Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike in the Italian Dolomites: A Complete Guide

The Tre Cime di Laveredo Peaks
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Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a Dolomites classic. With its iconic three peaks, incredible photo opportunities and the glorious views that the region is known for, here are my top tips for hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen.


Imagine for me, if you will, swapping your office views for saw-toothed mountain peaks bathed in shades of red and gold. Underfoot, a fresh crust of brilliant white. Cold autumn air stealing what little breath hasn’t already been taken by the incredible views.

Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But this isn’t Hollywood magic; this is hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

If you’ve been fantasising about trading in blazers and board meetings for hiking boots and breathtaking views, you’re not alone. Many of us adventurous ladies feel the lure of the wild, but planning a perfect escape can be as daunting as navigating office politics on a Monday morning.

That’s where I come in!

About My Experience Hiking Tre Cime

I’ve hiked the gorgeous trails of Tre Cime di Lavaredo several times, and not just because the views are better than any corner office window! I’ve explored here thoroughly, and you’ll get my personal insights on the best views, detours and accommodation options you won’t find anywhere else.

Mountain peaks tower all around, turquoise lakes punctuate alpine meadows, and a maze of World War I tunnels weave through the rocks. It’s such a beautiful introduction to the diversity of the Dolomites.

Tre Cime isn’t exactly a well-kept secret, so it gets crowded, especially in summer. But with a touch of strategic planning (and who’s better at that than us professional ladies?), you can enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes without feeling like you’re at a networking event.

Haul your hiking boots from the back of the closet and prepare for an adventure that combines a healthy dose of outdoor activity with picture-perfect landscapes to make your Instagram friends green with envy. I’ve got all the insider tips for exploring Tre Cime di Lavaredo, including when to go, where to eat, and how to avoid the crowds.

Let’s escape the office together and let the Dolomites remind us of the adventure that awaits beyond your computer screen. You’re about to plan your best day hike yet. You ready?

Here’s everything you need to know about hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

The grey and pink tinged Tre Cime di Laveredo mountain peaks spearing up into a clear blue sky with a hiking trail winding along the base and tiny hikers visible at the bottom of the peaks
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HIKING TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO STATS

DISTANCE | 10-12km circular route

TIME | 3.5-4 hours

ELEVATION | +/- 400m

DIFFICULTY | Easy to moderate

BEST IN | Late July or early September

FACILITIES | Rifugi and restaurants open during the summer season, with parking and toilets year-round

Table Of Contents

The features in this post were hand-selected by a picky diva (that’s me) and some of them are affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a commission on some of these awesome recommendations at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your wonderful support – Cat.


A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO


Why You Should Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are the poster child of the Dolomite UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. The Tre Cime peaks themselves are gorgeous, and this area also gives you insanely beautiful views of the more distant mountains.

On a clear day, you’ll be treated to one of the most iconic views in the Dolomites as the three peaks glow gold in the sunlight. On more moody days, you’ll be treated to shades of grey and purple as clouds chase across the mountaintops.

No matter the weather, the Tre Cime are a glorious sight to behold.

Sun rising over the three peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen with golden sunlight just hitting the top of the peals making them glow. The lower portion of the three peaks is still in shadow and a hiking trail is barely visible at the base of the mountains.
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The hiking trail at Tre Cime di Lavaredo just visible winding along the base of the mountains

You can add various detours onto the main Tre Cime hike, making it shorter, longer, or more exciting. You can even extend the hike as far as Misurina. Alpine lakes, World War I tunnels and via ferrati turn the area into an adventure playground for adults!

Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo will be a highlight of your trip to the Dolomites; I guarantee it!

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.

What’s it Like Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo?

As you hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the peaks tower above you, making you feel like a tiny part of a massive landscape. The views over the Cadini range are mesmerising, and I stopped constantly just to drink in the scenery.

Rifugio Lavaredo is a perfect place to sit on the deck that wraps around the building to take in the three peaks, the sparkling waters of Lake Misurina far below, and distant mountains.

I sat here in the sunshine for ages, just drinking in the beauty spread out before me.

