Dolomites in Italy: Fairytale Mountains, Nature Reserves, and Lakes

One of Italy’s greatest treasures (besides the food, sea, sun, and architecture) is the Dolomites. These mountains sit in the country’s northeast and stretch for about 150 km (93 miles). You’ll find pine forests, glaciers, alpine meadows—and incredibly clean air.

The Dolomites are one of the most beloved destinations for travelers. You can go mountaineering, spend time at one of the many well-equipped ski resorts, join guided tours or hiking trips, and ride bikes. Here’s a look at the region’s history, key features, and fun facts.

History of the Dolomites

The Dolomites’ cliffs and valleys, caves and sheer faces began forming 280 million years ago. These mountains emerged from the remains of an ancient sea that slowly dried up, leaving behind fjords, lagoons, and coral reefs. In 2009, the area was added to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list.

The Dolomites are part of the Italian Alps and include ranges of the Southern Limestone Alps and the Eastern Alps, with 18 major peaks. The highest is Marmolada (3,342 m / 10,965 ft), whose slopes hold a large glacier. The massif covers roughly 16,000 km² (6,178 sq mi) across several Italian provinces: Belluno, Pordenone, Trento, Udine, and Bolzano.

Scientists have conducted extensive studies here and found that the rock is primarily limestone and dolomite—the latter mineral giving the mountain system its name.

This territory hasn’t always been Italian. Before World War I, the Dolomites were part of Austria-Hungary, and from 1915–1917 heavy fighting took place here. Tunnels, trenches, and maze-like galleries were carved into the mountains—some still preserved today. Several hiking routes commemorate those who died in battle, and there’s even a high-altitude history museum at 2,950 m (9,678 ft) with around 800 WWI artifacts.

The Dolomites boast rich flora and fauna, with multiple protected areas and parks. About 50 species of orchids grow here, along with pines, firs, birches, cedars, maples, and oaks. Wildlife includes foxes, bears, wolves, deer, roe deer, squirrels, and marmots. You can also spot eagles, partridges, eagle-owls, and owls. Mountain lakes and rivers are home to trout.

Legends of the Dolomites

At sunrise and sunset, when the sun’s rays hit the peaks, the mountains glow shades of red and orange. This unusual effect is due to calcium and magnesium carbonates in dolomite. The phenomenon is called enrosadira.

Naturally, such a sight inspired legends over the centuries.

One goes like this: long ago, the Dolomites were the realm of kind dwarfs who tended rose gardens along the slopes. The king of this realm had a beautiful daughter. One day, a prince from a neighboring kingdom saw the splendid gardens from afar and climbed up the mountain. He met the princess and was so taken with her that he abducted her. The grief-stricken king cast a spell to make the rose gardens invisible by day or night so no one else would be tempted into the mountains. But he forgot about the hours of sunrise and sunset—so at those times the mountains still blush pink.

What to See in the Dolomites

Of course, the star attraction is nature itself—the mountains. But the region also offers dozens of remarkable man-made sights. Here are a few highlights.

Abbazia di Monte Maria (Marienberg Abbey)

Also known as Kloster Marienberg, this monastery stands near the town of Malles Venosta. Founded in 1150 at 1,335 m (4,380 ft) above sea level, it’s among the highest Christian monastic complexes in Europe. Through the centuries it survived fires, plague, and pillage. The crypt preserves unique frescoes, there’s a museum in the courtyard, and visitors can tour the abbey.

Castel Tirolo (Tyrol Castle)

Located about 100 km (62 miles) from the Austrian border near Merano, the castle’s construction began in the 11th century. Perched on a sheer cliff, it once served as the residence of the rulers of Tyrol. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to regional history.

Castel Trauttmansdorff

Built in 1850 in Alto Adige, the estate is famous for its gardens. It belonged to the Austrian Counts and Princes of Trauttmansdorff and was a favorite retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

During World War II, the German army used the castle. In the 1970s it became property of the Province of Bolzano. In 1988, a 12-hectare (30-acre) botanical garden was established here, now home to about 100,000 plants from around the world. The castle itself has undergone several restorations; its historic interiors have been recreated, and a museum operates inside.

Things to Do in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are perfect for active vacations. The region has numerous ski resorts—the best known include Val di Fassa, Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Sappada, and Arabba. One of Europe’s oldest resorts, Monte Bondone, is here too; its first lift opened in 1934. In total there are around 50 resorts, from major hubs to small local hills. Ski schools welcome both kids and adults.

In the warmer months, visitors go hiking and trail running, rent bikes, or gear up for rock climbing. You can tour castles and museums or even stay on a mountain farm. For inspiration, check out National Geographic’s guide to the Dolomites.

Where It Is and How to Get There

The Dolomites are in Italy. The nearest airports to the mountains are in Treviso, Venice, Verona, Milan, and Bergamo.

Most travelers head to the Province of Bolzano, close to the most popular resorts, many of which offer transfers to your final destination. Trains run from Treviso, Venice, and Padua to Belluno.

Best Time to Visit

The Dolomites are beautiful and engaging year-round. That said, most visitors come during ski and snowboard season, typically late November to early April. Winter temperatures average around −5 °C (23 °F), dropping to about −20 °C (−4 °F) in January and February. Skies are usually clear and sunny, humidity is low, and the cold feels manageable.

In spring, temperatures range from +10 °C to +20 °C (50–68 °F), with blooms beginning in May—ideal for comfortable walks. The last snow melts in June, and August is usually the rainiest month. Summer brings open hiking routes and operating lifts; June and July are great for cycling and trekking.

Autumn sees the fewest tourists, even though daytime highs hover around +15 °C (59 °F). It’s a lovely time for misty walks and photoshoots.

Hotels Nearby

Hotel Grifone is a four-star property in Arabba’s ski area, with restaurants, pools, and a spa, plus shuttle service to the lifts. Sporthotel Europa Sul Lago sits in Alleghe; guests can rent bikes, and many rooms have terraces.

Mesdi in Arabba is another solid choice for ski lovers, offering all the essentials—gear-drying facilities after a day on the slopes and a spa for unwinding.

Traveler Tips

• One of the most recognizable landmarks is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
• The Dolomites have many lakes. For example, Lago di Santa Croce lies on the edge of the Province of Belluno at about 400 m (1,312 ft) above sea level.
• Lago di Braies in South Tyrol shimmers emerald green and draws hundreds of visitors each year.
• With several dozen ski resorts in the Dolomites, winter-sports fans have plenty of options to choose from.