The 10 Best Viewpoints in the Dolomites

The Dolomites need no introduction: their towers of pale rock, sculpted by millions of years of erosion, rank among the most extraordinary geological formations on the planet. But to truly appreciate them, you need the right vantage point. It is not enough to be in the Dolomites — you need to see them from the perfect spot, at the right hour, when the light sets the rock ablaze in shades of pink and orange.

Here are the 10 best viewpoints in the Dolomites, with a special focus on the San Vigilio di Marebbe and Val Badia area.

1. The Adrenaline Adventures Zipline — The View from Above

We begin with the most unique perspective on the list. The Adrenaline Adventures zipline in San Vigilio di Marebbe is not just an adventure attraction: it is an aerial belvedere. With 7 routes spanning 3 km, you fly up to 100 metres high with a panorama that changes with every route — from Piz de Putia to the peaks of the Fanes group, from larch forests to the flowering meadows of the valley floor.

Unlike a traditional viewpoint where you stand and look, here the panorama surrounds you completely as you fly through it. For full details on the experience, read our complete zipline guide.

2. Plan de Corones (Kronplatz) — 2,275 m

The summit of Plan de Corones offers one of the most complete 360-degree panoramas in the Alps. From here you can see the Dolomites, the Zillertal Alps and, on clear days, all the way to the Po Valley. At the top you will also find the Messner Mountain Museum Corones, designed by Zaha Hadid, which is worth a visit in its own right.

• How to get there: cable car from Brunico or San Vigilio
• Best time: year-round (skiing in winter, hiking in summer)
• Difficulty: none if using the cable car

3. Piz de Putia (Peitlerkofel) — 2,875 m

An icon of the Val di Funes, Piz de Putia is visible from much of South Tyrol. The ascent requires a trek of approximately 3–4 hours, but the reward is a panorama that embraces the Odle peaks, the Sella group and the valleys below.

• Starting point: Passo delle Erbe or Rifugio Genova
• Best time: June–September
• Difficulty: moderate (marked trail)

4. Fanes Plateau — 2,000–2,600 m

The Fanes Plateau is a world apart: a lunar landscape of pale rock, small lakes and high-altitude meadows that looks like something from a Ladin legend. The best viewpoints are found along the trail between Rifugio Fanes and Rifugio Lavarella.

• How to get there: from San Vigilio, trail no. 7 (approximately 3h)
• Best time: June–September
• Difficulty: moderate

5. Passo delle Erbe (Wurzjoch) — 2,003 m

Accessible by car, Passo delle Erbe offers a spectacular head-on view of Piz de Putia and the Odle peaks. It is one of the most accessible viewpoints in the area and a perfect spot for sunset.

• How to get there: provincial road from San Vigilio or from Val di Funes
• Best time: May–October
• Difficulty: none (accessible by car)

6. Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee) — 1,496 m

The most photographed lake in South Tyrol is worth the trip. The emerald waters framed by the rock walls of Croda del Becco create an image that looks unreal. The full circuit of the lake takes approximately 1 hour.

• How to get there: by car from San Vigilio (approximately 40 min), recommended to arrive early
• Best time: May–October
• Difficulty: easy (flat trail)

7. The Odle from Val di Funes

From Val di Funes, the view of the Odle peaks with traditional wooden huts in the foreground is one of the most iconic scenes in the Dolomites — and one of the most shared photographs in the world. The best spot is near the church of San Giovanni in Ranui.

• How to get there: by car to Santa Maddalena, then a short walk
• Best time: year-round (autumn colours are extraordinary)
• Difficulty: none

8. Cima Piganea — 2,287 m

A hidden gem for those seeking panoramas without the crowds. The ascent starts directly from San Vigilio and passes through forests and alpine meadows before reaching the summit with views over Val Badia and beyond.

• Starting point: San Vigilio centre
• Best time: June–September
• Difficulty: moderate

9. Rifugio Sennes — 2,116 m

Situated on the Sennes Plateau, this mountain hut offers an open, silent panorama over one of the wildest landscapes in the Dolomites. The sunset light here is simply magical.

• How to get there: from Pederue (San Vigilio), trail no. 6 (approximately 2h30)
• Best time: June–September
• Difficulty: easy to moderate

10. Piz de Plaies — 1,619 m

The most accessible viewpoint on the list: reachable on an easy walk from San Vigilio, it offers an open view of the valley and the surrounding peaks. Perfect for families and for anyone who wants a panorama without effort.

• How to get there: easy trail from San Vigilio (approximately 45 min)
• Best time: April–October
• Difficulty: easy

Photography Tips

To capture the best Dolomite panoramas:

• Golden hour: the half-hour before sunset and after sunrise offers the finest light — this is the moment of the enrosadira, when the rock turns pink
• Weather: days after a thunderstorm offer the clearest air and most intense colours
• Equipment: a wide-angle lens is essential; a tripod for sunset shots

For first-time visitors to the area, we recommend reading our complete guide to San Vigilio di Marebbe to plan your stay. And if you are looking for more adventure, our guide to the best adventures in the Dolomites covers all outdoor activities in the area.

The zipline for kids and families is an ideal option for those travelling with children who want a truly special viewpoint.

Also Read

• Complete Guide to San Vigilio di Marebbe — How to get there, what to do and where to eat.
• The 6 Best Ziplines in Europe — Our zipline among the best on the continent.
• Summer in the Dolomites: Adventure Guide — All activities for the summer season.