The sandstone coloured mountain hut of Rifugio Lavaredo with red shutters where people hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo stop to rest. The grey jagged peaks of Cadini di Misurina are visitble in the background
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Rifugio Lavaredo on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike
The view of the jagged grey peaks of  Cadini di Misurina from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Cadini di Misurina from Tre Cime
A tiny sandstone mountain hut with red shutters and grey roof (Rifugio Lavaredo) with the hiking trail of Tre Cime di Lavaredo winding beside it and the towering grey peaks of Cadini di Misurina in the background
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Rifugio Lavaredo with the Tre Cime hiking trail visible beside it

From here, hiking Tre Cime di Lavardeo becomes a little more challenging, but the mountain peaks provide a constant distraction from any struggles on the trail. I enjoyed taking detours to avoid some of the more crowded parts of the route and for the opportunity to see the mountains from a different vantage point.

The final section of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is the hardest, but on a good day, you can see for miles. I think it’s one of the best portions for photographers.

TIP | Bring cash for the restaurants and rifugi when you’re hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Most don’t have a reliable enough phone connection to provide card facilities.

Trail Conditions Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking trail is well-marked and easy to follow, just like most of the hiking routes through the Dolomites. There are several different trails in the area, so you need to pay attention to ensure you don’t take a wrong turn.

You can complete the loop in either direction. I’d previously recommended hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the anti-clockwise direction so you’re facing the best views, but having done both, I’m not sure it really matters.

Most people do the Tre Cime di Lavardeo hike in the anti-clockwise direction, putting the peaks on your left as you walk. It means the trail’s first part is busy, but you reach the interesting landmarks faster.

There’s a moderate elevation change of 400m along the Tre Cime hike, but it’s pretty evenly distributed between uphill and downhill.

The toughest section for me was the path down from Rifugio Locatelli going anti-clockwise. There’s a steep descent followed by an immediate uphill slog, and I was seriously sweating by the time I got to the top!

The towering peaks of Monte Paterno / Paternkofel on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Hiking trails below Monte Paterno at Tre Cime
The view to Cadini di Misurina from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Distant views of Cadini fi Misurina from the Tre Cime di Lavardeo hike

The terrain is easy underfoot with no technically challenging areas and no special equipment required unless you want to tackle a Via Ferrata. It’s common to find snow and ice up here in spring and autumn, so watch your step on the steeper sections.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop

We’re going to do this in the anti-clockwise direction since that’s the most common route and easiest to tackle if you think you might not want to do the whole Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike.

1. Rifugio Auronzo to Forcella Lavaredo Viewpoint | 2.2km – 40 mins

The Tre Cime di Lavardo hike starts at the Rifugio Auronzo car park. Walk past the rifugio and follow the wide gravel path 101 in the direction of Rifugio Lavaredo. The Cadini range will be to your right, and Tre Cime to your left. You’ll know you’re going the right way when you pass Capella Degli Alpini. This part of the hike is flat and pretty busy.

The Tre Cime di Laveredo Peaks
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The Tre Cime di Lavardeo hike from beneath Monte Paterno
Capelli degli Alpini on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Capella degli Alpini on the Tre Cime hike

You’ll quickly reach Rifugio Lavaredo. You should stop here for a break on the deck even if you’re not ready for a drink or snack because the amazing views from here are phenomenal.

Once you’ve soaked it all in, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike continues along path 101 to Forcella Lavaredo, which I think is one of the best viewpoints on the Tre Cime hike itself. After this point, you’ll find that the path tends to get quieter.

It seems that a lot of people hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo feel like they’ve seen the best of the views at this point (or have to get back to catch their bus down the hill)! If you’re short on time, then I do think that this is a good point to bail out.

Hikers sitting outside Rifugio Lavaredo on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Taking a break from hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo on the deck at Rifugio Lavaredo

2. Forcella Lavaredo to Rifugio Locatelli | 2.2km – 40 mins

You’ll now be heading for Rifugio Locatelli / Dreizinnenhütte along a wide path that’s mostly slightly downhill. This is also a supply road, so watch out for trucks heading up here to restock the rifugio.

Go up to the rifugio to take a break and see the gorgeous Piani Lakes behind. Continue past the hut and along the gravel road past the pretty Chiesetta San Bernardo.

