The Brenta Group is very different from the granite-formed neighboring mountain groups and is one of the most famous alpine highways and the most beautiful via ferrata in the Alps.

So if you are an experienced climber and know what via ferrata is, this is a must-visit for you. And if you are an average adventurer like we are at Fyno, Brenta Group still provides plenty of regular hiking trails with convenient cable cars to enjoy its unique beauty.

We recommend spending an entire day here, starting with the Grostè Gondola lift to the very top, then hiking to Rifugio Tucket, your first picturesque stop. Then navigate to Rifugio Brentei where you can have a delicious lunch, and then to Rifugio Casinei, Rifugio Vallesinella, and back to Madonna di Campiglio to where your car is parked.

Brenta Dolomites

Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Lago di Braies is a high-alpine emerald-green lake, one of Europe’s most beautiful. The water color and clarity differs slightly based on the season and weather conditions but are mesmerizing at all times.

There are a few ways to explore the lake. You can rent a beautiful wooden row-boat for a unique experience and better views with mountains rising around you (€25/hour). You can also enjoy a relaxing 2 miles long hike around the lake which will take about 1.5 hours to complete. There are more strenuous hiking options around the lake too.

Lago di Braies

Lake Sorapis attracts tons of visitors each hiking season, for a good reason. This unique milky glacial lake has a dramatic backdrop of Dito di Dio mountain, or “Figner of God” in English, making it one of the most scenic lakes in the Dolomites region. We recommend grabbing a lunch box and spending the entire day in this area.

You have two ways to hike: out-and-back or a loop hike. Both start at the Passo Tre Croci mountain pass and take about 2 hours to get to the lake. Out-and-back is most popular because it’s shortest – you just return via the same trail you got there, totaling 7 miles in about 5 hours.

The loop hike is a mile longer and a bit more difficult, but it is far less crowded and opens some unique additional views of the surrounding mountains. The entire loop is 8 miles and can be done in about 6 hours.

AllTrails

Lago di Sorapis

This high-mountain pass is well worth the drive, especially nearing the sunset time, especially in more or less clear weather so that the sun can touch the peaks of the mountains. You can do a short hike from a parking lot in both directions and get amazing views.

Passo Giau

Hop on another cable car on your way to the peak of Lagazuoi Mountain. Located at 8,000 ft altitude, Rifugio Lagazuoi boasts one of the best panoramic terraces in the Dolomites. They also have a decent kitchen, so we recommend having lunch up here too.

Rifugio Lagazuoi

This mountain range is one of the most iconic and recognizable in the Dolomites. Tre Cime di Lavaredo literally means The Three Peaks of Lavaredo, given its massive sandstone monoliths reaching almost 10,000 ft.

The best way to explore this breathtaking sight is to hike the Tre Cime Loop which starts at Rifugio Auronzo car park and can be done in both directions. We recommend going counter-clockwise, keeping the towers to your left – this way you will get slightly better scenery.

The hike itself takes almost 4 hours, but we recommend taking your time and stopping mid-hike for coffee at Rifugio A. Locatelli or for lunch at a scenic Malga Langalm hut.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Lake Garda is located on the edge of the Dolomites region and features one of the most picturesque lake drives in entire Europe.

We recommend checking in to your hotel, and then go for a sunset drive around the lake with incredible views, walk the promenades of numerous small villages along the way, or treat yourself to a fine meal while enjoying the sunset over the lake.

Garda Scenic Drive

Gardone Riviera is a small town on the western shore of Lake Garda in northern Italy. It is known for its beautiful gardens, historic villas, and scenic promenade along the lakefront.

Some of the popular attractions in Gardone Riviera include the Heller Botanical Garden, which features a variety of plants from around the world, and the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a complex of buildings and gardens that was the home of the Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio.

The town also has several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine and drinks while taking in the views of the lake. We personally love this little town and its promenade.

Gardone Riviera

This picturesque historic church is literally a hidden gem since it’s tucked into a mountain and not visible unless you go on a 20-minute walk down the canyon.

The church was built in the early 20th century in a unique architectural style that blends Gothic and Romanesque elements. The interior of the church is equally impressive, featuring beautiful frescoes and stained glass windows. The church is also home to a small museum that displays a collection of religious artifacts and artwork.

To reach the church, you must descend a steep path that leads down the mountainside. Or you can take a shuttle bus from both parking lots.

Official website

Madonna della Corona

Malcesine is a charming town located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. The town is well known for its medieval castle, which dominates the skyline, as well as its narrow cobbled streets, bustling piazzas, and picturesque harbor.

