Where to Go: The Most Iconic & Exclusive Spots in the Dolomites (No hike needed)

The Dolomites offer a rare blend of raw alpine beauty, charming villages, and elevated experiences. Whether you’re seeking cinematic views, fine dining, or peaceful nature escapes, these are the places that capture the true essence of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

The “Queen of the Dolomites”

A destination of timeless elegance, Cortina is known for its luxury chalets, boutique shopping, and stylish après-ski culture. Set beneath the dramatic Tofane peaks, it’s a favorite among celebrities and international jet-setters — and will host the 2026 Winter Olympics.

• Ideal for: Fashion lovers, skiers, gourmet travelers

• Don’t miss: Sunset aperitivo with a view at Rifugio Averau

• Photo tip: Early morning shots from Passo Giau are cinematic and quiet

Val Gardena & Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)

Alpine meadows & panoramic serenity

These areas offer some of the most scenic and accessible views in all the Dolomites, no climbing gear required. Alpe di Siusi is Europe’s largest alpine meadow, dotted with wildflowers in summer and perfectly groomed slopes in winter.

• Ideal for: Families, wellness retreats, photo enthusiasts

• Don’t miss: A sunrise photoshoot at Alpe di Siusi with the Sciliar massif as backdrop

• Photo tip: Soft light just after dawn makes this one of the most magical spots for drone shots or romantic portraits

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

The Iconic Mirror Lake

This lake is one of the most photographed locations in Italy, and for good reason. With its emerald water, forested slopes, and dramatic peaks, Lago di Braies is breathtaking year-round.

• Easy loop trail around the lake (1.5h walk, flat and accessible)

• Boat rental available (May–October) — arrive early for the classic wooden rowboat shot. You can also book the wooden house.

• Best light: Early morning or overcast days to avoid harsh reflections

If you’ve ever seen a photo of a crystal-clear alpine lake with wooden rowboats and towering peaks behind… chances are, it was Lago di Braies.

Also known as Pragser Wildsee, this lake is the most photographed in the Dolomites, and with good reason. Its emerald waters, framed by the Croda del Becco mountain and dense pine forests, create a cinematic setting straight out of a fairytale.

How to Get There (Without the Hassle)

• By car: Located in Val Pusteria, it’s about 1h15 from Cortina, or 1h from Bolzano.

• From June to September, car access is restricted between 9AM and 4PM – you must book in advance online or arrive early.

• Parking is a 5-minute walk from the lake. Easy and accessible for everyone.

Best option for luxury travelers: book a private transfer with early morning drop-off, or stay overnight nearby to avoid crowds.

For Couples & Special Moments

Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal, honeymoon shoot, or editorial-style portraits, Lago di Braies offers an unforgettable setting. I offer custom sunrise photography experiences here, we’ll plan every detail together, from timing to styling.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The Symbolic Peaks of the Dolomites

These three dramatic towers define the region’s skyline — a must-see for hikers and photo lovers alike. But you don’t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy them.

• From Rifugio Auronzo, you can reach panoramic viewpoints with just a short, flat 15-minute walk

• Ideal for: Dramatic couple portraits, landscape shots, and golden hour views

NEW: Online Reservation Required

From summer 2025, you must book your parking spot in advance to access the road to Rifugio Auronzo (starting point for the classic trail around the peaks).

• Bookings are open from June to September

• Limited daily spots

• Without reservation, access will be denied

Good news: From the parking lot at Rifugio Auronzo, you can already enjoy spectacular views and take photos without hiking far. Even a 10-minute walk offers dramatic perspectives of the peaks.

Insider Tip: If you’re staying in Cortina or Dobbiaco, your hotel concierge can assist with booking private transfers or permits.

Alta Badia

Where Luxury Meets Tradition

This is the culinary heart of the Dolomites — a place where rustic Ladin traditions meet Michelin-starred innovation. Known for its warm hospitality, it’s home to gourmet mountain huts and serene wellness hotels.

• Perfect for: Wine lovers, spa seekers, culinary travelers

• Don’t miss: A tasting menu at St. Hubertus (3 Michelin stars) or a gourmet hike with stops at rifugi gastronomici

• Photo tip: Autumn light over the Sassongher mountain creates a golden glow over the villages

Ortisei

Charming Village in the Heart of Val Gardena

Ortisei is a refined alpine village known for its warm atmosphere, artisan woodwork, and stylish Tyrolean architecture. It’s the perfect base for exploring Val Gardena in comfort, with a blend of traditional hospitality and modern luxury.

