Dolomites UNESCO Geotrail

The trail passes through four nature parks, each with their own distinct features. Highlights of the trail include the Schlern-Rosengarten and Puez-Odle Nature Parks, known for their biodiversity, as well as the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park’s wilderness and the Tre Cime Natural Park’s famous peaks: Tre Cime or the Drei Zinnen.

The trail begins at the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, where the Schlern massif and Rosengarten group paint a picture of the Dolomites’ past. You’ll also hike through the ruggedness of the Puez-Odle National Park, a nod to the area’s dynamic earth movements. There, you can stay at the Puez Mountain Hut (2475 meters) and have some of the best views of the trail after a long day.

Next, the trail will take you to Parco Naturale Fanes-Sennes-Braies, a haven of proper wilderness. Here, the trail will go through meadows, forests, and alpine lakes, including Lake Braies.

The trail ends at Tre Cime Natural Park, which is home to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks. The peaks are some of the most well-known imagery when it comes to the Dolomites. Also well known as the Drei Zinnen. Staying at the Dreizinnenhütteis a great way to have views of the Tre Cime – Drei Zinnen and stay away from the day-hiker crowds.

After ten days, the trail will finally descend into Sexten, where you can chill after your hike. Along the way, don’t miss the chance for a coffee break at the Büllelejochhütte and Zsigmondyhütte!

The best time of the year to hike the Dolomites UNESCO Geotrail is undoubtedly in summer and early September. As you’re hiking in the mountains, be aware that there might be snowfields in early summer and there might be early snowfalls in late summer and early autumn. Generally, the hiking season in the European Alps is limited to the summer months when the weather is milder and the snow has melted, making the trails accessible, but also more crowded.

While hiking in the mountains always stay informed about the weather conditions in the area where you intend to hike. Alter your itinerary during severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, or extreme heat for your safety.

Stay properly hydrated and nourished with at least 2 liters of water a day and lots of snacks. And make sure, if you can, to invest in the right hiking gear. This should include, at the bare minimum, supportive footwear. From there, work to build a collection of proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitted backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPS devices (or the GPX on your mobile), and a first-aid kit. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails like this.