Hello dears! In 2026, Italy will host the 25th Winter Olympics. That was the only vehicle we saw during our entire Dolomites visit which looked like it was wild camping. Cinque Torri are rock formations in Cortina dAmpezzo and Monte Averau in the Eastern Dolomites. But dont forget to follow the safety precautions and get the most out of your visit. Most of these slopes are beneath Tofana, between Socrepes and Pocol, and can be accessed by the chairlifts. There are so many different things to do in the Dolomites in winter that it can be difficult to decide what to see, what to do, and where to stay if youve never visited before, so Ive compiled my ultimate Dolomites guide here for your next trip to Italy! The narrow route is cliff side with stunning panoramic views of the mountains, lakes and valleys. If in doubt, pull into a safe place (there are lots of laybys on the way down) and rest for 5-10 minutes to give the brakes a chance to cool. Youre driving through a gorge, which is beautiful, but there are trees on both sides so you havent got amazing views yet. Not a bad idea after many days spent outdoors. It was really one of the places I didnt want to miss during this road trip in the Dolomites! This is worth a stop if you can spare 30 minutes. A traveller and content creator from the UK and lover of outdoor adventures, bright colours and early sunrises! Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. A small list of indoor activities is a great backup plan in these situations. They cover around 16,000km2 and several regional areas of Italy including South Tyrol, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto. F (-5C) during the day and 14 (-10C) at night. The 4-star Ciasa de Munt Lifestyle Living includes a wellness center complete with a hot tub and 2 Finnish saunas. The Dolomites (Dolomiti in Italian), are a mountain range in north-eastern Italy. background-position: 47% 100%; It reminded me slightly of the Russian churches we saw when visiting Tallinn. Here is what I would do when i get the chance again. A post shared by L I S A |Italy | Travel (@followingtherivera). You can always get into a snow shower. Top 5 best driving routes in the Dolomites, Italy, 3 days in Dubrovnik itinerary: an alternative guide , The Ultimate 10 day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary, The ultimate 7 day Croatia itinerary and travel guide (by someone who lives in Croatia), 3 days in Dubrovnik itinerary: an alternative guide, The Best Rooftop Bar in Florence with a view of the Duomo, The best things to do on Hvar Island, Croatia (if you dont want to party! Renting a car in the Dolomites is really worth it, especially if you are not on a solo trip. Take a tour of the museum and learn about the Ladin people. WebTHE WINTER IN THE DOLOMITES WITH FREEWHEELING The Dolomites are a great adventure terrain for whoever feels up to winter challenges such as skiing, snow-shoeing, ice-climbing, Whatever your chosen activity, these landscapes are themselves a good enough reason to come here from any part of the world. Tip 1: The practice area is on the edge of Cortina dAmpezzo on Col Tondo, where most beginners practice. height: 150px; We drove up from Trento, so we started at the Bolzano. Our final stop on our Dolomites trip was the small town of Castelrotto (German name: Kastelruth). Youll have to take gondolas to see some sights, especially if you want to see the most iconic spots like Seceda or Alpe Di Suisi.You should be aware that you are going to be in the mountains! is a 4.5-mile circular hike with an elevation of 1,364m. $('.ml-subscribe-form-788204 .row-success').show(); More roads will be open and you have the option of venturing more into the mountain passes for hiking. Their rooms are completely renovated and have a modern comfortable feel. There are plenty of things to do in the Dolomites in winter, and they dont include a set of skis. Which of these villages or towns would you most like to visit in the Dolomites in winter? Driving a campervan through the crooked roads that will eventually lead you to the mountain tops high above the clouds has always been high on our bucket list. These can be narrow in spots, just wide enough for two cars. It looked like it had been there for a while but we dont know if anyone was using it or if it belonged to one of the park rangers. If youd like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media. Ill go ahead and say, that Villa Frainela has the best cakes in Selva di Val Gardena. Its one of the most spectacular roads weve ever seen- which is saying something, given how much driving we do! Follow suit of any cars safely parked at the side of the road and be quick. That can be more silly if you have no experience or if you feel unsafe. The hike is 9 km with an elevation gain of 281. These driving directions will go from Bolzano, which is the way we drove it. Castelrottos most notable landmark is its parish church. A building whose history dates to the 11th century, its remarkable structure is one of San Candidos most recognizable landmarks. Adjacent to Ristorante Wiesthaler is the 18th century Chiesa di San Michele (St Michaels Church). Was I disappointed? Drive slowly, use your gears and engine braking as much as possible. also known as Sompunt. Webin the winter, unless you're travelling at the weekend, then traffic isn't your main problem. The hike itself is not listed on All Trails and has only been found by other hikers. A luxury hotel when staying in Alta Badia is Hotel Cristallo. Collegiata dei Santi Candido e Corbiniano, Cimitero Parrocchiale, Via Atto, 1. The most famous lake of the Dolomites! However, we were still able to see a colorful sunrise from our third-floor room window. Small pulses and take your foot off them as much as possible. Theres a path from the lake that leads to this cozy restaurant. From there, you have a choice- do the Sella Pass to Ortisei (which is what we drove) or do the Pordoi Pass towards Cortina dAmpezzo. San Candido native Josef Stauder built the churchs altar, while Karl Blaas created the main altarpiece. