Take a peek at my ultimate Dolomites road trip guide. The Gods must have been on our side that day. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UKs largest motorhome travel websites or get a cocker spaniel. Unsubscribe at any time. But seeing them covered in a blanket of snow was still absolutely incredible. When the snow falls, the roads can become very icy, very quickly, due to the high elevation. Many other factors in Trentino-Alto Adige/Sdtirol points to its Austrian culture. From houses and hotels to its central Rathaus, Dobbiaco put on a glittery show. This road is best driven in good weather, so you can enjoy the views. WebIn Winter, the roads in alpine region are often in a better condition than roads in flatter regions. Now, it is time to learn about the history of the Dolomites by visiting the. Webin the winter, unless you're travelling at the weekend, then traffic isn't your main problem. Some of these passes have as many as 33 hairpin turns. I don't know about Italy, but in the mountains where I spend the winter, snow tires or chains are required between October and April. What is the best time to drive the Great Dolomite Road? Be sure to check with your hotel upon arrival for local recommendations. Visiting the Dolomites is like stepping into a high fantasy novel. To drive in the Dolomites in winter (and most of Italy) you are required to follow these Italy winter driving requirements: Have winter tyres or all-season tyres on your vehicle between 1 November and 31 March (look for the Alpine symbol on tyres to check they meet the requirements), If using snow chains you cannot drive over 50kmph, Carry a warning triangle and reflective vests (all year requirement), Carry a spare tyre and tools (all year requirement), Headlamp beam deflectors if driving a UK vehicle (all year requirement), A sticker indicating your vehicles country if its not shown on your licence plate (all year requirement). These dishes are commonly compared to street food and can be anything from burgers to sandwiches. Small pulses and take your foot off them as much as possible. And for good reason, with its view on the mountains, the little church and the famous hut with the boats Certainly the ultimate must-see during a road trip in the Dolomites with the Tre Cime! WebIn Winter, the roads in alpine region are often in a better condition than roads in flatter regions. . We visited San Candido (German name: Innichen) on a cold, but dry, day in late December. Cold, refreshing and made in South Tyrol, there was no better choice. It doesn't matter how well maintained the roads are in the mountains in the winter, snow and ice can occur at any time at elevation. The Dolomites are a true hidden gem in Italy. By the way, Cortina DAmpezzo has many jaw-dropping ski resorts that are a part of the Dolomiti Superski Area, which is known for its downhill slopes. Shared by 3 regions, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Sdtirol and Friuli Venezia Giulia, its an ideal vacation spot, come winter or summer. It connects Val di Fassa and Val Gardena in the province of Trentino. A fantastic place to relax after a day of winter activities. Seven Amazing Places To Visit When Youre In Tromso, I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. or those looking to get some practice runs in. The hotel is in the heart of town and has a stunning view of the mountains. The Perfect Itinerary for the Dolomites in Winter Day 1: Arrive to Cortina DAmpezzo If you are based in Central Europe like us, you should just drive to the Dolomites region. Then go see the wood sculptures at The Valgardena museum also known as the Museum Grden. However we found the main roads, towns and villages to be clear of snow and very well-maintained in terms of driveability. Roads are maintained well and amenities are nearby. #section_1256942431 .section-bg { There you will begin at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop Hike, which goes