The Dolomites are full of postcard views, but some places are simply made for photography. Below are our favorite spots with big mountain backdrops and easy access — usually just a short walk from a parking lot or the top station of a cable car.
Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is a huge high-alpine meadow with wide open views in every direction. On a clear day you get the perfect “Dolomites combo”: rolling grass, wooden huts, and the sharp silhouette of Sassolungo and the Sciliar (Schlern).
The easiest access is by cable car (from the Seis/Siusi area) or by bus; you can also drive up to Compatsch, but the road is usually restricted during the day. For photos, go early in the morning for soft light (and sometimes mist), or late afternoon for warm colors on the peaks.
Santa Maddalena
Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes is one of those places that looks unreal even in bad weather. The small church, the patchwork of meadows, and the dramatic Odle/Geisler peaks in the background make it a classic Dolomites scene.
You can drive to the village, park nearby, and follow the signs to the panoramic viewpoint — it’s a short walk through fields above the houses. Sunrise and early morning are the most peaceful, and low clouds after a storm can make the mountains look extra dramatic.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo are probably the most iconic limestone towers in the Dolomites. The views change quickly as you walk around them: from the classic “three peaks” panorama to wide valleys, scree slopes, and dramatic north faces.
To get there without a long approach, take the toll road from the Misurina area up to Rifugio Auronzo and start walking from the parking lot. The main viewpoints are along the easy loop towards Forcella Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli; arrive very early (or late in the day) to avoid crowds and full parking.
Sassolungo
Sassolungo (Langkofel) is a massive, sculpted mountain that dominates the skyline between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa. From the right angle it looks like a stone wall rising straight out of the meadows — a perfect subject for sunset light.
For easy viewpoints, stop either on Alpe di Siusi (for the meadow foreground) or at Passo Sella (for a closer, more dramatic angle); both options need only a short walk from parking. The best light is usually golden hour, and early September often brings clear air and fewer people than peak summer.
Seceda
Seceda is famous for its razor-sharp ridge and the feeling that the mountains are dropping away under your feet. It’s one of the most photogenic places in Val Gardena, with a sweeping view towards the Odle group and the green valleys below.
Take the cable car from Ortisei up to Seceda and then walk 10–20 minutes to the main viewpoint (follow the crowd — it’s hard to miss). Morning usually gives softer light and calmer winds; late afternoon is often less busy once day-trippers start heading down.
Best time to visit the Dolomites
For hiking and photography, late June to mid-September is the easiest window: most trails are snow-free, mountain huts are open, and cable cars run regularly. July and August have the longest days, but also the biggest crowds — if you can, aim for June or early September for a calmer experience.
For the best light, plan around sunrise and the last two hours before sunset. Midday is often harsh and hazy, while early morning brings softer contrast, empty viewpoints, and a better chance of dramatic clouds.