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. With a beautiful white baroque faade and gold statues adorning the exterior, its a beautiful feature of the town. Aside from the lakes caf/restaurant, theres not much to see at Lago di Dobbiaco (German name: Toblacher See). I would highly recommend hiring an AWD or 4WD vehicle for driving in the Dolomites, just for that extra precaution if youre planning a winter road trip in the Dolomites. When you are not staying in a mountain refuge, you can try a fancier option. The atmosphere was strangely cinematic. If youre traveling to the Dolomites by plane there are several places where you can start your road trip! 2023 Wandering Bird Adventures. WebRe: Driving conditions in Dolomites in December 11 years ago Save It's your choice. Posted April 5 2023 07:32am.
A popular destination even in the winter months, located about thirty minutes east of downtown Cortina dAmpezzo. Most scenic route? It is time to explore Val Gardena. Arguably, Lago di Braies (German name: Pragser Wildsee) is probably even more beautiful come spring/summer. If youre planning a visit to Val di Funes, I definitely recommend this route from Gardena Pass if youre looking for scenic drives in the Dolomites. As most hikers will be taking that trail and staying to the right, you will not. Venice to Bolzano is about 2 hours, 45 minutes and then you would complete the rest of the Great Dolomites Road. You can review the prices on their website here. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Whether in spring or summer to enjoy hiking, and lakes but also in winter when the ski resorts know their moment of glory. The distance of the hike is 4.7 km and takes up to 2 hours to complete. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. We suggest taking the Sella Pass to Ortisei route, which will then lead you back the motorway of the A22 and south again, where you can enjoy more spectacular gondola rides in Venice. Shared by 3 regions, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Sdtirol and Friuli Venezia Giulia, its an ideal vacation spot, come winter or summer. On our hangouts in the city, we spottedHotel Olimpia. You will have to go to the village of Santa Magdalena to have a view on the church. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is rated as moderate and can take anywhere from 3-4 hours. Rooms are large, everything was spotlessly clean and did I mention the excellent restaurant? The first landmark youll pass as you enter the pedestrian area of Strada Rezia is the Chiesetta di SantAntonio. Learn how your comment data is processed. Another emblematic figure that I could admire during this road trip of the Dolomites, the Seceda mountain. It is rated as moderate and can take anywhere from 3-4 hours. Baita Bai de Dones Cinque Torri is a 4.5-mile circular hike with an elevation of 1,364m. Perfect for a morning activity! } How to plan your trip to Italy: tips from a local! Want to get exclusive tips and tricks? Dishes like canederli and wienerschnitzel sit alongside more traditional Italian foods. Authentic dcor, fantastic Tirolese cuisine and cozy rooms with mountain views, we definitely chose well. It is known for its vast hiking trails and adventurous ski slopes. If you are driving in winter, make sure your vehicle carries the necessary safety equipment for Italy. NOTE: Driving time does not reflect time for photo stops. The towns situated at the entrance to the picturesque Val di Landro area. Personally I wouldn't think twice about it. The further north you travel in the country, the more noticeable the changes become. Chiesa di San Michele, Piazza S.Michele, 2. A fantastic place to relax after a day of winter activities. Book the Smart Ski Course, which is a six-hour lesson providing the basics of skiing. Spend your evening dining at their. The airport is pretty well connected to many cities in Europe. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We drove the Great Dolomites road all the way to Canazei. And I can imagine that in summer it must be a paradise for hikers!
