The national parks of the Dolomites

Individual arrival at the hotel in Villabassa (Niederdorf). Free, unguarded public car parking near the hotel. Handing over your travel documents

Today’s first walk starts at the idyllic Pragser Wildsee (Lago di Braies), which fascinates visitors with its clear turquoise waters. The valley enchants with its dark-needled coniferous forests, the white rock walls of the surrounding mountains, and the reflections on the lake. You will reach the alpine pasture Rossalm and continue to the high plateau of the Plätzwiese, considered one of the most treasured hiking areas in the country, overlooked by the majestic peaks of Dürrenstein and Hohe Gaisl. Here, in addition to peace and nature, you will enjoy a perfect panoramic view of the mountains Cristallo, Tofana, and the world-famous Three Peaks (Drei Zinnen). The charismatic magnetism of the unusual flora and natural lakes captivates even the most discerning visitor. For those preferring a shorter, more leisurely route, a transfer to the guesthouse Tuscherhof is available. From there, the walk follows the Stolla River, passing the homonymous Stolla hut and the rock paintings (natural erosions formed by water and rock composition), before reaching Plätzwiese.

Longer route:
Overnight with breakfast in Plätzwiese
Distance: 14 km / 8,7 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 1100m – 580m
Walking time: 6/7 hrs

Shorter route:
Overnight with breakfast in Plätzwiese
Distance: 11 km / 6,8 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 790m – 0m
Walking time: 4/5 hrs

The starting point of today’s stage is the alpine pasture “Plätzwiese”, which together with the mountains “Hohe Gaisl” and “Kreuzkofelgruppe” are very attractive for walkers; the charismatic magnetism of the unusual flora and natural lakes has an enthralling charm on the discerning visitor. The bizarre and fascinating fables according to legends of the ancient tribes of the Fanes Empire are relevant here.

In the Nature Park “Fanes Sennes Prags”, the largest nature park in the Dolomites, you can make your choice between two walking options. Starting at the “Plätzwiese” depending on the variant you reach either the “Strudelkopf” (short variant) or the “Dürrenstein” (longer variant). Both options offer you a spectacular view on the “Hohe Gaisl”, the “Three Peaks”, the “Tofana” and the “Monte Cristallo”.

Variant A:
Overnight with breakfast in Plätzwiese
Distance: 8,2 km / 5,1 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 850m – 850m
Walking time: 4/5 hrs

Variant B:
Overnight with breakfast in Plätzwiese
Distance: 9 km / 5,6 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 360m – 360m
Walking time: 3/4 hrs

After crossing the high plateau of Plätzwiese, you will descend along the picturesque Valle dei Canopi to Cimabanche, a village marking the border between South Tyrol and Veneto. From here, you have two options: continue along the direct route using public transport to Cortina d’Ampezzo, or choose the longer variant that will take you to Ospitale and the Passo Tre Croci. Alternatively, for those wishing to further shorten the walk, it is possible to use the Son Forca cable car (not included).

Longer route:
Overnight with breakfast in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Distance: 17 km / 10,5 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 650m – 840m
Walking time: 5,5/6 hrs

Shorter route:
Overnight with breakfast in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Distance: 4,5 km / 2,8 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 0m – 460m
Walking time: 1,5 / 2 hrs

The panorama at the starting point of today’s stage is of incredible elegance and majesty: the colossal rocks of the Ampezzaner Dolomites rise high into the sky, while the mountain groups of Cristallo, Tofane, and Fanes dominate this spectacular landscape. There are two options for today: the longer variant leads toward Forcella Faloria, while the shorter variant follows the new Dolomites Panoramic Trail. Both routes then converge toward Passo Tre Croci, with the descent to Cortina d’Ampezzo being the same for both. Those who prefer not to take the cable car can enjoy a splendid circular hike around the Cinque Torri, admiring the incredible rock formations and surrounding panoramas.

Longer route:
Overnight with breakfast in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Distance: 15 km / 9,3 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 270m – 1150m
Walking time: 5 hrs

Shorter & easier route:
Overnight with breakfast in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Distance: 11 km / 6,8 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 100m – 990m
Walking time: 3-4 hrs

Cinque Torri Variant:
Overnight with breakfast in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Distance: 7,5 km / 4,6 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 570m -350m
Walking time: 3/4 hrs

In the morning, you take the public bus to the panoramic viewpoint of the Three Peaks. From there, you begin your walk across the Rienzboden and the Rienztal valley toward the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the iconic symbol of the Dolomites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike continues to the famous Dreizinnenhütte mountain hut and then to the foot of the Paternkofel, a battlefield during the First World War where the legendary mountain guide Sepp Innerkofler lost his life, before descending into the enchanting Val Fiscalina. From Val Fiscalina, you take the bus back to Dobbiaco. For less experienced walkers, there is the option to take the bus directly to Rifugio Auronzo, enjoy a circular hike around the Three Peaks, and then return by bus from Rifugio Auronzo to Dobbiaco (tickets not included).

Longer route:
Overnight with breakfast in Villabassa/Dobbiaco
Distance: 14,5 km / 7,5 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 950m -960m
Walking time: 3,5-4,5 hrs

Shorter route:
Overnight with breakfast in Villabassa /Dobbiaco
Distance: 9 km / 5 miles
Ascent & Descent: + 350m – 350m
Walking time: 3-4 hrs

After breakfast ends your tour through the National Parks of the Dolomites