Best Things to do in the Dolomites Without Hiking – Perfect For Families

The Italian Dolomites are a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and those who love adventure travel. But what if you are more of a laid-back traveler, not into hiking, or traveling with young kids and need more relaxed activities? After our own journey through the Dolomites and extensive research, we’ve rounded up our favourite things to do for those who prefer a slower pace. Whether you’re looking to complement your adventure-packed Dolomites itinerary or simply enjoy a peaceful getaway, the Dolomites offer a fantastic mix of culture, tranquil spas, mouthwatering Tyrolean cuisine, and jaw-dropping viewpoints—all accessible with minimal effort! 

Let’s get right into it!

15 Best Things to do in the Dolomites – non Hiker

Thinking about visiting the Dolomites but not keen on long hikes or traveling with young kids? Don’t worry—you’ll still find plenty to do!

After spending two weeks exploring the Dolomites’ breathtaking landscapes, we’ve put together a list of the best experiences for those who prefer adventure without the exhausting treks.

We’ve carefully curated this list to include a mix of activities, so you can build your Dolomites itinerary without feeling like you’re doing the same things over and over again.

1) Truly unique spa at Caravan Park Sexten

Aside from hiking, one of the most unforgettable experiences of our Dolomites trip was unwinding at the stunning spa in Caravan Park Sexten. But this wasn’t just any spa—it was unlike anything we’d experienced anywhere in the world (more on that later).

We stumbled upon it the day after a grueling full-day hike, and with the rain pouring down, we were in search of the perfect way to relax and recharge—and wow, did we find it! 

Caravan Park is located nearby Sexten and offer two spa options. One is a general indoor pool area, with calcium and selenium whirlpools, perfect for families to enjoy together. 

But the most unique experience of all? 

Their textile-free, mixed-gender spa—meaning yep, you have to go in completely naked!

I had already experienced onsens fully nude while traveling in Japan, but it was never mix-gendered. For us, it was completely out of our comfort zone, but now having done it, it is truly a freeing experience.

With over 10 saunas and baths to explore, moving through the circuit completely exposed felt surprisingly natural—like a reset button for both body and mind. It left us feeling more grounded, fully present, and surprisingly more in tune with ourselves. Yes, it was out of our comfort zones, but we are so glad we go to experience it!

Special Sauna Aufguss Ritual

To make the experience even more interesting, every hour or so, there is a special ritual called “Sauna Aufguss”, popularly practiced in Germany and Austria. In this steamy spectacle, everyone enters the sauna completely naked, while the Saunameister pours fragrant essential oils over the hot stones and dramatically whips the air with a towel to intensify the heat.

To top it off, music plays in the background (yes, at one point, Daddy Cool was the soundtrack to our sweat session). We participated in one of these rituals and the experience was both invigorating and relaxing.  

2) countless guided activities with the Val gardena active program 

In the Dolomites, you will never run out of things to do, even if you are not up for tackling the mountain slopes.

While researching for our trip, we discovered an amazing program called Val Gardena Active. By staying at a participating hotel, you automatically get a free bus pass for your entire stay, plus access to a lineup of discounted (and sometimes free!) activities. 

These range from a wood carving class, e-biking through Seiser Alm, doing yoga in the nature, or even cooking classes. The discounts are pretty amazing—like a wood carving class that normally costs 65€, but with the program, it’s just 30€! 

Best of all, the activities are tailored to the season, so whether you visit in summer or winter, there’s always an exciting lineup waiting for you.

How to participate in the Val Gardena Active Program

To participate in the Val Gardena Active Program and gain access to both the free bus pass and hugely discounted activities, you’ll need to stay at a participating hotel.

For a mix of excellent quality stay, included spa facilities, and access to the Val Garden Active Program, we would recommend staying at the following hotels: 

Hotel Alpen Royal (Recommended Hotel)

5 star spa hotel, member of the Leading Hotels in the World program, one of the largest spa facilities in all of Italy. Includes Val Garden Active Program benefits!

Hotel Continental (Recommended Hotel)

Featuring cozy rooms, spa facilities, Turkish baths, and located centrally in Val Gardena. Includes Val Gardena Active Program benefits!

