August within the Dolomites is the peak of summer time, with snow-free trails, fewer thunderstorms than in early summer time, and daylight that lingers till 8:30 pm. It’s additionally peak vacationer season, when lodge costs skyrocket, parking tons overflow, and probably the most well-known mountain climbing trails can really feel extra like a parade than a wilderness escape.
The excellent news? With a little bit of technique, you possibly can nonetheless expertise the Dolomites at their most magical. This information will assist you sidestep the worst of the crowds and uncover breathtaking corners that hardly ever make it onto Instagram.
Overtourism and crowds frustrate many, however few are keen to enterprise past the standard vacationer trails. Observe my suggestions under to step off the crushed path, even when solely ever so barely.
The place to Keep within the Dolomites in August
If I had been reserving a visit to the Dolomites this August, I’d hunt down a peaceable hamlet in Val Badia, ideally La Val or Longiarù, to flee the crowds and expertise genuine alpine attraction. I’d additionally think about visiting San Martino di Castrozza.
Longiarù
Longiarù (Lungiarü in Ladin, Campill in German) is a Ladin village tucked away in a aspect valley of Val Badia, serving as a peaceable gateway to Puez-Odle Nature Park. One of many valley’s highlights is its historic mountain hamlets, generally known as Viles, a few of which date again to the thirteenth and 14th centuries.
From this secret valley, hikers can entry Sass de Putia, Antersasc Valley and Crep dla Dodesc, and even Val di Funes.
Kati and I stayed within the aparthotel Les Dolomites Mountain Lodges (learn our Les Dolomites assessment) and hiked the Ütia Ciampcios & Kreuzjoch Circuit Path, which I summarized in our Alta Badia Summer time Information. We hope to return quickly to discover extra of the valley.
Extra locations to remain in Longiarù | Lüch de Vanc (funds, breakfast & dinner included), or Berghotel Sanví (luxurious)
La Val
La Val (La Valle) is a small village in Alta Badia, perched above the valley ground, between Badia and San Martino in Badia. Of all of the Alta Badia villages (Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, and San Cassiano), La Val is the quietest. It additionally affords a hidden entrance to Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park.
The place to Keep in La Val | Lüch de Crusteles (funds), Residences Miribunghof (budget-midrange), Ciasa Plandros Residences (budget-midrange), La Palsa (3-star lodge), and Resort Plan Murin (3-star lodge).
San Martino di Castrozza
San Martino di Castrozza is situated in Primiero Valley within the Trentino area of the Dolomites. It’s the gateway to Pale di San Martino, the most important mountain vary within the Dolomites. I’ve stated it earlier than, and I’ll say it once more—Pale di San Martino is by far probably the most breathtaking mountain vary within the area.
Kati and I visited San Martino di Castrozza in September, so I can’t converse for August. I think about it’s busy, however nothing just like the crowds in Val Gardena or Cortina d’Ampezzo. Whereas well-liked with Italians, San Martino di Castrozza stays largely neglected by worldwide vacationers because it lies south of the primary hotspots.
The place to Keep in San Martino di Castrozza | Residence Taufer (funds), Resort Vienna (midrange), or Sayonara Nature & Wellness Resort
Quiet Mountaineering Trails within the Dolomites
These are a few of our favourite lesser-known day hikes within the Puez-Odle Group, Sexten Dolomites, Prags/Braies Dolomites, and Ampezzo Dolomites.
Whereas a number of trails might begin close to well-liked spots or briefly cross busier paths, many of the route stays peaceable and uncrowded.
Quiet Trails in Val di Funes
Tullen Peak | Tullen is the best summit within the Odles d’Eores (Aferer Geisler) mountains, a sub-group of the Puez-Odle vary. The hike to Tullen begins on the Zannes (Zans) automotive park in Val di Funes. I really like this path for its distinctive views of the Odle/Geisler peaks and the fascinating excessive valley by Odles d’Eores. Learn my Tullen Peak path information.
Quiet Trails in Val Gardena
Val de Chedul – Vallunga Valley Circuit | Beginning in Selva di Val Gardena, this loop path climbs up the wild and principally quiet Val de Chedul valley to the e Crespëina Excessive Plateau, which is a part of the large Puez-Odle Altopiano. The route carries on to Rifugio Puez, , the place you’ll probably encounter extra hikers, earlier than descending into the Vallunga Valley. Learn my Val de Chedul – Vallunga mountain climbing information.
Col dala Pieres | This outstanding peak within the Puez-Odle Group is an thrilling however difficult day hike, starting on the Col Raiser gondola mountain station. Detour to the Stevia Hütte on the Stevia plateau for a snack, earlier than persevering with to the summit. Learn my Col dala Pieres mountain climbing information. As a result of the Col dala Pieres hike overlaps with the Piz Duleda peak hike, it’s greatest to decide on certainly one of these two routes to keep away from repetition.
Quiet Trails in Alta Badia
Gherdenacia Plateau Hike | Beginning on the Gardenaccia Chairlift Mountain Station, accessible from La Villa, this point-to-point path crosses the Gherdenacia Plateau (a part of the Puez-Odle Altopiano) to Rifugio Puez after which descends to Colfosco. The spotlight of this hike is visiting Rifugio Gardenacia. Learn my Gherdenacia Plateau Mountaineering Information.
Quiet Trails round Val Pusteria
Gaisl Excessive Path | A rewarding point-to-point hike traces the northern base of the Hohe Gaisl massif within the Braies/Prags Dolomites, winding by a collection of cirques. It begins on the Prato Piazza automotive park (accessible by bus) and finishes on the Ponticello/Brückele automotive park. Learn my Gaisl Excessive Path information.
Hochalpenkopf Peak | Though I like to recommend avoiding Lago di Braies in August, the Hochalpenkopf Loop Hike is the one exception price making.
Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Path | This hike is hands-down certainly one of my favorites within the Sexten Dolomites and, for me, probably the most spectacular technique to attain Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This hike begins in Val Campo di Dentro, a aspect valley of Sesto/Sexten Valley. Learn my Torre dei Scarperi mountain climbing information for all the main points.
Quiet Trails close to Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tofana di Rozes Circuit Path | This extraordinary hike circuits the Tofana di Rozes massif within the Ampezzo Dolomites, beginning at Rifugio Angelo Dibona. Learn my Tofana di Rozes circuit mountain climbing information.
Suggestions for Visiting Fashionable Locations in August
Tre Cime di Lavaredo in August
Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the enduring three peaks of the Sexten Dolomites, are surrounded by a dramatic colosseum of jagged spires and rugged massifs, every uniquely formed and equally charming.
The best technique to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is by driving the Auronzo toll street to Rifugio Auronzo. Beginning in 2025, it’s obligatory to pre-book the toll street and parking by an internet reservation system. The hope is that this may cut back congestion at this well-liked website.
For a lot of, Rifugio Auronzo would be the solely possible technique to go to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. However, if you happen to’re an skilled and match hiker (snug with some scrambling), I’d hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Val Campo di Dentro (Innerfeldtal in German) following this Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Path.
You may also hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Val Fiscalina.
Lago di Sorapis in August
I strongly suggest skipping the hike to Lake Sorapis in August.
For those who’re staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo, hike these trails as an alternative: Tofana di Rozes Circuit Path (tough) and Croda da Lago Circuit Path.
Val di Funes in August
In Val di Funes, razor-edged limestone peaks rise dramatically above a pastoral valley that appears plucked from a fairy story.
Most first-time guests flock to a few areas in Val di Funes: (1) the Santa Maddalena Church viewpoint alongside the Santa Maddalena Panorama Path, (2) the Church of St. John viewpoint, and (3) the Adolf Munkel Path.
In August, skip the well-known Adolf Munkel Path and go for the quieter Rifugio Genova Circuit Path (average) or the tougher Tullen Peak hike as an alternative.
For those who’re based mostly in Val Gardena and don’t plan to remain in Val di Funes, I don’t suggest driving there simply to hike the Adolf Munkel Path. As an alternative, take the Resciesa funicular from Ortisei and hike throughout the Resciesa plateau to Malga Brogles: the true begin (or finish) of the Adolf Munkel Path.
From Malga Brogles, you possibly can discover as a lot of the path as you want. Skilled alpine hikers snug with scree can cross the Odle/Geisler Vary and proceed on to Seceda. Everybody else ought to stick with an out-and-back route. Right here’s our information to the Resciesa-Malga Brogles-Seceda hike.
The place to Keep in Val di Funes | Appartements Pension Sonia (funds), Fallerhof (funds), Resort Fines (midrange), Proihof (midrange), or Resort Tyrol (luxurious)
Seceda in August
Seceda is a summit within the Odle / Geisler Group, which instructions awe-inspiring views of the sharp, gravity-defying Fermeda peaks.
Anybody desirous to keep away from crowds altogether ought to skip Seceda in August.
For a placing new perspective on the cinematic Fermeda and Geisler peaks, think about mountain climbing to Col dala Pieres Peak (tough).
For those who plan to take the cable automotive from Ortisei to the Seceda summit, purpose for the primary departure of the day. An early begin is the easiest way to keep away from the mid-morning circus. From the cable automotive station, we at all times suggest following the Seceda-Rifugio Firenze circuit path.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re an skilled alpine hiker, I like to recommend following the Resciesa-Malga Brogles-Seceda hike. By the point you attain Seceda within the afternoon, crowds are probably, however for probably the most half, the path will likely be fairly pleasing.
To skip the cable automotive completely, hike to Seceda and Monte Pic beginning within the Cristauta/Praplan automotive park above Santa Cristina.
The place to Keep in Val Gardena | To keep away from the August bustle in Ortisei, keep in close by Santa Cristina, or in Selva (away from the street). Learn our information to The place to Keep in Val Gardena.
Alpe di Siusi in August
Alpe di Siusi is an unlimited mountain pasture above Val Gardena, providing countless trails and biking routes. To expertise it with out the crowds, think about staying on the plateau itself. This manner, you’ll take pleasure in peaceable evenings and mornings away from the day-trippers.
For those who keep on Alpe di Siusi, make sure to discover the paths round your lodging. Utilizing Alpe di Siusi as a base to go to different areas like Puez-Odle Nature Park just isn’t perfect on account of driving restrictions on the plateau and visitors laws of the Siusi – Alpe di Siusi entry street.
Alternatively, skip Alpe di Siusi and discover Armentara Meadows in Alta Badia as an alternative.
The place to Keep on Alpe di Siusi plateau | Sporthotel Sonne (greatest views), Resort Steger-Dellai (historic lodge), COMO Alpina Dolomites (5-star luxurious), or Paradiso Pure Dwelling Vegetarian Resort (vegetarian lodge)
Climate & Temperature
August is often the most well liked month within the Dolomites. Within the valleys, daytime temperatures vary from 23°C to 29°C, whereas at greater elevations (between 1,500 and a pair of,000 meters), it’s typically not less than 5°C cooler.
Fortuitously, temperatures drop at evening, falling to between 14°C and 16°C within the valleys.
Be ready for infrequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Ortisei August Temperatures
Daytime Temperature: 23°C – 30°C
Nighttime Temperature: 14°C – 16°C
Cortina d’Ampezzo August Temperatures
Daytime Temperature: 23°C – 29°C
Nighttime Temperature: 14°C – 16°C
Extra Dolomites Journey Guides
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