Malcesine is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months when visitors come to enjoy the lake's crystal clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. The town is a hub for water sports enthusiasts, with windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing being some of the most popular activities.

The town's main attraction is the Scaliger Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century. The castle houses a museum that showcases the town's history, as well as a terrace that offers spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Other popular attractions in Malcesine include the Palazzo dei Capitani, a historic palace that now serves as a museum, and the San Michele Arcangelo church, which features beautiful frescoes and paintings.

You can also take a cable car up to the top of Monte Baldo for panoramic views of the lake and the Alps.

Malcesine

Castello Scaligero is a medieval fortress on the southern shore of Lake Garda. The castle dates back to the 13th century and was built by the Scaliger family, who ruled the area around Lake Garda during the Middle Ages.

The castle is surrounded by water on three sides and is connected to the mainland by a drawbridge. It has several towers, including a large central tower that was used as a keep, and a courtyard that was used for public events and ceremonies. The castle also has a number of defensive features, including battlements, a moat, and a portcullis.

Today, Scaligero Castle is a popular travel attraction and is open to the public. You can explore the castle's various rooms and towers, which house exhibits on the history of the castle and the surrounding area. The castle also offers panoramic views of the town of Sirmione and Lake Garda.

Scaligero Castle

The modern Castello del Buonconsiglio is a pretty unique and interesting historic sight since it provides a pretty diverse experience. We recommend exploring its architecture, interior design, precious art, high-tech museum installations, and beautiful gardens where you can drink an espresso or grab a bite.

Buonconsiglio Castle

Canyon Rio Sass is a beautiful secluded canyon at the heart of town Fondo. In the late afternoon, it transforms into a tranquil and majestic place. The walk takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace.

We recommend parking at the lake Smeralda, and walk down the canyon to the downtown Fondo. You can then go back the same way, or go back through the town.

Be advised that the Google Map location is in the center of the town, and also various websites create a general impression that Rio Sass can only be reached via a guided tour, but it's not. Just park your car and enjoy the serenity of this canyon in the afternoon.

Canyon Rio Sass

Your entire drive through Non Valley (Val di Non) is quite scenic, but it is worth making a quick stop at a dam and enjoying beautiful canyon and vineyards views. If you’re lucky, you can spot a train crossing the bridge.

Diga Di Santa Giustina

Trento is an educational, scientific, financial, and political center in Tyrol and Northern Italy in general. The city contains a picturesque medieval and renaissance historic center with beautiful buildings restored to their original pastel colors and wooden balconies. Stroll for a few hours through narrow streets of the city, visit ancient buildings like Trento Cathedral and the Castello del Buonconsiglio, and have lunch in one of many great Italian restaurants.

Downtown Trento

Lake Tovel is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by the stunning mountain peaks of the Brenta Dolomites.

The lake is known for its unique color, which can range from deep blue to bright red depending on the time of year and the weather conditions. The red color is caused by a specific type of algae that blooms in the lake during the summer months.

Lake Tovel is a popular destination for hikers, as there are many trails that lead through the surrounding mountains and forests. One of the most popular trails is the Tovel Lake Loop, which is a 3.7-mile hike that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

In addition to hiking, you can also enjoy boating, swimming, and bathing in the sun on several lake's beaches. There are also picnic areas and campgrounds located around the lake, making it a popular destination for families.

Lake Tovel

The views of the Seceda Ridgeline are without the slightest exaggeration jaw-dropping. Nowhere else we’ve seen towering rocks twisted with flat valleys. Moreover, you don’t have to hike hours to get to this rewarding view, you just take a 15-minute Furnes-Seceda cable car and that’s it.

Once you come to your senses again, we recommend hiking for another hour along the edge and back to the viewing point to properly appreciate this monumental sight.

Alpe di Seceda

Alpe di Siusi is the largest high-alpine meadow in the Dolomites, sitting at an altitude of 6,000 ft. These features make it one of the most picturesque places in the Italian Alps, with dramatic mountain ranges all around. The valley has no car traffic, making it a unique, pure nature experience.

Exploring all features of this vast valley usually takes at least a day on foot, this is why we recommend renting a bike (or even better an e-bike hence altitude changes) to get the best experience possible and pack all emotions in just half a day. Folks at the Bamby bike rental are usually very helpful with designing your route through the valley based on available time and preferences.

Bike rentals

Alpe di Siusi

The Dolomites are known for their dramatic settings of quaint churches on alpine valleys with magnificent towering peaks as their backdrop. Chiesetta di San Giovanni is one of the most beautiful and recognizable churches in this category and is the first on your journey through the Villnöß valley.