• Stay at design hotels like Adler Spa Resort or Hotel Montchalet for stunning views and high-end wellness experiences

• Discover boutiques, local art galleries, and cozy wine bars in the pedestrian center

• Well connected by lifts to Alpe di Siusi and Seceda, making it ideal for travelers who prefer easy access to breathtaking views without hiking

Seceda

The Most Iconic Ridgeline in the Dolomites

Seceda offers one of the most striking and recognizable views in the Dolomites. Its dramatic ridgeline, where the peaks seem to fall away into the valley, is a dream for photographers, hikers, and anyone in search of that “wow” factor.

• Reach Seceda easily by cable car from Ortisei in just 15 minutes

• Once at the top, panoramic trails and viewpoints are flat or gently sloping, suitable even for beginners

• Ideal spot for: Engagement photos, editorial-style portraits

• Tip: Come early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light

What to Do: Experiences Worth Traveling For

Luxury Experiences

• Stay in 5-star design lodges with panoramic spas (e.g., Hotel de LEN, Forestis).

• Private helicopter tours over the peaks at sunset.

• Curated photography sessions in iconic locations (custom-designed for couples, elopements, or anniversaries).

Active Escapes

• Easy hikes to panoramic viewpoints (great for non-hikers too).

• Private ski lessons & exclusive Dolomiti Superski experiences in winter.

• E-bike rentals for scenic alpine loops.

Wellness & Retreats

• Mountain-view saunas, cold plunge rituals, and forest bathing.

• Mindfulness hiking and yoga retreats amid silence and nature.

Food & Wine

• Alpine-Mediterranean cuisine: local cheeses, wild herbs, handmade pasta.

• Dine at Rifugio Fuciade or St. Hubertus, both destinations in themselves.

• Wine tastings with native varietals like Lagrein and Gewürztraminer.

When to Go

Late Spring (May–June): Wildflowers in bloom, quiet trails, perfect light for photography.
Summer (July–August): Vibrant alpine life, open rifugi, long days for exploring.
Autumn (September–October): Golden larches, peaceful vibes, crisp skies.
Winter (December–March): Ski season in full swing, fairy-tale snowscapes, and cozy luxury.

Suggested Itinerary (Luxury Slow Travel – 5 to 7 days)

Day 1-2: Arrive in Bolzano, relax in a design hotel, and enjoy your first mountain dinner.
Day 3: Drive through Val Gardena, stop for scenic shots and Ladin cuisine.
Day 4: Explore Alpe di Siusi via e-bike or cable car – ideal for sunrise photos.
Day 5: Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Enjoy spa, shopping, and a fine dining experience.
Day 6: Visit Lago di Braies early morning for a private photo session.
Day 7: Helicopter or vintage car transfer back, optional stop in a vineyard.

Pro Tips for Discerning Travelers

✔️ Book a private driver or helicopter for transfers (roads can be winding).
✔️ Best airports: Venice (VCE) or Innsbruck (INN).
✔️ Hire a local guide for hidden gems and off-the-path experiences.
✔️ Bring layers – weather changes quickly, even in summer.
✔️ A professional photographer will elevate your travel story (yes, I’d love to be part of it!).

Where to Eat in the Dolomites – 5 Refined Culinary Experiences

• St. Hubertus – Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano
  ★★★ Michelin – Alpine fine dining by chef Norbert Niederkofler, a temple of “Cook the Mountain” philosophy.
  [San Cassiano – Alta Badia]
• Rifugio Fuciade – Val di Fassa
  Gourmet refuge at 1982m offering refined Ladin cuisine in an intimate, rustic-chic setting. Reachable with a short walk or snowcat.
• Gostner Schwaige – Alpe di Siusi
  Mountain hut with floral alpine gastronomy — hay-milk risotto and elderflower sorbet are musts.
• Ristorante Tivoli – Cortina d’Ampezzo
  Elegant yet warm, with a Michelin star and breathtaking views. Perfect for a romantic dinner.
• Ustaria Posta – Badia
  A refined take on South Tyrolean tradition in a charming historic inn. Family-run, heartfelt, and beautifully plated.

