The Dolomites, Italy: A Road Trip Through the Alps
The Dolomites are one of those places that look almost unreal in photos – and somehow, they’re even better in person. This vast mountain range stretches across several countries in Europe, and I spent my time exploring the Italian side.
Flying into Venice, driving into the mountains
We flew into Venice, picked up a rental car, and drove from there into the mountains, staying in a handful of different towns along the way. The Dolomites cover a huge area, so there was always somewhere new to see – a different valley, a different ridgeline, a different little town to wander through before moving on to the next.
A surprisingly German corner of Italy
One of the most unexpected parts of the trip was how German the towns felt. The food leaned German more often than Italian, and nearly everyone we met who lived locally spoke German rather than Italian. It’s a reminder that the Dolomites sit at a real cultural crossroads – Italian on the map, but shaped by centuries of Austrian and German influence.
Blue lakes, rough ridges, and better weather than promised
I could have spent weeks just looking at the lakes alone – that impossibly saturated blue that alpine water gets. Between the lakes, the rough, jagged ridgelines, and the wine, bread, and cheese along the way, it was hard to find a bad moment. The forecast had warned of storms the entire trip, but we lucked into perfect weather the whole time – I never even needed the rain jackets I’d packed.
If mountains, lakes, and good food sound like your kind of trip, the Dolomites are absolutely worth the detour. Scroll through the gallery below for a look at what we found.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to visit the Italian Dolomites?
Flying into Venice and renting a car is a great option – the Dolomites cover a huge area, so having your own wheels lets you town-hop and chase different valleys and viewpoints.
Do people speak Italian or German in the Dolomites?
It depends on the town – many communities in the Dolomites are historically German-speaking, so don’t be surprised to hear more German than Italian, especially around food and local conversation.
When is the best time to visit for good weather?
Mountain weather can be unpredictable regardless of the forecast – pack layers, but don’t be surprised if you get lucky with clear skies even when storms are predicted.
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