The turquoise mountain lakes of the Laghi dei Piani on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike
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A great reason to hike Tre Cime di Lavardo is the variety of scenery – these are the Piani Lakes
The Chiesetta San Bernardo under a bright blue sky on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
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Chiesetta San Bernado, a beautiful chapel on the Tre Cime hike

3. Rifugio Locatelli to Malga Langalm | 3km – 60 mins

At the intersection, take path 105 towards Malga Langalm. This starts with a pretty steep descent and, much to my disappointment, a subsequent ascent to about the same altitude!

This is definitely the toughest part of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike and, honestly, my least favourite part. There’s nothing I hate more than having to go down to go up!

You will, however, follow the trail to the wonderful Malga Langalm restaurant. This is an excellent place for a rest and a meal or a drink before embarking on the final part of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike.

4. Malga Langalm to Rifugio Auronzo | 2.5km – 40 mins

This final part of the Tre Cime di Laverdo hike provides some of the best views down into the Puster Valley and even as far as Lake Misurina. This section of the trail does involve the narrowest path, just before Forcella del Col di Mezzo, so watch your step.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE | There’s an official Tre Cime di Lavaredo viewpoint in Landro that’s worth a stop if you’re driving past.

Optional detours on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike

These routes are some of my favourite detours when hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo and take you to some great viewpoints that you’d otherwise miss if you simply walk the loop.

Tre Cime Hike exclulding Rifugio Lavaredo

This route leaves the path just before reaching Rifugio Lavaredo, taking a narrow uphill to the left and following the mountain’s edge. The trail is steeper than the more popular route, slightly shorter, at about 1km, and will take about 20 minutes.

In my opinion, the views along the slightly longer path are actually better, but if it’s crowded, this is a much quieter alternative to the main Tre Cime hiking trail.

Via Ferrata from Forcella Lavaredo to Paterkofel

To tackle this cool detour on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, make sure that you come prepared with all the right via ferrata gear!

At Forecella Lavaredo, head up the ridge to your right until you see the entrance to a World War I tunnel. You’ll be briefly plunged into darkness (bring a headtorch) but then emerge out onto ledges and lookouts carved through the mountains.

This is one of the most popular via ferrata in the area and will take you all the way to Rifugio Locatelli via Monte Paterno. You may find that there’s a bit of a queue to enter the via ferrata if you come on a nice day.

A plaque beside the world war 2 tunnels of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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The entrance to the via ferrata
Hikers entering the via ferrata in the world war 2 tunnels above the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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Entering the WWI tunnels at Tre Cime
Hikers on the via ferrata of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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Hikers on the via ferrata route

Gallerie del Monte Paterno route

Most hikers will take the well-travelled path 101 here to Rifugio Locatelli, but if you’re after a bit more of an adventure, I recommend trying this upper path. From the initial open route, this trail carves through the rocks of Croda Passaporto and Monte Paterno. Be warned that there are a couple of scrambling sections that aren’t for the faint of heart!

The Tre Cime di Laveredo Peaks
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Tre Cime di Lavardeo hike from the via ferrate
Rifugio Lavaredo with the peaks of Cadini di Misurina in the background
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Rifugio Lavardo blending into the landscape with the Cadini mountains behind

When I tackled this route in October, there was snow and ice underfoot, and I’d forgotten my hiking poles. The hike was pretty scary in parts for this small human who doesn’t love the adrenaline buzz that comes with slippery rocks and no poles.

I was super unprepared and very grateful for the kind group of Austrian hikers and their guide who took pity on me and adopted me! One of the things I’ve always found travelling solo in the Dolomites is that there’s always a group of hikers ready to look after me.

This path is definitely worth considering as a more exciting alternative to the main Tre Cime hiking route. At the end, near Rifugio Locatelli, there are also some WWI lookout posts to explore.

Route excluding Rifugio Locatelli

This isn’t a favourite of mine, more a word of advice if you’re running short on time and need to get back to the parking area.

Below the climb to Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte, you’ll find an intersection signposted Malga Langalm/Lange Alm path 105. If you’re in a hurry, you can simply take this route to return to the car park in about an hour and a half.

I wouldn’t recommend this unless you really have to, since you’ll miss out on a good meal at the Rifugio and seeing the beautiful lakes behind.

