5 day itinerary through the Dolomites

The Dolomites, a breathtaking mountain range in the Italian Alps, stretch across the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia in northeastern Italy. This stunning region boasts 18 towering peaks that soar above 3,000 meters and cover an impressive 141,903 hectares.

In 2009, these mountains were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Italian Dolomites are without a question one of the most dramatic alpine destinations in the world. Whether you are out driving, cycling, skiing, or hiking, you will be captivated.

For the active traveler, the Dolomites are a dream destination. During the summer, activities such as via ferrata climbing, hut-to-hut hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding offer plenty of excitement. In winter, you can enjoy skiing in the largest ski resort in the world, Dolomiti Superski. The region is also known for its world-class accommodations and exceptional cuisine, particularly in South Tyrol.

When to Visit the Dolomite Mountains

The best time to visit depends on your interests. The high seasons—summer and winter—offer peak experiences, with summer being the best for outdoor activities like hiking and climbing, while winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather, the shoulder seasons—May to June and October to November—are the perfect time. During these months, the weather remains pleasant for outdoor adventures without the winter snow or summer crowds.

In the high seasons there is no avoiding the crowds. The summer months are super busy with hikers, climbers and mountain bikers. When the snow falls during the winter months skiers, snowboards and people that enjoy winter activities such as ski mountaineering or snow shoeing will flock to the mountains. The only recommendation I can give is when you visit during these months is be early. Take the first ski lifts, book that early morning excursion and so on.

Weather in the Dolomite Mountains

It’s important to know that the weather in Dolomites Italy can change quickly. So, it is best to be prepared and stay up to date on weather conditions during your visit. You can expect snowfall from December through March or April, but the mountains can experience first frosts and icy roads as early as August! So pack accordingly and be prepared for any kind of weather.

Getting around the Dolomite Mountains

Our 5 days in the Dolomite Mountains is part of our longer roadtrip through Italy where we first visited Lake Como and Lake Garda. We therefore had our own car with us. This 5-day itinerary assumes you’ll be driving, as it’s the most convenient way to explore the Dolomites. If you’re flying into Italy, the closest airports are.

• Bolzano Airport (BZO), Italy 
• Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria
• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Italy
• Treviso Airport (TSF), Italy
• Verona Airport (VRN), Italy
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Italy
• Munich Airport (MUC), Germany

From any of these airports, you can either rent a car or use the bus network to reach your base in the Dolomites. For car rentals, we recommend using Rentalcars.com. If driving isn’t your preference, the Dolomites are well-connected by public transportation, particularly regional buses, which make it easy to travel between destinations during peak seasons.

Dolomites Itinerary: 5 Days

The Dolomites span a vast and diverse region, offering a wealth of breathtaking landscapes. While it’s impossible to explore everything in one trip, this 5-day Dolomites itinerary will guide you to some of the area’s most iconic and scenic destinations. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to relax in stunning alpine surroundings, you can easily customize this itinerary to suit your schedule and preferences. Over the next five days, discover must-see spots like Lago di Carezza, Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, Lago Musarina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Cadini di Misurina mountains, and the renowned Lago di Braies.

Day 1: Lago di Carezza and suspension bridge

Your Dolomites adventure begins with a visit to Lago di Carezza, also known as Lake Karersee. We drove from Lake Como to the first stop Lago di Carezza.

Drive to the Val d’Ega valley

Lago di Carezza, also known as Lake Karersee, is a beautiful mountain lake sitauted in the Val d’Ega valley. It is best known for its intense blue water. Lago di Carezza is located in the middle of the Dolomites and is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. The approximate driving distances from nearby airports to Lago di Carezza:

• Bolzano Airport (BZO), Italy: 38 minutes
• Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria: 1:47 hours
• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Italy: 2:43 hours
• Treviso Airport (TSF), Italy: 2:39 hours
• Verona Airport (VRN), Italy: 1:54 hours
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Italy: 3:38 hours
• Munich Airport (MUC), Germany: 3:37 hours 

Our trip throughout the Dolomite Mountains started from Lake Garda. Which took us approximate 2:30 hours.

Lago di Carezza

The best thing to do in the Val d’Ega valley on your arrival day is to vistit Lago di Carezza. This will help you acclimate on your first day. Situated 1,519 metres above sea level, it’s a beautiful alpine lake with gleaming emerald water, surrounded by spruce trees.

The hiking trail that goes around the lake – it’s a small lake and takes only 20 minutes to do the circular route – you can spend a fair amount of time here walking in nature, taking photos from different angles and then eating a hearty meal. In the mood for more hiking? There are hiking trails from nearby towns that allow you to trek to the lake. If you are intresseted in more details about the lake read our discription about Lago di Carezza.

Suspension bridge

For an added thrill, cross the newly built suspension bridge (opened in 2018), which spans 58 meters and reaches a height of 18 meters. It’s a great spot to capture stunning photos of the lake and surrounding mountains. The suspension bridge is located on the right-hand edge of the visitor parking lot (when you drive into the parking lot with Carezza behind you).

• Lago di Carezza Parking: Parking Lake Carezza, Via Carezza, 123, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
• Accommodation: Consider staying at Dolomiti Hotel ADLER Carezza, just a short distance from the lake.
• Other activities: If you have time, visit the Planetarium Südtirol Alto Adige, a 20-minute drive from the lake.

Day 2: St. Valentin Church, Alpe di Siusi and Ortisei

St. Valentin Church

Start the day by visiting St. Valentin Church, which offers a serene and scenic backdrop with the Schlern Massif towering behind. This historical church, dating back to 1244 AD, is decorated with 14th and 15th-century frescoes, including a depiction of the local landscape. The construction is of great historical and artistic value with precious frescos from the 14th and the 15th century. A peculiarity (among others): the painter has tried to include the local landscape as background in its representation of the three Kings.

