Because, honestly, who wouldn’t want to swap a Monday business meeting for a sunrise like this?!

This spot is ridiculously photogenic. And, for once, it’s not just clever framing and a Lightroom preset. The Cadini peaks are the real deal. Jagged stone giants that pierce the sky like they were designed for maximum drama (and minimum hiking).

And the best part?

No route march. No technical gear. No alpine goat DNA required. Just a short trail, a touch of timing, and a lot of “holy shit, this view.”

I can hear you heaving a sigh of relief from here.

The Cadini di Misurina hike is the perfect side trip to combine with a visit to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. For photographers, the light at dawn and dusk is dreamy, but even if you can’t make it at golden hour, the view is still worth a gazillion likes.

I’ve done this hike solo at dawn (slightly panicked I’d missed sunrise, but it actually didn’t matter) and with friends at midday, so you’re getting the whole shebang: the photos, the logistics, the gear. Everything.

So, you ready to find out how to actually get to that viewpoint without getting lost or overwhelmed?

Let’s go!!

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Where to Find the Cadini Viewpoint: Map, Trail & Key Info

High in the Sesto (Sexten) Dolomites, a stone’s throw from the incredibly popular Tre Cime, is a rather intriguingly named marker on Google maps – The Towers of Mordor.

No, Middle-earth hasn’t just appeared in the Italian Alps. Sorry, Tolkien nerds.

What has happened, though, is pure geological magic! Over millions of years, ancient coral reefs that used to be the sea bed here have been slowly squeezed and lifted into towering mountains.

Best part? There’s a natural viewpoint right across from them, and it doesn’t take hours of climbing to get there.

This is primo Dolomites territory with loads of great things to do nearby. Tre Cime Nature Park, Lago di Sorapis, Lago di Dobbiaco and Lago di Braies are all within an hour’s drive. It’s a stellar area to base yourself for a few days, especially if you want to catch Cadini di Misurina at sunrise and sunset, weather permitting!

Starting Point & Route Details

In a striking change to many of the other day hikes worth your time (and camera battery) in the Dolomites, it’s actually pretty easy to get the viewpoint at Cadini di Misurina.

Please practice Leave No Trace principles; plan ahead, stay on trail, pack out what you bring hiking, properly dispose of personal waste, leave areas as you found them, be considerate of other hikers, and don’t approach or feed wild animals.

If you’re anxious about heights, the famous viewpoint can be a bit daunting, but there’s an alternative which I’ll tell you more about further down! It doesn’t require a heart-pounding walk along a narrow ledge, so it’s safer for you and better for the trail.

This is the hike I’d recommend if you’re also hiking the Tre Cime. It’s short, easy and wildly rewarding! You’ll be starting from Rifugio Auronzo, – follow my guide to getting to Tre Cime since it’s the same road (and just as annoying in peak season when you’re on a tight sunrise schedule!

TRAILHEAD | Rifugio Auronzo
DISTANCE | 3.75 km round trip
TIME | 1-1.5h and allow at least half an hour for photos
ELEVATION | +/-120m
DIFFICULTY | easy

The path forks, although it’s not marked, and it seems as though the left fork has been created by people looking for thrills. Take the right fork here, which is definitely the better option. You’ll then make your way around and uphill to a plateau where it’s easy to see the peaks you’re aiming for.

This time I was the designated photographer, so I kicked back and watched other people confront their fears. Which was nice.

INSIDER TIP | There’s an even better angle above the famous one. After taking your shots, backtrack slightly and follow the faint trail heading left and uphill – it takes you onto the ridge with a less crowded, more expansive view. It’s magic.

If you’re visiting in winter and the road’s closed?
You’ve got two options: hike uphill in the snow for hours, or skip it and cry into your polenta. Sorry.

WONDERING HOW TO GET HERE? | More detailed information for getting to Rifugio Auronzo can be found in my how to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo post.

