Do the Dolomites get crowded?

The dolomites are a major tourist destination so, as with all tourist destinations in Italy in August, they get crowded and expensive. If you can't do July, try end of June or the beginning of September.



Yes, the Dolomites have seen a massive surge in popularity, and they can get extremely crowded during the peak summer and winter seasons. In July and August, iconic spots like Lago di Braies and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo often reach their capacity by 9:00 AM, leading local authorities to implement "reservation-only" access for certain roads and parking lots. Similarly, during the Christmas to mid-March ski season, the "Sellaronda" circuit can feel like a highway of skiers. To manage this "over-tourism" in 2026, the South Tyrol region has introduced caps on the number of tourist beds in certain valleys. If you want to experience the majesty of these limestone peaks without the throngs of people, it is highly recommended to visit during the "Shoulder Season" in June or September, or to explore the less famous (but equally stunning) valleys like Val d'Ultimo or the northern reaches of the Brenta Dolomites, where you can still find the tranquil, rugged Alpine experience that the region is famous for.

People Also Ask

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for epic hikes, delicious food and beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. The towering limestone peaks of the Dolomites are an iconic sight in Northern Italy and is a place where you will find yourself planning your next visit time and time again.

MORE DETAILS

Cortina d'Ampezzo is the best place to stay in the Dolomites if you want a vibrant town atmosphere along with access to some of the most celebrated Ampezzo Dolomites attractions.

MORE DETAILS

PRO TIP: Hiking is NOT all difficult in the Dolomites. There are plenty of trails that are rated easy and medium on the challenge scale, and everything is very well marked. In fact, some of the most iconic views from the Dolomites can be accessed by an easy hike!

MORE DETAILS

Located in the Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo is renowned as a luxurious ski resort. Properties with panoramic views of the mountains and in close proximity to the main shopping street Corso Italia and the ski slopes are particularly sought after. Apartments in the city centre cost up to 14,000 euros per square metre.

MORE DETAILS

Can you get altitude sickness in the Dolomites? Yes, but it's not likely. Altitude sickness usually starts to kick in above 2,500 meters and can present itself (at these mild altitudes) with shortness of breath or an accelerated heartbeat.

MORE DETAILS

Belluno & the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites The ancient town of Belluno, with 37,000 inhabitants, is the most important town in the eastern Dolomites.

MORE DETAILS

Cortina d'Ampezzo This town makes an excellent home base to explore the Dolomites, with a great location near Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, the Croda da Lago Circuit, and Lagazuoi. While in Cortina d'Ampezzo, take a stroll along Corso Italia, the pedestrian street that runs through the city center.

MORE DETAILS

Basic safety in the Dolomites Never go alone into the backcountry in winter alone. Guided tours with UIAGM or IFMGA Professional Mountain Guides are a great option, but even if you choose not to participate in a guided tour, you should always hike with another person for safety's sake.

MORE DETAILS

The main risks to solo female travellers in the Dolomites (or any travellers for that matter) are the elements, the terrain and the driving.

MORE DETAILS

Other fauna you can find in the Dolomites consist of brown bears, roe deer, the fire salamander and the Alpine newt.

MORE DETAILS

The Dolomites are farther east and slightly north, concentrated around Trento/Bolzano. The mountains surrounding Lake Como are the Pre-alps or Alpine foothills. Looking north, up toward Colico from Bellagio, you can see part of the Bernina Range of the Alps. In a word no.

MORE DETAILS