If you are staying somewhere else, be sure to check the Val Garden Active website to see if your hotel is on the list of participating properties!

In our opinion, the huge diversity of activities offered can easily keep you entertained for 5-7 days!

Example of activities in Val Garden Active

Here are some example activities and their pricing (maybe change depending on season and year):

• Wood carving class, Val Gardena’s traditional craft (65€ down to 30€)
• Exploring Ortisei, village of the artists (20€ down to free)
• E-biking in Seiser Alm (40€ down to 10€)
• Forest Yoga, breathe & Relax (30€ down to 10€)
• Horseback riding (55€ down to 30€)
• Cooking lesson at Anna’s farm (60€ down to 30€)

Download our Free PDF guide and get our top 6 easy to medium Day hikes in the Dolomites, including 2 special hikes not included in our Hiking post! 💎

3) Photograph the Dolomites from the easy-to-access viewpoints

The dolomites are a photographer’s dream!

From stunning jagged mountains peaks to rolling pastures dotted with rifugios, every turn feels like a postcard! And for those who don’t want to hike for hours to reach these breathtaking viewpoints, you’ll be happy to hear that most viewpoints can be reached with almost no effort.

Thanks to the extensive network of chairlift in the Dolomites, many of these iconic viewpoints are just a short ride away. Plus, the journey itself is stunning—driving through the winding mountain roads offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery you’ll ever see!

Below we have listed some of our favourite viewpoints that require minimal effort to reach:

Seceda Ridge Photography

Take the 2 chairlifts from Ortisei right up to Seceda Ridge. From there, you will need to walk maybe 5-10 minutes on flat terrain to get to the best viewpoint.

Lago di Braies Photography

You can drive up to Lago di Braies and park in one of the nearby parking lots. From there, it can be as quick as 2-5 minutes before you reach the view of Lago di Braies.

Cinque Torri Photography

You take the Cinque Torri chairlift up to Rifugio Scoiatolli. Literally from there, or while dining at the Rifugio, you’ll be able to see the epic rock towers of Cinque Torri.

Val di Funes Photography

One of the lesser visited, but iconic views of the Dolomites is the church in Val di Funes with the epic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The best part is that you can drive right up and within a 10-15 minute walk, you can reach the viewpoint!

There are even more gems to explore, like Alpe di Siusi, the breathtaking mountain passes that you can drive through, and a few stunning glacial lakes that require little to no hiking. We’ll dive into the details below!

4) Ride the Cable Cars to Amazing Viewpoints

If you are looking to check off as many stunning mountainous viewpoints as possible, then we would highly recommend getting the Dolomiti SuperSummer pass!

This pass gives you unlimited access to the extensive network of over 140 chairlifts across the Dolomites! With this, you can easily reach all of the epic viewpoints mentioned above and plenty more that we didn’t get a chance to explore.

We personally love hiking, so we usually opt for the trekking to reach viewpoints. But with the massive elevation of the Dolomites, many of the best views are only accessible by first taking a chairlift up to a higher starting point.

Plus, if you’re traveling with kids who tire easily, these lifts are not just a lifesaver—they’re also an exciting experience on their own! 

Plus, as you’ll see below, hopping on these chairlifts isn’t just about the views—it also gives you the unique chance to dine at a mountain rifugio, perched high above the peaks!

5) Stay at a luxury Spa Hotel

One of the best ways to unwind in the Dolomites is by staying at a luxurious spa retreat surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

While there are plenty to choose from, two of the most exceptional and unique options are Hotel AlpenRoyal in Val Gardena and My Arbor in Brixen, just north of Val di Funes.

Since we were on a long-term travel and had just traveled through Namibia and Sicily, we were sticking to a tighter budget and didn’t get the chance to stay at one of these incredible hotels—but hopefully, you will!

Hotel Alpen Royal (Spa)

Hotel AlpenRoyal in Val Gardena is a luxurious 5-star retreat and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Its wellness area is an architectural masterpiece, offering breathtaking views of the Sella Massif while providing one of the largest spa experiences in Italy, ensuring both space and exclusivity for its guests.

