I often mention on my website and social media that autumn is the best season for photography. It’s not just about the stunning fall colors and contrasts.
Autumn lets me sleep in longer, unlike those 4 AM summer sunrises. Plus, the cooler temperatures are perfect for hiking, unlike the challenging 20 degrees Celsius heat. I love exploring the Dolomites in the Fall, so today, I’m sharing my top autumn photography spots there!
My Favourite Autumn Photography Locations In The Italian Dolomites
Before the countdown, let’s tackle a common question: When’s the best time to see fall colors in the Dolomites? It varies yearly, depending on the summer and how soon the cold sets in.
Fall starts around late September or early October in higher areas. The peak autumn colors, when most of these photos were taken, show up between mid-October and early November.
Planning an autumn hiking and photography trip to the Dolomites? Check out my itinerary!
1. Along the road to Rifugio Auronzo
The Auronzo refuge road offers the easiest access to the popular Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites. It’s a private road, so there’s a fee: 30 Euro for cars and 45 for campervans. Once paid, you can enjoy top hikes, via ferratas, and photography spots in Tre Cime Nature Park.
The road from Lago Antorno through Cadin di Longeres valley is lined with larches, offering great viewpoints for photos. My favorite spot is a short walk from the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot back toward the valley.
In summer, buses run a few times a day from Lago Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo. In the fall, when the huts close, you’ll need to either pay the fee or hike from the valley.
2. Along the lake Sorapiss trail
When I hiked the trail in early September, I noticed the valley was full of larch trees.
Larch trees, found all over the Dolomites, are unique conifers that shed their needles in winter. In autumn, they display stunning yellows and oranges.
The first half-hour on the Lake Sorapiss trail offers amazing views, especially of Monte Cristallo, nestled in a larch forest with a stream below.
3. Val Di Funes
Val Di Funes is a top Dolomites photography spot, especially for shots of San Giovanni chapel with the Seceda ridgeline behind it, framed by mixed pine and larch forests.
My favorite autumn spot is the Santa Maddalena church viewpoint. It’s a short 20-minute walk from the town parking lot since the road is private and closed to tourist cars.
4. Along the hike to Cinque Torri
Hiking to Cinque Torri, you’ll pass through a larch forest. As you climb, breathtaking valley views will appear, perfect for photos.
From Passo Falzarego, you can see the start of the famous Lagazuoi tunnels hike and spot Rifugio Lagazuoi, a photogenic mountain hut in the Dolomites.
Tofane di Rozes, with its dome-shaped peak, is eye-catching and known for the famous via ferrata Giovanni Lipella leading to the summit.
Let your creativity shine! While the Cinque Torri is a must-see, don’t forget there are plenty of other stunning photo opportunities, especially in the fall.
5. Alpe Di Siusi
I first visited Alpe Di Siusi in early November, right after the first snowfall when autumn’s colors still graced the larches. The blend of seasons made the place look absolutely stunning.
Alpe di Siusi is a bit challenging to reach for sunrise or sunset since the access road has restricted hours. Driving outside those times can result in a big fine.
Check out my article on the top spots in the Italian Dolomites to learn how to avoid it. I detail how to visit Alpe di Siusi there.
6. Along the Lago Di Braies circuit
I loved visiting Lago di Braies in autumn. It’s just too crowded in the summer, so much so that they’ve even put in road restrictions then.
If you want to avoid crowds, visit the Dolomites in October for a peaceful time at the lake.
You’re unlikely to be alone here; the booming photography community and photo tours are everywhere.
Photography tourists often flock to the usual spots, like the boat jetty near the car park. It’s easy to avoid the crowds at Lago di Braies.
Start your hike around Lago di Braies early in the morning. It takes just an hour, and you’ll quickly leave the crowds behind and immerse yourself in its stunning beauty.
7. Passo Gardena
Passo Gardena is a must-see in the Dolomites, especially during autumn, whether at sunrise or sunset.
There’s a great beginner’s via ferrata to Gran Cir’s summit starting at the pass. From the top, enjoy views of Sassolungo and the Sella mountains.
The valley is lined with larches, making fall photos epic. Passo Gardena links the Badia Valley to Val Gardena, both just a 20-30 minute drive on a winding road.
8. Val Fiorentina
Autumn was still weeks away when I captured the Fiorentina Valley with Mount Pelmo towering above.
I promised to come back when the larch trees turned yellow, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Still, I wanted to share this hidden gem with you.
The distant tiny town is Selva di Cadore. During the shoulder season (mid-September to November), it becomes a ghost town, just like many other towns in the Dolomites.
This roadside view near the Colle Santa Lucia church is unforgettable.
9. Val Venegia
The Venegia Valley trail in the Dolomites is incredibly rewarding yet easy. It’s like a leisurely park walk where you won’t even break a sweat.
At the end of the valley lies Malga Venegiotta, a charming stone hut set against the stunning Pale di San Martino range. In October, the golden larch trees make it a must-see. Don’t miss the Venegia Valley hike if you’re visiting the Dolomites in autumn.
10. Lago Federa
My favorite autumn photography spot in the Italian Dolomites is Lago Federa. You can reach this stunning alpine lake with just a few hours of hiking on the Croda Da Lago circuit trail.
While most Dolomites mountain huts close by late September, Rifugio Palmieri stays open until early November, welcoming autumn visitors by the lake.
Want to Explore More?
If you can, stay overnight in the hut for a stunning sunset and sunrise by the lake. You won’t regret it.
More travel and hiking resources in the Dolomites
- Photography spots in the Italian Dolomites
- Regions in the Italian Dolomites
- Itineraries for the Italian Dolomites
- Via ferratas in the Italian Dolomites
- Day hikes in the Italian Dolomites
- Hut-to-hut treks in the Italian Dolomites