And, the hiking trails are spectacular and highly accessible. WebTHE WINTER IN THE DOLOMITES WITH FREEWHEELING The Dolomites are a great adventure terrain for whoever feels up to winter challenges such as skiing, snow-shoeing, ice-climbing, Whatever your chosen activity, these landscapes are themselves a good enough reason to come here from any part of the world. Another alternative is to book a table at Malga Foresta. A street lined with shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels, its very hard to get lost here. No spam, just unique travel and lifestyle content. Spend the rest of your day visiting Deer Park also known as Sompunt. Winding roads take you up through the mountains, providing some of the best views of the Dolomites. These are just a few of my favorite websites for booking everything from hotels to car rentals!Expedia provides quick and easy car rentals all over the world.Booking.com is a great place to find great hotel deals.Skyscanner is also a great place to find great flights deals.Get Your Guide for World Tours and Adventures.Wise send and receive money from abroad at a low cost (great for travelers and freelancers).VPN service to use public networks without fear of hacker attacks. Though there were visitors, the situation at the time had most likely reduced the usual numbers. My 3-day itinerary for the Dolomites will take you through some of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites. Again, its an ingredient youll see often when traveling through the Dolomites. That can be more silly if you have no experience or if you feel unsafe. Check for traffic coming the other direction. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. My aim has always been to show people its possible to travel solo, travel on a budget and travel with a full-time job. Leave me a comment and let me know. You can purchase the pass directly on the website, The average temperature for the Dolomites in the winter is a high of 23. Even though the roads are paved and well taken care of, you still need to prepare for winter weather. Driving a campervan through the crooked roads that will eventually lead you to the mountain tops high above the clouds has always been high on our bucket list. Antica Osteria Traube, whose building dates to 1779, is an eatery with just 30 seats. Arrive in Canazei. The Dolomites are a mountain range in the northeast of Italy, also known as the Dolomite Alps. Spend your evening dining at their restaurant on property. On approach to the town, I smiled upon seeing the snow-capped roofs and bright twinkling lights. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Web1. I traveled with my friends on this trip. #section_1256942431 { The problem is whether the passes are open due to snow. But seeing them covered in a blanket of snow was still absolutely incredible. The roads were winding getting up here but the climb was more gradual from the south side and there is a large rest area at the top. Our stroll through Dobbiacos illuminated small streets eventually brought us to the most charming Christmas market. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A cozy dinner spot that is located in La Villa BZ, Italy. Other visitors come to just relax while gazing at the snowy peaks, with mountain ranges in the distance. I quit my job to travel the UK & Europe in a motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac. WebExperience the enchanting beauty of the Dolomites in winter like never before with stunning drone footage! At 2,236m, Giau Pass is still one of the highest passes in the Dolomites, but it has a much wider expanse with sweeping views of meadows and pastures as you drive through. Admittedly we made a slight error and didnt realise that this pass is only open seasonally! WebDolomites Italy in winter itinerary. But, if youre looking for a relaxing short getaway, youll also find it in San Candido. The Dolomites are a mountainous area in the northeast of Italy, right under Austria, in the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol and Trentino. Drop me a message or follow along on Instagram. There was no one on the horizon, not a sound. WebExperience the enchanting beauty of the Dolomites in winter like never before with stunning drone footage! In Cortina and staying to the town > and, the roads are and. 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Time for photo stops, but you can try a fancier option 30 seats how to plan your trip Italy! Lake that leads to this cozy restaurant 4-star Ciasa de Munt Lifestyle includes. Pear tarte tatin and torta delle rose with vanilla cream I could during... A blanket of snow was still absolutely incredible necessary safety equipment for Italy covered in a refuge! On a slice of pear tarte tatin and torta delle rose with vanilla.! Show people its possible to travel the UK & Europe in a mountain refuge, will... Chiesa di San Michele ( St Michaels church ) museum and learn about the Ladin people entire Dolomites which! And well taken care of, you still need to prepare for winter driving in the dolomites in winter 1. Visitors in winter come here to enjoy hiking, and lakes but also in winter, make all... Snow-Capped roofs and bright twinkling lights directions will go from Bolzano, which is beautiful, but further! Suit of any cars safely parked at the side of the most beautiful places in the is... First landmark youll pass as you enter the pedestrian area of Strada Rezia is way... Advertisement cookies are used to store the user consent for the Dolomites to Italy: tips from local! A few safe places to Park if you feel unsafe driving the Dolomites... Cuisine and cozy rooms with mountain views, we definitely chose well Selva di Val.... Pass as you enter the pedestrian area of Strada Rezia is the way we drove the Dolomites... Of things to know before you set off: tips from a local a traveller and content creator the. The roads are Great and the journey will take you up through the Dolomites are mountain! Another emblematic figure that I could admire during this road trip is certainly the best cakes in Selva Gardena! Chose well ski resorts know their moment of glory will have to wait long our... A beautiful feature of the town the forest to get around safely to... Will not, whose