They also have an incredible array of restaurants, serving everything from Mediterranean flavours to traditional Ladin cuisine. For those looking for a truly special stay in the Dolomites, AlpenRoyal is hard to beat!

My Arbor – Plose Wellness Hotel (Spa)

MyArbor, just a short way north of Val di Funes, provides a world-class adults-only wellness retreat. Inspired by a floating-tree-house design, My Arbor offers lodging perched on stilts in the heart of the Dolomites, blending modern elegance with nature.

They feature a panoramic spa, infinity pools, saunas, and non-stop mountain views. With their gourmet dining, top-tier wellness treatments, and direct ski-in/ski-out access, MyArbor is the perfect wellness escape in the Dolomites.

6) Enjoy a Drink or Lunch at a Mountain Hut (Rifugios)

The region of the Dolomites feature hearty and delicious Tyrolean cuisine. But the best way to enjoy this meal is at a Mountain hut, soaking in the views on the terrace high above the peaks!

Although there are several Rifugios that can only be reached by hiking, or some only by tackling a Via ferrata, many of them can be accessed effortlessly by hopping on a chairlift. Perched in jaw-dropping locations, these rifugios offer not just incredible food but also unbeatable panoramic views. 

Here are some of our favourite rifugios we visited during our trip, requiring minimal hiking:

Alpe Di Siusi Rifugios

Almgasthof Mont Seuc is located right next to the chairlift, Malga Schgaguler Schwaige is around 5-10 min walk away, or Malga Sanon if you’re willing to walk 30 mins.

We personally recommend going to Malga Sanon since it offers the best views of the rolling pastures and brings you a lot closer to the breathtaking mountains!

To reach Alpe Di Siusi, take the cable car from Seiser Alm Bahn or the cable car from Ortisei costing around 26.5€ roundtrip.  

Cinque Torri Rifugios

Right next to the chairlift is Rifugio Scoiatolli. We ended up eating lunch there after doing the Cinque Torri hike and enjoyed a delicious pasta, an onion soup, and of course an Aperol Spritz.

The views there are stunning and if you catch it on a day with good weather, the entire terrace is open. If you are willing to do a 45 minute hike, you can go up to Rifugio Averau.

To reach Cinque Torri, take the cable car Seggiovia Cinque Torri costing around 25€ round-trip.

Seceda Ridge Rifugios

The ridge of Seceda is dotted with countless Rifugios and restaurants. If you took the Col Raiser chairlift up from Santa Cristina, then you will be able to easily access Baita Cuca, Almhotel Col raiser, and Baita Odles.

If you took the two chairlifts up from Ortisei instead, then you will be only a short walk away from Baita Sofie Hütte and Restaurant Seceda.

Roundtrip tickets on the chairlifts costs between 30-48€ per person. 

Rifugio Laguazuoi

One of the highest and most scenic rifugios in the Dolomites! You can take the Lagazuoi cable car from Passo Falzarego, and once at the top, you’ll be treated to insane panoramic views over the surrounding peaks.

Roundtrip tickets on the cable car costs around 16.20€.

What’s more is that the Lagazuoi area has significant historical importance, as it was a key battleground during World War I, where Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers fought fierce battles in the high-altitude trenches and tunnels carved into the mountain. 

This post is part of our series about Italy. If you want to learn more about Italy, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

17 Things to do in Taormina, Sicily: Ultimate Guide

Your Essential Guide to Ragusa: What to See, Do, and Eat

Ultimate Dolomites Itinerary For 7 Days Or More (2025)

Things to do in Catania for 1-2 Days: Itinerary Guide

Things to do in Syracuse and Ortigia, Sicily

Perfect Sicily Itinerary for One to Two Weeks: Without a Car

Best Things to do in Dolomites: For the Hiker/Adventure Traveler 

7) Canoe in Glacial Lake of Lago di Braies

If you’re after one of the most instagram-worthy spots in the Dolomites without needing to do any hiking, then Lago di Braies is the place to be! This breathtaking glacial lake is famous for its vibrant turquoise waters, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies mountain range. 

Located about an hour North East of Cortina D’Ampezzo, you can easily reach Lago di Braies by car, with the parking just 2-5 minutes from the shore.

