Road trip in Italy's Dolomites: 7 must-see vanlife destinations
Close to the Austrian border, the Dolomites are a Unesco World Heritage mountain range. When you discover the magnificent scenery here, you'll soon understand why! A road trip to the Dolomites is a great way to take in the sights, especially if you're a keen hiker. Convinced? Here's a vanlife route in the Dolomites, with the must-see destinations to help you prepare for your stay.
Lago di Carezza to start your vanlife holiday
We begin our journey in the South Tyrol to Lago di Carezza, a superb emerald-hued lake in the heart of a fir forest. It's a magical place worthy of the best fantasy films, and a must-see if you're taking a road trip in the Dolomites.
Where to bivouac at Lago di Carezza?
- À Carezza on a free parking lot, close to a busy road but with a superb view. Camping is forbidden, but you can spend the night there if you close the doors and don't take anything out.
- À Nova Levante on a free parking lot near a starting point for hiking and climbing activities.
![road trip to Lake Carezza in the Dolomites](https://ucarecdn.com/82f3a685-a4c8-4a69-847d-e8d15c90b0eb/-/format/auto/-/preview/3000x3000/-/quality/lighter/Lago%20di%20Carezza%20road%20trip%20dolomites.jpg)
Bolzano and the Pyramids of Renon
You can't a road trip in the Dolomites without passing through their symbolic gateway: the beautiful village of Bolzano. With its German-Austrian architectural style set amid the mountains, it's sure to be a change of scenery. Here you'll have the chance to vary your nature outings and hikes by visiting cultural sites or just wandering from street to street between the various cafés and restaurants. It's hard not to fall under the spell of this village!
From Bolzano, you can also visit visit the famous Renon Pyramids . An absolutely unique landscape not to be missed, with its clay chimneys set amid lush green landscapes. Two options for getting there. You can get there directly by van or by converted car . But you can also let yourself be driven (for once!), by opting for the cable car from Bolzano then the little red train. The latter option also offers superb panoramic views all along the way.
Ortisei & Seceda the key stage of the dolomite road trip
The charming village of Ortisei is the perfect place to spend a few nights. This will be an opportunity to stroll through this typical architectural site. Here you'll find everything you need to eat and rest during your road trip in the Dolomites. Otisei is also a beautiful seaside resort . But it's also an excellent starting point for visiting other places, including Seceda with its broken mountain top and steep ravine. His razor-sharp photos offer an absolutely breathtaking and mysterious spectacle.
Where to camp in Ortisei?
- À Filialkirche St-Alban Free parking in the countryside near the trailheads.
- À Albergo Pontives Pay parking with services close to a hotel-restaurant.
![dolomite sedge](https://ucarecdn.com/ebdfce42-d6a2-4098-ae3d-e32629878398/-/format/auto/-/preview/3000x3000/-/quality/lighter/Seceda%20Van%20dolomites.jpg)
Val di Funes and its church
A must on any Dolomites road trip The Val di Funes is a green and hilly area with great landscapes. It's the perfect place to recharge your batteries! You can't miss the famous Santa Magdalena church in the heart of these verdant valleys. Get your camera ready, because it's easy to get some great shots here!
Where to bivouac in Val di Funes?
- À Bressanone in the heart of nature and mountains
- À Alpe in a comfortable pay parking lot
![val di funes road trip dolomites car](https://ucarecdn.com/ec0492b9-fd46-498b-9f3c-5c2b43032edd/-/format/auto/-/preview/3000x3000/-/quality/lighter/Val%20di%20funes%20road%20trip%20dolomites%20voiture.jpg)
Lago di Braies the nugget of the dolomite road trip
Surely one of the best-known and most popular spots in the Dolomites, the Lago di Braies is one of Italy's most beautiful lakes . You'll be able to see this magnificent lake again and again from different angles as you hike around it. Better still, you can even sail on it in one of its iconic red boats for a unique bucolic and romantic setting.
Where to bivouac at Lago di Braies?
- Near the lake in a pay parking lot near a bar-cafeteria
- À Pants on a free parking lot to cycle to the lake
![lac de braies vanlife dolomites](https://ucarecdn.com/0066fcb6-660d-430b-bb88-5a54625f5a53/-/format/auto/-/preview/3000x3000/-/quality/lighter/lago%20di%20braies%20vanlife%20dolomites.jpg)
Tre Cime di Lavadero and its incredible landscape
These three Italian peaks are among the most impressive landscapes to see on a Dolomites road trip. Depending on the season, Tre Cime di Lavadero landscapes can vary from snow to blue sky, offering ever more stunning panoramas. The hike is well worth it when you discover this absolutely majestic place.
Where to bivouac at Tre di Lavadero?
- À Misurina on a paying parking lot at 2300 m altitude, with hikes and restaurants nearby
- À Auronzo di Cadore with free overnight parking near a lake
![dormir dolomites tre di lavadero](https://ucarecdn.com/b5b5dc95-8e87-4a91-8ee3-323708b7be6f/-/format/auto/-/preview/3000x3000/-/quality/lighter/dormir%20tre%20cime%20de%20lavadero.jpg)
Lago di Sorapis for a magical finale
It's hard not to fall in love with vanlife in the Dolomites after discovering the lago di Sorapis. You're in for a real treat when you come across this small lake with its unique turquoise and opaque colors. This natural but very rare aspect lends an unreal atmosphere to the place. What's more, to reach this dream location, you have to go on a hike that's much simpler than most. hiking in the Dolomites . Perfect for a more leisurely stopover after days of hiking!
Where to bivouac at Lago di Sorapis?
- À Veneto free parking for sleeping in the car in the peace and quiet of nature
- À Cortina d'Ampezzo on a parking lot close to the trailheads
It's hard to limit yourself to just 7 destinations when you want to a road trip in Italy's Dolomites ! There are so many unique, magical and awe-inspiring places to visit that the best thing to do is to let yourself be surprised by these numerous, equally moving pieces of nature.