In this post, I will take you on a four-day, early spring, wheelchair-accessible road trip through some of Dolomite’s most beautiful places. The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most picturesque destinations in northern Italy. I’ve longed for a trip to the mountains since I visited the Swiss Alps a few years ago, a journey through incredible mountain ranges, dreamy glacier lakes, and charming ski towns.
A trip like this can be physically demanding, as it involves long car rides and many transfers in and out of the car (unless you have an adapted vehicle). So, I allowed plenty of rest time to fully enjoy the beauty this region has to offer.
As always, I traveled with a collapsible electric wheelchair and a companion who could assist me.
Getting there
The area has many airports, with Bolzano being the closest one. We flew into Malpensa airport in Milan and drove approximately four hours to the heart of the Dolomites. Other, closer options are Bergamo, Venice, or Munich. You could also travel by train to Bolzano and rent a car there. Regarding traveling in the Dolomites, a vehicle is the best and sometimes the only option for wheelchair travelers. There are buses between many main points, but they take longer and aren’t always accessible.
Where to stay
Consider breaking up your trip into multiple parts when exploring the Dolomites area because driving on the mountain roads can take a lot of time, especially if you plan to make stops at the local towns and viewpoints. It is advisable to book a hotel in the specific area you want to explore and then move to another one rather than spending long hours driving. Convenient locations for many of the area attractions include Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Val di Funes.
Lake Tovel
On the drive from Milan, we stopped at the incredible Lago di Tovel in Trentino, just South of the Dolomites mountains. This secluded lake is surrounded by tall, steep mountainsides that reflect in its still waters. Until a few decades ago, this lake used to turn red in Summer due to the presence of a particular algae, but this phenomenon no longer occurs.
The gravel path leading to the lake is steep and, at times, loose, making it more challenging for those in heavier wheelchairs. The path around the lake is partially accessible and made of packed dirt and gravel. The closest parking is at Chalet Tovel (there’s a wheelchair parking sign at the gate). Since we visited before the summer season opened, parking was mostly empty and free of charge. If you visit during the season (mid-June – mid-September), you should purchase your entrance ticket in advance in Tuenno.
Despite the accessibility imperfections, the lake is a true gem, and I highly recommend spending an hour or two admiring this picturesque landscape, having a picnic, or even taking a dip if you’re brave.
Getting there is also a great experience, as the first portion of the drive there is on a hillside road of Val di Tovel.
Alpe Di Siusi / Seiser Alm
There’s not much to say about this uniquely beautiful high-elevation Alpine meadow (the biggest one in Europe) except it’s a must-see if you plan to visit the Dolomites! I’ve seen so many pictures; as gorgeous as they were, none did it justice!
To get there, you can take the wheelchair-accessible cable car (there’s a disability discount if you have a disability I.D.) or drive up, but be aware of the following restrictions. If your accommodation is at Alpe de Siusi, they will arrange a pass for you to drive up anytime. If you are visiting during the off-season, when the cable car doesn’t work, you’ll also be allowed to drive up at any hour of the day. If you have an official European disability card, you can drive up at any hour and park at designated locations (there’s very detailed information on Seiser Alm’s website). Otherwise, during the season, you can only drive there before 9 a.m. (as long as parking is available) or past 5 p.m.
Once at the top, you can explore by bicycle (there are many rental shops), hire a horse carriage, hike along the many hiking paths (several are barrier-free), or roll around in your wheelchair. The fact that only a few are allowed to drive up makes the roads car-free and safe to roll on. Make a stop at one of the huts serving traditional South Tyrol dishes with local products and the most amazing views!
My friend rented a bicycle while I rolled at 6km/h on the road along the few bikers and horse carriages. The beauty all around us is hard to describe in words! Endless green meadows dotted by wooden huts and yellow flowers, rough mountain peaks still covered by snow, and winding roads—all felt untouched by man and almost magical. We definitely added to the area’s attractions; everyone seemed intrigued by the sight of us (especially me in a wheelchair) exploring one of the most active/adventurous areas.
Visiting Alpe Di Siusi was my favorite day in the Dolomites. I would recommend it to any wheelchair user, but if you are in a manual chair, bring your power aids! Accessible restrooms are available at both cable car stations.
Lake Carezza
The emerald lake’s still waters reflect the forest and mountains in the background. On a clear day, the waters shine in all the rainbow colors. Legend says a sorcerer tried to impress a nymph who lived by the lake by casting a magical rainbow over it. When she rejected him, he broke the rainbow into pieces, creating the beautiful colors of the lake we see today.
This was the most wheelchair-friendly lake we visited in the Dolomites. From the paid parking lot, a paved tunnel leads to a raised wooden viewing platform overlooking the beautiful lake. The tunnel has a minimal incline and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. If you wish to explore further, the path around the lake is made of packed gravel. It can be a bit steep at some points, but it’s definitely doable, especially if you have a companion. Allow 1-2 hours to visit Lake Carezza.
