The Dolomites in 5 days
Three days from Cortina for the east of the region, then a move to Ortisei for the Seceda.
- How long
- 4–5
- Bases
- Cortina for the first three days
- Book ahead
- Tre Cime: mandatory (road and parking)
The five days follow the layout of the region: the first three run from Cortina, the fourth moves the base to Ortisei via the Giau Pass, and the fifth is for the Seceda. With only four days, drop Braies or the Marmolada.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Drive to Misurina, 14 km from Cortina, then take the seasonal road to the trailhead. Booking the road and parking is mandatory, so do it before you arrive: €40 car (toll + parking up to 12 h).
The loop trail around the three peaks takes 3–4 h (loop trail around the peaks). The road runs only in season. Closing: winter, road closed for snow (usually Nov–May).
Back to Cortina, with no second stop; everything else in the region needs its own day.
Lago di Braies
Drive to Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), about 46 km from Cortina. The lake is free, and the parking is what you pay for: free (lake); parking €7–44 depending on lot and season.
If the day falls in high season, one ticket applies: combined ticket of €44 (includes a €22 food voucher), 1 July to 15 September, 9:00–16:00. That is why the lake goes early or after that period.
A walk around the lake and back to Cortina.
Marmolada
Drive to Malga Ciapela, 43–46 km from Cortina. From there a cable car goes up to Punta Rocca: €38 return (Malga Ciapela–Punta Rocca).
Punta Rocca sits on the Marmolada massif, the highest peak in the Dolomites. Booking: recommended (busy in summer). Closing: seasonal (summer runs to 27 Sep 2026, then winter break).
Back to Cortina, dinner and packing for the move.
The Giau Pass and the move to Ortisei
Check out of Cortina. The Giau Pass is 43 km from Cortina, a pass. Cost: free. Closing: winter, road closed for snow/avalanches (part of the year).
A short stop on the pass: the viewpoint at the top and the car park, which is free but limited.
Drive to Ortisei, about 65 km from Cortina, and check in at the new base.
Seceda
From Ortisei a cable car runs in two stages, via Furnes, to the top of the Seceda: €74 return, €49 one-way.
Cable car closing: none in season (22 May–2 Nov 2026); closed to walk-up access in winter. Booking: yes, online time slot (from summer 2026).
Back down to Ortisei; the rest of the day is a pause before the return to Bolzano.
What to drop when you're running late
- Running late in Cortina? The Tre Cime keep their slot, since the road and parking are booked; Braies and the Marmolada are what you sacrifice.
- Cloud on the top? The fifth day then goes to Bolzano: the trip does not depend on visibility, and the bus leaves from Ortisei.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
What gets dropped with only four days?
Braies or the Marmolada. The Tre Cime and the Seceda are the reason to come, so they stay.
Why does the base change in the middle of the plan?
Cortina holds the eastern part of the region, and the Seceda is climbed from Ortisei in Val Gardena, about 65 km from Cortina.
What is booked in advance?
The road and parking for the Tre Cime, which is mandatory; for the Marmolada, booking is recommended (busy in summer).
Ready for The Dolomites?
Where to next
Front row for the next trip
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