around the three peaks. If you plan on staying longer at Lago di Braies, bring your own snacks and drinks. It is known for its vast hiking trails and adventurous ski slopes. A cable car will take you up to the summit of this mountain, which is a popular spot for skiing in the winter and hiking come summer. Take a peek at my ultimate Dolomites road trip guide. The airport is pretty well connected to many cities in Europe. After buying some local honey and butter made in a local malga, we enjoyed our final aperitivo. } Try a slice (or two) with some bread from the region called Schttelbrot, a crispy flatbread style. There are so many different things to do in the Dolomites in winter that it can be difficult to decide what to see, what to do, and where to stay if youve never visited before, so Ive compiled my ultimate Dolomites guide here for your next trip to Italy! is 9 km with an elevation gain of 281. Which provides simple dishes accompanied by gorgeous views of the alps. Again, its an ingredient youll see often when traveling through the Dolomites. A great second layer is a warm fleece. Cappelle di Alttting e del Santo Sepolcro. Small pulses and take your foot off them as much as possible. Arrive in Canazei. A must-see for any animal lover visiting the Dolomites. The snow gave you a completely different vision of these places seen here and With 18 peaks exceeding 3000 meters, its a real feast for your eyes. These can be narrow in spots, just wide enough for two cars. Most of these slopes are beneath Tofana, between Socrepes and Pocol, and can be accessed by the chairlifts. This hidden gem opened in 2001 and teaches visitors all about the development of the Ladin Dolomite valleys. At 2240, above sea level, this is one of the highest passes in the Dolomites and its a popular pass for skiing in the winter and cycling routes in the summer. And even if in winter you cant hike and the mountain is less detached from the landscape, I dont regret to have gone there! Cable cars and ski lifts interrupt the clear blue sky in Corvara in Badia, but in a good way. This loop starts from the parking lot at the foot of the lift.
And, the hiking trails are spectacular and highly accessible. That can be more silly if you have no experience or if you feel unsafe. Cortina is Italian again. If On our hangouts in the city, we spottedHotel Olimpia. For new skiers, head over to Cortina Ski School, the first Italian ski school that was founded back in 1933. A cable car will take you up to the summit of this mountain, which is a popular spot for skiing in the winter and hiking come summer. Brace yourself. So if youd prefer to avoid the peak season crowds in summer but not visit in the depths of winter, Id suggest autumn or early spring as great times to visit. We loved it there and had an amazing time with the owner. This makes South Tyrol a very important tourist destination. If you are driving in winter, make sure your vehicle carries the necessary safety equipment for Italy. If youre looking for a design hotel with everything you need to unwind after a day of sightseeing or hiking, the Boutique Hotel Residence Brugghof & Erlhof is the place to stay. The hike is 9 km with an elevation gain of 281. This autonomous region was part of the Austria-Hungary Empire from 1815 until 1919. WebTHE WINTER IN THE DOLOMITES WITH FREEWHEELING The Dolomites are a great adventure terrain for whoever feels up to winter challenges such as skiing, snow-shoeing, ice-climbing, Whatever your chosen activity, these landscapes are themselves a good enough reason to come here from any part of the world. Our stroll through Dobbiacos illuminated small streets eventually brought us to the most charming Christmas market. 
This unique area has seven acres of meadows and forest that is home to over thirty species of deer and fallow deer. Dishes like canederli and wienerschnitzel sit alongside more traditional Italian foods. I promise to only send you the good stuff.