Where to Stay – 5 Breathtaking Luxury Hotels in the Dolomites

• Forestis Dolomites – Plose (Brixen)
  Ultra-luxury eco retreat with panoramic spa, minimalist design, and forest-to-table cuisine. Adults only.

• Hotel de Len – Cortina d’Ampezzo
  Design-forward, sustainable hotel in the heart of Cortina. Warm minimalist interiors and rooftop wellness.

• Adler Lodge Alpe – Alpe di Siusi
  All-inclusive luxury in the meadows — private chalets, infinity pool, and serene silence above the clouds.

• Rosa Alpina (Aman Partner Hotel) – San Cassiano
  Discreet, elegant, and deeply rooted in Ladin culture. Michelin-star dining and Aman-level service.

• Hotel Montchalet – Ortisei
  Exclusive suites with private saunas, refined interiors, and impeccable hospitality in Val Gardena.

How to Get to the Dolomites (in Style)

The journey to the Dolomites can be more than a transfer — it can be an experience in itself. Whether you’re arriving from Venice, Innsbruck, or Verona, here are three curated routes combining luxury, culture, and natural beauty.

From Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

2.5–3.5h drive

This is the most popular arrival point — and the perfect opportunity to explore northern Veneto before reaching the mountains.

Suggested Route:

• Treviso: An Elegant town with medieval streets and café culture.

• Valdobbiadene (UNESCO): The heart of the Prosecco Superiore DOCG region – wine tasting and rolling vineyard landscapes.

• Arrival: Continue through Belluno to Cortina, Alta Badia, or Val Gardena.

💡 Upgrade: Book a private wine tasting.

From Innsbruck, Austria (INN)

2h drive to Val Pusteria / Alta Pusteria

A lesser-known but incredibly scenic gateway, perfect for travelers coming from central Europe or connecting through Munich or Vienna.

Suggested Route:

• Brenner Pass: Cross the Alps via one of the most spectacular mountain highways.

• Vipiteno (Sterzing): A charming medieval town with Tyrolean flair – ideal for a quick lunch or artisanal shopping.

• Arrival: Head to San Candido, Sesto, Braies, or Dobbiaco in the Alta Pusteria valley.

Tip: This route offers panoramic highway views, alpine meadows, and easy access to the Three Peaks (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) and Lago di Braies.

From Verona (VRN)

3h drive to Alta Badia / Cortina

Perfect if you’re planning a romantic or food & wine trip before heading north.

Suggested Route:

• Valpolicella Wine Region: Enjoy a stop at a historic Amarone winery, with cellar tour and gourmet lunch.

• Lago di Garda (East Side): Optional detour via Bardolino or Malcesine, for lakeside elegance and spa resorts.

• Arrival: Take the scenic mountain roads via Val di Fassa or Passo Falzarego into the heart of the Dolomites.

Stay Overnight: Spend a night in a wine relais or a spa resort on the lake before reaching your alpine retreat.

Private Helicopter Transfers

Available from:

• Venice, Verona, Bolzano → Cortina, Alpe di Siusi, Forestis, Alta Badia

• Flight time: 30–45 minutes

• Includes VIP meet & greet, luggage handling, and panoramic views

Luxury Transfers & Rentals

We recommend:

• English-speaking private drivers in Mercedes or Range Rover

• Curated scenic stops (wineries, towns, viewpoints)

• Luggage assistance and local insights from your driver

Most luxury resorts will assist with full itinerary planning and transportation options, or we can help you design your journey.

Discover the Dolomites, Your Way

The Dolomites are more than a destination — they are a living masterpiece, where dramatic peaks, serene lakes, and timeless traditions come together to create something truly unforgettable.

Whether you’re sipping fine wine in Alta Badia, gliding silently across Lago di Braies in a wooden boat, or standing at the edge of Seceda as the sun rises over the ridgeline, this is a place that awakens the senses and redefines the idea of luxury: here, luxury means space, silence, beauty, and connection.

Take your time. Let nature set the pace.
And if you’d like to capture your journey through the lens of authenticity and elegance, I’ll be here to tell your story, one frame at a time.

See you in the mountains!