Top 10 Viewpoints in the Dolomites
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage range of pale limestone peaks in northeastern Italy. The viewpoints below are the ten most-visited belvederes, distributed across the four main sub-ranges: Brenta, Marmolada, Tre Cime, and the Sciliar-Catinaccio area.
1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Rifugio Locatelli — 2,450 m
The three peaks of Tre Cime (2,999 m) from the north — the iconic Dolomite image. Reached by 4-hour loop hike from Rifugio Auronzo (toll road accessible). The Locatelli/Drei-Zinnen-Hütte sits directly opposite the north faces; dawn light first hits them around 6:30 in summer.
2. Seceda, Val Gardena — 2,519 m
Reached by funicular plus cable car from Ortisei. The Seceda ridge profile — a 200-metre vertical limestone wall dropping into pastureland — is one of the most-photographed Dolomite compositions. Best at golden hour facing west.
3. Sass Pordoi, Sella Group — 2,950 m
Cable car from Passo Pordoi (2,239 m) to a flat summit plateau overlooking the entire Sella group. The "Terrace of the Dolomites" — 360-degree views over Marmolada, Catinaccio, and Tre Cime in clear weather.
4. Punta Rocca, Marmolada — 3,265 m
Highest cable-car summit in the Dolomites, on the south face of the Marmolada glacier. Two cable-car sections from Malga Ciapèla. The view north over the shrinking Marmolada glacier and south into the deep valleys around Belluno.
5. Lago di Braies viewpoint, Pragser Wildsee — 1,496 m
The wooden rowboats and emerald lake with Croda del Becco rising vertically behind — Italy's most-photographed lake. The viewpoint is from the eastern boathouse. Best at sunrise before the day's visitors arrive (parking now requires advance booking June-September).
6. Lago di Sorapis, Cortina d'Ampezzo — 1,925 m
A milky-turquoise glacial lake reached by 2.5-hour hike from Passo Tre Croci. The viewpoint at the lake's outlet looks back at the lake with the Sorapis range rising directly behind. Best in early summer when meltwater is most intense.
7. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) viewpoint, Compatsch — 1,850 m
Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow, reached by cable car from Seis. The Sciliar massif (Schlern) rises 800 metres from the meadow, providing the classic Alpe di Siusi composition. Best in late June when wildflowers peak.
8. Cinque Torri, Cortina — 2,361 m
Five limestone towers (the "Five Towers") with first-world-war trench remains. Cable car from Bai de Dones, then a short loop trail among the towers. Views across to Tofana di Rozes and east to Cortina.
9. Rifugio Lagazuoi terrace, Falzarego — 2,752 m
Cable car from Passo Falzarego. The terrace looks west to the Marmolada glacier and south to the Cortina valley. The sunset view from the Lagazuoi terrace — facing west across the Falzarego pass to the Marmolada — is considered the best refuge sunset in the Dolomites.
10. Cima Grande from Forcella Lavaredo — 2,454 m
The pass at the foot of the south faces of Tre Cime, on the Locatelli circuit. The view south is into the Cadore valleys; the view north is the most-direct ground-level perspective of the three peaks. Short detour from the standard Tre Cime loop.
Explore on the map
The Dolomites split into Val Gardena (Seceda, Alpe di Siusi), the Sella group (Sass Pordoi, Marmolada), Cortina/Ampezzo (Tre Cime, Lagazuoi, Cinque Torri), and Val di Braies/Pusteria. Filter by lift access, hike length, and elevation on the interactive map.