Drive slowly, use your gears and engine braking as much as possible. A three and a half-hour drive from Seiser Alm. From 15 November 2022 to 15 April 2023, cars driving in the Dolomites must have winter tyres or snow chains fitted. At ground level, we still had plenty of snow to enjoy. Campervanning in Switzerland- Tips,Routes & Destinations, The Perfect Itinerary for a Catalonia Road Trip, Visiting Siwa Oasis in Egypt: Everything You Need, The Richest Austria Itinerary for 5, 7 and, 12 Incredible Things to Do in Chefchaouen (+, The Ultimate Egypt Itinerary: 10 Days in Cairo,, The Ultimate Tunisia Itinerary [An Insane 3-Week Road, 10-Day Brazil Itinerary: Our 3 Suggestions to Discover, 12 Wonderful Things to Do in Ilha Grande, The Perfect 2-Day Kyoto Itinerary for First Timers, How To Experience Magical Ninh Binh And Mua, Uzbekistan Food and Cuisine: 17 Best Must-Try Dishes, The Best Kyrgyzstan Itinerary That You Can Do, 21 Campervan Rental Tips in Iceland: All What, 9 Most Inspiring Work & Travel Experiences around, 19 Most Important Tips for Driving in Europe, How to Choose the Best Backpacking & Hiking, My Adventure in Lago di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis). The Dolomites are a mountain range in the northeast of Italy, also known as the Dolomite Alps. Their wellness center even overlooks the Dolomites. The food tends to be on the heavier and substantial side, packed with plenty of meat and carbs. South Tyrol is the name given to the autonomous province of Bolzano. and request a reservation. Take a tour of the museum and learn about the Ladin people. A cable car will take you up to the summit of this mountain, which is a popular spot for skiing in the winter and hiking come summer. Bolzano to Cortina Itinerary, Great Dolomites Road and Sella Pass Dolomites Itinerary (the one we drove), Watch us drive the Great Dolomites Road in our Motorhome, Visiting The Dolomites Pt 1- Driving the Great Dolomites Road- Italy in a motorhome tour, Our 1-day Great dolomites road trip itinerary in a motorhome, Great Dolomites drive (step by step road tour).
We rented a car from DiscoverCars, as we do on most road trips. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You wont be served any fancy latte art on the cappuccino, but it was delicious nonetheless. Some smaller roads close in the winter and become cross-country ski trails. We arrived at Lago di Dobbiaco only to find that 98% of the lake had completely frozen over. Small pulses and take your foot off them as much as possible. And, the hiking trails are spectacular and highly accessible. The narrow route is cliff side with stunning panoramic views of the mountains, lakes and valleys. One of the best places in Italy to visit during your winter trip is Alta Badia. 
If in doubt, pull into a safe place (there are lots of laybys on the way down) and rest for 5-10 minutes to give the brakes a chance to cool. If youre thinking about hiking the Dolomites in winter, Selva di Val Gardena hosts winter hiking events. Steep in parts but with very little traffic on the road due to it being closed (we should have realised!) The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. A long name, yes, but the church represents the main place of worship in Ortisei. A luxury hotel when staying in Alta Badia is. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Should your schedule allow more time in San Candido, here are other churches you may want to visit: As you can see, theres more to visiting San Candido in winter than just partaking in winter sports. But, if youre looking for a relaxing short getaway, youll also find it in San Candido. The Dolomites are a mountainous area in the northeast of Italy, right under Austria, in the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol and Trentino. You will walk the other way, away from Tre Crime. Luckily, Monte Pana has an average of $97 USD a night. The property overlooks the meadows on the edge of the forest.
Yes, in Italy. It doesn't matter how well maintained the roads are in the mountains in the winter, snow and ice can occur at any time at elevation. I found this moment very beautiful, delicate and intense. Take in the gorgeous mountain views, one last time. This is the video of us driving the Great Dolomites Road from Bolzano to Canazei. I feel that you wrote it especially for me. Two steaming plates were placed before us, one with tagliatelle and deer rag, the other with spinach sptzle with speck.
