Where is the best base for hiking in the Dolomites?

Cortina d'Ampezzo is the best base for hiking to Lake Sorapis, Lake Federa and the Croda da Lago Chain, Tofana di Rozes, the Cristallo Group, the Mondeval Plateau and Lago delle Baste, Cinque Torri and Rifugio Nuvolau, and the Sexten Dolomites (Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina).



The best base for hiking in the Dolomites depends on your goals, but Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei (Val Gardena) are the top two contenders. Cortina is the ideal base for iconic "bucket list" hikes like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Sorapis; it offers a bustling town atmosphere and easy access to the eastern Dolomites. Ortisei is arguably better for high-alpine meadow lovers, as it provides direct cable car access to the Alpe di Siusi (Europe's largest high-alpine meadow) and the dramatic Seceda ridgeline. For those seeking a more central, traditional feel with access to the Sella Massif, Corvara in Alta Badia is excellent. In 2026, as Cortina prepares for the Winter Olympics, these towns have seen significant infrastructure upgrades, but booking accommodation at least 6–9 months in advance is essential for the peak summer hiking season.

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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.

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Bolzano is sure the best basecamp to explore the Dolomites because have a optimal central position, and from here is located the central bus station of the SAD (local bus company) www.sad.it from where depart every bus for every destination on the valleys of the Dolomites.

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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.

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The best time of year to visit the Dolomites is mid/late June, early July, and September. A few more helpful guides: Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites.

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Canazei Canazei is a small town located in the Fassa Valley region of the Dolomites. It's surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks and is a great base for climbing trips. There are plenty of accommodation options in Canazei, including hotels, B&Bs, and apartments.

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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.

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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.

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Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen: Probably the most famous and remarkable mountain peaks in the Dolomites. Plan at least half a day for this beautiful place in the Dolomites since there are many hikes to do, views to enjoy and hundreds of photo opportunities.

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The little villages in the bernese oberland valley are charming and certainly worth experiencing. We found the Dolomites to be less touristy as compared to BO/swiss alps. You will find tons of tourists in July Switzerland. And the Dolomites will be cheaper as compared to BO.

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THE DOLOMITES ARE EXPENSIVE BUT ALSO AFFORDABLE WITH THESE TIPS. We're not going to lie, the Dolomites can be very expensive, and for many travellers, prohibitively so. Accommodation, especially in popular areas, can exceed €200 per night and will likely be your largest cost.

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TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO (THREE PEAKS OF LAVAREDO) The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo in english) are surely the most popular location of the Dolomites and one of the most spectacular places of the area for sure.

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It costs €700 to plan your own 8-day hike of the Alta Via 1 Dolomites. This cost is based on a real itinerary using 2023 costs, including: 7 nights in shared accommodation (dorms) in mountain huts. 7 days of breakfast and lunch at the accommodation (half board)

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Climb Dolomites on the normal routes of the great peaks is a unique experience! Every rock climber with a basic experience of indoor climbing can climb these amazing regular routes. With the actual rock climbing standards, these climbing routes of the Dolomites are considered easy.

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