THE DETAILS

Cost
– €40 for cars and camping vans and €60 for motorhomes (2025 season).
– Valid for only 12 hours on the day of entry
– Parking at Rifugio Auronzo is included in the cost

NEED TO KNOW | As of summer 2025, you can only access the parking area at Rifugio Auronzo via the toll road with a valid parking reservation, which you’ll need to purchase online in advance — get yours here.

Opening Hours
– Summer: Open 24h (automated machines overnight)
– Shoulder season (June + mid-Oct onward): 8am–6pm
– Closed November–June (because snow and death)

From Dobbiaco/Toblach | From late June to October 3rd, shuttle bus 444 goes to Rifugio Auronzo. From May 31 to September 10th, tickets must be booked and paid for online in advance here. Outside this time, buy tickets at the Dobbiaco bus and train stations. The cost is €18 return.

Cost | The bus to Rifugio Auronzo is €9/adult each way (€18 return)

The Best Time to Visit Cadini di Misurina

Choosing the Right Season

The Dolomites hiking season runs from late May to early October, but if you want to hit that sweet spot for Cadini di Misurina, aim for:

• Late June to mid-July, or
• September, when the crowds have thinned, the snow’s long gone, and the cable cars and rifugi are still running.

Avoid August unless you’re a fan of traffic jams, human conga lines, and paying €10 for a lukewarm espresso (hard pass).

TIP | Keep in mind that this hike is high up, and the iconic viewpoint gets sketchy in wet or icy conditions. Autumn usually brings more stable weather (and, let’s be honest, better fashion opportunities).

Sunrise, Sunset & Golden Hour

Anytime is jaw-dropping, but if you’re chasing the photo and not just the fresh air, you’ll want to aim for:

• Sunrise – this is hands down one of the most rewarding Dolomites sunrise hikes
• Golden hour
• Sunset, especially in autumn, when the “Burning Dolomites” phenomenon makes the mountains look like they’re blushing (as magical as it sounds).

If you’re more of a hike-first-photos-later type, mid-morning or early evening will still deliver without those not-enough-caffeine, needed-3-more-hours eyebags or baking your brain in midsummer heat.

NOTE | In autumn and spring, if the Auronzo toll road is closed, you’ll have to hike up from below for sunrise. This is a solid pre-dawn effort, so be cautious:
– wear layers
– bring snacks
– don’t forget your headtorch (and maybe a backup if you’re like me…)

How to Nail the Shot at the Cadini Viewpoint

This place is a literal dreamscape — honestly, you could point your camera in any direction and walk away with a banger. But if you’re anything like me, you want to really nail it.

So here’s how to capture the drama, the scale, and the holy-shit-I’m-here vibes of Cadini di Misurina like a pro.

Best photography spots

Let’s break down the three best places to shoot — whether you’re snapping for the ‘gram or framing it for your wall.

The Approach Shot

As you’re winding your way toward the main viewpoint, before the path splits to the upper and lower viewpoints, stop. Look left.

The Upper Viewpoint (My Favourite)

Climb the trail to the right after the fork and you’ll reach a flat ridge above the main outcrop. It’s safe, stable, and photogenic as hell.

You can get close to your subject while still pulling in the full range of peaks in the background — no scrambling required.

The Iconic Outcrop

This is the money shot for scale.

If you’re photographing someone standing on the outcrop, a wide-angle lens will get you the full mountain range in view. Step back to let the composition breathe.

Best time to photograph the Cadini di Misurina

Sunrise

Golden light spills down the valley toward Misurina and casts beautiful side-light on the peaks, especially in autumn when the sun rises lower in the sky.

You’ll also catch light on Tre Cime behind you, and often get that magical shadow/light contrast between the foreground and peaks (gorgeous for storytelling shots).

All the photos in this post were taken within an hour of sunrise in October.

I suspect that the sun’s angle would give you some light on the valley behind the viewpoint earlier in the season, but it’s likely to be a little later in the morning. The contrasts are extreme here once the sun’s fully up unless you’ve got some high cloud to diffuse it.

Sunset

Sunset is lovely, with golden hour giving the best light, but you’ll find that there’s no direct light on the lower viewpoint. If you can, I recommend coming here both for sunrise and sunset. It’s honestly like a different place at each end of the day.