Chiesetta di San Giovanni

Lago di Carezza is one of the most picturesque small lakes in the Dolomites Mountains, featuring a unique green shade of turquoise color with pines and spires of rock as its backdrop.

Lago di Carezza

Ortisei is a picturesque town located in the Val Gardena valley. This is where cable car stations to Alpe di Siusi and Alpe di Seceda are located, making it a perfect place to relax and have lunch between the activities.

There is also a Church of St. Ulrich, a beautiful Gothic church located in the town center. The church features stunning frescoes and works of art, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture.

For those interested in shopping, Ortisei has a range of local boutiques and artisan shops selling everything from handmade pottery to traditional clothing and accessories. The town is also home to a number of restaurants and cafes, offering delicious local cuisine and wine.

Finally, you can take advantage of the many spa and wellness facilities in the area, which offer a range of treatments and therapies designed to help you relax and unwind.

Ortisei

If you want to completely blow your mind on your Dolomites trip, there is no better way than a tandem paragliding flight with bird-eye views of the Seceda. You don’t need to be experienced in any way since all the work will be done by the tandem paraglider.

Paragliding tour

Paraglide over Seceda

QC Terme Dolomiti is a spa resort located in the heart of the Dolomites. The resort offers a variety of wellness and spa treatments, as well as saunas, thermal baths, and relaxation areas, all with the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The spa's thermal waters have healing properties and are sourced from the nearby Alloch and Antermoia springs.

In addition to the spa and wellness facilities, QC Terme Dolomiti also has a restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy healthy meals and drinks. The resort also offers a range of activities, including yoga and fitness classes, hiking, and skiing in the winter months.

QC Terme Dolomiti

While it’s at times challenging, hiking around Sassolungo massif is simply a must on your trip to the Dolomites. It brings the most stunning views by contrasting serene pastures against dramatic rocks.

The entire Sassolungo – Langkofel loop is a pretty busy, challenging, 10-mile long hike, and usually takes the entire day to complete.

If you're short on time as we were during our last visit – you can hike a much shorter and easier ~3h trail to Sandro Pertini Refuge and back (see the second AllTrails link). It still offers a breathtaking scenery of the Sassolungo massif, and is especially magical during the sunset hours.

Sassolungo

Hop on a cable car from Passo Pordoi to explore this high-altitude spot with insane Dolomiti views. Both riding up the Sass Pordoi mountain and hiking on top bring spectacular views over multiple uniquely shaped mountains.

Terrazza Delle Dolomiti

Stunningly beautiful and surprisingly serene, the Villnöß Valley (Val di Funes) is home to some most recognizable views of the Dolomites. Its surrounding mountain ranges can be visible from almost anywhere in the valley, and its churches are pretty stunning too. Visit two must-see churches – Chiesetta di San Giovanni and Chiesa di Santa Maddalena. To catch the best views of this valley, drive from the town of St. Peter to Kostenloser Parkplatz (a 15-minute drive on a twisty narrow road). During this drive, you will almost level with the surrounding mountains with the entire valley beneath you. Simply breathtaking.

Val di Funes

Italy is known for its revitalizing bath experiences – Bagni. And one iconic spa destination is located right outside of the Dolomites, in the historic city of thermal baths San Pellegrino Terme. This spa complex combines a stunning early 20th century Casinò building with a modern-architecture spa on ancient thermal water sights. We recommend arriving in the afternoon and staying to catch the sunset. The magic power of water, the aesthetics of this place, and the views of the surrounding lush mountains will create unique memories, even if you’re not much into water procedures. This is a perfect place to be revitalized at the end of your epic Dolomites adventure!

QC Terme San Pellegrino

Home to world-famous San Pellegrino drinks, this charming town is so much more than that. The city has a rich history, eventually becoming a spa destination for the European elite at the beginning of the 20th century. We recommend starting the day with a light breakfast at your hotel and heading straight to the main square to grab coffee with a croissant and enjoy the serene atmosphere of a small town. Then walk down and up the river, appreciate architecture, shop in adorable local stores, check out the Grand Hotel and head back to the main square for lunch before heading to the iconic spa.

San Pellegrino Terme

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No matter where you traveled before, the Dolomites will take your breath away with its unique soaring peaks, alpine valleys, glacial lakes, and quaint churches. We explored it after the most famous mountain destinations in the world, and it still blew our minds.

Cozy modern self-check-in hotel with lovely rooms, just steps away from the downown of San Pellegrino Terme.