Dolomites Itinerary & Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Hike, and Dine in Ortisei
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What Makes the Dolomites So Special?
The Dolomites are a breathtaking blend of dramatic peaks, charming alpine villages, and serene valleys in northern Italy.
This enchanting destination feels worlds apart from the bustle of everyday life.
With their pink-toned limestone mountains that glow at sunrise and sunset, the Dolomites are not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site; they're a true natural masterpiece that calls to lovers of beauty, culture, and adventure year-round.
And now, more than ever, this captivating region is entering the global spotlight. In 2026, the Dolomites will help host the Winter Olympic Games, with events set in iconic mountain towns like Cortina d'Ampezzo and the surrounding areas of the Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige regions.
This isn't Cortina's first Olympic moment—it also hosted the Games in 1956—but 2026 promises a renewed celebration of Italian elegance, sporting excellence, and the incredible alpine lifestyle that makes this region unique.
Skiing in The Dolomites.
The Dolomites feature the Marmolada, also known as the "Queen of the Dolomites," with its highest peak reaching 3,348 meters at Punta Penia.
The Dolomites are a year-round destination with glaciers, serene valleys, nature parks, Alpine lakes, charming towns, towering peaks, and Italy's largest ski area.
From Ortisei in the Gardena Valley to San Martino di Castrozza in the upper Primiero Valley and Cortina d'Ampezzo to Vigo di Fassa, every corner of the Dolomites promises relaxation, adventure, and wellness surrounded by pristine nature, leaving visitors feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
A little bit of history
Understanding the region's history will provide insight into its culture, language, cuisine, and more.
Alto Adige's Germanization was a lengthy process that began after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.
The region was part of the County of Tyrol for over five centuries, mainly under the Kingdom of Bavaria from 1806 to 1918.
Although Alto Adige was returned to Italy after World War I, the German language minority in the area wasn't protected until the De Gasperi-Gruber Agreement (Treaty of Paris) on September 5, 1946.
Alto Adige has been inhabited since the Copper Age and concealed traces of a lost civilization for millennia.
In 1991, the Similaun Man, a perfectly preserved mummy of a man who lived between 5,300 and 5,200 years ago, was discovered at the foot of the Similaun glacier at 3,213 meters.
Due to the Austro-Hungarian influence in the region, Val Gardena's culinary traditions are distinct from Italian cuisine. Visitors can stop at one of the many huts scattered throughout the area to enjoy local specialties, such as Canederli (dumplings), Gulasch, barley soup, and Strudel.
The Dolomites: A Year-Round Destination
Whether you're visiting for hiking, skiing, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the Dolomites deliver:
Alpine lakes and glaciers
Towering peaks and nature parks
Italy's largest ski area
Charming villages with rich traditions
From Ortisei in the Gardena Valley to Cortina d'Ampezzo and San Martino di Castrozza, every corner promises inspiration and rejuvenation.
Best Towns to Stay in the Dolomites
Val Gardena & Ortisei: an enchanted valley between nature and Ladin tradition
Val Gardena
Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, Val Gardena comprises three central municipalities: Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena.
Renowned for its mercantile tradition, Ortisei is a vital skiing center famous for its wood carvings, which are known throughout Italy for their quality and refinement.
Surrounded by the Puez, Cir, Sella, and Sassolungo mountain groups, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena offer hiking and winter sports activities most of the year.
For more information, visit the Val Gardena Official Tourism Website.
The Ladin language is unique to all three villages and is still spoken and taught in schools in the valley.
What is the closest city to the Dolomites?
Bolzano, also known as Bozen, Italy, is frequently called the "gateway to the Dolomites" due to its excellent train and road connections, making it a common starting point for exploring the region.
Other significant cities near the Dolomites include Venice,Milan, Verona, and Innsbruck in Austria.
How to get to Ortisei
Ortisei, nestled in the heart of Italy's Val Gardena, is easily accessible by car, train, plane, or bus.
Car: Take the A22 Brenner freeway to the Chiusa-Val Gardena exit, then follow the SS242 highway for about 20 minutes.
Train: The closest major railway hubs are Bolzano (36 km) and Brixen (25 km). Both stations offer regular bus and shuttle services to Ortisei.
Plane: The nearest airports are Bolzano, Verona, Venice, Milan, and Munich—all offer connecting bus or cab service to Ortisei. During the winter, many direct shuttle services operate between Ortisei and central northern Italy and Munich airports.
What is the best way to explore the Dolomites?
Exploring the Dolomites is best done by car.
This allows you to visit towns, drive mountain passes, and access lakes and trailheads at your own pace. While public buses are available, their reliability can be inconsistent.
Ortisei: A Blend of Adventure, Culture, and Relaxation
Nestled in the scenic Dolomites of South Tyrol, Ortisei, the largest village in Val Gardena, is a haven for those who love nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Known as "Urtijëi" in Ladin, Ortisei is steeped in history and tradition. The village center showcases a mix of old Tyrolean-style houses and modern buildings that respect traditional architecture. The town's rich heritage of wood carving is reflected in the art and craft stores lining the narrow streets.
Ortisei
things to do in ortisei
The Seiser Alm
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), nestled in the northern Italian Dolomites, is the largest alpine meadow in Europe.
