Dolomites by motorhome: An alpine adventure
Looking for a van adventure that will take you straight to paradise on earth? In that case, all you have to do is head to the Dolomites by motorhome. Its emerald green meadows, idyllic lakes and rugged mountains make it a true Eden for any nature and sports enthusiast. Are we counting on you? 🏔️
The group of mountain massifs known as the Dolomites is one of Italy’s greatest tourist jewels. Nestled in the Eastern Alps, this bucolic landscape covers 5 Italian provinces (Trento, Belluno, Bolzano, Pordenone and Udine), although it also has a small Austrian portion.
5 tips for visiting the Dolomites by motorhome
- Every season is a good time to go to the Dolomites by motorhome. Of course, if you love winter sports, you should visit in winter. Summer, on the other hand, is ideal for inveterate hikers. However, tourist crowds make it advisable to drive very early in the morning or in the evening to avoid traffic jams.
- The cable cars are quite expensive (cost at least 25 €). If you take them to admire the views, check the webcam at their top station to make sure the fog won’t spoil your party.
- The gastronomy of the Dolomites skilfully combines Italian and Austrian flavors. That is why, at your table, casunziei or canederli coexist with spätzle or Kaiserschmarrn. To drink, local wines and Weissbier beer are a must.
- Speaking of eating… restaurants close much earlier than Spanish restaurants. Consequently, lunch hours are usually from 12:00 to 14:00 and dinner hours rarely go beyond 20:00 🕰️.
- 5 days would be the minimum for touring the Dolomites by motorhome. We will advise you to invest 10 days (we base our route on this). Of course, those who want to (and can) travel in a relaxed way can always dedicate 15 days to it.
What to see when you go to the Dolomites by camper or motorhome?
Trento (Trentino-Alto Adigio)
Trento will be the first stop of our motorhome tour of the Dolomites. This provincial capital stands out for the richness of its monumental heritage, being the Piazza del Duomo, with the spectacular Cathedral of San Vigilio, its most emblematic corner. You can’t miss the Fontana del Nettuno and the Castle of Buonconsiglio Tridentino either).
The great historical importance of Trento over the centuries is reflected in its numerous palaces. Among the most notable are the Palazzo Pretorio (now home to the Diocesan Museum) and Palazzo Thun. [Area sosta].
Lake Carezza (Bolzano-South Tyrol)
There are undeniable truths… and that Lake Carezza is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites is one of them. Its iridescent waters are said to be the result of the magician Masarè throwing there the rainbow jewels when he was rejected by a mermaid.
When visiting this lake, we strongly recommend that you do it before sunset. The parking will be free, you will find fewer mosquitoes and, under the daylight, is when it is more beautiful. Remember, however, that it is forbidden to swim in its waters. [Parking].
La Marmolada (Trento)
It would be unforgivable to go to the Dolomites by motorhome and not stop at its famous Marmolada. After all, it is the highest peak of this mountain massif and its only glacier. Needless to say that, with its 3343 meters of altitude, it is a privileged enclave for trekking and skiing, after all, it is the highest peak of this mountain massif and its only glacier.
If I were you, I would take the opportunity to visit the Great War Museum. It is in the town of Sottoguda and, besides being the highest on the continent, it will teach you a lot of interesting things about the IGM. [Camping Marmolada].
Cinque Torri y Cortina d’Ampezzo (Belluno)
The Cinque Torri are a curious group of five monoliths formed by erosion. Its uniqueness has made it one of the symbols of the Dolomites. You can ascend to where they are located on foot, by cable car or by road.
Just 14.8 km from Cinque Torri is the exclusive ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Whether you practice winter sports or not, it’s always a good idea to come and experience its glamorous atmosphere. [Parking].
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: a must when you go to the Dolomites in motorhome
The Three Tops of Lavaredo are, by all means, one of the most representative corners of the Dolomites. It is absolutely obligatory to admire this mountain massif at sunset, since only then is it possible to admire the phenomenon of the enrosadira, which dyes the mountains red. Finally, if trekking is your thing, don’t hesitate to do the 10 km circular route that runs along the three summits 🥾. [Parking].
Lago Braies (Bolzano)
Braies Lake is one of those stops that you have to make when you go to the Dolomites by motorhome. Not surprisingly, its 3.5 km perimeter offers an incredibly pleasant circular hiking route. It is also possible to rent a boat to sail its crystalline waters. Unlike in Carezza, bathing is allowed here. [Parking.]
Val de Funes (Bolzano)
Val de Funes shines with its own light among all the valleys of the Dolomites, to the point of being one of its most photogenic corners due to its sublime panoramic views. What’s more, its green meadows and tiny churches evoke the idyllic Tyrolean atmosphere.
Val de Funes is the starting point for many hiking trails (such as the Valluzza waterfall and the Zannes nature trail). It is also worth visiting two of its most famous temples: San Giovanni and Santa Maddalena. [Zum Gletscher Hons Piazzola Camper].
Alpe di Siusi (Tirol del Sur)
We conclude our visit to the Dolomites by motorhome in style, as we will dedicate the last day to visit Alpe di Siusi: the largest plateau in Europe. Once again, the sunsets on this 57 km2 alpine meadow will provide us with an exceptional setting to delight us with the enrosadira.
If there is one thing that makes Alpe di Siusi stand out, it is the accessibility of its numerous trails, many of which are paved. In addition, these routes are quite simple. However, keep in mind that their road closes from 9:00 to 17:00 (unless you are staying there). [Camping Seiser Alm].
As you can see, touring the Dolomites by motorhome is one of the most rewarding van tours you can undertake. On the one hand, it is a very easy trip to make; on the other hand, you are going to find dream landscapes. All this, together with the information you have just discovered, is more than enough for you to start preparing your luggage right now, don’t you think?
