Skip to content
Easy Walks in the Dolomites: For Everyone
Back to Blog
easy walksdolomitesfamiliesaccessiblesan vigiliohiking

Easy Walks in the Dolomites: For Everyone

Adrenaline Adventures

The Dolomites are not just for experienced mountaineers. Around San Vigilio di Marebbe, you will find flat, scenic trails perfect for families with pushchairs, grandparents on holiday, or anyone who wants to enjoy the mountains without breaking a sweat. No steep climbs, no technical gear needed — just fresh mountain air, jaw-dropping views, and the unhurried pace of the Val Badia valley.

We have selected 8 easy walks in the Dolomites, all reachable from San Vigilio in under 45 minutes by car. For each route, you will find the distance, elevation gain, estimated time, and accessibility level.

1. Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese) — The Balcony of the Dolomites

  • Distance: 3.5 km (loop)
  • Elevation gain: 50 m
  • Time: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Stroller-friendly: Yes (compact gravel path)

Prato Piazza is one of the most spectacular high plateaus in the Dolomites, sitting at 2,000 metres above sea level. You can reach it by car or shuttle bus from Carbonin. The loop trail is almost entirely flat, offering 360-degree views of the Braies Dolomites and the Croda Rossa d'Ampezzo. Perfect for a morning walk with a stop at Rifugio Prato Piazza for homemade apple strudel.

Arrive early in the morning (before 9:30) to find parking at Prato Piazza. In peak season, the number of cars is limited and the shuttle bus can have long queues. The morning light on the Braies Dolomites is unbeatable for photos.

2. Val di Funes Path — Meadows Beneath the Odle Peaks

  • Distance: 4 km (return)
  • Elevation gain: 80 m
  • Time: 1.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Stroller-friendly: Yes (wide trail)

Val di Funes is the most iconic postcard image of South Tyrol: the tiny church of San Giovanni with the jagged Odle peaks rising behind it. The path starts from the Zannes car park and runs across green meadows with constant views of the Dolomite spires. Ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

3. Armentara Meadows — A Sea of Grass Below Sasso della Croce

  • Distance: 5 km (loop)
  • Elevation gain: 100 m
  • Time: 1.5-2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Stroller-friendly: Partially (first 2 km on wide dirt road)

The Armentara Meadows are a vast grassy plateau between La Villa and San Cassiano, a natural heritage site in the Val Badia valley. From May to July, the meadows burst with wildflowers — orchids, gentians, and buttercups — with the mighty Sasso della Croce towering in the background. The path starts from the church of Armentara and follows wide, comfortable farm tracks. One of the best hikes in the area.

4. Rio Gadera Riverside Walk

  • Distance: 3 km (return)
  • Elevation gain: 30 m
  • Time: 45 minutes
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Stroller-friendly: Yes (paved/compact gravel)

This walk starts right from the centre of San Vigilio and follows the Gadera stream southward. The path runs alongside the water, through spruce forests and meadows. Perfect for an after-dinner walk on long summer evenings, when golden light illuminates the mountains until 9pm. No cars, no noise — just the sound of flowing water.

5. Lake Braies Circuit

  • Distance: 3.5 km (loop)
  • Elevation gain: 50 m
  • Time: 1-1.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Stroller-friendly: Partially (northern shore on boardwalks, southern shore narrower)

The most photographed lake in the Dolomites deserves a visit. The emerald-green water, wooden rowing boats, and the towering walls of Croda del Becco create a fairy-tale setting. The full circuit is straightforward, though the southern section has a few steps. San Vigilio is a 40-minute drive away.

Check Prices & Book the Zipline

6. Larch Tree Trail — San Vigilio

  • Distance: 2.5 km (loop)
  • Elevation gain: 60 m
  • Time: 45 minutes
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Stroller-friendly: Yes

A hidden gem just above San Vigilio. The trail winds through a forest of ancient larch trees, with panoramic benches positioned at the best viewpoints. Views across the Val Badia valley and towards Sass de Putia. Perfect for elderly visitors and young children — the ground is soft and shaded even on the hottest days.

7. Val Pusteria Cycle Path (Brunico — San Lorenzo section)

  • Distance: 8 km (one way, return by bus)
  • Elevation gain: 20 m (virtually flat)
  • Time: 2 hours on foot (45 min by bike)
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Stroller-friendly: Yes (paved path)

The Val Pusteria cycle path works beautifully on foot too. The stretch from Brunico to San Lorenzo is completely flat, running alongside the Rienza river through fields and orchards. At the end, you can catch the bus back to the starting point. A perfect alternative for anyone wanting a long, flat walk.

8. Nature Trail at Longega

  • Distance: 2 km (loop)
  • Elevation gain: 40 m
  • Time: 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Stroller-friendly: Yes

In Longega, just a few minutes from San Vigilio, a short nature trail with information panels explains the geology of the Dolomites and the local alpine flora. Great for curious children and a quick walk when the weather is not perfect. The path runs entirely through forest and offers shelter from rain.

All walks listed here are free and accessible from June to October. Always carry a lightweight jacket: mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer. For pushchair walks, we recommend large-wheeled (trekking-style) models for the gravel sections.

After the Walk? Add Some Adrenaline

After a relaxing morning on the easy trails, why not add a touch of adventure? Our zipline is perfect for the whole family (ages 6 and up) and offers a completely different perspective on the same mountains you have just been admiring on foot. Fly at 80 km/h above the valleys across 7 routes and 3 km of total course.

For those who prefer a gradual approach, we also offer group packages that combine easy morning hikes with the zipline experience in the afternoon.

Contact Us for Information

Read Also