# A loop through the Dolomites

> 4-day round trip of about 220 km (137 mi) with 8 stops, starting and ending in Bolzano. About 3 h 02 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/dolomites/

**At a glance:** 4-day round trip of about 220 km (137 mi) with 8 stops, starting and ending in Bolzano. About 3 h 02 min of driving in total. Emerald lakes, the Tre Cime and high passes above Cortina.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 220 km (137 mi) |
| Driving | 3 h 02 min |
| Suggested days | 4 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Bolzano → Bolzano |
| Countries | Italy |
| Updated | September 6, 2026 |

## Route description

From Bolzano, head east through the Val Pusteria to Lago di Braies, an emerald lake below sheer cliffs, with rowing boats and a flat path around the shore. In high summer, road access is restricted and may require advance booking, so check before you go or take the bus. A mountain campsite in Dobbiaco is close by.

From Dobbiaco the road runs south past Lake Misurina to the toll road up to the Auronzo hut, the starting point for the easy trail that loops around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The three limestone towers are the symbol of the Dolomites, and the loop takes a few hours on a good path.

Descend to Cortina d’Ampezzo, a mountain resort ringed by peaks, and take the road over Passo Giau, a 2,236 m pass with tight hairpins and a wall of peaks at the top. Come at sunrise, when the light is best and the road is quiet. A mountain campsite near Cortina makes a good overnight stop.

The return to Bolzano follows the SS48 west over the Falzarego and Pordoi passes and then down through the Val di Fassa. The passes are usually snow-free from June to October, but they are busy with cyclists and motorbikes in summer, and the hairpins are tight for long vehicles.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Bolzano** (Italy)
2. **Lago di Braies** (Braies, Italy): An emerald lake below sheer cliffs, with rowing boats and a flat path around the shore. Road access is restricted in high summer.
3. **Mountain campsite, Dobbiaco** (Dobbiaco, Italy)
4. **Tre Cime di Lavaredo** (Auronzo di Cadore, Italy): Three limestone towers, the symbol of the Dolomites. A toll road climbs to the Auronzo hut, then an easy trail loops around them.
5. **Cortina d'Ampezzo** (Italy)
6. **Passo Giau** (Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy): A 2,236 m pass with tight hairpins and a wall of peaks at the top. Come at sunrise.
7. **Mountain campsite, Cortina d'Ampezzo** (Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy)
8. **Bolzano** (Italy)

## FAQs

**How long is A loop through the Dolomites?**
4-day round trip of about 220 km (137 mi) with 8 stops, starting and ending in Bolzano. About 3 h 02 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for A loop through the Dolomites?**
We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 02 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does A loop through the Dolomites start and end?**
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Bolzano.

**Which countries does A loop through the Dolomites pass through?**
Italy.