Teeth of limestone, turquoise lakes, and mountain meadows that change color with every season. The Dolomites are a landscape of contrasts, light, and elevation — a unique destination for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves spending time in the mountains.
The Dolomites are one of the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. This mountain range in northeastern Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, stretches across the provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno. The characteristic pale rock walls – formed from ancient coral reefs some 250 million years ago – glow in enchanting shades of pink and orange at sunrise and sunset, a phenomenon known as ‘enrosadira’.
The landscape is a breathtaking mix of steep rock peaks, green alpine meadows, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and picturesque valleys. Iconic destinations such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks), Lago di Braies, the Seiser Alm / Alpe di Siusi (Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow), and Seceda attract nature lovers from around the world. Until 1918, this region belonged to Austria, and that influence is still clearly visible in the architecture, cuisine, and the fact that many residents speak German.
For hikers, the Dolomites are a paradise with thousands of kilometers of marked trails for every level – from leisurely walks across alpine meadows to challenging via ferratas (iron path climbing routes) and multi-day hut-to-hut treks like the famous Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2. The well-maintained mountain huts (rifugi) offer not only shelter along the way but also delicious regional cuisine. Road cyclists know the legendary mountain passes such as Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, and Passo Pordoi from the Giro d’Italia.
For photographers, the Dolomites are a dream: the dramatic light, sharp contrasts between green meadows and grey rock walls, and photogenic mountain lakes offer endless possibilities. The combination of Italian hospitality, Tyrolean coziness, and world-class nature makes the Dolomites a destination you’ll never forget. Whether you come for an active summer holiday or winter sports in one of the many ski resorts – the ‘pale mountains’ impress in every season.
travel stories
Read more about the destinations in this beautiful region of Italy.
Vallunga – An Oasis of Tranquillity in the Dolomites During our last trip to the [...]
Cascate di Fanes – Hidden Waterfalls in the Dolomites I’m always searching for those places [...]
Tre Cime di Lavaredo – The Icon of the Dolomites When you say Dolomites, you [...]
Lago Federa – Silence, Reflections and High-Altitude Light in the Dolomites During our stay in [...]
An Iconic Image of an Iconic Lake There are places in the Dolomites you never [...]
Light, Silence and Mountains in the Dolomites In the heart of the Dolomites, north of [...]
October Snow Fun at Seceda The Dolomites is a favourite destination of ours. You need [...]
The Magic of Seiser Alm Seiser Alm – or Alpe di Siusi – is one [...]
Autumn is perhaps the most magical season to explore the mountains. While many people immediately [...]
Discover breathtaking locations, routes, and golden hour tips with QR codes The Dolomites are often [...]
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The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Italy, are a dream destination for [...]
In my photo books, I collect the most beautiful stories and photographs of a destination. In my book about the Dolomites, I have gathered 62 pages of the most stunning photos and locations into a beautifully crafted work.
Lago di Braies is a stunning alpine lake situated at an elevation of 1,496 meters in the Braies Valley, part of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park in South Tyrol, Italy. Renowned...
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Val di Funes, also known as Villnöß in German, is a picturesque valley located in South Tyrol, Northern Italy. Spanning approximately 24 kilometers, it stretches from the Isarco Valley to...
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The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or the “Three Peaks of Lavaredo,” is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Dolomites. These three towering peaks are especially captivating during sunrise...
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Seceda is a prominent mountain in the Dolomites of northern Italy, reaching an elevation of 2,519 meters (8,264 feet). Located within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, it towers above the Val...
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Cascate di Fanes, or Fanes Waterfalls, are a series of impressive waterfalls located near Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Veneto region of Italy. Situated within the Dolomiti d'Ampezzo Natural Park, these...
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Alpe di Siusi, known as Seiser Alm in German, is Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow, covering approximately 56 square kilometers. Situated in South Tyrol, Northern Italy, it lies at elevations...
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Lago di Sorapis is a stunning glacial lake situated at an elevation of approximately 1,923 meters in the Dolomites, near Cortina d'Ampezzo in northern Italy. Renowned for its striking turquoise-blue...
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Lago Fedèra is a stunning alpine lake located at an elevation of approximately 2,038 meters in the Dolomites, near Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Veneto region of Italy. Nestled beneath the...
View locationThe Dolomites have an alpine climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. In the valleys (1,200-1,500 m), summers are pleasant with temperatures up to 25°C, while it’s cooler at higher elevations (2,000 m+). The sun shines here more often than in other parts of the Alps – in winter, eight out of ten days on average. Note: temperature drops approximately 6°C per 1,000 meters of elevation gain, and thunderstorms can develop quickly in the afternoon.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rainy Days | Sun Hours | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -7 to 2 | 6 | 4 | Skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing |
| February | -6 to 4 | 5 | 5 | Skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing |
| March | -3 to 8 | 6 | 6 | Skiing, spring hiking (lower routes) |
| April | 1 to 12 | 9 | 6 | Shoulder season, exploring valleys |
| May | 6 to 17 | 12 | 7 | Hiking (lower routes), wildflowers |
| June | 10 to 20 | 11 | 8 | Hiking, cycling, alpine flowers, fewer crowds |
| July | 12 to 23 | 11 | 9 | All hiking routes, via ferrata, photography |
| August | 12 to 23 | 10 | 8 | All hiking routes, via ferrata (crowded!) |
| September | 9 to 18 | 8 | 7 | Hiking, photography, autumn colors, peaceful |
| October | 4 to 13 | 8 | 5 | Autumn hiking, larch trees, photography |
| November | -1 to 6 | 8 | 4 | Shoulder season, many facilities closed |
| December | -5 to 2 | 6 | 4 | Skiing, Christmas markets, winter atmosphere |
Tip for photographers: September is the ideal month: stable weather, clear air, fewer crowds, and the first autumn colors. The ‘enrosadira’ – the glowing of rock walls at sunrise and sunset – is spectacular year-round but shows best in clear weather. Start early (before 8:00 AM) to capture the most beautiful morning colors and avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
A collection of helpful websites for planning your trip to the Dolomites.
