Museum, MMM Corones museum, Alpinn Restaurant
STAY | Enjoy amazing rooms, wellness and food at the family-run Hotel Petrus, Riscone. Book here
TIP | At Lago di Braies, P3 car park is free. It’s a slightly longer walk (2 mins), but worth it
DOLOMITES HIKING | 7 of the Best Dolomites Day Hikes
DAY #6 | HIKE IN FANES NATIONAL PARK
No early mornings today… phew!
A short 45-minute drive from Riscone is, in our opinion, the most underrated national park in the whole of South Tyrol - Fanes (follow the SS244 road to parcheggio Pedurü).
As you enter the park, towering mountains and spruce pine forests surround you from all angles, providing the most memorable of drives.
From Pederü Berggasthaus (grab a coffee here if you need extra energy for the hike!), start the 4-hour return hike towards Fanes Hütte, following the path up a steep incline, before it flattens out in the upper valley.
Here, the unique mountainscapes become more rugged and imposing, with the jagged peaks towering high above. Surrounded on all sides by sleeping mountain giants, it’s impossible not to feel moved by the sheer beauty.
Follow the path to the right, up a small incline through the forest, before the path again flattens out towards Fanes Hütte.
The hut, built-in 1928, is the perfect location to enjoy a typical mountain meal - we suggest grabbing a table on the sun terrace and enjoying traditional Tyrolean dumplings with spinach, washed down with a Forst beer. For those feeling a little adventurous, try one of the local schnapps which will literally put hairs on your chest.
•••
Post lunch, continue the hike up towards Lago di Limo alpine lake, 30 minutes beyond Fanes Hütte for some more impressive views of the unique landscape.
At this point, we recommend heading back in the direction you came, slowly making your way towards the carpark.
Again, if you have a few more days, we’d recommend spending the night in the Fanes Hütte, which was one of the more comfortable mountain huts we’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping in!
STAY | Continue enjoying the amazing rooms, wellness and food at the family-run Hotel Petrus, Riscone. Book here
TIP | Buy and take your own Grayl GEOPRESS, which can be filled up at any water source, and pick up any rubbish you see on the way.
DAY #7 | ALPE DI SIUSI + RETURN TO BOLZANO
The final day of our Dolomites itinerary takes in the beautiful rolling meadows of Alpe di Siusi (otherwise known as Seiser Alm).
Best enjoyed at sunrise, Alpe di Siusi is one of those ’too beautiful to be real’ type places. Alpe di Siusi is actually the largest alpine meadow in Europe and is home to the iconic views of rolling hills and alpine huts of the Dolomites.
You’re not actually allowed to drive into Alpe di Siusi unless you’re staying at one of the hotels in there (there’s a pretty hefty €150+ fine if you do), so we suggest parking at Compatsch and walking into the meadow at your own pace.
•••
After Alpe di Siusi, it’s time to finish your road trip by driving back to the beautiful and bustling Bolzano.
Depending on your plans, we recommend spending at least a day or two extra in Bolzano and nearby Merano as they’re stunning little cities devoid of mass tourism.
DO | Hike to Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine meadow
TIP | Park at Compatsch and hike into Alpe di Siusi
READ | Our guide to Alpe di Siusi
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE DRIVING IN THE DOLOMITES
Take it from us - driving in Italy (and the Dolomites) is a little crazy, especially if you’re not used to driving on the right side (or wrong side!) of the road, like us Aussies.
Below are a few important things to note before driving in the Dolomites:
International drivers permit | If your licence is from outside the EU, you’ll need to bring an International Driver’s Permit (as well as your licence and passport) to hire a car in Italy
Signs are in Italian and German | An autonomous region in Northern Italy, South Tyrol is home to both Italian and German. Therefore, all towns and destinations have two names. This can get a little tricky when navigating around. Use Google Maps to accurately plan your journey, trying either Italian or German names
Use a GPS | Honestly, a GPS/Google Maps is a godsend in the region. Most hire cars should have a GPS built-in
Tolls | Around Bolzano and the surrounding valleys, tollways are prevalent. You can pay with cash or card, but we recommend keeping some cash handy to quicken the process
Narrow roads | Some of the roads in the Dolomites are very narrow, so take it easy when going around corners. If unsure, go slowly and carefully
Mountain passes | Some of the best European mountain passes exist in the Dolomites. They’re a little crazy but incredibly fun to drive. Pro tip: take them slow and enjoy the view
Distances are fairly short, but take a long time | Due to the mountain ranges, driving around the Dolomites can be quite slow. It’s all part of the fun though and gives you time to enjoy the views
Drivers can be a little pushy | Don’t be alarmed if you’re sticking to the speed limit and a car flies past you at lightning speed (generally on a tight bend or narrow road!). This seems to be how some of the locals who are comfortable driving these roads approach the roads here - don’t let it affect your nerves on the road though.
Get Travel Insurance | Obviously…! We recommend World Nomads travel insurance - purchase yours here
HOW TO GET TO THE DOLOMITES
Everything you need to know on how to get to the Dolomites is available in our guide, which you can read here.
