The Dolomites

With their spectacular formations, the pale mountains of the Dolomites form a dreamlike backdrop for an active holiday in nature.
The Sassolungo group in Val Gardena is a fine example of the rugged but impressive mountain world of the Dolomites.
The Sassolungo group in Val Gardena is a fine example of the rugged but impressive mountain world of the Dolomites.

Holidays in the Dolomites

The Dolomites astonish with amazing, 250 million-year-old rocks. The pale stones that characterise this mountain range are fossilised coral reefs. Even today, mountaineers and researchers discover fossils from an age when there was a sea here. When the Adriatic and Eurasian plates collided, the entire Alpine region rose into a mountain range. The Dolomites consist of sedimentary rock and limestone. Since 2009, the mountains have been protected by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site due to their unparalleled beauty.

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The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the world and deservedly belong to the UNESCO Natural World Heritage.

In the Dolomites, everyone can find something to love while on holiday. The majestic mountains and endless hiking trails invite you to reflect and relax. In winter, steep slopes transform into legendary ski runs with ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts of all disciplines. Mountain bikers and climbers also appreciate the Dolomites as a versatile natural landscape offering almost endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Traditions and hospitality are lived out in the towns and villages, and South Tyrolean cuisine delights with a delicious mix of hearty dishes with Mediterranean influences.

Families with children are also welcome guests in the mountains and valleys. Playgrounds, child-friendly accommodation, wonderful climbing rocks and walking trails make the Dolomites a paradise for both young and old. Numerous cultural events, festivals, sports competitions and musical events provide enjoyment and variety throughout the year. Let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the mountains and find out for yourself which season suits you best in the Dolomites.

St. Magdalena in winter Zoom
The village of Santa Maddalena in the Val di Funes lies below the Odle Group, which is part of the Puez-Odle Nature Park.
Karersee in the western Dolomites Zoom
Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza) is located below the Passo di Costalunga at the foot of the Latemar massif in South Tyrol.
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Holiday deals

Would you like to spend your holiday surrounded by a breathtaking natural landscape? Here you will find attractive offers for your trip to the Dolomites. Whether it's a private lodge, a family hotel or a wellness resort - discover holiday offers that will whet your appetite for your next trip to the fascinating world of the mountains.

Facts: The Dolomites

  1. The Dolomites include nine sub-areas: Pelmo, Croda da Lago, Marmolada, Pale di San Martino, San Lucano, Dolomiti Bellunesi, Vette Feltrine, Dolomiti Friulane e d'Oltre Piave, Northern Dolomites, Puez-Odle, Sciliar-Catinaccio, Latemar, Rio delle Foglie and Dolomiti di Brenta.
  2. The Dolomites are spread over five Italian provinces: South Tyrol, Trentino, Belluno, Udine and Pordenone.
  3. The Nature parks of the Dolomites, which are part of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage: Three Peaks, Fanes-Sennes-Braies, Puez-Odle and Sciliar-Catinaccio.
  4. Popular regions in the Dolomites: Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi, Alta Badia, Three Peaks, Val di Funes, Val d'Ega, Val di Fassa, Val Pusteria, Plan de Corones and Val di Fiemme.
  5. Popular places in the Dolomites: Brunico, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Corvara, Ortisei, San Candido, Castelrotto, Braies, Sesto, Dobbiaco, Nova Levante, Selva, Canazei, Campitello and Arabba.
  6. Highest peak of the Dolomites: Marmolada at 3,342 m, first summited on 03.08.1802 by Don Giovanni Costadedòi, Don Giuseppe Terza and Don Tommaso Pezzei.
  7. Well-known peaks and massifs:Sella, Catinaccio, Puez Group, Odle Group, Sciliar, Latemar, Three Peaks, Civetta, Monte Pelmo, Antelao and Sassolungo.
Lake Prags in the Dolomites Zoom
Lake Braies is part of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park and a protected natural monument.
Sassolungo Group in South Tyrol Zoom
Strong contrasts: rugged mountain formations and gentle alpine meadows that blossom sweetly and colourfully in spring.
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Nature parks of the Dolomites

There are four nature parks in the Dolomites: Three Peaks, Fanes-Sennes-Braies, Puez-Odle and Sciliar-Catinaccio. These areas are part of the UNESCO World Heritage and are under special protection. A visit to the nature parks is not only worthwhile because of their exceptional beauty. If you want to learn more about the flora and fauna as well as the types of rock that can be found here, nature parks are ideal: on information boards and in the Nature Park visitor centres you will find interesting information about a unique world that is worth protecting and that only partially reveals itself during discovery tours.

