The 4 best (half) day hikes in the Dolomites, Italy

Discover THE best must-do day hike and 3 short, easy half day hikes you don’t want to miss during your stay in the Dolomites!

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The best day hike in the Italian Dolomites

Tre Cime di Levarado circuit hike: a must do in the Dolomites

Why do the Tre Cime di Levarado hike?

This majestic towering rock formation is famous for a reason. The sheer size makes you feel oddly small while exploring this moonlike landscape. 

The famous three rock formations the national park gets its name from.

Quick facts Tre Cime di Levarado circuit day hike

  • Hiking duration: At least 4 hours (Take more time if you do the secret detours)
  • No gondola required
  • Entrance fee + parking costs: €30 per day per car (pay in cash!!!)

How to avoid the crowds at Tre Cime di Levarado circuit hike

The Italian rock formation Tre Cime di Levarado is no secret amongst tourists anymore, meaning it can get busy. Really busy! Are you curious how you can visit this place and have the views to yourself? I have put together 3 secret detours that go off the beaten track. Along the way you’ll only encounter a handful of adventurous souls like yourself. Would you like to visit these places too? Make sure to read my blog post Tre Cime: 3 secret detours to avoid the crowds.

3 short, easy half day hikes in the Dolomites, Italy

1. Seceda: Dramatic rocky ridgeline

Why do the Seceda (half) day hike in the Dolomites?

The Seceda hike is famous for its jagged, rocky mountain ridge and contrasting grassy, green slopes. With minimal hiking effort you can enjoy the killer Seceda ridgeline views. If you’d like to hike more you can do an optional detour to admire the unique rock formation of Pieralongia. 

Quick facts Seceda day hike (Italy)

  • Hiking duration: 20min return + optional 2h detour (return)
  • Gondola price: €32 pp (return ticket)
  • Parking costs: €8 per day 

2. Cinque Torri: Rock towers

Why hike Cinque Torri (Dolomites, Italy)?

Cinque Torri is one of the most accessible rock formation in the Dolomites. If you take the gondola up, you’ll see the rock formation immediately. Walking around it will take you about 30 minutes to an hour. You;re likely to see rock climbers climbing some of the rock towers. 

Quick facts Cinque Torri half day hike

  • Hiking duration: 5 min (yes really) + an hour to walk around
  • Gondola price: €18,50 pp (return)
  • Parking costs: Free
The iconic Cinque Torri rock formation. Can you count five peaks?
Make sure to also hike around Cinque Torri! You'll have epic views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Lago di Braies (Prager Wildsee): Turquoise lake

Why go to Lago di Braies (Dolomites)? Is it worth it?

Lago di Braies (Prager Wildsee) is one of the most visited sites in the Dolomites, and with good reason. The turquoise blue water, lush green trees and dramatic rocky mountains surrounding the lake make for impressive photos.

Quick facts half day hike Lago di Braies

  • Hiking duration: 1,5 hours to walk around the lake
  • No gondola required
  • Parking costs: €6 for a car

How to avoid the crowds at Lago di Braies

Are you contemplating visiting Lago di Braies (Prager Wildsee), the most famous lake in the Dolomites? Are you wondering if it’s worth a visit of has it been ruined by the masses of tourists that visit everyday? Read my honest, no-nonsense account of a visit to Lago di Braies: is it worth it or too touristy? 

Tip: The access road to Lago di Braies closes!

The parking lots and access roads are closed off when they are full! The exact time depends on the season, but usually happens around 10:00. The parking lots open at 07:00. Make sure to arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds at the lake.

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