Our guide on the most common mistakes to avoid in the Dolomites and how to avoid them for your next trip.
The Dolomites, located in northeastern Italy, are a stunning mountain range known for their dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventures, and picturesque alpine villages. Visiting the Dolomites can be a breathtaking experience, but the region’s vast terrain, weather patterns, and logistical challenges can trip up unprepared travelers. To make the most of your visit, it’s essential to plan carefully and avoid common mistakes.
The Dolomites are a stunning and diverse destination, but visiting requires a bit of extra planning and awareness. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to explore this beautiful region more comfortably and safely. From the best viewpoints and trails to the delicious local food, take the time to enjoy everything the Dolomites have to offer.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate your trip smoothly.
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Mistakes to Avoid in the Dolomites
1. Mistake: Underestimating Travel Times and Distances
How to Avoid It:
The Dolomites are sprawling, and winding mountain roads can make travel times much longer than expected. Don’t rely solely on Google Maps for travel estimates, as weather and road conditions can further extend your journey.
Choose a base that’s centrally located relative to the areas you want to explore, such as Ortisei, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or Bolzano. Consider spending a few nights in different areas if you plan to see both the eastern and western Dolomites.
Plan your daily itinerary with ample time for driving and sightseeing stops. Avoid cramming too many destinations into a single day.
2. Mistake: Not Renting a Car
How to Avoid It:
While there is some public transportation in the Dolomites, it’s limited and can be impractical for reaching remote areas or for flexible travel. Renting a car is highly recommended for ease of getting around, especially if you want to explore various towns, trailheads, and viewpoints.
Book your rental car early, especially during peak travel times like summer and winter holidays, to ensure availability. Opt for a smaller car that’s easier to maneuver on narrow mountain roads.
If you’re not comfortable driving, consider joining guided tours that provide transportation.
3. Mistake: Visiting Only in Peak Summer Months
How to Avoid It:
The Dolomites are extremely popular in July and August, when European vacationers flock to the mountains. This results in crowded trails, overbooked accommodations, and high prices.
Visit during the shoulder seasons: late June, early July, or September. The weather is usually still favorable, and the crowds are much thinner. For hiking enthusiasts, September is particularly beautiful with cooler temperatures and autumn colors.
4. Mistake: Not Planning Ahead for Accommodation
How to Avoid It:
Accommodation in popular areas like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, and Alta Badia fills up quickly, especially during summer and winter ski season. Don’t assume you’ll find last-minute availability.
Book your hotels or mountain huts (rifugios) well in advance—at least 3-6 months ahead during peak times. If you want to stay in a rifugio, reserve even earlier, as these are limited and sought-after by hikers.
5. Mistake: Ignoring Weather and Altitude Changes
How to Avoid It:
The weather in the Dolomites can change rapidly, even in summer. Sunny mornings can quickly turn into rainy afternoons, and temperatures can drop sharply in the higher altitudes.
Always check the weather forecast before setting out and be prepared with layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and a hat. Even in summer, temperatures at higher elevations can be chilly.
Download a reliable weather app like Bergfex for accurate local mountain forecasts.
6. Mistake: Not Being Prepared for High-Altitude Hiking
How to Avoid It:
Many hiking trails in the Dolomites are at high altitudes, which can lead to shortness of breath and fatigue, especially if you’re not acclimated.
Take it slow and stay hydrated. If you’re planning on hiking at elevations over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), consider spending a day or two at a lower altitude to acclimatize.
Bring trekking poles to help with balance on steep terrain, and make sure you have sturdy hiking boots for rocky paths.
7. Mistake: Only Visiting for a Day or Two
How to Avoid It:
The Dolomites are a vast region with endless trails, scenic drives, and charming towns. Trying to see everything in just a day or two will leave you rushing through the highlights without truly experiencing the beauty of the area.
Spend at least 4-5 days in the Dolomites if you want to hike, explore the towns, and drive through scenic passes. A week is ideal if you want to do more in-depth exploration.
8. Mistake: Missing Out on the Best Viewpoints
How to Avoid It:
While some famous spots like Lago di Braies and Tre Cime di Lavaredo are must-sees, there are plenty of other beautiful viewpoints that are less crowded.
Consider visiting Seceda Ridge, Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Carezza, and Passo Giau for breathtaking panoramas.
For a truly unique experience, hike up to Rifugio Lagazuoi and take in the stunning views from this high-altitude refuge.
9. Mistake: Focusing Only on Hiking and Missing Out on Other Activities
How to Avoid It:
The Dolomites are famous for hiking, but they also offer other activities such as rock climbing, cycling, via ferrata (protected climbing routes), paragliding, and skiing.
Try a via ferrata if you’re an adventurous hiker looking for something more thrilling. Rent e-bikes to explore the scenic valleys, or take a cable car to enjoy the views without the hike.
10. Mistake: Not Packing Proper Gear for Hiking and Photography
How to Avoid It:
The terrain in the Dolomites can be rocky and uneven, so sturdy hiking boots are essential for safety and comfort. Lightweight sneakers or running shoes won’t provide enough support.
Bring a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a map or trail guide. Even if you’re using GPS, a paper map is a good backup.
For photographers, bring a tripod and polarizing filters to capture the dramatic landscapes and lakes. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography in the Dolomites.
11. Mistake: Not Checking for Seasonal Closures
How to Avoid It:
Some mountain passes, rifugios, and cable cars close in the off-season (late fall to early spring), making certain areas inaccessible.
If visiting in October or early spring, research which trails, rifugios, and roads are open. Call ahead if necessary, as online information isn’t always up-to-date.
For winter visits, check snow conditions and whether roads are passable. Some areas may require snow chains or winter tires.
12. Mistake: Driving Without Being Prepared for Mountain Roads
How to Avoid It:
Mountain roads in the Dolomites can be narrow, winding, and challenging, especially for those not used to driving in the Alps. Hairpin bends, steep inclines, and limited visibility are common.
Drive slowly and cautiously. Use lower gears on steep descents to avoid overheating your brakes. Don’t rush, and allow faster drivers to pass safely.
If visiting in winter, ensure your rental car is equipped with winter tires and carry snow chains if required by local regulations.
13. Mistake: Not Trying Local Food and Wine
How to Avoid It:
The Dolomites have a unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin cuisine. Don’t miss out on local dishes like canederli (bread dumplings), speck (cured ham), casunziei (beet-filled pasta), and apple strudel.
Pair your meal with regional wines like Lagrein or Gewürztraminer. Visit a mountain hut (rifugio) for an authentic meal with stunning views.
14. Mistake: Not Planning for Limited Connectivity
How to Avoid It:
Cell service can be spotty in remote areas and high-altitude trails. Download offline maps on apps like Maps.me or Google Maps, and have a backup plan in case your phone’s GPS doesn’t work.
Share your itinerary and expected return times with someone before heading out on long hikes.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.