6 Night Hiking Adventure in the Italian Dolomites

Your journey into the heart of the Alps begins. Upon arriving in Milan, take the Malpensa Express (approx. 50 mins) to Milano Centrale, where a scenic train ride (approx. 1h 15m) whisks you away to the romantic city of Verona.

Looking to explore the city of Romeo and Juliet? We offer customized stopovers in Verona to enrich your experience (train tickets for this segment are arranged separately).

From Verona, a picturesque rail journey via Fortezza brings you deep into the South Tyrol region. Your destination: Niederdorf or Toblach—two alpine gems that serve as the gateway to the Dolomites’ most breathtaking landscapes.

Gateway to the Dolomites

• Toblach (Dobbiaco): The Gateway to the Peaks A classic Alpine village steeped in tradition, Toblach is cradled by the majestic Dolomites. With the iconic Drei Zinnen (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) nearly at your doorstep and the emerald waters of Lake Dobbiaco nearby, it is the premier starting point for world-class hiking, cycling, and mountaineering.
• Niederdorf (Villabassa): An Oasis of Serenity Just a few kilometers from Toblach lies the charming village of Niederdorf. Renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, traditional architecture, and historic wellness culture, it is the perfect sanctuary to relax and breathe in the crisp mountain air before your trekking adventure begins.

The day’s hiking adventure begins at the picturesque Lake Pragser Wildsee (German) / Lago di Braies (Italian), a crystal-clear alpine lake that draws countless visitors. This is your first stop in the Pragser Valley, renowned for its lush dark forests and striking white cliffs, making it one of the true gems of the Dolomites.

From there, the trail leads across alpine meadows to Rossalm, a traditional mountain pasture, before reaching the Plätzwiese plateau (Italian: Prato Piazza). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Monte Cristallo, the Tofane peaks, and the famous Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) in the distance.

Finally, take a bus (optional, approx. €6 per person, cash payment recommended) to reach your overnight accommodation at Plätzwiese, where you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the grandeur and tranquility of the Dolomites.

Today’s circular hike is set in the Plätzwiese (Prato Piazza) plateau, located within the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, the largest natural park in the Dolomites. This park is famous for its unique flora and alpine lakes, offering visitors a true immersion in pristine nature.

You can choose to hike to either Dürrenstein or Strudelkopf. Both routes provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

• Strudelkopf Circular Hike (Italian: Monte Specie)

  Difficulty: Moderate / Suitable for a more relaxed hike
  From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of alpine landscapes, with distant peaks merging into the blue sky.

• Dürrenstein Circular Hike

  Difficulty: Challenging / Suitable for experienced hikers
  The summit rewards hikers with spectacular vistas of the Dolomites, including the outline of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) in the distance – a dream destination for nature lovers.

Today’s hike begins at the magnificent Plätzwiese (Prato Piazza) plateau, traversing the Knappenfusstal Valley and gradually descending to Gemärk (Italian: Cimabanche), which marks the border between South Tyrol and Belluno Province.

From Cimabanche, you have two options:

Take a bus (on-site payment, approx. €3 per person) directly to Cortina d’Ampezzo. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes.

Continue hiking along a longer route via Ra Stua mountain hut, then descend past Col Rosa to reach Cortina d’Ampezzo, the city that hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and will host events during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Hiking Distance Options:

• Plätzwiese – Cimabanche: ~6 km
• Plätzwiese – Cimabanche – Cortina d’Ampezzo: ~20 km

The Knappenfusstal Valley is famous for its canyon-like terrain and stunning natural scenery. As you descend in elevation, the landscape gradually transitions from alpine meadows to dense forests and pastoral valley scenery.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is renowned for its luxury ski resorts and breathtaking views of the Alps, making it a perfect destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking alpine charm.

Today’s hike offers spectacular views of the Ampezzan Dolomites, including the Cristallo Group, Tofane Peaks, and Fanes Group — true giants of the Dolomites’ dramatic landscape.

You have two main route options, both eventually passing through Passo Tre Croci before returning to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Option 1: Forcella Faloria Circular Hike

• Distance: 9.8 km
• Elevation gain/loss: 614 m
• Difficulty: Moderate
  This classic route provides a moderate elevation challenge. From the summit of Forcella Faloria, enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, cliffs, and peaks. A cable car is also available as an optional ascent. [Link to cable car]

Option 2: Dolomieu Panoramic Trail

• Distance: 20 km
• Elevation gain: 1,060 m
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
  This longer trail is slightly gentler in gradient but offers breathtaking scenery. Hiking along this path, you’ll experience the stunning interplay of high mountains and deep valleys. This route is perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely pace while taking in spectacular views. [Link to trail map]

Additional Option:
You may also choose a circular hike around Cortina, with opportunities to take several local cable cars (optional) or visit the famous Cinque Torri (Five Towers). This route is approximately 7.2 km. [Link to route]

All routes converge at Passo Tre Croci, a mountain pass offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and forests, before returning to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Take a bus (ticket payable on site, approx. €16 per person) to Rifugio Auronzo, located directly beneath the world-famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks). From here, enjoy an easy downhill hike through the scenic Rienztal Valley (Valle della Rienza) toward Lago di Landro, with continuous views of the iconic peaks along the way. After the hike, return by bus to your starting point in Villabassa / Toblach.

• Hiking route: Rifugio Auronzo → Lago di Landro
• Distance: approx. 13 km
• Return transfer: approx. 30 minutes by bus to Toblach

Alternatively, for those who wish to hike more, you may choose a round-trip hike around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. From east to west, the three iconic peaks are:

• Cima Piccola (Kleine Zinne) – Little Peak
• Cima Grande (Große Zinne) – Great Peak
• Cima Ovest (Westliche Zinne) – Western Peak

After completing the hike, take the bus from Rifugio Auronzo back to Villabassa / Toblach.

Say goodbye to the breathtaking Dolomites.
If you need assistance with purchasing train tickets to your next destination, please contact your travel consultant.