You hear and see so much about the Dolomites—those impressive photos and videos that immediately fill you with awe. But you often ask yourself: Is it really as beautiful there as it seems? We can tell you: Yes, absolutely! The Dolomites deserve their breathtaking reputation in every respect.
By: Gate to Paradise | Published: Nov 22, 2025 | Jump to Comments
Even though we are not experienced hikers, we laced up our trekking shoes and embarked on an adventure. With a little research and a dose of curiosity, we had a wonderful tour. And we would like to take you on this journey with us – to all the places in the Dolomites that you should not miss.
We hope you enjoy reading about our experiences and that you find inspiration for your own adventures.
Lago di Braies
Our first stop: Lago di Braies. The most famous destination first – the crystal-clear, emerald-green water, the towering rock faces reflected in the water,
and the iconic wooden boats floating peacefully on the surface. In real life, however, it all looks even more impressive, almost like a movie set. We made a point of arriving before 7 a.m. to enjoy the peace and quiet and the magical morning atmosphere. The soft light slowly creeping over the peaks and making the lake sparkle is worth getting up early for. Of course, we weren’t
the only ones with this idea – but we were still able to enjoy the moment to the fullest and take exactly the photos we had imagined.
If you want to soak up more of this destination, you can take a walk around the lake. It takes about an hour and is easy to manage. On the right side of the lake, you walk comfortably on flat paths, while the left side becomes a little steeper and rockier—but still easily manageable.
There is a short section of stairs in between. But you will be rewarded with completely new perspectives: sometimes the mountains are perfectly reflected in the water, sometimes you stand in front of small, quiet bays or look directly at the famous boathouse. It is especially beautiful in the morning when the lake is almost still.
Please note that during the summer months, you must book an in advance – otherwise you won’t even get close to the lake. We were there in mid-September and were able to park right by the lake without an entry ticket. Just buy a parking ticket, park your car, walk a few meters and – ta-da – this breathtaking backdrop opens up, which is even more beautiful in reality than any photo.
lago di braies
Three Peaks and Cadini di Misurina
The famous Three Peaks hike is simply amazing! It is moderately challenging, so it is easily manageable for experienced hikers, but please always make sure you have good hiking equipment with you. For this tour, we purchased a parking ticket for the Auronzo hut in advance – be sure to reserve online early enough, otherwise it will be difficult to get a spot. The view of the Three Peaks from the parking lot is absolutely breathtaking! And believe us, take your time to enjoy the hike – the landscape will literally leave you speechless.
We had enough provisions with us to round off the tour perfectly with a picnic.
Our route led from the Auronzo Hut towards Forcella del Col de Mezzo and back. And at the Auronzo Hut, we made a little detour to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint – the view over Cadore and the Dolomites is simply incredible. Honestly, we had to stop every few meters to really take in the view.
three peaks in the dolomites
Cadini di misurina
Cadini di misurina
Gardena Pass & Sella Pass
If you visit the Dolomites, you should definitely not miss the Gardena Pass and the Sella Pass. We were lucky enough to have our hotel right on the Gardena Pass – and honestly: waking up in the morning, looking out of the window and seeing the Dolomites right in front of you is an unforgettable experience.
The Gardena Pass, also known as the Grödner Joch, is a real highlight for all The Gardena Pass is a real highlight for all mountain lovers. The road winds through the Dolomite landscape and offers countless viewpoints. Whether you’re traveling by car, motorcycle, or bicycle,
every bend in the road opens up new perspectives on the majestic peaks. Tip: Start early, when the pass is still quiet and you can relax and enjoy the view. Just a few kilometers away is the Sella Pass, another jewel of the Dolomites. Here, too, it is worth taking in the mountain scenery. From here, you have impressive views of the Sella Group, the Marmolada, and the surrounding peaks.
Passo Gardena in the dolimites
Lago di Carezza
Lake Carezza is simply magical. Even from the parking lot, you can see the clear, emerald green water framed by the Dolomites—like a little jewel in the mountains. We took a leisurely stroll around the lake, took photos, and simply enjoyed the peace and quiet. It’s ideal if you only have a short time but still want to experience this impressive mountain landscape.
TIP: Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, the light is particularly beautiful for photos, and it is much quieter.
PRO TIP: Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore Lago di Sorapis and Lago di Federa – but they are said to be incredibly beautiful! Both lakes are only accessible on foot, so they are perfect for hikers who want to enjoy nature and tranquility. From Passo Tre Croci, the trail leads to Lake Sorapis, while Lake Federa can be reached via the hike from Malga Federa.
Imagine turquoise blue water, imposing rocks, and the typical Dolomite panoramas—a real highlight that we definitely want to experience next time.
vanessa looking at lago di carezza
Alpe di Siusi
A dream for leisurely walks and enjoyment! We hiked through the extensive meadows, discovered idyllic mountain huts, and repeatedly enjoyed the impressive mountain scenery. In between, we had a picnic,
felt the sun on our skin, and simply let nature work its magic on us – it was great.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit Sasso Lungo – even though it was at the top of our Dolomites list. But one thing is clear: it’s an absolute must for our next trip! Everyone we met or read about recommends it highly. The striking mountain scenery is said to be simply spectacular, and the hikes around Sasso Lungo are considered unforgettable.
The Seiser Alm showed us how beautiful the Dolomites are when you have time to discover the landscape at your leisure. But the Sasso Lungo definitely remains on our bucket list for next time – a mountain that must be seen!
the blue city of chefchaouen
Val di Funes
The valley lies in the middle of the Dolomites and is dotted with huge meadows, small mountain farms, and the impressive Geisler peaks. It’s supposed to be incredible for hiking, and the leisurely Adolf Munkel Trail is said to be a quiet, idyllic hiking trail where you’ll find huts along the way where you can eat delicious Kaiserschmarrn. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite have time for that either, but it remains on our bucket list.
