Exploring the Dolomites in October: A perfect off-season adventure

I went on an unforgettable road trip in the Dolomites last October, and I’m excited to share what I experienced. I spent over 4 full days in the Dolomites, plus two extra days for traveling and a quick stop at Lake Garda, fully immersing myself in the stunning and unique natural scenery of this mountainous area in northern Italy. Join me as I share my adventures and some handy tips for an awesome off-season trip in the Dolomites.

The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy, famous for their unique peaks and beautiful lakes, where you can feel a blend of Italian charm and strong Austrian influence.

Personally, this is the perfect spot for anyone who loves being close to nature like me; the views are absolutely breathtaking and unlike any other.

Travelling in a campervan

To truly experience the Dolomites, we decided to rent the Nomad Campervan. Traveling in a campervan gives you unmatched freedom and flexibility. We could travel at our own speed, avoiding long drives and wasting time by having a fixed base every day. This was super important because we didn’t expect the distances and driving times to be so time-consuming daily, and exploring from one spot each day would mean way more driving and wasting time.

Also, being able to change our route and adjust our clothes to deal with temperature changes up in the mountains made the campervan trip extra special. Nothing beats waking up to a stunning sunrise before heading out on the classic Tre Cime hike.

Some essential travel tips for the Dolomites

Here are some must-know travel tips from my trip:

• Think about flying to Venice: To cut down on travel time, distance, and toll fees, it’s smarter to fly to Venice instead of Milan. We found a cheaper flight to Milan, but looking back, flying to Venice would have saved us money and time.
• Be ready for parking fees: Especially if you’re driving a bigger motorhome, expect to pay some parking charges. Smaller campervans usually pay less.
• Use apps like Park4Night: When booking campsites, I was surprised that most were already full, even in the off-season. Apps like Park4Night are super useful for finding great spots for your campervan.
• Pack smart and versatile: October weather in the Dolomites can be pretty unpredictable. Make sure to bring comfy, warm clothes for temperature swings. Don’t forget your sports gear, hiking boots, or trainers – they’ll be your best buddies on the amazing trails.

My Itinerary

Day 1: Milan to Trento

After landing in Milan, I went straight to the Indie Campers pick-up point to grab my Indie Campers motorhome in Milan.

First stop was the lovely town of Sirmione on Lake Garda’s shore, where I enjoyed a nice walk and a gelato. For the night, I chose the quiet Agricamp campsite in Trento.

Day 2: Adolf Munkel Weg and Val di Funes walking route

On day 2, we left Trento and went straight to the Adolf Munkel Weg trail, a 9-km hike with amazing views of the mountains against a lush green background. Along the way, you’ll find Rifugio Delle Odle, which is, in my opinion, the most beautiful mountain hut with awesome food – a total must-visit! If you’re up for it, you can start and finish the hike in Val di Funes or nearby spots to save on parking near the trail. Since we were just visiting briefly, parking close by made more sense, but if you have the time and energy, that’s the way to go.

Late afternoon, we checked out the famous Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Val di Funes. We couldn’t go inside the church, but the viewpoint outside was perfect for some photos.

Useful links: Car park;

Lago Di Braies and Cadini di Misurina

Day 3 took us north to two amazing spots.

First up was Lago di Braies, the most famous lake in the area. It’s totally stunning and the surroundings are gorgeous – a must for anyone visiting. Since campervan parking was limited, we parked in the nearby village and took a €6 bus to the lake. Walking around it takes about an hour, so definitely grab a picnic and enjoy it by the water.

Later, we headed to Rifugio Aronzo, up over 2000 meters. This mountain hut is the starting point for two popular hikes: Cadini di Misurina, which is a moderately easy walk with incredible views, and Tre Cime de Lavaredo, one of the signature Dolomite hikes, a bit harder but worth it.

We did the Cadini di Misurina hike late afternoon, catching an amazing sunset, then stayed overnight in the parking lot, ready for another day of hiking.

Useful links: Lago di Braies Car park; Auronzo Car park.

Day 4: Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lake Durrense

We kicked off the day watching the sunrise from our Nomad campervan parked at Rifugio Auronzo. After a big breakfast, we set off on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, one of the Dolomites’ iconic trails, famous for its amazing rock formations and awesome panoramic views. It’s a tough hike but so worth it.

Later, we stopped by Lake Durrense to take in its gorgeous views as the day wound down.

Day 5: Lago di Carezza and Alpe di Siusi

Day 5 started with a visit to Lago di Carezza, a beautiful lake with an easy path around it.

Then we explored the vast meadow of Alpe di Siusi (aka Seiser Alm), known for its stunning views and lots of outdoor stuff to do. Fun fact: it’s a ski resort in winter and spring! To skip the cable car, it’s best to get there before 9 am because parking is only available when the cable car isn’t running. For a truly unforgettable day, rent an electric bike (it costs extra), so you can soak in all the beauty of Alpe di Siusi without tiring yourself out.

Useful links: Alpe di Siusi parking; Alpe de Siusi parking for cable car access; Lago di Carezza parking;

Day 6: Return to Milan

With the adventure wrapping up, we drove back to Milan to hand over the motorhome to Indie Campers and catch our flight home.

Conclusion: October is a great month to visit the Dolomites!

I was initially unsure about visiting the Dolomites in October, but honestly, my off-season experience was amazing.

We were pretty lucky with the weather, and from my research, the rainy season is actually in summer, which is their high season. Even though October is off-season, I still found the place quite busy, so if you want to avoid the crowds, autumn is a great choice.

I went in early October, which I recommend, but I’ve also heard great things about late October because the changing colors of the trees add even more charm to the experience.

I hope my tips and itinerary help you plan your own Dolomites trip. Get out there, soak up the incredible beauty of the Dolomites, and make memories you’ll never forget!