Exploring the nature reserves is only allowed on the signposted hiking trails. In the nature parks in the Dolomites, you will find that it is often wonderfully quiet, even during the high season. Families with children also love to explore the parks where they'll find plenty of hidden surprises.

Puez-Odle Nature Park

The Puez-Odle Nature Park reveals natural treasures that tell about 600 years of history. You can reach the park via Val Gardena, Funes or Plan de Corones, among other places. If you want to learn about the different types of rock and the geology of the Dolomites, in particular, we recommend a visit to the nature park visitor centre in Santa Maddalena in Funes. Admire the Odle peaks, which rise like arrows into the sky and are among the most striking mountain peaks in the Dolomites. The Odle Group can best be photographed from Seceda, one of the most famous photo spots in the Dolomites.

Odle peaks in Val Gardena Zoom
It is worth getting up early for this experience: Sunrise over the Odle Peaks on the Seceda Alp.
Church of St. Magdalena in Funes Zoom
The church of Santa Maddalena in Funes, below the north faces of the Odle group, is a popular photo landscape.
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Between the peaks, you can marvel at flowering alpine pastures and meadows. In stark contrast to this colourful nature is the Gardenacia plateau, which is almost reminiscent of a kind of lunar landscape. The Col de Puez and the Cir peaks also characterise the landscape here and are outstanding photo spots. Numerous fossils can be found in the Puez Group, which is evidence that there was a huge sea here in the Dolomites during the Cretaceous period. With a bit of luck, you might see a chamois, wild orchids or the dotted gentian during your visit to the Puez-Odle Nature Park.

Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park

The Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park was founded in 1974 to ensure that the unique nature of this popular travel and excursion destination does not fall victim to mass tourism. The oldest nature park in the region, it covers over 7,000 hectares and is shaped by a scenic mix of rocks, lakes, mixed forests, pastures and alpine meadows. At the visitor centre in Tires al Catinaccio and at the information station at the Fiè pond you can learn about the remarkable bird life and the wetlands that make the nature park a worthwhile destination for a day trip.

Evening mood by the Sciliar Zoom
The Alpe di Siusi offers wonderful experiences for hikers with its gentle alpine meadows and great views.
Village of Tiers under the Catinaccio Zoom
Walks near Tires offer picturesque views of the Catinaccio with its imposing Vajolet towers.
Village Tiers in South Tyrol Zoom
The Catinaccio is one of the most famous mountain massifs in the Dolomites. The view shows the village of Tires.
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With its distinctive shape, the Sciliar reveals a lot about the formation of the Dolomites. Here you have the chance to experience the legendary Alpenglow - an event that will captivate you with its beauty. It is easy to imagine why so many legends surround this almost magical place - among them the story of King Laurin, ruler of the dwarves. Fill your water bottle with the clear water of the Schwarze Lettn spring in the Val Ciamin and take a detour to the Alpe di Siusi, a huge high alpine pasture that resembles a mountain idyll.

The Dolomites in summer

In spring, the Dolomites awaken to new life. In May and June, the entire Alpe di Siusi is transformed into a colourful sea of crocus blossoms. White and lilac, the flowers glow in the spring sun and create a radiantly beautiful image that will be etched in your memory forever. In many places, the mountain meadows of the Dolomites surprise you with an intense blaze of colour and a wonderful scent. Also worth a trip to are the secret lakes, which appear from one day to the next and seem almost fairytale-like with their crystal-clear water and mirror-smooth surface.

In summer, many people spend their hiking holidays in the Dolomites. Ten high trails, the UNESCO Geotrail, perfectly signposted bike routes and inviting alpine huts leave no doubt that you will enjoy spending your holidays in nature. Explore the mountains with friends or with an experienced mountain guide, go on a challenging climbing tour or take one of the wonderful walking trails to slow down, giving you the energy you need to get back to everyday life.

