The Dolomites
Jagged limestone peaks, emerald valleys, and dramatic alpine meadows define the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage region in northeastern Italy. Renowned for their pale, vertical cliffs and spectacular light at sunrise and sunset, the range offers year-round adventure: world-class climbing and via ferrata in summer, and exceptional skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Charming mountain villages, traditional Ladin culture, and hearty local cuisine complete the experience, making the Dolomites a striking blend of natural grandeur and alpine tradition.
Cortina d’Ampezzo offers elegant, high-altitude scenery with dramatic Dolomite peaks, chic cafés, and well-marked hiking and climbing routes—ideal for panoramic walks, via ferrata, and relaxed mountain culture. Val Gardena / Ortisei is more activity-focused, with extensive trail networks for hikers and mountain bikers, strong Ladin culture, and easier access to the Sella Ronda for long day tours. Choose Cortina for scenic sophistication and shorter, scenic excursions; choose Val Gardena for outdoor adventure, family-friendly trails, and a denser network of mountain-sport options.
May at Lago di Braies
Should I stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo or Val Gardena / Ortisei in the Dolomites?
When I first moved to northern Italy, I had no idea just how vast the Dolomites were. Sometimes it can take up to three hours to get from one side to the other, which is why it’s so important to choose where you stay carefully! When planning your trip, I recommend planning your days around visiting spots around Cortina and then places on the Ortisei side. In this guide I’ll share the most iconic locations in the Dolomites in relation to the Cortina d’Ampezzo side versus the Val Gardena / Ortisei area.
Top locations to visit close to Cortina d’Ampezzo
October at Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies is probably the most iconic destination in all of the Dolomites, so if you’re headed here it’s about one hour from Cortina. There are places to stay closer to Lago di Braies, of course, but this guide is to help generalize where to stay so you’re not moving hotels every night or booking someplace on the Ortisei side. I recommend visiting this lake close to sunrise to avoid the most people.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
One of the top hikes close to Cortina d’Ampezzo is Tre Cime di Lavaredo. As of 2025 you need to purchase a pass for the toll roads online in advance, so make sure you select a time slot that fits your schedule. This hike takes about 4 hours, not including if you add on Cadini di Misurina. You’ll start the hike at Rifugio Auronzo (put that into your GPS when navigating here), which is about a 45 minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Lago di Sorapis
Known for its stunning iridescent blue waters, Lago di Sorapis is another popular hike and is only about 20 minutes from Cortina d’Ampezzo. There are two ways to get to the lake from the parking lot: an easy way and a hard way. I was training for Mt. Blanc so I took the hard way, and it was challenging! So make sure you check which trail you’re taking beforehand.
Best hotels close to Cortina d’Ampezzo
Now that we’ve established the most popular locations and hikes near Cortina d’Ampezzo, let’s talk about hotels! These are some of the most popular ones you’ll see on Instagram and social media:
Hotel Hubertus
Hotel Hubertus is about one hour from Cortina d’Ampezzo and only 30 minutes from Lago di Braies, making it the perfect location if you’re looking for something in that area!
