Exploring the Dolomites in October: A perfect off-season adventure
Last updated July 31, 2025•7 min read
Uncategorized
AI Summary
Loading AI overview...
I went on an unforgettable road trip in the Dolomites this past October, and I’m super excited to share my experience. I spent 4 full days in the Dolomites, plus two extra days traveling and a quick stop at Lake Garda, diving into the stunning and unique nature of this mountain region in northern Italy. Come along as I share my adventures and handy tips for the perfect off-season trip to the Dolomites.
The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy, famous for their unique peaks and gorgeous lakes, where you can feel a mix of Italian vibes and strong Austrian influence.
Honestly, this is the perfect spot for anyone who, like me, loves being close to nature; the scenery is breathtaking and truly one of a kind.
To really soak in the Dolomites, we rented the Nomad Campervan. Traveling in a campervan gives you total freedom and flexibility. We could go at our own pace, avoiding long drives and wasting time by always having a fixed base each day. This was super important because we didn’t expect daily distances and driving times to be so long, and sticking to one place would’ve meant much more driving and lost time.
Plus, it was so convenient to change our route and swap outfits depending on the changing temps in the high mountains — it made our campervan trip truly special. Nothing beats waking up to an incredible sunrise before heading out on the iconic Tre Cime hike.
Some essential travel tips for the Dolomites
Here are some solid travel tips from my trip:
Think about flying to Venice: To save on travel time, miles, and tolls, consider flying to Venice instead of Milan. We found a cheaper flight to Milan, but looking back, Venice would’ve saved us time and money.
Be ready for parking fees: Especially if you have a bigger motorhome, parking fees can add up. Smaller campervans usually cost less.
Use apps like Park4Night: Most campsites were pretty full even though it was off-season. Apps like this are great for finding good spots for your campervan.
Pack for all kinds of weather: October weather in the Dolomites can be unpredictable. Bring comfy clothes for temperature changes, and don’t forget sportwear, hiking boots, or sneakers — these will be your best friends on the amazing trails.
My Itinerary
Day 1: Milan to Trento
After landing in Milan, I headed straight to the Indie Campers pick-up point to grab my Indie Campers motorhome in Milan.
First stop was the beautiful town of Sirmione by Lake Garda, where I took a walk and enjoyed some gelato. For the night, I stayed at the quiet Agricamp campsite in Trento.
Sirmione, Lake Garda
Day 2: Adolf Munkel Weg and Val di Funes walking route
On day 2, we left Trento heading to the Dolomites and went straight to the Adolf Munkel Weg trail, a 9-km hike with jaw-dropping mountain views against lush green. Along the way, there’s Rifugio DelleOdle, which I think is the most beautiful mountain hut and it has amazing food – definitely stop by! If you feel energetic, you can start and finish the hike from Val di Funes or other nearby spots to skip the parking fees near the trailhead. Since we were just visiting briefly, parking nearby made more sense, but if you have the time and energy, I’d totally recommend parking elsewhere.
Later in the afternoon, we checked out the famous Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Val di Funes. We couldn’t get inside the church but there’s a perfect viewpoint nearby for photos.
Adolf Wunkel trail, with a quick stop at Rifugio delle Odle
First up was Lago di Braies, the most famous lake in the area. Its stunning views and surroundings make it a must-see. Since parking for campervans is limited, we parked in the nearest village and took a €6 bus to the lake. Walking around the lake takes about an hour — perfect to enjoy a picnic by the water.
Next, we went to Rifugio Auronzo at over 2000 meters elevation. This mountain hut is the starting point for two famous trails: Cadini di Misurina, which is a moderately easy hike with amazing views, and Tre Cime de Lavaredo, the iconic Dolomites hike that’s a bit more challenging.
We did the Cadini di Misurina trail in the late afternoon, catching a gorgeous sunset, then spent the night in the parking lot, ready to hike more the next day!
We started the day watching the sunrise from our Nomad campervan in the Rifugio Auronzo car park. After a filling breakfast, we set out on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, an iconic Dolomites trek famous for its stunning rock formations and epic views. It’s a tough hike, but so worth it.
Later, we swung by Lake Durrense to soak in its beauty at sunset.
Day 5: Lago di Carezza and Alpe di Siusi
Day 5 began with a visit to Lago di Carezza, a gorgeous lake that’s easy to walk around.
Next, we explored the vast Alpe di Siusi (or Seiser Alm) meadow, famous for stunning views and outdoor fun. Fun fact: it’s a ski resort in winter and spring! To avoid the cable car, get there before 9 am because parking is only free when the cable car isn’t running. For an amazing experience, rent an electric bike (it costs extra but is totally worth it), letting you really enjoy Alpe di Siusi’s beauty.
With our trip coming to an end, we headed back to Milan to return the motorhome to Indie Campers. Then it was off to catch our flight.
Conclusion: October is a great month to visit the Dolomites!
Even though I initially hesitated about visiting the Dolomites in October, I can say that my off-season trip was totally worth it.
We got lucky with the weather, but from what I read, the rainy season is actually in summer, which is their high season. Even though we visited off-season, the area was still pretty busy, so to avoid big crowds, autumn seems like an excellent time to go.
I went early October, and that’s my recommendation, but I’ve also heard great things about late October because the trees change colors, adding extra charm to the whole experience.
I hope my tips and itinerary help you plan your own Dolomites adventure. Soak up the breathtaking beauty and make memories for life!
