Introduction:

The Dolomites are a group of mountains in northern Italy. People cherish them because of how beautiful they are and how the rocks are formed. The history of the Dolomites goes back a very long time. Millions of years ago, coral reefs and sedimentary rock merged together to make these mountains. Glaciers and erosion have formed them over time, giving them the sharp peaks and steep cliffs we see today. The Dolomites have been settled by many cultures over the years, such as the Romans and the Ladins, who still live there today. During the 1800s, travelers and explorers turned interested in the Dolomites because of their difficult peaks and beautiful scenery. Hiking, skiing, climbing, and just enjoying the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are just some of the things that outdoor lovers like to do in the Dolomites.

Image source: Joshua Earle joshuaearle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Guide to Getting There:

The Dolomites are a beautiful mountain area in northeastern Italy. Getting there depends on where you start and how you choose to get there. Here is an in-depth guide:

By Air

1. Closest Airports:

• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): About 160 km (99 miles) from the Dolomites.
• Treviso Airport (TSF): About 140 km (87 miles) away.
• Innsbruck Airport (INN): In Austria, 130 km (81 miles) from the Dolomites.
• Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): About 200 km (124 miles) away.
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): About 330 km (205 miles) from the Dolomites.

1. From the Airport to the Dolomites:

• Car Rental: Renting a car is a convenient choice. There are many places to rent cars at major airports, giving you the freedom to explore the area.
• Public Transportation: Use both trains and cars together. From Venice, take a bus or train to a nearby town like Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or Trento. From there, use public transportation to get to the Dolomites.

By Train

1. Major Train Stations Near the Dolomites:

• Bozen/Bozano: Easy to get to from Verona, Venice, and Milan, as well as other major places in Italy.
• Trento: You can also get to places like Venice and Verona from here.
• Belluno: Closest town to the eastern Dolomites.

1. Traveling by Train:

• From Venice: Direct trips to Belluno take 2-3 hours. You might have to change trains at Verona to get to Bolzano (3.5-4 hours total).
• From Milan: Direct trains to Bolzano take 3-4 hours. To get to Belluno, change at Venice.
• From Innsbruck: Direct trains to Bolzano take 1.5-2 hours.

By Car

1. Driving to the Dolomites:

• From Venice: Take the A27 highway to Belluno and then follow local roads to your destination.
• From Milan: Take the A4 highway to Verona, then the A22 highway to Bolzano or Trento.
• From Innsbruck: Take the A13 highway and then the E45/A22 highway to Bolzano.

By Bus

1. Long-Distance Buses: Brands like FlixBus have lines to towns like Bolzano and Trento near the Dolomites.
2. Local Buses: Connect smaller towns in the Dolomites from train stops like Bolzano, Trento, and Belluno.

• The Dolomiti Bus makes it easy to get to remote areas by connecting cities in the Dolomites region.

By Tour Operator

1. Organized Tours: Consider booking a trip that includes transportation. Many companies offer packages from big cities like Milan, Venice, and Verona.

Getting around dolomites:

Image source: pexels.com

Going around the Dolomites can be an adventure in and of itself, thanks to the beautiful scenery and well-developed transportation systems in the area. Here is a complete guide on how to get around the Dolomites:

By Car

Renting a car gives you the most freedom to go at your own pace while you explore the Dolomites.

Locations Where You Can Rent:

• Major airports like Venice, Verona, and Innsbruck
• Bigger towns like Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo

Conditions of the Roads:

• The roads are in good shape, but mountain passes can be tricky, especially in the winter.
• During the winter, you should have winter tires and chains.

By Public Transport

Trains

Important Train Stops:

• Bolzano, Trento, and Belluno are the most important train stops in the Dolomites and other parts of Italy.

Routes:

• These stops are often served by trains from Venice, Milan, and Verona.
• You can take buses or rent cars from these stops.

Buses

Local Buses:

• A large system connects Dolomite towns and villages.

Companies:

• South Tyrolean Transport Company (SAD), Dolomiti Bus, and Trentino Trasporti.

Timetables:

• Available online and at nearby train stations.
• During busy tourist times, buses run more often.

Connections:

• Buses connect train stops to well-known ski areas like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, and Alta Badia.

By Bicycle

Renting a Bike

• Rental Shops: Can be found in big cities and tourist spots.
• Electric Bikes: Becoming more common because they make riding in mountains easier.

Bike Tracks

• There are many well-marked bike tracks and paths.

Cycling Routes

• Sella Ronda: A well-known track that can be done on skis or road bikes in the winter.
• Lunga Via delle Dolomiti: A beautiful road that goes from Dobbiaco to Calalzo di Cadore.