In our opinion, the best (and most environmentally friendly) way to get to the Dolomites is via train, as the rail network throughout the region is exceptional, and trains stop regularly in Bolzano, the starting point for our Dolomites itinerary.
If you’re arriving from further abroad, flying may be the best option.
TRAIN
If you’re travelling via train from Germany, Switzerland or Austria in the north, or Italy in the south, get off at Bolzano station, the main hub for the region. You can plan your journey and book tickets here.
For more information on local public transport, click here.
TIP | If arriving by train, you can organise the South Tyrol shuttle to pick you up and drop you at your accommodation.
This initiative, which encourages people to leave their car at home and travel by more environmentally friendly means, allows travellers to book transfers to accommodation online at www.suedtiroltransfer.com/en.
FLY
Although it’s not possible to fly directly to the Dolomites, three airports exist within a three-hour drive to the main attractions, while three major international airports exist between 4-6 hours away.
We’ve arrived in both Venice and Munich, and both were easy options to get to the Dolomites.
If flying, we suggest arranging car hire from your arrival airport or catching a train/shuttle bus to Bolzano to start your Dolomites road trip.
The closest airports include:
Verona Villafranca International Airport - Italy | 2.5 hours
Marco Polo International Airport, Venice - Italy | 2.5 hours
Innsbruck - Austria | 2 hours
Other major international airports within a 4-6 hour radius include:
Zurich Airport – Switzerland | 5-6 hours
Malpensa Airport – Milan, Italy | 4-5 hours
Munich International Airport – Germany | 3-4 hours
BOOK | Check dates and prices for flights here
TIP | There are several daily Shuttle buses to South Tyrol from the airports of Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich, Treviso, Venice, Verona, Bergamo and Milan Malpensa. Learn more here.
Related | How to get to the Dolomites, Italy
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN THE DOLOMITES
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for their dramatic peaks and pristine natural environment, but in recent years have become even more popular through Instagram and other social media apps.
This has lead to some pretty bad behaviour in and around the area, as well as the dreaded impacts of over-tourism. Therefore, it’s important to remember a few key rules:
The Dolomites aren’t your Instagram playground | The Dolomites are an incredible natural phenomenon perfect for photography and Instagram, but that doesn’t mean you have free reign to break rules, ruin natural environments and use it as your playground (read our responsible travel tips here).
Although we’ve not been able to find adequate information about flying drones in the Dolomites, respect the usual rules of flying and be super careful.
Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again.
BUY | We use the Grayl GEOPRESS every day, every trip we take!
Trek at the tail ends of the season | The Dolomites can get extremely busy in the height of summer, so we suggest trekking either side of the peak periods to avoid contributing to over-tourism and environmental degradation.
It’s also a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, which in our opinion makes the experience far better.
Respect the local environment and culture | This part of Italy, which stretches across the South Tyrol and Verona communes, has a unique and rich culture, steeped in religious and historical significance.
Around the Dolomites, historical WW1 battles were fought, and the remains can be seen everywhere. Respect these sites and do not, under any circumstance, remove anything from the national park.
Don’t litter | Whatever you do, please don’t litter in this pristine natural environment. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you can’t, carry it out of the national park with you.
Pick up any trash you see | Although, thankfully, there’s not much rubbish to be found around these parts, the odd piece can still pop up. If you come across rubbish on your travels here, collect it in a tote bag and take it off the trails with you to dispose of properly later.
Offset your travels | Consider carbon offsetting your travels, especially if you fly to the destination. Read our guide on how to carbon offset here.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SOUTH TYROL
Whatever you do, don’t travel through Italy without travel insurance, even if you’re the most experienced traveller.
Whether it be a hiking injury, car accident, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Italy, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues!
BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads
SOUTH TYROL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Travelling through South Tyrol comes with a unique set of needs. To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
Reusable water bottle | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!).
Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean on hikes without destroying the planet!
Hand sanitiser | not something we’d actually recommend normally, but when hiking it can be a bloody great investment
READ | check out our eco-friendly packing guide to travel through Italy consciously and comfortably
PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY SOON?
Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:
DOLOMITES | Our Dolomites Travel Guide, Top things to do in the Dolomites, Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, Where to stay in the Dolomites, How to get to the Dolomites
DOLOMITES DESTINATION GUIDES | A guide to Val di Funes, A complete guide to Alpe di Siusi, How to visit Lago di Carezza, our guide to Lago di Braies,
HIKES TO REMEMBER | 7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites, including the famous Tre Cime De Lavaredo loop, Violet Towers hiking guide, Hiking to Lago di Sorapis, Cadini di Misurina
SOUTH TYROL | 19 amazing things to do in South Tyrol during Summer, plus everything we love about the beautiful South Tyrol region
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Grab the presets we use on every photo here
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE THE BEST OF ITALY WITH THESE POSTS!
Some of the links on this Dolomites Itinerary post are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
