The editors of the German outdoor Trekking magazine asked readers to vote for their favourite hiking trails and regions across Europe. Around 35,000 votes were cast, and the top destinations can now display the coveted Trekking Award 2026 title. In the category covering hiking regions in the rest of Europe, one place climbed to the very top.
1st place: Dolomites / South Tyrol crowned Best Hiking Region in Europe
The winner of the Trekking Award 2026 for best hiking region in Europe (rest of Europe category) is the Dolomites/South Tyrol.
The result reflects the verdict of serious walkers who’ve laced up their boots across the continent and decided that hiking in the Dolomites still sets the standard.
Why Dolomites hiking continues to top European rankings
According to the award summary, the Dolomites in South Tyrol captivate walkers with:
- Rugged, dramatic peaks
- Gentle alpine pastures
- Spectacular panoramas
- Sunny high plateaus
- Traditional mountain huts blend food, nature and physical effort
The result is an alpine landscape that manages to feel both wild and welcoming at the same time.
Rugged peaks and geological drama
The Dolomites aren’t just another stretch of the Alps. Their pale limestone towers glow pink at sunset in the phenomenon locals call enrosadira. Massifs such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Sella Group have become icons of European hiking for good reason: sharp vertical walls, vast scree slopes and long ridgelines that feel properly high mountain.
Gentle alpine pastures and sunny high plateaus
Below the rock faces, you get rolling meadows and wide, open plateaus like Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), one of Europe’s largest high-altitude pastures. It’s classic South Tyrol: wooden farmsteads, grazing cattle, and well-marked trails that don’t demand mountaineering skills to deliver big views.
South Tyrol mountain huts: where hiking meets culture
In the Dolomites, these are the rifugi (Italian) or Almhütten (German), and they’re central to the experience. Up here, you don’t just walk for scenery. You stop for:
- A plate of canederli (bread dumplings typical of the region)
- A slice of apple strudel that nods to the area’s Austrian heritage
- A glass of South Tyrolean white wine or a cold local beer
South Tyrol is officially bilingual, and you feel that blend everywhere: menus, place names, and even the rhythm of conversation. It’s one of the few places in Italy where Alpine and Mediterranean cultures genuinely intertwine rather than just coexist.
Hiking in the Dolomites for beginners and experts alike
Another reason the Dolomites claimed 1st place is their range. The region inspires both beginners and experienced mountaineers.
For newer hikers, you’ll find clearly signposted paths and circular panoramic walks. Cable cars reduce long ascents, and there are family-friendly routes in valleys such as Val Gardena and Alta Badia.
For seasoned mountaineers, multi-day Alta Via routes traverse the Dolomites from end to end. Significant elevation gains and remote sections test stamina, while extensive via ferrata networks offer protected climbing routes for those properly trained.
Planning a hiking trip to the Dolomites and South Tyrol
If you’re weighing up when to hike in the Dolomites, where to stay in South Tyrol, and how to get to the Dolomites, a bit of timing and geography makes all the difference up here.
Best time to hike
The main hiking season runs from late May or early June through to late September. July and August bring the most stable weather, though they’re also the busiest months on popular trails.
Snow can linger on higher routes well into early summer, particularly on sections of the Alta Via trails. Many rifugi (mountain huts) open between mid-June and late September, so it’s worth checking individual hut dates if you’re planning multi-day walks.
Where to base yourself
For classic Dolomites hiking, Val Gardena offers dramatic scenery and excellent lift access, while Alta Badia feels slightly calmer with superb hut-to-hut routes. Val Pusteria (Pustertal) works well for access to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the eastern Dolomites.
If you’d prefer a small city base with culture and good food in the evenings, Bolzano is a smart choice. It blends Italian and Austrian influences, has direct train connections, and gives you access to several valleys without moving accommodation every few days.
Getting there and around
The nearest airports are Innsbruck, Verona, and Venice, each within a few hours’ drive depending on your chosen valley. Train connections to Bolzano are straightforward from Verona and Innsbruck.
Once in South Tyrol, public transport is reliable and well integrated with lift systems. Cable cars and mountain railways reduce long ascents, which is part of what makes hiking in the Dolomites accessible without sacrificing those big Alpine views.
Stay inspired for your travels in Italy —get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