The Dolomites in winter

The Dolomites are considered legendary among winter sports enthusiasts. The majestic mountains offer ideal conditions for athletes of all disciplines. Enjoy the view of white peaks and go on a snowshoe hike, for instance, where you will experience the peace that comes from slowing down in this unique natural landscape. Or maybe you'd like to go on an all-day ski tour, where you can enjoy a brand new view behind every rock. On the Alpe di Siusi, among other places, you will find wonderful tobogganing hills where you can have fun with your family.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro - skiers love the huge selection of slopes in the Dolomites. Explore the world's largest ski area "Dolomiti Superski", which consists of twelve ski areas: 1,200 km of slopes with only one ski pass. Choose the slopes that suit your experience and ability and look forward to discovering new runs on your next holiday in the Dolomites. Après-ski or a wellness treatment in one of the first-class hotels will soon help you relax after your day on the slopes.

UNESCO World Heritage terrace

In 2009, the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and placed under protection for their outstanding beauty. If you want to see it for yourself, we recommend a trip to the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage terrace in Val Gardena. It is one of two World Heritage Sites in South Tyrol and is located on the Mastlé Alp, very close to the Col Raiser lift station. Here in the Puez-Odle Nature Park, a platform has been constructed at an altitude of 2,200 metres from which you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view. The viewing platform was designed along the lines of the World Heritage terrace on the Monte Specie. Thanks to the sustainable construction method and a sensitive design, the platform blends harmoniously into its surroundings.

UNESCO World Heritage terrace in Val Gardena Zoom
The UNESCO World Heritage terrace in Val Gardena explains the surrounding peaks and mountain massifs to the viewer.
UNESCO World Heritage terrace in Val Gardena Zoom
The World Heritage terrace is located at an ideal point and guarantees an unforgettable panoramic view.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Where are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are part of the Southern Alps or the Southern Limestone Alps and are spread over the Italian regions of Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. In 2009, parts of the mountains were declared a UNESCO World Heritage sites.

How big are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites cover an area of approximately 15,942 km². Their highest mountain, the Marmolada, is 3,343 metres high. More than 60 main peaks exceed the three thousand metre mark in the Dolomites.

What nature parks are there in the Dolomites?

There are four nature parks in the Dolomites that are under the special protection of UNESCO: the Three Peaks, Fanes-Sennes-Braies, Puez-Odle and Sciliar. Exploring these nature parks is possible on the protected hiking trails. Numerous information boards and Nature Park visitor centres provide detailed knowledge about the fauna, vegetation and rock types that characterise this unique landscape.

Where is it most beautiful in the Dolomites?

With breathtaking mountains, green meadows, forests and villages, the Dolomites offer a lot of variety. The Three Peaks are certainly among the most beautiful mountains. An excursion to Lake Braies should also be on your Dolomite holiday agenda. But the Passo Gardena and numerous other passes, valleys and villages are also worth discovering.

Where are the Three Peaks?

The Three Peaks are the most striking mountain range in the Dolomites. They are located in the Sesto Dolomites in the east of South Tyrol.

How high is the highest mountain in the Dolomites?

The highest mountain in the Dolomites is the Marmolada with an altitude of 3,343 metres.

Where is the best place to go hiking in the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are a paradise for hikers. There are ten high trails here, on which you can hike through the mountains in one to three weeks. The high trails are marked with a triangle and are very well signposted. The Dolomites UNESCO Geotrail, a long-distance hiking trail that can be completed in ten daily stages, is also highly recommended.

Culture and tradition

In the Dolomites, traditional and contemporary life combine to create a fascinating culture. Perhaps it is the magical aura of the whimsical Dolomite peaks that has led to the development of so many legends here, which are still happily retold today. In the secluded mountain villages of the region, rural traditions are still lived and cultivated. In Val Gardena and other Dolomite valleys, people proudly speak Ladin - a dialect that is around 2,000 years old and is one of the official languages of the country.

Whether woodcarving, traditional costumes or modern architecture in which wood and glass form a stylish combination - when you travel to the Dolomites, you will come across traces of the culture and long tradition of this unique region at every turn. Take time to learn more about the Dolomites and their hospitable inhabitants at festivals, in museums or traditional restaurants.