To travel to the Dolomites, the Alpine mountain range strung between the northern Italian provinces of Trentino and Alto Adige (also known as Südtirol), is to become immersed in a wholly unique – and, relative to the rest of Italy, seldom trod – winter wonderland comprised of powdery ski runs, pristine forests and frozen waterfalls. The region is quintessentially Italian, but at the same time reflects the region’s majority German population. Hidden in the mountain range’s deep valleys, the Ladin language and culture, known especially for woodcarving and toy making, has been meticulously preserved.
The Dolomites are often visited as a winter destination, but in the summer, the snow melts to reveal wildflowers and hiking trails, wild protected parks and glistening lakes. The cuisine, incorporating both Italian and German heritage, is laden with local produce: Apples picked from the region’s orchards, cheeses produced from nearby pastures, and wines pressed from the local vineyards. Our Dolomites travel guide will point you to the can’t-miss sights and activities among these majestic peaks.
Things Not to Miss in the Dolomites
• Sailing on Il Burchiello, a luxury barge with cruises that stop at various Italian villas
• Relaxing in the thermal baths of Terme Merano
• Taking the world’s longest aerial cableway from Siusi to Compaccio
• Hitting the slopes at Funivie Madonna di Campiglio; in summer, the mountains offer a number of walking and mountain-biking trails
• Biking through the scenic Brenta Riviera
• Taking in some culture at the Museo di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Rovereto or the Museo Archelogico dell’Alto Adige
When to Go to the Dolomites
The Dolomites’ relatively temperate climate and natural beauty make it a tourist destination year-round, so make your Dolomites travel plans based on your own seasonal preferences. Some tourists prefer to travel to the Dolomites during the summer, between May and September, when the weather is pleasantly warm and the mountains lively and colorful. Early spring, when crocuses, Alpine snowdrops and scented bushes of Daphne bloom through the melting snow, is equally beautiful. Winter, while cold, is exceptionally beautiful, and a perfect time to hit the slopes.
-
This Mountain-top Retreat Is the Most Luxurious Way to See the Dolomites
Despite the date on the calendar, spring has not yet sprung in many regions, so you still have time to squeeze in one more wintry Alpine vacation before... Read More
-
The Dolomites, Italy Travel Guide: Where to Ski, Hike, Stay, and Visit (Video)
Once known as the Pale Mountains, the dramatic dolomite rock formations crowning the top of Italy seem to erupt skyward from the region's verdant alpine... Read More
-
This Tiny Mountain Town Is Home to Italy's Newest Three Michelin-starred Restaurant
The Restaurant St. Hubertus of the Hotel Rosa Alpina in Italy was just awarded a third Michelin star, an honor that signifies “exceptional cuisine that... Read More
-
An Italian Spa Retreat May Be the Most Luxurious Way to Reset Your Mind and Body
In my late 20s, realizing that my career as a reporter was largely playing out in dangerous and physically grueling war zones like Chechnya and Taliban... Read More
-
Europe's Best Winter Getaways
Europeans have dreamt up many definitions of cozy. Denmark has hygge, a concept that evokes “coziness when relaxing with good friends.” Germany, Austria... Read More
-
The Moment: San Cassiano, Italy
6:04 p.m.: It’s early evening, and as you walk back through sage- and wildflower-dotted meadows to Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa, you can’t decide which... Read More
-
Trip Doctor Series: Trekking, Walking, and Hiking the Dolomites
Today I’m daydreaming about Europe—more specifically, about the magnificent Dolomites in Italy (read all about it in this compelling feature by Adam... Read More
-
T+L Hiking Guide
North AmericaIconic HikesOur top picks for tackling some of the most scenic U.S. landscapes.Yosemite National Park, California: On the Yosemite Walking ... Read More
-
(Serious) Bike Tours of A Lifetime
My bicycle excursions are largely limited to the Hudson Valley's very flat and nicely paved North County Trailway, with a cozy little tea shop at... Read More
-
World's Coolest Hotel Transfers
Forget the airport taxi: from the Persian Gulf to Punta Cana and Hong Kong to Bora-Bora, upscale hotels, resorts, lodges, and safari camps are... Read More
-
World’s Best Trip: Veneto, Italy
The TripStretching from the Dolomites to Lake Garda, the Veneto—known for its art, cuisine, and iconic cities such as Venice and Verona—is a microcosm... Read More
-
Hot Spots of Italy's Dolomite Mountains
“Either you must be deeply in love,” Hugo Pizzinini said with a little smile, “or you must bring a good book. That, or you kill each other. There is no... Read More
-
Amazing Arrivals
Forget the airport taxi: From the Persian Gulf to Punta Cana and Hong Kong to Bora-Bora, upscale hotels, resorts, lodges, and safari camps are... Read More
-
Driving Tour of Northern Italy
Day 1: Milan to Bormio (120 miles)In Milan, consider renting a Maserati GranCabrio convertible to fully take in the views of Italy’s lake region—you can... Read More