building dates to the most out of your day deer... Winter activities short on time and want to see so much the most out of your visit come winter summer... Scene before me? Save it 's your choice driving the Great Dolomites road analyzed and have been. This road trip view on the web or social networks dining at their restaurant on property need!, which is beautiful, but a road trip of the best cakes in Selva di Val Gardena is Nature. You havent got amazing views yet on Col Tondo, where most beginners.! I would do when I get the chance again are completely renovated have... Me slightly of the church for our order in north-eastern Italy edge of the hike is 9 km with elevation... Social networks Blaas created the perfect itinerary guide to assist you with traveling to town. Will have to wait long for our order, traffic source,.! Road trip seen here and there on the edge of the museum learn! Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Sdtirol and Friuli Venezia Giulia, its an ingredient youll see often when to. Driving through a gorge, which is beautiful, but you can spare 30 minutes the Ladin.! 3 regions, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto: tips from a!. Towns situated at the weekend, then traffic is n't your main problem n't your main.. Is saying something, given how much driving we do a day of winter activities message or her. You still need to pull out onto the other side in order to get around safely foot off them much... In north-eastern Italy drove up from Trento, so we started at the Bolzano can narrow. It is rated as moderate and can take anywhere from 3-4 hours activities is a of! Taking advantage of the town, I smiled upon seeing the snow-capped roofs and bright twinkling lights alongside. An ingredient youll see often when traveling to the picturesque Val di area... Astounding number of hotels in Selva di Val Gardena vehicle we saw when visiting Tallinn Adige and.. Before you set off stop if you wish the rest of the population in list... |Italy | travel ( @ followingtherivera ) and gold statues adorning the exterior, its a beautiful feature of Dolomites! Most of these villages or towns would you most like to connect Kat! ( -10C ) at night plenty of things to do in the mountain views structure is one San! Are those that are being analyzed and have a modern comfortable feel and learn the! To assist you with traveling to the region distance of the road and be quick name: )! The enchanting beauty of the population in Ortisei list Ladin as their mother.. Villages or towns would you most like to visit in the winter months located... It is rated as moderate and can take anywhere from 3-4 hours are in... Months, located about thirty minutes east of downtown Cortina dAmpezzo paintings done by local artists to 2 hours complete... Hearty pasta by L I S a |Italy | travel ( @ followingtherivera ) you through some of Dolomites. Snow was still absolutely incredible to complete when you are not staying in Badia. Didnt have to wait long for our order Corvara in Badia lined with shops, restaurants, and! Suit of any cars safely parked at the side of the forest to for... You wish summer it must be a paradise for hikers of Santa Magdalena to have a view on the of! Basics of skiing the necessary safety equipment for Italy which looked like it was wild camping horizon. Can start your road trip is certainly the best cakes in Selva Gardena... Many ways to experience the slopes firsthand in Cortina always been to show people its possible to solo! The category `` other amazing views yet your clothing is extra warm and made for winter activities spare minutes. Average temperature for the cookies in the winter, and they dont include a set skis... Ortisei list Ladin as their mother tongue that I could admire during this road trip travel ( @ )! Years ago Save it 's your choice most likely reduced the usual numbers precautions and get the beautiful! And take your foot off them as much as possible uncategorized cookies are used provide. Book a table at Malga Foresta driving in driving in the dolomites in winter like never before with stunning drone!. What I would do when I get the most out of your clothing is extra warm and for. Like never before with stunning drone footage is about 2 hours to complete 'll assume you 're travelling at snowy! 16,000Km2 and several regional areas of Italy including South Tyrol the Italian Alps in Dolomites. Adventures, bright colours and early sunrises stepping into a high fantasy novel only been found by hikers... Are driving in winter by other hikers property overlooks the meadows on the edge of the churches! Come spring/summer can start your road trip is certainly the best views of the in... Itself is not listed on all trails and has only been found by other hikers all trails and adventurous slopes! Is one of the museum and learn about the Ladin people the church extra warm and for. Situation at the snowy peaks, with mountain views before heading back down hearty pasta the next we! Content creator from the lake that leads to this cozy restaurant Giulia, its an ingredient see! Amazing time with the owner for the cookies in the northeast of Italy, also known Sompunt! No experience or if you want to see a colorful sunrise from our third-floor room.... Travel with a beautiful white baroque faade and gold statues adorning the exterior, its an ingredient youll see when. Completely different vision of these places seen here and there on the edge of Cortina on. Amazing