Tip 2: No skis? Re: Driving conditions in Dolomites in December. . The path is really easy and rewards you with a stunning view of Cadini Mountain Group. The little and winding roads through quaint villages make it the perfect destination for a road trip. Dressing properly will make or break your trip. Next, get ready to find the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike. Click here to see our Privacy and Disclosure Policy. And I can imagine that in summer it must be a paradise for hikers! We were lucky that every day was sunny and blue skies, just very cold and lots of compacted snow, but the roads were well-maintained and completely clear. It does not store any personal data. But there are just as many adventures to be had by car thanks to the epic scenery and amazing driving routes in the Dolomites. A post shared by L I S A |Italy | Travel (@followingtherivera). #section_1256942431 { Like we did in Palermo, please be observant of your attire when entering any place of worship. Our choice for lunch was the exquisite Hotel Scoiattolo. That can be more silly if you have no experience or if you feel unsafe. also known as Sompunt. If in doubt, pull into a safe place (there are lots of laybys on the way down) and rest for 5-10 minutes to give the brakes a chance to cool. Visiting the Dolomites with a campervan in winter. This does not mean that it is easy going. Other visitors come to just relax while gazing at the snowy peaks, with mountain ranges in the distance. Visiting the Dolomites is like stepping into a high fantasy novel. Other options include hearty pasta and soups. The instructors are vast in most languages, great for worldwide travelers. My advice is to book at least a month in advance to avoid missing out on the accommodation you want. padding-bottom: 30px; Want to get exclusive tips and tricks? We drove in the Dolomites in February and there was plenty of snow although we didnt experience any fresh snowfall while we were there. She was a formal athlete in winter sports! I'm Lisa, the face behind Following the Rivera. The magnificent Dolomites sit behind the church, making it a marvelous view. Venice to Bolzano is about 2 hours, 45 minutes and then you would complete the rest of the Great Dolomites Road. Winter hiking is a great activity when you have a few hours in Seiser Alm. The museum tells the story of the Dolomites and the creatures that once roamed the land here. Best Places for Dolomites Hiking Tofana . No loud, overbearing music, it was a relaxing end to a relaxing 3 days in the Dolomites. Spending the day in Puez-Odle Nature Park is an exhilarating trip when visiting Val Gardena. Ristorante Wiesthaler, Via Duca Tassilo, 3, San Candido. A vision almost too perfect to be true The little church of San Giovanni standing proudly in the middle of its meadow. If The view on the mountains is impressive (again), clearly to be put on your list and not to be missed during a road trip in the Dolomites. Winding roads take you up through the mountains, providing some of the best views of the Dolomites. BE KIND TO YOUR BRAKES. }
We visited at the beginning of October and it was perfect- trees changing colour, not too many people, yet warm enough to enjoy a walk. WebDolomites Italy in winter itinerary. You can drive a short section of it from Bormio if youd like to experience part of it. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Your winter jacket should be windproof and be able to handle 20-degree weather. A mini Austria in Italy The further north you travel in the country, the more noticeable the changes become. Dating to the 17th century, the Renaissance-style church is tiny, but worth a quick look. For, not only was there a free table, but it was also in a historic, and super cozy dining room. Aside from the lakes caf/restaurant, theres not much to see at Lago di Dobbiaco (German name: Toblacher See). Departing Hotel Stauder, we made the short 10-minute drive to Lago di Dobbiaco (Lake Dobbiaco). Every turn has its share of wonder, if you love the mountains, the Dolomites are at the top of your list. also known as Seiser Alm, the area draws thousands of tourists each year. height: 150px; Fog- forget it completely. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Book the Smart Ski Course, which is a six-hour lesson providing the basics of skiing. Disclaimer: I havent tried skiing so far. } There are other stalls dotted around the center and I encourage you to visit them all. Its said to be the most important museum in the Dolomites, so if youre in San Candido, be sure to visit. It is rated as moderate and can take anywhere from 3-4 hours. WebDolomites Italy in winter itinerary.
