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Walking holidays in The Dolomites

The Dolomites are a dream destination for lovers of the outdoors. This UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t just a mountain range - it’s a playground of jagged limestone peaks, sweeping valleys, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re here to hike high-altitude trails, cycle through alpine meadows, or indulge in Italy’s finest mountain cuisine, the Dolomites deliver on every level.

Lace up your boots for panoramic walks across dramatic ridgelines, test your nerve on thrilling downhill bike runs, or slow things down with a guided tour through medieval castles and storybook alpine villages. And when the day's adventures are done? Settle in with a glass of locally made wine, watching the mountains turn pink in the evening light - a view that’s sure to stay with you long after the holiday ends.

 

A walking holiday in the Dolomites is a feast for the senses - especially your taste buds. This region boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in Italy, but you don’t need to go haute cuisine to enjoy incredible food. Here, the culinary scene is woven into the landscape, from mountain huts to valley vineyards.

In the Dolomites, every trail leads to something delicious. Italian flair meets Austrian comfort in dishes like truffle-topped pasta, rich polenta, and apple strudel - all served with a side of unforgettable views. Corvara Colfosco is a standout for food lovers, with rifugi (alpine huts) dishing up gourmet meals in spectacular settings. Over in Merano, where Mediterranean influences meet alpine charm, hikers can follow the Waalwege paths through orchards and vineyards, pausing for a spritz or a slice of cake at a sun-drenched terrace.

The Dolomites don’t do things by halves, especially when it comes to nature. Across its national and nature parks, you’ll find hundreds of miles of waymarked trails winding through vast limestone plateaus, soaring pinnacles, and serene alpine pastures. Stay in Selva for easy access to the Puez–Odle Nature Park, home to striking high-altitude terrain and hidden mountain huts. Kronplatz opens the door to the Fanes–Sennes–Braies Nature Park, where gentle valleys and dramatic peaks live side by side. Over in San Cassiano, walkers can explore wilder landscapes in the Dolomiti d’Ampezzo Nature Park - an untamed corner with seriously cinematic views.

From the moment you step onto a trail in the Dolomites, you’re treated to scenery that’s more movie set than mountain range. Take a hike from Selva and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the dramatic Sassolungo peaks, glowing pink at sunset. In Canazei, the views stretch to the Marmolada glacier and across the Sella massif, where towering cliffs drop into green valleys below. Whether you're walking the panoramic Alpe di Siusi or conquering a rocky ridge, every view feels like a reward.

The Dolomites are the perfect destination for an action-packed family holiday. With a wide variety of accessible walking trails suitable for kids and teens, the whole family can explore the stunning landscape together. Many resorts also offer exciting adventure programmes, filled with activities that will keep everyone entertained and active.

After a day of mountain exploration, cool off with a swim in crystal-clear lakes, take a scenic cable car ride for panoramic views, or relax at a charming mountain hut with a well-deserved snack. Whether you're hiking through alpine meadows, cycling along family-friendly routes, or simply taking in the awe-inspiring vistas, the Dolomites provide the ideal backdrop for making lasting family memories.

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The Brenta Dolomites is famous for its waterfalls. Walk along the Sentiero dell'Orso (Bear Path) to the Vallesinella Waterfalls, which are the most famous waterfalls in the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park. The trail starts by the Spinale Gondola station, and heads through forests all the way up to the highest of the waterfalls, the Malga Valesinella di Sopra. Or, you could spend the day enjoying a picnic in the stunning Val Nambrone, where you can scope out the Cascata Amola. You can walk to the falls from the Rifugio Val Nambrone which you can get to by heading to the next door town of Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo.

Image copyright: Paolo Bisti

Madonna di Campiglio prides itself on being a great destination for a family summer holiday, so it has loads of fun activities on offer to keep children and adults entertained on their summer holiday. From tennis to boules, golf, swimming, canyoning, padel, volleyball, vie ferrate, and even orienteering; children will never get bored! Spend some time in the outdoor playground which sits near the glacial river, it has a grassy area where you can take picnics whilst keeping an eye on the little ones. Cycling with young ones is also a great option as there are a few well kept cycle paths which you can hop on and off from Madonna; try out the Val Rendena Cycle Path or the floral cycle path which links the Brenta Dolomites to Lake Idro.

Image copyright: Claudio Lanzafame 

Corvara & Colfosco are home to two nature parks, both part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Puez-Geisler and Fanes-Senes-Braies parks provide miles of opportunities for exploring various walking trails with stunning mountain views, wildflowers and geological places of interest. 

Summer in Kronplatz is anything but ordinary. Whether you're soaring through the trees on a high ropes course, racing down the summer tubing track, or taking aim in a game of 3D archery, there’s no shortage of ways to get your adrenaline fix. The area’s network of bike trails is perfect for exploring on two wheels, while the Kron trampoline park adds a bounce of excitement – with panoramic mountain views thrown in.

For those craving a real thrill, head to the top of Mount Kronplatz and seek out the Skyscraper – a giant swing where you’re strapped in, hoisted up, and then released to let gravity (and your nerves) take over. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views are incredible – if you’re brave enough to keep your eyes open.

