Cities & Areas

Discover charming mountain towns and find the perfect base camp for your Northern Italy hiking adventures.

Hiking Regions

South Tyrol

German-speaking region with excellent infrastructure and diverse hiking options

BolzanoVal GardenaMeranoBressanone

Veneto Dolomites

Italian-speaking area with dramatic peaks and famous climbing routes

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Aosta Valley

French-influenced region with the highest peaks in the Alps

Courmayeur

Base Camp Cities

Bolzano
Easy Access
★★★★★

Bolzano

South Tyrol
262m

The vibrant capital of South Tyrol, perfectly positioned as the gateway to the Dolomites with excellent transport connections.

Best For:

First-time visitors, cultural experiences, easy access to multiple trail areas

Historic old townÖtzi Museum
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Moderate Access
★★★

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Veneto
1,224m

The glamorous 'Queen of the Dolomites', famous for hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics and offering world-class hiking access.

Best For:

Luxury travelers, serious hikers, photography enthusiasts

Olympic heritageLuxury shopping
Val Gardena
Easy Access
★★★★

Val Gardena

South Tyrol
1,236m

A stunning valley with three charming villages (Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva) offering authentic Ladin culture and incredible hiking.

Best For:

Families, cultural immersion, intermediate hikers

Ladin cultureWood carving tradition
Merano
Easy Access
★★★★

Merano

South Tyrol
325m

An elegant spa town with Mediterranean flair, famous for its thermal baths and access to both gentle walks and challenging alpine routes.

Best For:

Wellness seekers, gentle hiking, shoulder seasons

Thermal spasGardens of Trauttmansdorff
Bressanone
Easy Access
★★★★

Bressanone

South Tyrol
560m

A historic episcopal city with over 1,000 years of history, offering a perfect blend of culture and mountain access.

Best For:

History lovers, wine enthusiasts, moderate hiking

Cathedral complexMedieval architecture
Courmayeur
Challenging Access
★★

Courmayeur

Aosta Valley
1,224m

An exclusive alpine resort at the foot of Mont Blanc, offering some of the most dramatic high-altitude hiking in the Alps.

Best For:

Experienced hikers, luxury seekers, high-altitude adventures

Mont Blanc viewsLuxury resort

Planning Your Base Camp

Transportation

Consider train connections and local bus services to trailheads

Accommodation

Book early for peak season, consider mountain huts for multi-day treks

Local Cuisine

Experience unique Alpine-Mediterranean fusion and local specialties

Cultural Sites

Combine hiking with museums, castles, and historic town centers

Ready to Choose Your Base Camp?

Explore detailed city guides with accommodation recommendations and trail access information