Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Natural Park

The basics

Few hiking and sightseeing tours consistently visit Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Natural Park. Still, given the park’s location just north of Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s easy to visit while exploring the Dolomites in the Veneto and Trentino–Alto Adige region. When visiting on your own, it’s good practice to lace up your hiking boots and hit the Fanes Waterfalls – Pian di Loa trail, among the most popular trails in the area and accessible from the Sant’Uberto parking lot along SS51.

Things to know before you go

• There are 11 rifugi (mountain huts to stay overnight) in the park or nearby.

• Mountain lifts are available in summer for easy access to higher altitudes.

• Neither camping nor open fires are allowed anywhere in the park.

• Dogs are allowed in the park but must be on leash.

How to get there

In the Province of Belluno in the Veneto region, Dolomiti d'Ampezzo Natural Park is about 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Cortina d'Ampezzo, just a 15–20-minute drive from the town center. Head north on the SS51 road and you’ll quickly find access points to the park, such as the Sant'Uberto parking area. A seasonal shuttle service is also available from Fiames, just north of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

When to get there

Visit the park from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is warmish, most hiking trails are open, and mountain huts are available for overnight stays. This period is considered official hiking season in the Dolomites, and offers the best conditions for getting outdoors and immersing oneself in the park's protected landscapes.

Shuttles to Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Natural Park

Several roads near the park—including the Val di Fanes–Val Salata and Fiames–S. Uberto–Malga Ra Stua roads—are closed from about the end of June to early September, with shuttle services available instead. You can take the shuttle from Fiames to the Sant'Uberto parking area, which has a fee, with added charges for dogs and strollers.