Once there, you can rent a canoe for 45 minutes to paddle across its crystal-clear waters. This is also one of the best way to admire the views and capture that iconic photo.

Alternatively, you can do a leisurely walk around the lake. This takes about 1.5 hours but the terrain is mostly flat so is accessible to all visitors.   

How to get to Lago di Braies

From July 10th to September 10th the road to the Braies Valley is limited unless you have a parking reservation. Without reservation, if the parking lots are full, you will be turned away.

There are 3 parking lots at the Pragser Wildsee lake (Lago di Braies).

Parking lot P4 is 100 meters away (closest to the lake), P3 is 300 meters away, and P2 around 800 meters from the lake. All 3 parking lots are paid.

Below is the breakdown of the costs:

• Parking lot P4: 15€ for 3 hours; 1€ must be paid for each additional half hour. The maximum fee per day is 20€. You can also buy a Day stay pass costing 38€, allowing you to park in P4, and includes a 15€ voucher that can be used in the restaurants on Lago di Braies: Emma’s Bistro, Ristorante Panorama & Chalet.
• Parking lot P3: 8€/day
• Parking lot P2: 6€ for one day

What we Did to visit Lago di Braies

We parked at P3 with an online reservation with Eggerhof. It costs only 8€ for the entire day and you are just a few minutes walk away from the lake. P4 parking is maybe 2-3 minutes closer by walk but costs 20€ per day! By reserving online, this also guaranteed that we could get in even if the lake is very busy.

8) Learn about the WW1 history at Cinque Torri

One of the fascinating things about hiking in the Dolomites is that it not only showcases the beautiful landscapes, but also provides a lesson in its history.

This is especially true at Cinque Torri, where the trails take you through century-old bunkers, trenches, artillery positions, and lookout points. Visiting here feels like stepping into a living open-air museum, telling the story of the fierce battles between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I and how both sides used the rugged terrain to their advantage.

We included Cinque Torri in this list since its trails are easy to explore and is accessible for all levels of fitness, including families with children.

Along the way, informative plaques provide detail about the harsh realities of war, the military strategies used, and the role of each structure. It’s an eye-opening and unforgettable experience that brings history to life in the heart of the mountains.

If you want to truly step into the boots of the soldiers who once navigated these rugged mountains, then you’ll want to check out the Via Ferratas in the Dolomites. These iron pathways, originally built by the military, lead to even more remote and strategically vital viewpoints—but they’re definitely for the adventurous and not for the faint of heart!

If you’re up for the challenge, we cover everything you need to know in our “Things to Do in the Dolomites: For the Adventurous Traveler” guide.

How to get to Cinque Torri Open-Air Museum

You have 3 main options to reach the Cinque Torri hike:

9) Taste the local Tyrolean cuisine of the Dolomites 

After indulging in the fresh seafood of Sicily—feasting on the best fish, calamari, and pasta in Taormina and Syracuse—we were in for a completely different culinary experience in the Dolomites.

Here, the food is all about hearty, rustic Tyrolean cuisine, which is a blend of Austrian, Italian, and Alpine influences. Instead of seafood, we enjoyed hearty, comforting dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Some of their famous dishes include speck (smoked ham), canederli (hearty bread dumplings), goulash (slow-cooked stew), and pasta with game meat.

These meals are exactly what we needed to refuel after a long day of hiking and warm up after a chilly day in the mountains.

Our Favourite Restaurants in the Dolomites

To make your food hunt easier, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite restaurants in the Dolomites where you can indulge in delicious Tyrolean cuisine!

• Pizzeria Eidelweiss at Lago di Misurina for their Aperol Spritz and wood oven pizzas
• Ristorante Erich at Sexten for their delicious pizza and huge game meat-stuffed raviolis
• Dreimädelhaus in Val di Funes
• Waldschenke in Val di Funes 
• Rifugio Scoiatolli in Cinque Torri

10) Visit the Lakes that you can drive to

One of the things we loved most about exploring the Dolomites was the perfect mix of jaw-dropping mountain views and stunning glacial lakes. While some, like Lago di Sorapis, require a long hike to reach, many others are easily accessible by car.

We’ve already covered how to visit Lago di Braies, but there are plenty more beautiful lakes worth checking out!