The caves above Rifugio Locatelli

I always recommend this detour when you’re hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo since I think it’s one of the best photo spots in the area. The path up to the caves is clearly visible from the hut, and once you’re up there, you’ll get stunning framed views of the Tre Cime peaks.

The route itself will only take you about 20-25 minutes return from the hut. There is also a guided via Ferrata that you can do from here.

The Tre Cime di Laveredo Peaks seen through one of the arches of the world war 2 trenches
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Tre Cime di Lavaredo seen from the caves
The Rifugio Locatelli / Drei Zinnen Hutte nestled in the mountain peaks on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Rifugio Locatelli with the Tre Cime di Lavaredo behind

Rifugio Tre Scarperi detour

This is just a really quick detour for the views. After visiting Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte, and before you take a left onto path 105 to Malga Langalm, you can take path 105 straight ahead. This is signposted Rifugio Tre Scarperi, and a short walk along this path will give you incredible mountain views. Simply turn back the way you came to rejoin the route.

Cadini di Misurina hike

This one isn’t so much a detour from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike as an added extra! Unless you have an urgent business meeting to get to (and we’re here to get some balance back in our lives so that’s not happening, right?!), you need to make the time for it.

From Rifugio Auronzo go straight down the hill ahead of you and keep walking until you reach the stunning Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.

The view to Cadini di Misurina from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Views of the Cadini range from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike

Whilst this adds a short hike onto your loop, it’s well worth seeing the incredible Cadini di Misurina group. Quite unlike the gentle peaks of the Tre Cime, the sharp spires of the Cadini range seem to be attempting to pierce the sky.

INSIDER TIP | My advice is to start the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike in the morning, have a leisurely lunch along the way, and aim to do the Cadini di Misurina hike for sunset.

The alpenglow here as the sun goes down is spectacular on a clear day and the out-and-back hike should only take you about 90 minutes.

READ THIS | Hiking to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo | Map & Distances

The map below outlines the main route in addition to some great photo spots that you should definitely try to get to.

To save this map to your own account, just click on the little star next to the title.

HIKING DISTANCES AT TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO


RIFUGIO AURONZO TO RIFUGIO LAVAREDO
1.7km | 30min

RIFUGIO LAVAREDO TO FORCELLA LAVAREDO
1.5km | 30min

FORCELLA LAVAREDO TO RIFUGIO LOCATELLI
2km | 40min

RIFUGIO LOCATELLI TO MALGA LANGALM
3km | 60min

MALGA LANGALM TO RIFUGIO AURONZO
2.5km | 40min

When’s the best Time to Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo?

Best Time of Year for Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Just like the rest of the Dolomites, the best time for hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo is either late July or early September through October.

The last of the winter snow will be gone (or yet to arrive), you won’t have to deal with the August crowds, and the cable cars and rifugios will still be operating. As a general rule, the hiking season in the Dolomites runs from late May to early October.

The best weather here at Tre Cime is usually in August, but it’s also the busiest month, and this is an incredibly popular hike. Like “busloads of people being dropped off here” popular.

Distant mountains with a tiny lake Misurina nestled into a valley covered with rust-coloured autumn grasses from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Views of Lake Misurina from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike
Wooden hiking signposts with the classic red markings along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
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Marked hiking paths at Tre Cime
The tiny whitewashed Chiesetta San Bernardo chapel sits on a hillside under a bright blue sky on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
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Chiesetta San Bernardo on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike

If your only option is to come in August, then, at the very least, I recommend avoiding hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo at the weekend. For an alternative, check out this 3-day hike instead, which goes off the beaten track!

Many of the cable cars and rifugi in the Dolomites are only open from mid-June to the end of September, with just a few remaining open until early October. Make sure you check the dates in advance of planning your hike.

Best Time of Day to Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Listen, the views at Tre Cime di Lavaredo are stunning no matter what time you visit. Even when I’ve been there in the pissing rain and cloud cover, there’s some kind of magic in the atmosphere here. The main thing is to make sure that you’re not in a rush.

Sunrise and sunset are amazing times for photographers, with golden hour and the alpenglow simply spectacular here.

Don’t forget your headlight if there’s any chance of being caught after the sun goes down or you’re starting before sunrise.