Merano's thermal baths are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of walking in the mountains. At the spas you'll find everything from Finish saunas to steam rooms, plus 25 pools, each unique in it's own way. Be sure to make use of the outdoor pools, some of which have wonderful mountain views- dreamy!

Buttercup-yellow cable cars climb from San Cassiano and up into the mountains behind. From the top, you can wander alpine trails or search out a mountain hut for an Hugo (that’s elderflower syrup, mint and prosecco). From here, you can return to San Cassiano – or take the cable car to the neighbouring village of La Villa, with its 16th-century castle and famed slalom slopes. The cable car to Corvara is another great pick, especially if you fancy tasting some of the best gelato in the Alta Badia.

Selva's and Ortisei are a paradise for bikers with a huge network of trails to suit all levels. E-biking has become increasingly popular, offering a fun and accessible way to explore the stunning Dolomite landscapes. Ride through lush meadows, navigate forest paths, or conquer mountain roads that wind through the valleys. Why not head for the freeride trails or stick with the gentle winding routes on the family line- both are fun. Best of all the lifts take you to the top of the runs, so all you need to do is enjoy the ride down.

If you fancy trying out e-biking, tackle the hills and cruise along valley paths with the help of an electric motor, giving you the time to take in the mountain views. It doesn’t get much better than an e-bike tour of mountain huts, or 'rifugi' as they call them. This is also a great way of combining outdoor adventure with local food and wine.

With plenty of routes for all abilities, from leisurely cycles to more challenging terrain, cycling in Selva and Ortisei is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

Image copyright: @DolomitesValGardena

If your staying in Selva, make sure to head to the pretty villages of Santa Cristina and Ortisei, which are linked by the fascinating Val Gardena railway trail. Both villages are soaked in tradition with local markets, pretty churches and boutique shops; there are even craft breweries to explore. Not to mention the spectacular mountain panoramas.

Image copyright: @valgardena.it

The Dolomites FAQs and travel information

The Dolomites offer a variety of walking trails in one of Europe's most stunning UNESCO-protected mountain ranges. Easily accessible by lift, these trails provide breathtaking views, especially at sunrise or sunset when the peaks glow red. Whether you prefer hiking, mountain biking, or enjoying scenic vistas, there's something for everyone. The area is also great for exploring local farms and wine tasting, making it a perfect destination for an adventure-filled holiday.

To explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Dolomites, you can visit the astonishing peaks within Nature Parks such as Three Peaks, Fanes-Sennes-Braies, Sciliar-Rosengarten, Puez-Odle, and GeoParc Bletterbach. You can choose between self-guided walks, which allow you to explore at your own pace, or opt for our included guided walks led by professional local guides.

You can find information on scenic alpine walks in the Dolomites on our resort pages under the 'walking' tab, or when on your holiday, our in-resort reps can also provide more information on recommended walking routes. For a digital guide, download the free Val Gardena Outdoor app from Google Play or the App Store, which includes several walking routes. If you prefer using paper maps, we recommend Kompass 59 or Kompass 76 for detailed maps of the area.

Explore the Dolomites' stunning scenery through key hikes: The Panascharte to Seceda offers an 8km trail with views of the Odle peaks, accessible from Ortisei via cable car. The 7km hike to Pic Mountain from San Cristina rewards with 360-degree vistas. The challenging 17km Round the Sassolungo Group passes iconic rock formations and panoramic highlands. For a unique perspective, the 13km Sass da Ciampac Circumnavigation reveals rugged terrains akin to lunar landscapes.

Yes, guided walking tours are available to explore the Dolomite peaks and valleys in Selva, Canazei, and Merano. Each location offers full-day guided walks every Monday and Friday. Canazei provides a variety of trails suitable for all abilities, making it family-friendly. Selva features unlimited walking paths, stunning mountain views, and local cuisine. Merano offers beautiful vistas and natural beauty, ideal for exploring the mountainous region. Read our Guided Walks guide to find out more.

From Italy’s iconic lakes to the soaring peaks of the Alps and the hidden gems of Slovenia and Andorra, there are countless options for an unforgettable lakes and mountains holiday.

Lake Como and Lake Garda offer stunning waterside settings, perfect for relaxing boat trips, vineyard visits, and scenic mountain walks.

The Dolomites provide jaw-dropping alpine adventures, while Austria’s resorts like Seefeld, Kitzbühel, and Mayrhofen combine charming towns with mountain trails, bike paths, and breathtaking views.

Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, and Wengen offer everything from tranquil lakeside strolls to high-altitude hikes with views of iconic peaks.

In Slovenia, Lake Bled and Kranjska Gora deliver fairy-tale landscapes, peaceful walks, and rich cultural charm. Meanwhile, the French Alps – with Morzine, Chamonix, and Lake Annecy – are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Andorra’s Arinsal rounds off the list with treetop adventures, panoramic trails, and summer gondola rides. Whether you're seeking adventure, serenity, or a bit of both, these destinations bring together the best of nature’s beauty and alpine culture.