Things to do in  Cortina d'Ampezzo

Shrouded in legends of fairies, magic mirrors, and tears from a king, Lake Misurina (Lago di Misurina) in the eastern Belluno province is a lake that enchants you with stories and scenery. On calm weather days, its waters reflect the Dolomites’ most majestic mountains, including the Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Tre Cime). Its surroundings are launchpads for outdoor activities, enticing hikers, bikers, and winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.

In northeastern Italy, close to the Austrian border, the Dolomites form a stunning mountain range of jagged peaks, dramatic spires, and picturesque valleys. The Cinque Torri–a group of five tower-like rocks outside the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo—is one of the most famous attractions in the Dolomites and offers an array of outdoor recreation opportunities.

The highest range in the UNESCO-listed Dolomite Mountains that straddle the border between Italy and Austria, Marmolada has five peaks topping 9,000 feet. Outdoor and skiing enthusiasts flock to these slopes, famous for their excellent pistes in winter, spectacular trails in summer, and dazzling alpine scenery all year round.

There are almost limitless options for exploring the jagged peaks of the Dolomites from Cortina d’Ampezzo—but with protected lands minutes from town, the Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Natural Park is among the best mountain destinations. Comprising multiple ranges, the park invites travelers to skip the ski slopes for hikes and vie ferrate in a sublime natural setting.

While the Fanes Waterfall (Cascate di Fanes) may be only accessible by hiking, you’ll be rewarded with vistas of one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Dolomites. Choose to take an easier, mostly flat route to a viewpoint to see the falls, or choose one of the more challenging hikes.

Once the site of heavy fighting in World War I, this mountain pass between Agordo and Cortina d’Ampezzo is a popular cycling and motorcycling destination along the magnificent Great Dolomite Road, and where the Giro d’Italia bicycle race passes through the area. At the site of the pass, a simple chapel memorializes the historical fighting, and a gondola rises to Mt. Lagazuoi.

Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers once fought bloody battles over Sass de Stria, a craggy mountain located east of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the heart of the Dolomites region. A memorial museum pays tribute to the fighting, and restored military tunnels, trenches, and fortifications create open-air attractions—but the mountain’s biggest draw is first-class sport: climbing.