While you might think that the best time to visit the Dolomites is the winter for being the perfect ski destination, there is more to this place than just that. When summer kicks in and the snow melts, leave your ski-in ski-out accommodation and witness as the Dolomites transform into a gorgeous playground for those seeking some outdoor fun. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites presents its visitors with a splendid landscape, boasting tons of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. During the summer, you can undertake activities like mountain biking, horse riding, and rock climbing all while staying in idyllic Airbnb vacation rentals. There are about nine mountain ranges in the Dolomites with each region offering people a varied range of activities. You will always experience warm hospitality in this region, making it a perfect place for one to get much-needed relaxation. If you want to visit the Dolomites during the summer, then continue reading below to find out some of the best things to do over the summer holidays in the Dolomites, Italy.
1. Take a chopper over Dolomites Mountains (from USD 518.0)
While standing at the foot of the Dolomite Mountains in Italy is breathtaking, a view of the mountains from above is another level of stunning. This 45-minute helicopter tour over the Dolomites starts from Pragser Wildsee and you’ll go over some of the most notable places in the area. The tour also has infant seats available so even your little ones can enjoy this memorable tour.
Helicopter tour over the Dolomites
Duration: 45 minutes
2. Explore the Olperl Nature Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Bask under the sun and marvel at gorgeous nature views at Olperl Nature Park. The park located at the top of Mt. Elmo offers and is said to follow the trail of the mythical being, Olperl, and includes a 1.5-kilometer (0.93 mile) circular trail. You’ll start at Children’s Hut, followed by 10 other stations spread across. The trail is pram-friendly so this can be a fun family activity for your vacation in Dolomites, Italy.
Olperl Nature Park
Address: Bergstation Helm, 39030 Sesto BZ, Italy
Website: Olperl Nature Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Mon: 8:30am - 4pm
3. Spend a night in an alpine hut
If you’re still wondering where to stay in the Dolomites in the summer, you can enjoy an extra special experience as you hike up to one of the many alpine huts in the Dolomites region. You will get the unique chance to spend a night in the heart of some beautiful mountains. The sleeping arrangements are simple yet cozy, offering you memories to last a lifetime. The charming mountain huts are spread all over the Dolomites and are extremely popular with hikers and skiers. For instance, you can spend a night at this comfortable alpine hut known as Scotoni. During the summer, a playground is available for children as well as an animal area with alpacas. The alpine hut boasts a comfortable interior with an authentic use of wood furnishing.
Scotoni
Address: Alpe Lagazuoi, 2, 39036 San Cassiano BZ, Italy
Price: 45 USD
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4. Explore Dolomiti Bellunesi Park
The Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park was formed in 1990 although it does have a history dating back to the 1960s. The area is a protected park covering more than 32,000 hectares (79073.722 acres) of land. Did you know that the Dolomiti Bellunesi is a conglomeration of several crucial mountain groups which once used to be protected by individual reserves? This park offers trails of various difficulty levels. The views are stunning if you intend to drive through the mountain roads.
Dolomiti Bellunesi Park
Address: Piazza Angelo E Luciano Zancanaro 1, 32032, Feltre, Italy
Website: Dolomiti Bellunesi Park
5. Cable car ride to Piz Sorega
The Piz Sorega is a cable car with eight-seater cabins. Skiers are carried up the mountain from Piz Sorega. When you are at the top of the cable car station at Piza Sorega, you will be treated to a variety of activities. For instance, there are tons of games and adventure activities to take part in for both children and adults. There is also an e-bike rental option with many food venues. During the summer, you can hike along the Piz Sorega as well.
Piz Sorega cable car
Website: Piz Sorega cable car
6. Eat at the Rifugio
What’s a summer holiday without eating the traditional food which is generally served in the Dolomites. The place to eat at while at the Dolomites would be the rifugios. You can use your ski boards as a means of conveyance from one rifugio to another. A rifugio is essentially a high-elevation lodge wherein the food is considered to be tastier. For instance, you can sample the culinary delights which are served at the Ütia de Börz Alpine Inn. Traditional and authentic comfort food is dished out here, including the good old “Schlutzkrapfen” or spinach dumplings. End the meal with their signature warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce.
Ütia de Börz mountain inn
Address: 26 Str. Börz I - 39030 San Martino in Badia/St. Martin in Thurn (BZ) Dolomites - South Tyrol
Website: NÜtia de Börz mountain inn
7. Wonder at the Pisciadu waterfalls
If you are a waterfall fanatic, then one natural wonder to visit is the Pisciadu Waterfalls. Located in the Dolomites area of Northern Italy, it is a wonderful place to visit and hike during the summer. The waterfall is close to Colfosco, which is one of the highest towns located in the Alta Badia area of the Dolomites. There are trails which will lead you closer to the waterfall, where you can take up-close pictures of the falls.
