Limestone peaks and green valleys define this UNESCO site in northeastern Italy. Ski at Cortina d'Ampezzo, hike via ferrata routes, or explore alpine villages like Ortisei.
The Dolomites are a mountain range and a UNESCO World Heritage site in northeastern Italy, with limestone peaks, clear lakes, and green valleys. This area spans three regions. In winter, you can ski at Cortina d'Ampezzo, while summer brings hiking opportunities like the challenging via ferrata routes. Visit alpine villages such as Ortisei, taste Ladin dishes like canederli, or take in views from the Great Dolomites Road or local cable cars.
Geography and Landscape of the Dolomites
The Dolomites cover about 350,000 acres across Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. The range includes 18 peaks over 3,000 meters high, with Marmolada being the tallest at 3,342 meters. The landscape consists of sharp pinnacles, steep cliffs, limestone plateaus, and wide valleys, creating a distinct alpine environment.
Year-Round Activities in the Dolomites
You can participate in various activities in the Dolomites throughout the year. In winter, the area becomes a major ski destination with the Dolomiti Superski area containing over 1,200 kilometers of slopes across 12 ski resorts. During summer, you can hike and climb on hundreds of trails ranging from easy walks to advanced via ferrata routes. You can also go mountain biking or try paragliding in the warmer months.
Towns and Villages in the Dolomites
Several towns and villages are located in the Dolomites region. Cortina d'Ampezzo, which hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, is a resort town with luxury shops and restaurants. Ortisei, in the Val Gardena valley, is known for its wood carving tradition and serves as a starting point for mountain excursions. Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, has both Italian and Austrian cultural elements. You can visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano to see Ötzi the Iceman, a well-preserved natural mummy from 3300 BCE.
Cuisine of the Dolomites
The food in the Dolomites includes Italian, Austrian, and Ladin dishes. You can try local specialties like canederli (bread dumplings), speck (smoked ham), and apple strudel. Many mountain huts (rifugi) serve meals, such as Rifugio Bioch, which has a large wine list featuring local grape varieties. For a unique dining experience, you can visit the cheese and wine rooms at Hotel Ciasa Salares or eat at the Michelin-starred Anna Stuben restaurant in Ortisei.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites
The Dolomites have various types of accommodation. At La Perla hotel in Corvara, you'll find rooms with mountain views and multiple restaurants. For a wellness-focused stay, consider Forestis, an adults-only retreat with a spa inspired by Celtic nature traditions. If you prefer a more traditional experience, family-run hotels like Ciasa Salares have good dining options. Mountain huts also provide basic overnight stays for hikers and climbers.
Transportation in the Dolomites
While you can use public transportation in the Dolomites, renting a car allows you to visit small towns and natural areas more easily. The Great Dolomites Road is a route that passes through some of the most striking landscapes in the area, including the Sella Pass and the Marmolada glacier. Cable cars and ski lifts operate in many locations, making it easy to reach higher altitudes and viewpoints.