Lago di Misurina

We actually ended up staying a few nights at Hotel Dolomiti des Alpes as a base to explore the surrounding region. This was the perfect mid-point for us to reach Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, and the region of Val Fiscanila in Sexten. The lake views here are calm, not as dramatic as Lago di Sorapis nor Lago di braies, but still beautiful and peaceful!

Lago Antorno

Lago Antorno is a smaller lake that you will likely pass through if are heading towards the Cadini di MIsurina Viewpoint. The lake itself is quite small but the area is beautiful and tranquil. If you want to stay the night around here, cozy hotel called Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno.

Lago di Carezza (Karersee)

Known as the “Rainbow Lake,” its vibrant emerald waters reflect the surrounding Latemar mountains. This lake is located South of Val Gardena and is one of the lesser visited lakes in the Dolomites.

Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See)

A peaceful alpine lake near Dobbiaco, perfect for a scenic stroll or a lakeside coffee. We passed by this lake several times as we were driving from Lago di Misurina to Dobbiaco and Sexten, but unfortunately it was raining every time so we didn’t get to fully enjoy it.

11) Horse-drawn Carriage at Alpe di Siusi

We’ve already raved about how stunning Alpe di Siusi is and how enjoying a meal on the terrace of a rifugio is one of the best ways to soak in the views. But there’s another fantastic (and ultra-relaxing) way to experience its breathtaking rolling pastures.

In both summer and winter, you can explore Alpe di Siusi on a charming horse-drawn carriage ride. It’s one of the most romantic and cozy ways to take in the scenery—perfect for a laid-back adventure or to enjoy with your kids!

The horse-drawn carriage rides start from Compatsch just a few minutes from Seiser Alm Cable car. Just a heads-up—this isn’t the same cable car that departs from Ortisei.

Instead, you’ll need to drive to Compatsch on the western side of Alpe di Siusi and park there. Keep in mind that road access to Alpe di Siusi, including Compatsch, is often restricted, so be sure to check the current regulations before heading out. When we visited, the road up to Compatsch was closed from 9 AM to 5 PM, meaning you’d need to arrive before 9 AM to drive up.

For more details about the pricing, check out the Seiser Alm website.   

12) Magical Village of Val di Funes

Tucked away on the western side of the Dolomites, Val di Funes is pure magic. This hidden gem, far from the tourist crowds, is surrounded by rolling green hills and dramatic snow-capped peaks. We wrapped up our Dolomites adventure here, and it was the perfect place to slow down and soak it all in.

If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery without the strenuous hikes, here are a few top experiences to enjoy with little to no effort:

• See the famous Chiesa di Santa Maddalena
• stroll through the walking paths and reach one of the best viewpoints
• Delicious meal at Waldschenke and visit Church St John along the way
• San Pietro town and enjoy a coffee and pastry at Panificio Gasser
• Shop for local handicrafts.
• Stay at a luxury tree-house inspired wellness retreat hotel.
• Visit a small mineral museum 

Where to Stay in Val di Funes

We recommend staying in the town of St Maddalena in Val di Funes. This town is perfectly located to start the short hike up to see the best viewpoint of Val di Funes, and also you can easily drive to the trailhead of the popular Adolf Munkel hike.

We stayed at Pension Sonia which was comfortable and provided a delicious breakfast, but would also recommend checking out Hotel Fines right next door. 

13) Road trip through some of the most stunning Passes

The ultimate way to experience the Dolomites is by embarking on a road trip! We picked up our rental car from Venice Airport and made the scenic two-hour drive into the heart of the mountains. Having your own car not only gives you the freedom to visit iconic landmarks on your own schedule but also lets you discover breathtaking roadside stops and dramatic mountain passes along the way. Here are some of our favorite passos in the Dolomites:

Passo Gardena (2136m)

This is one of those passes that’ll make you want to stop every few minutes to take in the views. Nestled between Val Gardena and Val Badia, it’s perfect for cyclists with its twisty roads and jaw-dropping scenery. In winter, it’s all about skiing, and you can even join the iconic Sella Ronda circuit.