In summer, it becomes a lush green carpet dotted with alpine flowers, hiking and cycling trails, and charming mountain huts. Scenic alpine lakes add to its postcard-perfect beauty.
In winter, it transforms into a paradise for winter sports, with ski slopes and cross-country trails offering stunning views for all skill levels.
With 900 miles of hiking trails, it caters to all abilities and is home to diverse wildlife, such as marmots, deer, and rare alpine plants.
Visit the Alpe di Siusi Tourism Site for more information.
The Seiser Alm
The Puez-Odle Nature Park
The Puez-Odle Nature Park is a fascinating and spectacular protected area.
The park covers 10,722 hectares and includes the municipalities of Badia, Corvara, San Martino in Badia, Funes, Santa Cristina, Ortisei, and Selva in Val Gardena.
The Puez-Odle Nature Park is a haven for local wildlife and flora. Visitors may encounter eagles, chamois, deer, marmots, and various plants and flowers.
The park is well known for its stunning Dolomite rock formations.
The Puez and Odle mountain groups are particularly iconic and offer breathtaking views.
The Puez-Odle Nature Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking, with trails to suit all levels of experience.
One popular trail is the Zannes Nature Trail, the first trail in South Tyrol to be accessible to people with disabilities. Nature lovers can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the Dolomite landscape all year round.
The mountain range of the Puez Odle Nature Park
The Sassolungo
The Sassolungo, an iconic peak in the Dolomite mountain range, stands at 3,181 meters tall. It is a notable landmark that offers amazing experiences for tourists, hikers, and mountaineers.
Mountaineers are drawn to Sassolungo because of its various climbing routes, ranging from easy to very challenging. The area also has numerous hiking trails, including the famous Sassolungo Trail loop, which provides close-up mountain views.
One of Sassolungo's main attractions is its impressive panoramic views. From the peak, visitors can admire the breathtaking Dolomites, including the Gardena and Fassa valleys and the surrounding mountains.
During the summer, ski lifts help hikers and tourists reach the heart of the massif. A combination of cable car, chairlift, and hiking trails can provide a panoramic tour of Sassolungo.
In the winter, Sassolungo remains a popular ski destination due to the famous Sellaronda ski circuit and the Dolomiti Superski ski carousel.
Sassolungo
Hiking in Ortisei: A Nature Lover's Paradise
Popular Trails
The trail to Resciesa Lake: This half-day hike, starting from Ortisei's center, takes you through meadows and forests to the picturesque Resciesa Lake, offering breathtaking views of the Sassolungo and the Sella.
Annatal Path: Perfect for families, this tranquil trail winds through meadows and fir forests to the Annatal hut, with lovely views of the Schlern Massif along the way.
Alpe di Siusi Walk: Discover Europe's most extensive plateau, renowned for its vibrant summer meadows and winter ski slopes. A cable car from Ortisei takes you to the plateau, where you can choose from various walks for all ages and abilities.
Bullaccia Geological Trail: This educational trail on the Bullaccia Mountain features informative stations that explain the geological history and formation of the Dolomites.
Ortisei's picturesque paths offer a gateway to the extraordinary beauty of nature, making it an ideal destination for an outdoor escape.
best hotels in the dolomites
Here are the top recommendations in and near Ortisei:
1. Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa
A luxurious Relais & Châteaux retreat in Ortisei, combining alpine elegance with world-class spa facilities. Perfect for relaxation after exploring the Dolomites.
Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa
2. Hotel Montchalet
An exclusive 5-star boutique hotel offering chic, modern alpine design and personalized service in the heart of Val Gardena. A true hideaway for luxury seekers.
Hotel Montchalet
3. Santre Dolomythic Home
A stylish, family-run wellness haven perched above Bressanone with panoramic mountain views. Ideal for design lovers and spa enthusiasts seeking serenity.
Santre dolomythic home
4. Hotel Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti
A renowned eco-luxury resort in Ortisei offering extensive wellness amenities, gourmet dining, and outdoor adventures. A perfect blend of nature, health, and elegance.
ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti
5. Alpin & Vital Hotel La Perla
A charming, family-run alpine retreat in the Val Gardena valley with warm hospitality, refined cuisine, and an intimate spa. A cozy yet upscale escape.
Alpin & Vital Hotel La Perla
Best Restaurants in Ortisei
Taste the best of Ladin and Italian cuisine:
Anna Stuben – Chef de cuisine Reimund Brunner's exquisite creations at Anna Stuben primarily feature regional ingredients, earning him recognition from leading guides and international critics.
Tubladel – Traditional mountain flavors in an upscale setting.
Mauriz Keller – Gourmet, wood-fired pizza, and South Tyrolean dishes.
Baita Pauli Hütte – A charming hut with hearty meals and panoramic views.
The Dolomites map
Ready to Experience the Dolomites?
Whether you're dreaming of hiking through flower-filled meadows, savoring Ladin cuisine in a cozy mountain hut, or relaxing in a luxury spa with panoramic alpine views, this Dolomites itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
From Ortisei’s charming streets to the majestic trails of Alpe di Siusi and the dramatic peaks of Sassolungo, your time in Val Gardena will be unforgettable.
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