Looking for any and all recommendations for our trip to the Dolomites. We will be arriving late June 2024 and will have 13 days. We will be arriving to Munich and will rent a car. We are thinking of 7 days in Ortisei. Any suggestions on how to spend the other 5 days? Lake Garda, Bavarian Alps. or near Innsbruck? We love great scenery and spending time outdoors. had thought about spending some time in Cortina but am concerned about the construction related to the 2026 Olympics. Would love any recommendations from those who have spent time vacationing in the area.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1615 posts
Cortina: you are totally correct. I was told to avoid it till after the games.
You are traveling during peak season (school holidays just begin). I suggest you book your hotels sooner than later, particularly if you want nice views, great comfort, and reasonable prices. Try an agriturismo, somewhere other than Ortisei. Personally, I don't think the Bavarian Alps are necessary, if you are traveling to the Dolomites. Others may disagree, however. Innsbruck itself is not that spectacular, as it is a stepping stone to other destinations in Tyrol.
Are you traveling with kids?
Where will you return the car?
Posted by
OP
NC
112 posts
We are traveling with a car and will fly in and out of Munich. No children . We are mid 60s and are physically fit. We don't want to do any technical hikes. Would love to know suggested towns/villages to stay.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1615 posts
By 13 days, do you include your arrival day and departure day?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11634 posts
Merano is very nice. Not too far from Ortisei but quite different. Lower elevation, charming town, good walking.
Posted by
OP
NC
112 posts
We will have a total of 13 full days.. should we stay in 2 different areas in the Do.omites? Also thinking of staying in Salzburg for 3 nights. Our plane arrives in Munich at 0730. Thoughts?
Posted by
11499 posts
We loved our stay in Ortisei at Hotel Grones.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1615 posts
I suggest you take the train to Salzburg from Munich and rent a car from the German side. There are rental agencies on the border. It's cheaper to rent from the German agencies than the Austrian ones.
I think splitting up your stay into two locations is a great idea. Ortisei is nice and convenient for Val Gardena. Are you interested in hiking around Tre Cime?
Posted by
OP
NC
112 posts
Yes very interested in hiking Tre Cime. Was wondering on where we should lodge to hike this area. All suggestions appreciated!
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1615 posts
I stayed in a smallish town called Olang. Some also suggested staying in Toblach. One still would need to drive for 45-65 min to Tre Cime. The parking lot is on a hill.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17225 posts
We did a ten-day hiking tour with Mountain Hiking Holidays in September 2022. For the Tre Cime and another hike in that area, they had us lodge 3 nights in Dobbiaco/Toblach at Romantik Hotel Santer. It was a lovely hotel, nice rooms and great food at the breakfast and dinner.
Note that parking for the Tre Cime hike is at Refugio Auronzo, 17 miles from Dobbiaco. It costs 30 euro to park, and parking is limited—once the lot is full you cannot pas through the toll booth. So be sure you get an early start and be there before 9 am.
You can find more about it on this blog:
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hiking-tre-cime-di-lavaredo-loop/
Posted by
OP
NC
112 posts
Great suggestions. I will explore them. We are leaning to spending our entire 13 days in the Dolomites. Gives us a chance to explore several areas: taking things at a slower pace. Now to decide how to split the time.