Passo Rolle (1989m)

If you’re a fan of sweeping mountain views, this pass is for you. Located near the Pale di San Martino peaks, it’s got an old-school vibe, having been a trade route for centuries. It’s a great spot to start hikes or enjoy some skiing in the winter months.

Passo delle Erbe (2006m)

For those looking for a quieter vibe, Passo delle Erbe is your go-to. Surrounded by gorgeous meadows and the majestic Sass de Putia massif, it’s perfect for a peaceful hike or a relaxing break in one of the traditional mountain huts.

Passo di Giau (2236m)

This one’s a showstopper! It’s one of the highest and most photogenic passes, with sweeping views of peaks like Marmolada and Croda da Lago. The road’s hairpin turns are famous among cyclists, and it’s an amazing starting point for epic hikes in the surrounding mountains.

Passo Sella (2218m)

Another must-see, this pass is a gateway between two of the Dolomites’ most famous mountain ranges: the Sella and Sassolungo. Whether you’re cycling, hiking, or skiing, it’s part of the legendary Sella Ronda. Plus, those rock formations? Totally Instagram-worthy.

14) Go Shopping and Discover the Towns

On our rest days between hikes, we took the opportunity to explore the charming towns and do a bit of shopping. While Cortina d’Ampezzo is the main hub, there are plenty of other picturesque towns worth visiting. Ortisei in Val Gardena stood out with its mix of unique shops, from charcuterie and clothing boutiques to outdoor gear stores and traditional woodcraft workshops.

We also made a stop in San Candido, a small town near Dobbiaco, where we went on a mission to find new hiking boots. Not only did we discover better prices there, but the discounts were also much bigger—my wife even scored a super comfortable pair for under 80€!

15) Rent an RV to Explore the Dolomites

One adventure we would have absolutely loved to try in the Dolomites is renting an RV or campervan. Some friends of ours did just that and were able to camp in jaw-dropping locations with direct views of the mountains.

One of their favorite parts was simply parking in these stunning spots, opening their doors, and cooking and enjoying meals right from their campervan—talk about a dream setup!

Having done an SUV camping road trip through Namibia (one of our all-time favourite travel experiences), we’re convinced that exploring the Dolomites in a campervan would be just as unforgettable.

Here are a couple of Campervan rental companies with high ratings available in the Dolomites. The rental cost typically ranges between 100-130€ per day, which is the price our friends paid when they rented their campervan:

• Camperdays
• Roadsurfer 
• Indicamper

How to Get Around in the Dolomites

Although the bus network in the Dolomites is fairly good, the best way to get around in the Dolomites is still by renting a car. There are often large lineups for the buses and during the high season, many of the buses need to actually be booked in advanced. In one case, when we wanted to go back from Sesto to Misurina, all the bus times were booked other than the last two around 5pm.

Instead, we recommend renting a car and using the buses for shorter distances, or when parking may be challenging to find. We used the buses during our trip to bring us between Val Gardena, Ortisei, and Santa Christina as the parking in those towns are quite costly.

Also, as mentioned above, by staying at a participating hotel in Val Gardena’s active program, we were able to get those bus passes for free!

Finally, having a rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore the Dolomites at your own pace. No rushing for buses or sticking to rigid schedules—just pure, stress-free adventure.

Plus, it makes the whole trip way more relaxing (which is exactly what we’re aiming for in this guide!).

How Long to Visit the Dolomites

To fully experience the Dolomites, we recommend spending at least 5 days, but ideally 10-14 days.

We spent 12 days exploring from Sexten and Lago di Misurina to Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, and Val di Funes. For us, 12 days was the sweet spot—it gave us enough time to tackle all our favorite adventurous activities in the Dolomites while still leaving room to relax and soak in the scenery. 

With just 5 days, your itinerary will be more limited, likely focusing on Cortina d’Ampezzo with a few day trips to spots like Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, and Cinque Torri.

For this reason, we recommend staying around 10 days in the Dolomites.

Day Tours to the Dolomites

If you’re not staying in the Dolomites but still want to experience their breathtaking beauty, you’re in luck! There are several day trips available, departing from Lake Garda or Venice. We’ve rounded up the best options for you, each showcasing a different part of this stunning mountain range!