Alpe di Siusi

Next, head to Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high alpine pasture. The Alpe di Siusi whisks you away to a fascinatingly tranquil world characterised by wonderfully green nature and astonishing Dolomite peaks. Europe’s largest high alpine pasture is easily accessible and conveniently located in the South Tyrolean Dolomites. The popular tourist resorts of Ortisei and S. Cristina in Val Gardena, Castelrotto, Siusi, Fiè and Tires are also only a few kilometres away below the plateau.

On the Alpe di Siusi itself are the villages of Zallinger, Saltria and the somewhat larger settlement of Compaccio, as well as the Col da Fil and Gran Paluch biotopes. The most prominent Dolomite peaks that you can see from the Alpe di Siusi are the Sassolungo, Sasso Piatto and lo Sciliar con il Burgstall, Euringer, Monte Pez and Santner. If you are intresseted in more details about the how to reach Alpe di Siusi or which hikes to read our blog about Alpe di Siusi.

Oritsei

The village of Ortisei, in German St. Ulrich and in Ladin language Urtijei, is located in the heart of the Valgardena valley. The main sights of the village are the Baroque parish church and the S. Antonio church at the main square. The Valgardena museum (Museum Gröden), hosted by the Cesa di Ladins, boasts a comprehensive collection of wooden sculptures of the bygone four centuries. The town is a populair base for tourist. The gondolas to three different sights start in Ortisei. You can catch the gondola to Alpe di Siusi, Seiser Alm and Seceda form here.

Day 3: Seceda, Lago Musarina

Hiking in the Dolomites is always impressive, but in the Puez-Geisler nature park, popularly known as Seceda, it is extra special. The peaks of Seceda stick straight into the sky and have a height of 2518 meters! It is located in the middle of Val Gardena, one of the most beautiful ski areas in Europe, but in summer it is a paradise for hikers. In this article we share how to get to Seceda and a great hike through the Puez-Geisler nature park.

Seceda Viewpoint

By far the easiest way to get to Seceda is to take the cable car. To do this, get on in Ortisei and take the cable car to Furnes. Then you change to the cable car to Seceda. There is a paid parking lot at the cable car in Ortisei. A return ticket costs €39.50 for adults and is therefore quite pricey, but it is also quite a long ride.

If you want to get to Seceda before sunrise or want to save €35 per person, hiking is also an option. However, it is a fairly long climb of 6 kilometers and 950 meters up. Expect to spend about 3.5 hours here, one way. If you have the choice, we would take the cable car because at Seceda itself it is fantastic walking and if you take the cable car,

As soon as you get out of the elevator, it is only a few minutes’ walk to the spectacular viewpoint on Seceda. From here you have a precise view over the enormous crack in the earth’s crust and steep peaks of Seceda. Further on there are more beautiful viewpoints, but this is by far the most beautiful place to take a photo.

Lago Musarina

Lago di Misurina is the largest natural lake in the Cadore and is located 1754 m above sea level, near Auronzo di Cadore (province of Belluno). The circumference of the lake is 2.6 km, the maximum depth is 5 meters.

Day 4: Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina mountains

On your fourth day in the Dolomites, head to one of the most iconic spots in the region: Tre Cime di Lavaredo. These three distinct peaks are among the most photographed mountains in the world, standing tall at 2,999 meters, 2,973 meters, and 2,852 meters. They are part of the Sexten Dolomites and offer awe-inspiring views and dramatic landscapes.

The best way to experience Tre Cime is by hiking the loop around them. The hike is relatively easy but incredibly rewarding, with panoramic views at every turn. The classic hike to Tre Cime typically takes about 3 to 4 hours and covers around 10 kilometers. If you’re short on time or prefer a gentler approach, you can drive to the Rifugio Auronzo, a mountain hut near the base of Tre Cime, from where you can access the hiking trail.

The hike around the peaks will offer you stunning perspectives of the dramatic mountain walls, and you’ll pass several mountain huts where you can stop for a meal or drink while soaking in the incredible scenery. Don’t forget your camera — Tre Cime provides endless opportunities for stunning photographs.

After your hike, consider visiting the nearby Cadini di Misurina mountains, located just a short drive away. These jagged peaks are often overshadowed by Tre Cime but are equally breathtaking. The Cadini di Misurina range is perfect for those who enjoy quieter, less crowded spots in the Dolomites, offering excellent hiking trails and breathtaking vistas.

Day 5: Lago di Braies and relaxing

For your final day in the Dolomites, you’ll want to end on a more relaxing note, and there’s no better place to do that than Lago di Braies, one of the most famous and picturesque lakes in Italy. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” this stunning lake is surrounded by towering mountain peaks, making it a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.

Lago di Braies is incredibly accessible, with a gentle walking path that encircles the lake, offering ample opportunities for breathtaking views and photo ops. The hike around the lake takes about an hour and is easy to do at a leisurely pace. If you’re looking to enjoy the lake from a different perspective, consider renting a rowboat and paddling out onto the crystal-clear waters.

While you’re here, make sure to visit the nearby Pratone di Braies, a meadow that’s particularly stunning in spring and summer when it is carpeted with wildflowers. If you have extra time, take a scenic drive through the surrounding valleys, or simply relax and enjoy the serene beauty of this alpine paradise. In the evening, unwind at one of the lakeside hotels, where you can savor a delicious meal featuring traditional South Tyrolean cuisine, perhaps accompanied by a glass of local wine. It’s the perfect way to end your adventure in the Dolomites.

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The Dolomites are truly a magical destination, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty that will stay with you long after your trip. Whether you’re here for outdoor activities or simply to take in the majestic landscapes, the Dolomites are sure to captivate your heart.