In shoulder season, when the toll road to Tre Cime di Lavaredo has more limited opening hours, book a night at one of the rifugi to avoid an early hike uphill from Misurina!

A deep alpine valley cuts through the landscape of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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The views from the final portion of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike

How to get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trailhead

I’ve written a post with all the details on how to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo so that you can organise yourself well in advance, but here’s that information in brief:

How to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo by Car

Follow the SS49 road towards Misurina. Just north of the town, take the toll road towards Rifugio Auronzo.

THE DETAILS

Cost: €30 for cars and camping vans and €45 for motorhomes (valid until midnight on the day of arrival). Bring correct cash to speed things up and in case the card machines aren’t functioning.

Opening Hours: The toll road is open 24 hours in the summer season (staffed from 6 am to 8 pm) and 8 am to 6 pm during the shoulder seasons (late May to mid-June and from mid-October to close of season).

INSIDER TIPS | The road here is completely closed between late October and late May. Arrive before 9 am to be sure of a place to park in high season (August and weekends).

How to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo by Bus

During peak season, you can take the bus to Rifugio Auronzo to start the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike. If you have a Sütirol Pass, your bus ticket cost may be included.

From Cortina | Take the 30/31 bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo via Misurina to the trailhead at Rifugio Auronzo. The timetable is here. Alternatively, take the 445 to Dobbiaco and then follow the directions below.

From Dobbiaco/Toblach | From early June to mid-October, shuttle bus 444 goes to Rifugio Auronzo. I highly recommend that you book and pay for tickets online in advance here. The cost is €18 return.

How to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo on Foot

Since you’re already hiking Tre Cime, you can always tag on a bit of extra walking if the toll road is closed!

It’s an additional 7km walk each way from Misurina and adds just over 2 hours on the way up, and just under 2 hours back down. It’s about a 600m elevation change and all uphill on the way there!

There’s a small amount of parking by the toll gate, where signage indicates you can’t park overnight. You could, however, get an early start or sunset finish by parking here and hiking an additional 4km each way. Again, all uphill on the way there!

Where to Eat & Stay for Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo

There are several beautiful rifugi up here, and if you’re not keen to pack lunch, then you should consider eating at one of them. You can also stop for a coffee/tea or cold drink along the way.

If you want to spend an entire day or night exploring the Tre Cime di Lavaredo without a risky hike in the dark, then you should definitely consider staying at one of the options below (prices are valid for 2023).

Rifugi at Tre Cime di Lavaerdo

Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte | This is the ultimate Tre Cime di Lavaredo accommodation. With a view directly over the three peaks, there’s no better place to stay for those sunset and sunrise opportunities. Online booking is essential to guarantee a place. You must have cash to pay at the hut.
Open | Late June to late September – check website for dates.
Dorm | €31 bed only / €72 half board
Room | €47 bed only / €85 half board
Breakfast | €14
Shower | €10/6 min

Rifugio Auronzo | I loved my stay here, but people are very divided about this hut – you definitely can’t beat it for convenience, so it gets crowded as a result. The food can be hit and miss, but the views are undeniably spectacular!
Open | late June – late September for accommodation – check website for dates
Dorm | from €60 half board – email or call for the latest price list
Dining | available until October

Rifugio Lavaredo | An easy 20 minutes walk from the car park at Auronzo, this hut has been welcoming guests since 1954, and there are multiple hiking options from here. You must bring cash to pay.
Open | mid-June to late September
Dorm | €75 half board
Room | €82 half board

TIP | Bring enough cash to cover the cost of your room as well as any meals or snacks you might want to have at Tre Cime since there’s no wifi or internet up here. The rifugi don’t take cards.

Restaurant

Malga Langalm | This lovely restaurant champions local food and drink and is a great place to stop for a meal towards the end of your hike.

The Malga Langalm Restaurant stone building on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
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Restuartant Langlam towards the end of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike

Where to Stay Near Tre Cime di Lavaredo

If you want the full Tre Cime di Lavaredo experience, with a magical sunset and sunrise surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, then you should book a night in one of the rifugi.

The Dolomites isn’t a place where I recommend hiking before or after dark unless you have a lot of experience in the mountains. You can also stay in campervans at the car park.