• Dolomites Trip from Lake Garda
• Dolomites and Lago di Braies day trip from Venice
• Dolomites + Lago Misurina + Tre Cime De Lavarado from Venice

How to get to the Dolomites

You can reach the Dolomites from Venice, Treviso, or even Innsbruck in Austria. However, by far the easiest is arriving at Venice (VCE) airport and then either renting a car or taking the shuttle bus.

From Venice Airport (Best option)

From Venice airport you can take the ATVO bus from VCE airport to Cortina D’ampezzo, which takes 2.5 hours. Otherwise you can check on Omio for the route from VCE to Cortina.

From Treviso

From Treviso, there are buses that can bring you to Cortina D’Ampezzo however it requires two transfers and takes close to 4 hours. For this reason, we recommend taking this route only if you will be renting a car from Treviso. 

From Bolzano

Bolzano is located around 2 hours drive from Cortina D’Ampezzo. However, there are no buses or trains that directly connect Bolzano to Cortina. For this reason, it is only recommended if you are arriving at their regional airport and will be renting a car.

From Innsbruck Austria

From Innsbruck Austria, you can take a train (with 1 transfer) to reach Dobbiaco which is one of the main terminals on the road between Lago di Misurina and Sesto.

The train takes 3.5 hours and costs around 11€ one-way per person. From there, you can either take a private transport or use the dolomiti buses to get to Cortina D’ampezzo, Lago di Misurina, or Sesto.  

Is the Dolomites Expensive to Visit

The Dolomites are undeniably breathtaking, but one thing to keep in mind is that a trip there can be quite expensive.

Accommodation tends to be on the pricier side (average 150-250€/night), and many of the top attractions require a cable car ride, which typically costs €25-35 per person round trip. On top of that, there are parking fees at most of the sights which can add another €8-10.

The price of dining out is above-moderate, with most dishes ranging from €15-25. If you ever need private transportation, like a taxi, expect to pay around €80 for a 45-minute ride.

Compared to other regions in Italy, such as Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, the Dolomites were definitely the most expensive. However, the quality of service and infrastructure is excellent for what you are paying for.

Plus, if you’re dreaming of an alpine adventure, the Dolomites are still a much more budget-friendly option than Switzerland!

Using WISE card in Italy

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Where else to visit in Italy

Italy is an incredibly diverse country. In the North you’ll find the stunning Dolomites as well as Tuscany, whereas the South you’ll find Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

On our last visit, we explored Sicily over 2 weeks and discovered some of the most stunning coastal views and freshest seafood! If you want to get an idea of what it looks like, watch White Lotus Season 2. It features many of the best spots in Sicily.

If you are thinking of visiting, we highly recommend going to the charming town of Taormina, then soak in the culture in Catania, eat the best seafood in Syracuse/Ortigia, and then immerse in the Baroque architecture of Ragusa.

Recap: Best Things to do in the Dolomites for non hikers and families

When we travel, we love striking a balance between adrenaline-filled adventures and well-earned relaxation. In the Dolomites, we pushed our limits with via ferratas, tackled epic full-day hikes, and embarked on thrilling adventures—but we also made sure to unwind in between.

Whether you will indulge in the unique textile-free spa at Caravan Park, splurge on one of the luxury wellness retreats, or simply cruising through breathtaking mountain roads, you are sure to have an amazing time in the Dolomites!

We hope this list of best things to do in the Dolomites for the non-hiker/relaxed traveler has helped you take a step forward in planning your next trip!

Looking for more travel inspiration?

Incredible volcanoes and ancient Mayan civilizations: Tikal and Antigua in Guatemala.

Hiking in the Andes and discovering Machu Picchu: Travel itinerary in Peru, hiking to Machu Picchu

Exploring ancient cave dwellings and riding hot air balloons in Cappadocia

Exploring and sailing on the Turkish Coast

Hiking in one of the US’s best national parks and road tripping through Utah

Discover Vietnam and the exciting northern Ha Giang Loop, as well as the Unesco city of Hoi An.

Discover Japan through the bustling city of Tokyo, the ancient culture of Kyoto, savouring the food of Osaka, the bowing deers of Nara, or off-the-beaten path on the coast of Izu Peninsula.