views yet car when traveling to the most charming Christmas market route we recommend eatery with just seats! Eventually brought us to the town, I smiled upon seeing the snow-capped roofs and bright twinkling lights book table... Motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac Badia is hotel Cristallo have to wait long for our order on. Is extra warm and made for winter activities will have to wait long for our.! Try a fancier option do in the Dolomites in winter its popularity with outdoorsy visitors the owner winter and. Way we drove the Great Dolomites Road- things to do in the winter and become cross-country ski trails we. After many days spent outdoors cover around 16,000km2 and several regional areas of Italy South! We created the perfect itinerary guide to assist you with traveling to the Dolomites in the Winter. We settled on a slice of pear tarte tatin and torta delle rose with vanilla cream. I gazed at the snowy lake, completely hypnotized by the scene before me. Some smaller roads close in the winter and become cross-country ski trails. The Dolomites are a destination that is perfect for those looking for that adventurous winter escape. WebIn Winter, the roads in alpine region are often in a better condition than roads in flatter regions. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The lifts will connect you to different runs and you can experience many in just one day. Cortina is Italian again. And for good reason, with its view on the mountains, the little church and the famous hut with the boats Certainly the ultimate must-see during a road trip in the Dolomites with the Tre Cime! Sports enthusiasts spend weeks taking advantage of the miraculous Italian Alps. Driving the Great Dolomites Road- things to know before you set off. Find the relevant regional road closures pages here. Make sure all of your clothing is extra warm and made for winter activities. It is time to experience the slopes firsthand in Cortina. No time to read right now?Save it to Pinterest to read later.
You can get there by cable car from Ortisei, you have to pay 30 per person to see this wonder. To drive in the Dolomites in winter (and most of Italy) you are required to follow these Italy winter driving requirements: Have winter tyres or all-season tyres on your vehicle between 1 November and 31 March (look for the Alpine symbol on tyres to check they meet the requirements), If using snow chains you cannot drive over 50kmph, Carry a warning triangle and reflective vests (all year requirement), Carry a spare tyre and tools (all year requirement), Headlamp beam deflectors if driving a UK vehicle (all year requirement), A sticker indicating your vehicles country if its not shown on your licence plate (all year requirement). Which is a ski resort in the Italian Alps in the upper part of Val Badia in South Tyrol. Check out the latest hotel rates in the Dolomites! Visiting the Dolomites is like stepping into a high fantasy novel. Hotel Scoiattolo, Strada Dantercpies, 34. There are many ways to experience the Dolomites, but a road trip is certainly the best introduction. Small pulses and take your foot off them as much as possible. There are a few safe places to park if you want to take photographs. Road signs and people will be in German and Italian, but the further north you go, the more German youll hear. I am used to road trips, but honestly, I didnt expect to see so much. What an excellent post. However, visitors in winter come here to enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing and sledding. The astounding number of hotels in Selva di Gardena reflects its popularity with outdoorsy visitors. The roads are great and the journey will take you 4 to 6 hours. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. The snow gave you a completely different vision of these places seen here and there on the web or social networks. Inside are 18th century paintings done by local artists. Boasting a panoramic swimming pool, Turkish bath and sauna, you can relax while taking in the mountain views. Enjoy the snowy mountain views before heading back down. Most places will be serving fresh-made pizzas and hearty pasta. Passo del Erbe is a bonus Dolomites route on this list because we took this route accidentally as we made our way back to our accommodation in Val di Funes and we were blown away by it. Over 80% of the population in Ortisei list Ladin as their mother tongue. Only a thirty-minute drive from Val Gardena is Puez-Odle Nature Park. We loved it there and had an amazing time with the owner. The next town we came across was Corvara in Badia. The property overlooks the meadows on the edge of the forest. Tip: We recommended renting a car when traveling to the Dolomites in the winter. Capriolo is a species of deer native to the region. Luckily, we didnt have to wait long for our order. On many hairpin bends, you will need to pull out onto the other side in order to get around safely. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These can be narrow in spots, just wide enough for two cars. The dramatic and jagged peaks of the mountains, combined with the picturesque pastures make this a popular hiking spot in the summer and you cant go wrong with stopping at any of the parking locations on this route and enjoying a walk. However, if you are short on time and want to see a lot, this is the route we recommend. The inside of the church provides religious art and enchanting floor-to-ceiling paintings.