Bolzano
Located in the Northeast part of Italy, Bolzano, or “Bozen” in German, is the capital of the Italian region Trentino-Alto Adige and is considered by many to be the Gateway to the Dolomites.
This charming town was historically part of the Austrian Tyrol region, explaining why most people speak German.
To avoid driving through Bolzano and figuring out the street parking rules, we parked at Bolzano Centro car park and headed to the city center (a 5-minute walk) to explore. Bolzano Center is small and mostly pedestrian-focused; you won’t need your car or public transportation to get around. The terrain is mixed; some streets are smooth and easy to roll on, while others are lined with cobblestones and bumpy.
We started with a visit to the vibrant street market. The street is lined with beautifully arranged stalls and merchants, but it’s also very bumpy for wheelchair users. Next, we had a traditional South Tyrolean lunch at Wirtshaus Vögele (only the outside sitting area is wheelchair-accessible), shopped at Via dei Portici (also called Laubengasse), had ice cream in Piazza Walther, which becomes Italy’s biggest Christmas market during the holiday season and attempted to visit the Duomo di Bolzano. Unfortunately, the main entrance wasn’t wheelchair accessible, so my friend went inside alone.
Finding an accessible restroom in Bolzano wasn’t easy. Luckily, our waiter at Vögele took us to a restaurant across the street with one.
Overall, Bolzano is a lovely town worth visiting if you’re in the area.
Lake Braies
Another stunning alpine lake with clear emerald water reflecting the surrounding peaks – an actual postcard-perfect scene. It may be the most photographed lake in the Dolomites as nature lovers and photography enthusiasts from around the world make sure to get a glimpse at its beauty.
As a wheelchair user, you can admire the lake from the area next to the boat house or roll around Lago di Braies Hotel towards Emma Bistro, where you’ll also find the wheelchair-accessible restroom.
From mid-June to mid-September, vehicle access is restricted, and parking must be booked online. For the rest of the year, no pre-booking is needed, but parking fees still apply. Even then, it’s best to come before 9 am or after 4pm to minimize the wait for a parking spot. We arrived at 5pm, on a rainy day in early June and there were many people.
For the rowboat, tickets cannot be purchased in advance, only on-site. Boat rental is available from mid-May to early November. The experience is not wheelchair-accessible; you will need to go up and down steps or be carried.
After visiting the lake, we stopped for dinner at Hotel Ristorante Steinerhof. It offers fresh local food at affordable prices, and it is very recommended!
Other wheelchair accessible things in Dolomites
There are many other things to do and see in the Dolomites. Some places hadn’t opened yet for the season; others were closed because of fog, and some we only saw from our car window due to heavy rain.
Here are some suggestions:
- Seceda – The Seceda in Val Gardena is a 2,519-metre-high mountain. To reach Seceda in a wheelchair, take a wheelchair-accessible cable car from Ortisei. The cable car operates from mid-June to early November, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. We didn’t get to go as it hadn’t opened yet for the summer season, but next time, we definitely will.
- Lake Dobbiaco is only a 30-minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo and has easy wheelchair access. The 2.5 km nature trail around the lake is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs and provides beautiful views.
- Lake Misurina is another very accessible lake located right by the road. We stopped at a roadside cafe for takeaway and enjoyed a car lunch with a view of the rainy lake. The path around the lake appears to be mostly flat, and the nearby hotels suggest the availability of accessible restrooms.
- Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Tre Chime di Lavaredo)—These three peaks are probably one of the most iconic views of the Dolomites. They perfectly represent the sharp, rough, and vertical mountainsides and cliffs that distinctively define this region’s landscape. You can drive most of the way up and admire them from the car. On a clear day, you can also catch a glimpse of them from Lake Misurina or Lake Landro. The road was closed because of poor visibility and fog when we visited.
- Lake Landro (Dürrensee) – We weren’t planning to visit this gorgeous turquoise lake, but we couldn’t ignore the unusual color of the water and the mountains around us, so we made a quick stop to admire its beauty. Near the lake, towards Dobbiaco, you’ll find the viewpoint of the world-famous Three Peaks of Lavaredo.
Wheelchair accessible accommodation suggestion
We stayed in a beautiful X Alp Hotel in the small town of San Giovanni Di Fassa. The town is a 20-minute drive from Lake Carezza and a one-hour drive from Bolzano, Val Gardena, and Alpe Di Siusi. The hotel is lovely, with a cozy atmosphere, breathtaking views, and a good restaurant.
The suite is the only adapted room option with a roll-in shower, but the price is affordable. The bathroom isn’t ideally accessible. The toilet is in the corner and can be difficult to access, the shower stall is step-free but very small, and the sinks aren’t floating sinks. The exit to the balconies wasn’t smooth either, but I managed. Make sure this room will suit your needs before you book because the hotel is worth it!
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