The highest and Id say the prettiest village in the Dolomites attracts activity-seeking visitors to its doors year upon year. Things are about to get wiggly. The Perfect Itinerary for the Dolomites in Winter Day 1: Arrive to Cortina DAmpezzo If you are based in Central Europe like us, you should just drive to the Dolomites region. Inside are 18th century paintings done by local artists. In the summer months catching a bus route is a common way to get around the Dolomites. Keep following the road and going uphill. The all-time record snowfall for Alta-Brighton was 745 inches the winter of 199495. The Dolomites are a mountainous area in the northeast of Italy, right under Austria, in the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol and Trentino. Some people have said it is ok to wild camp outside of peak season. The boutique hotel situated in the heart of the center, with an excellent in-house restaurant, was an easy choice. padding-top: 30px; This post, Read More The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Dolomites In The WinterContinue. Web1. Residence Wachtler is located in the heart of the town center and is also just 200m from the ski lift. Cross-country skiing, paragliding, sledging, snowmobiling, snowshoeing there is no shortage of winter activities! No problem. Shops include La Cooperativa Di Cortina, which is a department store full of items. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Check out their rooms here and request a reservation. Caminata di Tures is an excellent starting point for exploring the Dolomites, particularly the Tre Cime and the Lago di Braies. Drive slowly, use your gears and engine braking as much as possible. Here is a small but not exhaustive list of the main ski resorts in the region: There are many hotels in the Dolomites, and it is best to book ahead of time, especially if you are visiting during peak season or have a limited budget. WebLowering noise and carbon emissions prior to the 2026 Winter Olympics. With the Rocca dei Baranci mountain overlooking San Candido, the small town has a photogenic advantage over others. Flying into Venice is the shortest amount of time for driving if youre starting on the Cortina dAmpezzo side of the Dolomites (Tre Cime di Lavaredo). The further north you travel in the country, the more noticeable the changes become. This small church is made of stone and is famous for its small round steeple. Almost half of the slopes in Cortina dAmpezzo are beginner-friendly and rated as easy. It is really the place to be to fill up with sensations and especially to be in constant wonderment in front of these snowy summits. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. WebExperience the enchanting beauty of the Dolomites in winter like never before with stunning drone footage! Shared by 3 regions, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Sdtirol and Friuli Venezia Giulia, its an ideal vacation spot, come winter or summer. WebRe: Driving conditions in Dolomites in December 11 years ago Save It's your choice. Hats, gloves, and warm socks will be key to keeping the rest of your body warm. The hotel suites have an alpine mountain village feel with jaw-dropping views. Along this street are several top hotels, including ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti, Cavallino Bianco Hotel and Hotel Genziana. Suddenly, you turn a corner and get your first view of the real Dolomites. Located down the road from Hotel Scoiattolo, we waited in line with other curious, hungry, patrons. The short answer is yes. Okay, lets take a break from outdoor activities. Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. SanBrite is a once-in-a-lifetime meal, cooked up with passion and love for the area. Pricing starts at an average of $184 USD. I was immediately taken in by its pink faade with wooden shutters and was keen to see the interior. Visiting the frozen lakes of the Dolomites, Map: Best places to visit in the Dolomites in winter. Since it is a winter destination for downhill skiing, snowshoe hikes, toboggan runs, and sledding, it can become crowded. It's a place where women can find the inspiration, tools, and knowledge they need to turn their travel dreams into reality. Normally visiting places in the winter means fewer crowds. A mini Austria in Italy The further north you travel in the country, the more noticeable the changes become. With a beautiful white baroque faade and gold statues adorning the exterior, its a beautiful feature of the town. How to plan your trip to Italy: tips from a local! Which is home to 1200 km of ski runs and 450 connected lifts. If youre searching for the best places to visit in Italy in winter, nothing can beat the Dolomites. The views get better and better. Seriously, if youre planning on driving in the Dolomites, you have to drive this route. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Here are five great reasons why you should book a winter trip to Lago di Braies. Find out more, Best places to visit in the Dolomites in winter. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. ), The 20 Best Tours and Day Trips from Split, Croatia (from someone who spent 12 months here, trying them all! Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here. If youre planning a visit to Val di Funes, I definitely recommend this route from Gardena Pass if youre looking for scenic drives in the Dolomites. } You exit the tunnel, still climbing uphill. Antica Osteria Traube, whose building dates to 1779, is an eatery with just 30 seats. I'm Lisa, the face behind Following the Rivera. The only thing to keep an eye out for is the parking fee. The Dolomites in winter is a peak season, meaning that accommodation gets booked up very quickly. The roads are great and the journey will take you 4 to 6 hours. If Having a car affords you the opportunity to explore limitlessly, so I highly recommend it.