Misurina is the closest village, located at the bottom of the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo. You can even start your hike from here if you don’t want to pay the (rather exorbitant) toll and parking fee.

The Rifugio Locatelli / Drei Zinnen Hutte nestled in the mountain peaks on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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Rifugio Locatelli on the Tre Cime hike
The Rifugio Locatelli / Drei Zinnen Hutte nestled in the mountain peaks on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking loop
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A distant view of Rifugio Locatelli taken from beneath the Tre Cime peaks

Both Cortina d’Ampazzo and Dobbiaco/Toblach are larger towns within easy driving distance to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike.

Cortina is just over half an hour by car, and Dobbiaco is about 40 minutes. Both have a wide range of accommodations, and these are very manageable driving distances to still give you time for a good day of hiking.

BOOKING YOUR TRIP | If you book your trip via my links I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep me on the road. Thanks for your support – Cat.

MISURINA
Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno **
With beautiful views out over the lake, this is a lovely place to stay right near the bottom of the toll road that heads up to the Tre Cime. The shuttle bus stops right by the hotel to head up to the trails so the location couldn’t be better. Breakfast is highly rated! Check rates and book here.

MISURINA
Hotel Sorapiss ***
Right on Lake Misurina, some of the rooms here have absolutely phenomenal views. Incredibly convenient for the road up to the Tre Cime, this is definitely a top choice. Check rates and book here.

CORTINA
Hotel Columbia & Spa ***
A great location near to bus stops and with mountain views. This is great value for money with the added bonus of the onsite spa. Massages are available for all your post-hiking aches! Check rates and book here.

CORTINA
Hotel Meuble Oasi **
Very reasonably priced with wonderful food and stunning views. There’s free onsite parking and you can hire bikes if you’re not too tired after all the hiking… Check rates and book here.

DOBBIACO
Hotel Rosengarten ***
The rooms are beautiful here, and the food is fantastic. You can get a free shuttle bus from the train station if you’re arriving without a car. It’s family-run, and you actually do get to feel like part of the family when you stay here. Check rates and book here.

DOBBIACO
Residence Rogger ***
These modern apartments have private parking and kitchenettes – a great option if you’re keen to save a bit of money by self-catering. Located on the outskirts of the town, they’re a better option if you have a car, although the bus does stop nearby. Check rates and book here.

DOBBIACO
Camping Toblacher See **
Right on the shores of the lake, this campsite has wonderful modern facilities and is a fantastic option if you’re in a van or camping. The sites are flat and all located a stone’s throw from the lake. The onsite restaurant serves great food and pizza. If you want to splash out you can also check out their Skyview Chalets. From €20/night. Check availability here.

Responsible Hiking at Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Hiking Tre Cime di Laveredo is really popular. With so many visitors and the temptation of Instagram never far away, you’re probably going to witness some bad behaviour here and on other popular hikes in the Dolomites.

Since you’re smart, I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you always to follow any signs and stay on the trails. Areas that are roped off and/or restricted are usually that way for a really good reason. A barrier isn’t an invitation to see how inventive you can be at getting over it!

If you’re planning on flying your drone, please be respectful of other people and bear in mind that drones are viewed as a nuisance by many. At this time, it seems that drones under 300g are not subject to any regulations, but please let me know if you have other information!

My specific advice if you’re hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo is to bring a full reusable water bottle since water is restricted at the huts and comes in plastic bottles. Make sure you carry out any rubbish that you generate and dispose of personal waste correctly.

I recommend visiting outside of the peak season since overtourism is definitely an issue here.

Finally, although some of the prices can seem eye-wateringly high, it’s important to support local when you travel, so try to make sure that you’re staying, shopping and eating at local businesses.

What to Take for Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Check out my hiking essentials for women if you want to know what I use, love and recommend!

