Home to pristine alpine wilderness, stunning jagged peaks, and winding high-altitude roads, the Dolomites mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Italy and one of the country’s top travel destinations. Rich in natural beauty and wonder, the region’s stunning scenery is complemented by a wealth of outdoor activities for both nature lovers and active travelers.
It’s widely known that the Italian Dolomites are ideal for winter trips centered around ski resorts and winter sports. But when the snow melts, from mid-June onwards there is also a vibrant summer scene to experience. In fact if you’re looking for an active summer holiday destination enhanced by plenty of fresh mountain air, then summer in the Dolomites may well be the perfect fit for you.
Hiking in the Dolomites
One of the main reasons people visit the Dolomites is to walk on the region’s hiking trails. Whether you’re looking to do a single day hike or a multi-day itinerary, the Dolomites hiking scene can provide options. The most iconic of the range’s summits is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, which feature the region’s distinctive reddish pink-colored mountains at sunrise and sunset, a spectacular phenomenon known locally as enrosadira.
If you’re planning on hiking, you don’t need a great deal of equipment, but hiking poles are recommended for areas with high mountain passes. You’ll also want to make sure you have comfortable, supportive, and worn-in footwear so you’re not distracted from your panoramic views by aching feet!
Staying in Dolomites mountain huts
The high-altitude, pristine landscapes and peaks of the Dolomites are known for a unique type of lodgings in which you can stay, surrounded by natural beauty, far away from alpine resort towns. With accommodations ranging from simple to luxurious, rifugi are mountain huts that are especially popular in the summer with hikers, climbers, and backpackers.
In addition to food and wine, these unique Dolomites facilities provide unmatched vantage points and views of the mountains. They can often serve as convenient starting points or final destinations for your hikes, and as a guest you’ll experience wonderful hospitality amidst the clouds of high mountain peaks. So-called “hut hiking” is when travelers plan a multi-day walking trip with stops planned at a different mountain huts each night along their route.
Mountain biking in the Dolomites
The Dolomites are on the list of the most popular cycling destinations in Europe for good reason — the mountains are home to dramatic landscapes, challenging mountain passes, and numerous different mountain biking routes to explore. The Val Gardena valley offers abundant trails to experience amid stunning mountain scenery, as does the nearby Alpe di Siusi. Both are in the South Tyrol region of the Dolomites, where German is commonly spoken.
Keep in mind that routes can vary greatly in terms of the physical challenge they offer, so make sure you do your research beforehand to ensure you are tackling a trail that is suitable for your ability or endurance levels. If you are less experienced, you may consider signing up for an organized tour with a local guide.
Kayaking and rafting in the Dolomites
Water sports are also popular in the Dolomites in crystal clear lakes such as Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, Lago di Landro, and lake Misurina. Lake Garda, one of Italy’s largest lakes, can also be found nearby. Kayaking across one of the region’s shimmering lakes surrounded by Dolomite peaks is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.
Always pack your travel insurance
Before you head off on your summer holidays, don’t forget to take out travel insurance. Especially if you are going on a trip centered around adventure sports and activities, it’s important to make sure you have a comprehensive policy that includes coverage for travel medical insurance, medical evacuation, baggage loss and delay, as well as trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay. Once you have your plan in place, you can relax knowing you are prepared for any unanticipated events, and focus on enjoying your trip.
