The other popular hikes to consider

Therefore, when considering the hikes for your Dolomites itinerary, do consider the following popular hikes as well, in no particular order:

• Lagazuoi to Falzarego Pass
• Tofana di Mezzo from Cima Tofana
• Adolf Munkel Weg
• Alpe di Siusi
• Lago di Sorapis
• Croda da Lago
• Piz Boe from Sass Pardoi

Now that we’ve set the expectations, let’s get on to list the best hikes in the Dolomites, ordered by my favourites. This is based on the combination of how much I enjoyed the views as well as how interesting or fun the hike was. If the level of difficulty or distance of the hikes is of importance to you, then you can also refer to the lists at the end of this article, ranked by distance and difficulty.

It is important to note also, that the hikes in the Dolomites are really good, and the lower placed hikes do not necessarily mean that they aren’t worth doing at all.

Best hikes in the Dolomites

Note: Mouse-over the embedded AllTrails elevation charts to trace the trails on the maps and also over the red circles to check the views at that point.

9th – Lago di Misurina loop

This is generally a very easy hike that is suitable for families with children and can even be done by the fitter elderly. It is also a good place for picnics, paddling on the lake or walking the dog. Furthermore, you can get views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo too.

This is a good place to take it slow, walk the loop at a leisurely place and just enjoy the company of your loved ones.

8th – Lago di Braies loop

Yet another round-the-lake hiking circuit is the Lago di Braies loop. This is also one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites. It is generally easy and suitable for families with children. You can also rent the wooden rowboats and enjoy half a day in the company of your loved ones.

Undoubtedly, the turquoise-green waters, the towering mountains all around and the iconic wooden boathouse, all make this hiking loop a very scenic and enjoyable one.

This hike is suitable for those looking for a family day out to somewhere scenic coupled with some activities such as boating.

7th – Seceda Ridge Trail

The Seceda Ridge Trail is a short and easy walk that offers you impressive views of the Odle-Geisler, Sella as well as the Sassolungo mountain ranges, all in one place. This is the perfect place to visit if you want to have minimal walking with the maximum views. You can even cut the trail by half if you do not want to walk too much, by skipping the walk along the ridge line.

Other than the start of the trail when there is an uphill climb (albeit just a short one), the rest of the trail is pretty much flat. Even then, the views are still great if you do not want to go on the hike. Take note though, that due to its popularity, the cost of the Seceda cable car ride is considerably high.

This hike is suitable for those who’d like to have great views of the Dolomites but wish to have very minimal walking.

6th – Santa Magdalena viewpoints Trail

The modified version of the Santa Magdalena Panoramic Path takes you to the two main churches of the village as well as their corresponding viewpoints. Although I found this walk to be largely uninteresting, hilly and somewhat tiring, both the Church of St John and the Church of Santa Magdalena, together with their respective viewpoints were simply breathtaking enough for me to rank it here at 6th.

This hike is suitable for avid photographers and content creators who want to capture the most iconic and breathtaking views of the Dolomites.

5th – Piz La Ila to Pralongia and Piz Sorega

The Pralongia plateau is located in the central region of the Dolomites and is surrounded by a number of the main mountain ranges. And for this reason, the plateau is aptly nicknamed the ‘Amphitheatre of the Dolomites’. From Piz La Ila, a panoramic trail takes you down to the plateau with views of the picturesque Sella mountain range.

This hike is suitable for families on a day out because of the various activities available at Piz La Ila and Piz Sorega. Even if they prefer not to hike, children will be happy to play at the ziplines and giant trampoline, while the elderly can relax by the water features and watch their grandchildren play.

4th – Tre Cime di Lavaredo

This fairly long hike circles around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, giving you breathtaking views of it from all angles. This is arguably one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites judging by the number of people and the variety of age groups I have seen while doing it.

The hiking route is also highly flexible, which can be easily extended or cut short depending on your personal preference. Some of the best views of the Tre Cime, especially on the northern side, are best seen and photographed from this hike.

3rd – Hike to Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint

This short and beautiful hike not only brings you up close with the Cadini di Misurina mountains, but also gives you an excellent view of the neighbouring Tre Cime di Lavaredo. As long as you avoid the eroded paths that lead you round the cliff edges, this is a fairly easy hike that gives you really impressive views.

There may be quite a queue to get to the viewpoint itself though.

This is one of the more beautiful short hikes in the Dolomites and is definitely one that you should do together with the more popular Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike.

2nd – Puez-Odle Altopiano hike

To be very honest, there is really nothing much separating the hikes in the top 3. I have in fact moved around the top 2 a number of times from the planning stage to the drafting and finally to the publication of this article. Each of the hikes in the top 3 has got their own plus and negative points.

On one hand, the Puez-Odle Altopiano hike has arguably the best breathtaking views, the most interesting of hikes and the most varied of landscapes. On the other hand, the hike is long and relentless at times, particularly in the second half during the descent and the walking through of the Vallunga Valley.

The hike is suitable for an intermediate hiker who enjoys a variation of environment, some challenge in the terrain and great photo opportunities.

1st – Cinque Torri, with Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau

As I have said above, there is really nothing much separating the top 2. The Cinque Torri plus Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau edges out due to its historical significance and how the hike has been intertwined with history. The WWI bunkers and trenches have not only been incorporated into the hiking routes, but also serves as an open-air museum with information panels about the past.

The hiking route also gets you up close to the 5 towers. Plus views to Averau, Tofana di Rozes, as well as Croda da Lago. This particular hike is also much more palatable compared to Puez-Odle Altopiano. It has a better balance of distance and difficulty together with enjoyment, which is what in my opinion, marginally edges out the Puez-Odle Altopiano hike.

Best hikes in the Dolomites by distance

For the purpose of this ranking, I have split Cinque Torri, Rifugio Averau and Nuvolau into two separate ones, as well as the combined hike. This is so you can consider to do either one of the shorter hikes if distance matters to you.

1. Tofana di Mezzo – 0.6 km
2. Cinque Torri only – 2.1 km
3. Seceda Ridge Trail + Ridge line – 2.3 km
4. Lago di Misurina – 2.7 km
5. Cadini di Misurina viewpoint – 3.2 km
6. Lago di Braies – 3.4 km
7. Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau – 3.9 km
8. Lagazuoi to Falzarego Pass – 4.0 km
9. Piz Boe from Sass Pordoi – 5.3 km
10. Santa Magdalena viewpoints trail – 5.6 km
11. Cinque Torri plus Rifugio Averau and Nuvolau – 6.0 km
12. Piz La Ila to Pralongia and Piz Sorega – 8.1 km
13. Adolf Munkel Weg – 9.5 km
14. Tre Cime di Lavaredo – 10.3 km
15. Croda da Lago – 13.1 km
16. Lago di Sorapis – 13.2 km
17. Puez-Odle Altopiano – 15.5 km

Hikes in the Dolomites by difficulty

For the purpose of this ranking, I have split Cinque Torri, Rifugio Averau and Nuvolau into two separate ones, as well as the combined hike. This is so you can consider to do either one of the shorter hikes if their difficulties matter to you.

The following list is ordered by difficulty from easiest to most difficult.

1. Lago di Misurina
2. Lago di Braies
3. Seceda Ridge Trail + Ridge line
4. Cinque Torri only
5. Santa Magdalena viewpoints trail
6. Piz La Ila to Pralongia and Piz Sorega
7. Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
8. Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau
9. Cinque Torri plus Rifugio Averau and Nuvolau
10. Tre Cime di Lavaredo
11. Puez-Odle Altopiano