Pisciadu waterfalls
Address: Corvara in Badia, Italy
8. Explore the stunning Bolzano (from USD 1.0)
Bolzano is the capital of the South Tyrol region and is a combination of Italian and Germanic influences. Several villages form this town known as Bolzano and it is home to many vineyards and castle. There are many beautiful spots in Bolzano such as the Bolzano Cathedral. Take in the views from the Santa Maria Maddalena Church with vineyards on the outskirts of Bolzano. While in Bolzano, also pay a visit to some of the medieval castles which make for good photographs as well. With a unique culture in place, Bolzano is a must-visit place when visiting the Dolomites.
From Bolzano: Private Day Tour by car: The Heart of the Eastern Dolomites
Duration: 8 hours
9. Snowshoe through Funes Valley (from USD 261.51)
Visit the Dolomites to try out some snowshoeing. Amidst the white, snowy landscape, enjoy the winter experience of snowshoeing. Breathe in the fresh air and gaze at the clear blue skies. Join an organized tour where you will meet your guide and travel by car from Bolzano to the Funes Valley. On the way, you will get some photo stops and the chance to admire two famous small churches in the valley. Once in Funes Valley, you will be guided on the various snowshoe routes. Choose what you feel comfortable with. Book a tour right away and enjoy a winter snowshoe experience.
From Bolzano: Snowshoeing in the Dolomites
Duration: 6 hour
10. Go back in time at WW1 Frontline (from USD 332.0)
If you are interested in the history of the area during the World War 1 period, you can embark on a six-hour tour of the Dolomites. Starting at Cortina d'Ampezzo, you can ski around the Col di Luna, one mountain which has experienced many bloody battles throughout the war period. Look out for signs of war and bloodshed, including landmarks like gun posts and trenches. When it is time for lunch, you will be taken to a reputed hotel for a delicious hot meal. Thereafter, continue your ski tour around the area to find out even more about the war.
Dolomiti and First World War Sites Ski Tour from Cortina d'Ampezzo
Duration: 6 hours
11. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage sites (from USD 62.0)
The Dolomites UNESCO world heritage sites never fail to impress a visitor. The splendor of the surroundings is so impressive that they are known universally as the most beautiful mountains on Earth. Large scale measures have been taken to protect the environment around the Dolomites as well as to educate the public about the peculiarities of the Dolomites. Tourists are more than welcome to visit this natural wonder and soak in the gorgeous sights.
From lake Garda: Dolomites Unesco Heritage tour
12. Indulge in hiking (from USD 367.0)
There are many hiking trails in the Dolomites. From shorter hikes lasting for a few hours to day-hikes, there are many trails to undertake. Escape the rush in the urban city and soak in the fresh mountain air. If you book the full-day tour, you will be picked up from your Bolzano accommodation and then be driven up to Lake Misurina for photo stops. After that, continue on to one of the famous peaks, the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Get the perfect chance to enjoy the mountains from up close. Trek along the Great Dolomites Road, with opportunities to take photos along the way.
Bolzano to The Dolomites, Lake Misurina Private Trekking Tour
Duration: 9 hours
Soak up the summer sun
A summer getaway to the Dolomites is almost like a dream come true. Explore the region when the sun is out in full glory and you will be able to make out the contrast between the climates. Pack your sunscreen, grab your favorite pair of shades, a camera and get ready for an exciting holiday.
Tip from Content Creator
Planning a summer holiday in the Dolomites? I spent a summer here too, and it was a dynamite week in the Italian Alps. This was surely one of those trips that is hard to capture — with one picture or a thousand words. But that won’t stop me from trying. So, here are some of my Dolomites highlights:
1. Lago di Braies: We did an epic hike up to and around this lake and it’s an absolute stunner. Crystal-clear waters, serene sounds, pristine pine-scented air: there’s a reason why it’s one of the area's most popular spots.
2. Meeting many furry friends with literal bells on, ringing in the distance: These cows were just adorable and made me feel like a character in a film. Or, maybe the main character of my life?
3. Hiking: This is basically what I did for four days straight. My legs got wobbly, but I’d do it a thousand times over for that fresh mountain air mixed with a touch of adrenaline after a long and breathless mountain ascent.
4. Watching morning dew lingering on the pines, which made every walk mimic the scent of my favourite winter candle.
7. Enjoying delicious German lagers to celebrate every hike.
Frequently asked questions about things to do over the summer holidays in the Dolomites, Italy
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