Plan Your Dolomites Holiday: Complete Guide

Thinking about a holiday in the Dolomites but not sure where to begin? This guide is designed to give you everything you need to plan the perfect trip: from the best time to visit to transport, from accommodation to budget, from must-do activities to your packing list.

The Dolomites can be experienced in a thousand different ways, but with a little planning, your trip will be unforgettable. And if there is one experience you absolutely cannot miss, it is the Adrenaline Adventures zipline in San Vigilio di Marebbe.

When to Visit the Dolomites

Choosing the right time is crucial and depends on the activities you want to do:

May–June: the season opens, low prices, few crowds, nature in bloom. The zipline opens in May.
July–August: peak season, everything open, ideal temperatures at altitude but crowded and expensive.
September–October: the golden period. Fewer tourists, spectacular autumn colours, stable weather.
December–March: ski season. Plan de Corones and Dolomiti Superski.

For a detailed season-by-season guide, read our article on the best season for the Dolomites.

If your main goal is the zipline and outdoor activities, aim for June or September: perfect weather, fewer crowds and more accessible prices compared to July–August.

How to Get There

By Car

From the south (Verona/Bologna): Brenner Motorway A22, exit Bressanone/Brixen, then SS49 towards Val Pusteria and Val Badia. Approximately 2h30 from Verona.
From the north (Innsbruck/Munich): A13/A22, exit Bressanone. Approximately 1h45 from Innsbruck, 3h from Munich.
From the east (Venice): A27 to Belluno, then SS51 via Cortina, or A22 via Bolzano. Approximately 3h.

By Train

Nearest station: Brunico (Bruneck), on the Val Pusteria line. From there, local bus to San Vigilio di Marebbe (approximately 30 minutes). Excellent connections from Bolzano, Innsbruck and Verona.

By Air

Most convenient airports:

Innsbruck (1h45): the closest, flights from many European cities
Verona (2h30): excellent low-cost flights
Venice Marco Polo (3h): the largest in the north-east
Munich (3h): excellent international hub

Where to Stay

Hotels

San Vigilio di Marebbe offers 3 to 4-star superior hotels with every comfort. Many include a spa, half-board with local cuisine and direct access to lifts. Budget: 80–200 euros/night for a double room.

B&Bs and Garni

The ideal choice for those seeking a more intimate, authentic experience. Breakfast with local produce, family hospitality, accessible prices. Budget: 50–100 euros/night.

Apartments

Perfect for families or longer stays. Your own kitchen to save on meals. Budget: 70–150 euros/night.

Camping

Several campsites in the Val Pusteria area for outdoor enthusiasts. Budget: 20–40 euros/night per pitch.

Alpine Refuges

For a unique experience, sleeping in a mountain refuge is priceless. Dormitory beds or private rooms (where available). Budget: 30–60 euros/night with dinner.

Budget: How Much Does a Dolomites Holiday Cost

Budget Traveller (per person/day)

Accommodation: 30–50 euros (camping/hostel)
Meals: 25–35 euros (lunch at a mountain hut + simple dinner)
Activities: 10–20 euros (free hikes, occasional lifts)
Total: approximately 65–105 euros/day

Mid-Range (per person/day)

Accommodation: 50–80 euros (B&B/3-star hotel)
Meals: 35–55 euros (local restaurants)
Activities: 25–50 euros (zipline, lifts, bike hire)
Total: approximately 110–185 euros/day

Comfort (per person/day)

Accommodation: 80–150 euros (4-star hotel with spa)
Meals: 55–80 euros (quality restaurants)
Activities: 50–80 euros (zipline, private guides, hire)
Total: approximately 185–310 euros/day

See Zipline Prices

Must-Do Activities

The Number One Experience: The Zipline

The Adrenaline Adventures zipline is the activity that defines a Dolomites holiday. With 7 routes, 3 km of flight and UNESCO panoramas, it is an experience you will not find elsewhere. Suitable for everyone from age 6 upwards.

Hiking

The Dolomites offer trails for every level. From family paths to via ferrata, from day hikes to multi-day traverses on the Alte Vie (High Routes). Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park is the ideal starting point.

Lake Braies

The most photographed lake in South Tyrol, 40 minutes from San Vigilio. The walk around the lake is unmissable.

Mountain Biking

Trails for MTB and e-bike at all levels, with the option of using lifts for the descents.

Culture and Gastronomy

Museums (Messner Mountain Museum), markets, wine and speck tastings, Ladin and South Tyrolean cuisine.

Book the most popular activities — such as the zipline — at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially if visiting in July–August. In low season, availability is generally better.

Packing List

Clothing

Hiking boots (required for the zipline too)
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Fleece or jumper for cool evenings
Breathable T-shirts
Long hiking trousers
Sun hat and light gloves (for higher altitudes)

Accessories

Hiking rucksack (20–30 litres)
Water bottle (at least 1 litre)
SPF 50 sunscreen
Sunglasses with UV protection
Trekking poles
Portable phone charger

Documents

ID card or passport
European Health Insurance Card (for EU citizens)
Booking confirmations
Driving licence (if hiring a car)

Tips for Saving Money

Travel in low season: June and September offer the best value for money
Book early: prices rise as the dates approach
Use tourist cards: the Val Pusteria Guest Card includes public transport and some lifts
Cook in your apartment: save on meals by preparing breakfast and dinner
Free hikes: the trails are always free; only some lifts charge
Group rates: for groups of 10+ there are significant discounts

Pre-Departure Checklist

[ ] Accommodation booked
[ ] Zipline booked
[ ] Car hire or train route planned
[ ] Weather checked for your travel dates
[ ] Appropriate clothing packed
[ ] Trails and activities identified
[ ] Top restaurants noted (optional but recommended!)

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