My Go-To Photography Gear for this hike

I mean, are you really going to leave any behind?

Just kidding. Kinda.

But if you’re trying to pack light (because you’re hiking, remember), here’s what I recommend:

Must-have: 70–200mm (or equivalent)
→ Great for compressing the scene and isolating the outcrop with mountains behind

Second lens (if space): 20–40mm range
→ Perfect for wide landscapes, especially at the upper viewpoint

Drone: Optional but epic – just be mindful of wind and rules

Tripod: not needed unless you’re taking solo pics (and even then there’s usually a kind soul who’ll help you out.

I didn’t fly here, but the potential is *chef’s kiss* if conditions are good – just take a look at this.

What to Pack for This Dolomites Sunrise Hike

Not sure what to pack? Don’t overthink it. Here’s my no-BS packing hit list:

• Layers. Always. Merino + fleece + waterproof = happiness. I don’t make the rules.
• Sun protection. Because UV damage with a side of melanoma is not the souvenir you came for.
• Bring a headtorch. Or two. It’s a ‘do as I say, not as I do’ kind of vibe. Although sometimes I actually do follow my own advice.
• Snacks. Always snacks.
• Hiking boots. Optional-ish. This hike’s not that challenging underfoot.

My Complete Hiking Gear List | for women who pack smart and play hard

Where to Stay Near the Trailhead

If you want to catch sunrise or sunset at the viewpoint, your best bet is to stay near the trailhead. That means either a rifugio in the mountains, or a base in Misurina or Lago d’Antorno, which are both close to the toll road entrance. Rifugi are the best places to stay for a few days and easier on the budget.

Lago d’Antorno and Misurina are the closest towns, with Dobbiaco a slightly further 40-minute drive away. Cortina d’Ampezzo is still close enough for a day trip, but I wouldn’t stay here if you want to make it for sunrise.

• Closest + Most Convenient: Rifugio Auronzo (basic but unbeatable for location). No online booking, so you’ll have to email or call. Price from €60 half board. Closed in winter.
• Most Photogenic Base Town: Misurina – I recommend Hotel Sorapiss *** for stunning views and easy access
• Best Budget/Camping Option: Camping Toblacher See ** near Dobbiaco – gorgeous location, great facilities, phenomenal pizza. If you’re NOT on a budget, check out their Skyview Chalets

READ THIS | Where to Stay in the Dolomites. I break down all the options: mountain huts, budget hotels, lakeside chalets and camper-friendly campsites. I’ve included photos, prices, opening dates, and insider tips!

Cadini Viewpoint FAQs

Final Tips for a Smooth Visit

Before you lace up your boots and load your camera batteries, here’s what I really want you to know:

• Skip the lower viewpoint if it’s wet, icy, or roped off. No photo is worth a sprained ankle or a passive-aggressive rescue (or, to be honest, certain death).
• Stay at Rifugio Auronzo if you want to roll out of bed and onto the trail for sunrise.
• Bring a headtorch and layers if you’re planning a sunrise or sunset mission — it gets cold and dark fast.
• This is a fab spot for stargazing or astrophotography if you’re here on a clear summer night (tripod = worth it).
• Pack a picnic — you’ll want to linger with that view for longer than you think.
• Don’t skip Forcella Lavaredo. It’s an easy detour and the views back toward Cadini are next level.
• Hiking poles help on the descent. Especially if your knees hate you.
• Feeling bold? Try the beginner via ferrata on the Sentiero Bonacossa. Adrenaline + views = Cat approved.

Final Thoughts: Hiking to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint

If you’re looking for an epic Dolomites sunrise hike, this is it. I really hope this guide helps you experience the magic for yourself.

If you’ve got questions, comments, updates, or just want to tell me how you nearly cried at sunrise (I get it), leave a comment below, shoot me an email, or slide into my DMs on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you.

And hey — if you found this post useful, the best way to say thanks is to share it. Pin it, post it, pass it along to another badass woman who needs a bit of Dolomites magic in her life.

Now, go get that view.

Cat x

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