Where to stay in The Dolomites
Cortina holds the eastern arm of the region, Ortisei the western one.
- Eastern base
- Cortina d'Ampezzo
- Western base
- Ortisei, Val Gardena
- Distance
- about 65 km between them
Cortina (Cortina d'Ampezzo) is the base for the east of the region and Ortisei in Val Gardena for the west; the distance between them is about 65 km, so you choose by what is on the plan.
The base for the east
From Cortina, the Tre Cime, Braies, the Giau Pass and the Marmolada are each a single drive: 14 km to Misurina, about 46 km to Braies, 43 km to Giau, 43–46 km to the Marmolada. That's why three or four days are spent here. The luggage stays put.
The base for the west
Ortisei is where the cable car to the Seceda starts, and the Alpe di Siusi plateau has its own cable car from Siusi. The west is therefore done from here. Bolzano is about 40 km away, so this is also the start of a day trip to the town.
When one base is enough
A short stay cannot afford a move. With few days you pick one arm and stay at its base, because the road between Cortina and Ortisei eats part of a day. The east is for those who put the Tre Cime first, the west for those who come for the Seceda.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Is Cortina or Ortisei better?
It depends on the plan: Cortina holds the Tre Cime, Braies, Giau and the Marmolada, and Ortisei the Seceda and the Alpe di Siusi.
How far apart are the bases?
about 65 km between Cortina and Ortisei.
How do you reach the bases?
Cortina Express bus (Venice–Cortina); SAD line 350 bus (Bolzano–Ortisei).
Ready for The Dolomites?
Where to next
The Dolomites off the main plan: Sorapis, Cinque Torri and Santa Maddalena
→A turquoise lake on a trail, a First World War front in the rocks and a village church below the Odle.
Venice · 123 km
→A city without a single car, built on 118 islets
How well does The Dolomites suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
Front row for the next trip
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