By Cable Car and Funicular

• Alta Badia: Several lifts link the valley to skiing and hiking areas higher up.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo: Has a number of chairlifts and cable cars, such as the Faloria and Tofana.
• Marmolada: Has a cable car that goes to the top of the Dolomites.

Pros of Guided Tours

• Convenience: You don’t have to worry about getting around or finding your way.
• Tips from Experts: Guides provide information about the Dolomites’ history, culture, and geology.
• Variety: Options range from day tours to treks and skiing tours that last several days.

By utilizing a mix of these transportation options, you can efficiently and enjoyably explore the diverse landscapes and attractions of the Dolomites.

Amazing Places to Visit in dolomites:

1. Cortina d’Ampezzo

Soluvo, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Often called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’Ampezzo is a premier destination for winter sports and luxury tourism. Located in the Ampezzo Valley, it boasts world-class ski areas, high-end shops, and a lively après-ski scene. Visitors can enjoy ice climbing, snowshoeing, sledding, hiking, mountain biking, and cultural activities like visiting museums, art galleries, and historic churches.

How to Get There:

• By Air: Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Treviso Airport (TSF).
• By Car: Rent a car and drive for about two hours from Venice or Treviso.
• By Bus: Take a direct bus to Cortina from Venice and Treviso.

2. Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo)

Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tre Cime di Lavaredo features three iconic, towering peaks that are among the most recognizable landmarks in the Dolomites. The area is popular with hikers and climbers, offering a famous loop trail with stunning views of the peaks and surrounding landscape. The trail is well-marked and suitable for various skill levels.

How to Get There:

• By Air: Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport or Treviso Airport.
• By Car: Drive to Misurina, the starting point for hikes around Tre Cime, about 2.5 hours from Venice.
• By Train: Take a train to Dobbiaco from Venice, then a local bus to Misurina.

3. Val Gardena

Rene, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Val Gardena is known for its charming villages, such as Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina. The valley is famous for its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities in winter, and its extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails in summer. Val Gardena also boasts a rich Ladin heritage showcased in local museums and traditional festivals.

How to Get There:

• By Air: Fly into Bolzano Airport (BZO).
• By Car: Drive from Bolzano to Val Gardena, approximately 45 minutes.
• By Train: Take a train to Bolzano from Venice or Milan, then a bus to Val Gardena.

4. Alta Badia

Giuseppe Milo, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alta Badia is renowned for its gourmet cuisine, with several Michelin-starred restaurants, and its rich cultural heritage. The region offers a mix of fine dining, skiing, and hiking, set against the backdrop of stunning alpine scenery. The Sella Ronda, a circular ski route, is a highlight for winter sports enthusiasts.

How to Get There:

• By Air: Fly into Venice, Innsbruck, or Verona.
• By Car: Drive to Alta Badia from any of these airports (2-3 hours).
• By Train: Take a train to Brunico, then a bus to Alta Badia.

5. Val di Funes (Vilnöß Valley)

Llorenzi, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

Val di Funes is a tranquil valley known for its stunning views of the Odle/Geisler mountain group. It is ideal for hiking and photography, particularly around the famous Church of St. Magdalena, which is set against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains.

How to Get There:

• By Air: Fly into Bolzano Airport.
• By Car: Drive to Val di Funes, about 40 minutes from Bolzano.
• By Bus: Public buses from Bolzano to Val di Funes.

6. Marmolada

Guba Zoky Rabko, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Marmolada is the highest peak in the Dolomites and offers year-round skiing on its glacier. Visitors can take a cable car to the top for incredible views and explore the Marmolada Great War Museum, which commemorates the mountain’s role in World War I.

How to Get There:

• By Air: Fly into Venice, Verona, or Innsbruck.
• By Car: Drive to Malga Ciapela, about 2.5 hours from Venice.
• By Train: Train to Belluno, then a bus to Malga Ciapela.

7. Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

Fabio Visconti, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lago di Braies is a stunning alpine lake with crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for boating, hiking, and photography. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, providing a serene and picturesque setting.

How to Get There:

• By Air: Fly into Venice, Treviso, or Innsbruck.
• By Car: Drive to Lago di Braies, about 3 hours from Venice.
• By Train: Train to Dobbiaco, then a local bus to the lake.

8. Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park

Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park is a protected area with diverse flora and fauna, ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring natural landscapes. The park offers numerous trails and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

Tips for Traveling to the Dolomites

• Check the Weather: The weather in the Dolomites can be uncertain, especially at higher elevations. Make sure this fits into your trip plans.
• Peak Seasons: Summer (June to September) and ski season (December to March) are busy times. Plan ahead for where to stay and how to get there.
• Travel Passes: If you plan to take the bus or train a lot, consider area travel passes like the Südtirol Mobilcard.

If you follow these clear steps, you should have no trouble getting to the Dolomites and having a great time enjoying their stunning beauty.