Looking for the ultimate guide to a Dolomites road trip this summer, we've got you covered. This blog will cover some important things to consider for your road trip and absolute must-visit sights. 

But this is just the beginning. For a comprehensive guide that includes a road trip itinerary, camper and travel tips, and all the information you need to make your Dolomites trip unforgettable, check out our Dolomites Road Trip Guide and Map. This guide will help you plan the perfect trip!

The Dolomite mountains

The Dolomite Mountains, also named the Dolomite Alps are a mountain range located in the Italian Alps. They are situated in the North East of Italy, close to the border with Austria and span across Südtirol (South Tyrol), Trentino, and Belluno. 

If you're a hiking enthusiast, the Dolomites are a paradise for you. With their rugged peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and lush green valleys, what more could you want on a road trip?

Planning Your Dolomites Road Trip

When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

If you’re looking to get out on the hiking trails, summer is definitely the best option for when to visit and this is why we chose to visit then. From June to September is a great time to go hiking due to more reliable weather and all the snow has melted. However, expect lots of other tourists as it is peak season of course. 

The Dolomites are also a popular location for winter skiing. Usually the Dolomites sees snow start to settle and accumulate from December to March when it begins to melt. You can still go hiking in the snow if you have the right equipment and experience. If you visit during the snow season you will also need to consider what equipment you need for your vehicle. So, really, when you visit depends on what you want out of your Dolomites trip.

How to get to the Dolomites

If you plan to fly and rent a vehicle then flying to Milan or Venice are perfect options. If you’re driving from your home country, be reassured that the Italian Dolomites are pretty easy to reach because they are centrally located in Europe. However, there are many mountains along the Northern border of Italy which can mean you have to drive through tunnels or mountain passes to reach the Dolomites. 

4 Must-See Highlights

The Dolomites are no stranger to tourists with an estimated 34 million tourists visiting in 2022 alone. This means that there are a lot of locations here that are very well known and absolute must-sees on your Dolomites road trip. You'll find all of these locations and more on our Dolomites road trip map. 

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo)

No Dolomites trip is complete without visiting Tre Cime. The Three Peaks are probably the most renowned hike and mountains in the Dolomites and for good reason because they are so unique and the circular hike around them offers incredible views the entire time. 

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

This has to be one of the most picturesque lakes in all of the Alps, emerald-green water surrounded by towering mountains, it’s simply stunning. But you know what this means, it’s popular! It’s especially popular with influencers and photographers due to its accessibility, so expect to see lots of nice dresses and lots of photoshoots. 

Seceda

One of the most dramatic and impressive ridgelines, not to mention insane panoramic views over the surrounding mountains. Seceda is an absolute must-see when you visit the Dolomites and it’s easy to reach from Ortisei, you can choose to simply admire the view of Seceda at the top, or extend your hike further as there are many hiking trails. 

Val Gardena

This valley is well-known for its ski-resorts but is equally as stunning in the summer when you can drive the Sella Pass between Val di Fassa and Val Gardena and get out hiking in the lush green mountains. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the mountain residents, Marmots!

Activities and Experiences

Activities 

The Dolomites is a hub of adventure, from hiking or skiing, depending on the season, to paragliding or trying out via-ferrata. If you’re looking for an adventurous road trip, you won’t be short of things to try. One thing to consider is that a lot of the lakes in the Dolomites don’t allow swimming, which is a big shame but also means they are very picturesque for photos. 

Cuisine 

When you think of Italian food, the obvious pizza, pasta, cheese and risotto comes to mind, and while this is still present in traditional food in the Dolomites, it does have its own cuisine too. Traditional cuisine in the Dolomites used a lot of local farm products including corn, potatoes, barley and the highlights were dairy products such as cheese, milk and butter.

Typical dishes include dumplings, cajinci (stuffed pasta similar to ravioli), barley soup, smoked meats, turtres (pasties stuffed with cheese and spinach). There are many restaurants that still serve these traditional dishes for you to try, so make sure to find time for this in between all the hiking on your Dolomites trip. 

Practical Tips

Accommodation 

Where you stay on your Dolomites trip depend on the level of luxury you would like, there’s lots of choice for accommodation. Hotels and B&B’s are always an option and you will be spoilt for choice for rooms with incredible views. If you like to wake up completely in nature, like us, the Dolomites is a great place for a campervan adventure and it is pretty well tolerated to stay overnight in your vehicle. 

If you’re looking to head off even into the wilderness there are hundreds of Rifugio (mountain huts) that you can stay in. Some of the Rifugio’s are like staying in a hotel, while some  are simply furnished and can be very cosy in high season. It is important to note that they all differ,  many allow you to bring your dog while others do not, so it’s best to check each hut before you just turn up. 

  

Driving tips

You do not need a toll sticker or vignette to drive in Italy, however there are some toll roads. These usually have a toll booth at the start of the road where you can pay the price per vehicle. The most well known toll road in the Dolomites is up to Tre Cime. 

When travelling in winter its important to familiarise yourselves with snow chain and winter tyre rules. In Italy, the rules vary by province on whether winter tyres are required. It is best to drive with winter tyres from 15 October to 15 April, in order to be prepared. In South Tyrol winter tyres are compulsory.

The Ultimate Guide to a Dolomites Road Trip 

If you’re looking for a more extensive guide to plan your Dolomites road trip including more detailed information about places to visit, make sure to check out our full Dolomites Road Trip Guide and Map. Our Dolomites map includes hikes, lakes, overnight spots, photo spots and more. 

Happy road tripping!