Lago di Braies
Know before you go:
This is a picture perfect glacial lake which needs to be close to the top of your list for the Dolomites. But remember it’s probably close to the top of everyone else’s list too! Parking a car costs €10 and you better arrive early if you want a spot that isn’t too far away! There is also a hotel there called Pragser Wildsee, which looks nice if you have some extra cash to splash!
Options on location:
A lap of the lake, will only take 1 hour in theory, but if you’re stopping every couple of metres for pictures, you should set aside at least 2-3 hours. There are also other hikes, which start at the far end of the lake to the carpark and hotel. Be warned though, they are steep and could take you the whole day. One is called Seekofel, which has a view of Lago di Braies from above! We had to turn around and give up on this when we realised how long it
would actually take. There was a sign at the lake which indicated 4hrs, but this is one-way and not return! All of the longer hiking trails in the Dolomites have refuges (hostels) along the way, which allow you to break them up and complete them over 2 or more days. Staying at a place called Rifugio Biella in the middle of this hike could be a good shout if you plan on doing it.
Alpe di Suissi & Passo Giau
Know before you go:
Think Sound of Music vibes with both of these places! Beautiful meadows on top of mountains that are twice as high as Carrauntoohil! Passo Giau is stunning and requires little advance planning. Making your way to Alpe Di Suisi on the other hand can be pricey and a bit challenging, but well worth the expense and the effort. The road up to this plateau closes between 9 & 5 to reduce traffic. If you arrive before or after these times, you can drive all the way to the top, but be prepared to pay €19 to park your car! (Or message me and I’ll send you the location to the free car park we found 😂). If you arrive during these times, you can get a gondala all the way to the top, which would be an amazing experience and costs €19 per person return.
Options on location:
There are so many walking/cycling routes around the plateau from the town of Compatsch, you’ll find it hard to choose one! Head to the tourist office and get yourself a free map. We decided to walk from the town to the top of a skilift called Panorama, where we had a very scenic lunch. After this we headed down to the village called Ritsch and then up to the bench viewpoint, marked on Google maps. This is probably where you’ll get the best photos with the little log cabins in the background.
Sella Pass, Lago di Caressa & Val di Funes
Know before you go:
Prepare to be blown away on your rest day from hiking! I’ve put these locations together as all three are reachable by car and you will probably spend under an hour at each (except perhaps Val di Funes). Sella pass is free to park at and the road itself is just as impressive as the views. Parking at Lago di Caressa costs €1 per hour and the colour of the water is even better in real life than in the pictures. Val di Funes is a town which had free parking when we were there and needs to be seen to be believed. The backdrop behind the churches you will find here are like an actual postcard!
On location in Val di Funes:
The two viewpoints here are a photographer’s dream and are both on different sides of the town. Look for Panoramaweg and Church of Saint John on Google Maps. The first one is a short walk from the town, which is stunning in and of itself. The second, can be driven to by car, as it is a little further up the valley.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Know before you go:
This was the biggest highlight for me of everything I did and saw in the Dolomites. Also the most expensive for parking at €30 per car if you want to drive to the top. There is also a shuttle bus which costs €8 return per person but catching a sunrise or sunset won’t be possible with this option. Either way, its an absolute must to get to see this place before you leave the Dolomites.
Options on location:
Three main attractions here are: the loop walk around the three peeks (around 10km and not overly strenuous); caves built during Worldwar Two as lookout points (message me for instructions on finding them); and a ridge walk which is perfect for sunrise or sunset (although extremely insta-famous so you more than likely won’t have it all to yourself!).
Seceda Mountain
Not reaching the top of this mountain is my one regret of visiting the Dolomites (twice!) and something I will need to go back for. This is another postcard-esque kind of place, which normally has a cable car to take you to the top. Sadly this closed for the season, the day before we got there. It can also be reached by bike or by hiking but we were too exhausted to attempt either on our last day here! (My goal for the next trip is to see this place at sunrise!)