  1. There are some challenging up and downhill sections on the hike, so you should wear hiking boots unless you’re experienced with trail runners. The extra ankle support is invaluable.
  2. Hiking poles – I wish I’d had them when I took the alternative path to Rifugio Locatelli!
  3. Your favourite daypack with snacks, water bottle, camera and layers.
  4. Merino base layers (both top and leggings), a fleece, beanie and lightweight down jacket too. It’s all very light and packs down remarkably small.
  5. Sun protection is vital. Any hiking in the mountains in summer requires bringing sunscreen (use code 9LIVES for 10% off), sunglasses and a hat. Nobody wants that UV damage in their lives.
  6. Waterproof outer layers are also an excellent idea in the mountains. Even if it doesn’t actually rain, these peaks are high enough that clouds can cover them quickly and you’ll get very damp very fast. I have this waterproof shell jacket and these trousers and they’ve saved me from a soaking more than once.
  7. A headtorch is always in my daypack no matter what, and, usually, I carry two because that’s how I roll.
  8. You’re definitely going to want to bring a camera to capture the amazing views up here, but it’s up to you whether that takes the form of your phone or your main camera. I’m that person who hauls all my gear plus a tripod up the mountain, but you might be more restrained! If you only want to bring a single lens, I’d recommend a 24-70mm for this hike.

READ THIS | What’s in My Camera Bag

How to Get to The Dolomites

The Dolomites are located in northeastern Italy, but there’s no “Dolomites” airport or station. There are, however, plenty of good options for reaching the area from various nearby hubs. Tre Cime di Lavaredo is located in the eastern part of the Dolomites.

The closest transport hubs to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo are Cortina or Dobbiaco.

DISTANCE TO TRE CIME DI LAVARDO FROM MAJOR AIRPORT HUBS


ITALY | Venice Marco Polo
170km | 2h 30min

ITALY | Milan Malpensa
440km | 4h 30min

ITALY | Verona
275km | 3h

GERMANY | Munich
350km | 4h

AUSTRIA | Innsbruck
160km | 2h 20min

BY CAR

Undoubtedly the easiest way to get from the airport to the Dolomites is by hiring a car. Since the Dolomites is technically an autonomous region in Italy, there’s less hassle if you hire a car in Italy as you don’t have to worry about crossing borders. I recommend checking out AutoEurope for the best car deals and Insurance4carhire to cover excess insurance.

BY BUS

From the airports you can take either the AltoAdigeBus which has thousands of destinations throughout South Tyrol or the Flixbus to Cortina where you can transfer to a local bus service.

BY TRAIN

Honestly, with the number of train changes and cost, this is unlikely to be a convenient way to get to your destination. There are, however, stations in both Cortina and Dobbiaco if you want to investigate further. I recommend using Omio to check your options.

Final Thoughts: Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo is something that I do every time I go to the Dolomites. It’s busy, but it’s a great entry-level hike or warm-up for the trip ahead. I hope that you’ve got everything you need to know to embark on your own Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike.

If you’ve got any questions, comments, or information you think is out of date then please let me know below, email, or drop me a DM on social media. Have an amazing time on your hike at Tre Cime di Lavaredo!

Please share this post on Pinterest or Facebook if you’ve found it useful so that others can find it. Thanks!

Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?

With world-class hiking in summer, incredible skiing in winter, and a perfect blend of Italian and Austrian culture, the Dolomites is one of my favourite European destinations. Here are more posts to help you plan your own trip to this wonderful part of the Alps.

PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES | Here’s what you need to read if you’re visiting the Dolomites for the first time and planning a Dolomites itinerary, want to know the best things to do in the Dolomites or want to rent a car in Bolzano

DOLOMITES DAY HIKES | My favourite day hikes in the Dolomites and complete guides for hiking Lago di Sorapis, Croda da Lago, Seceda and Cadini di Misurina

DOLOMITES PLACES | My favourite places to visit in the Dolomites like Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi and Val di Funes

PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY | Everything you need to know to plan a trip to Italy, my top tips for first time travellers to Italy and a complete Italy travel guide

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing.

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store.

ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here.

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing.

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store.

ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here.


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15 Comments on “Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike in the Italian Dolomites: A Complete Guide”

  1. This is one of the most thorough and useful guides I’ve ever encountered. Your level of detail answered all of my questions. We’ll be driving there from Croatia the first week in June. Really looking forward to it! There is so mush to see and do! When my wife asked me to plan the trip I didn’t know where to start; your blog gave me the tools to craft a plan. Thanks Cat!

    1. That’s so great to hear Michael – thank you for letting me know! It’s such a beautiful part of the world and I hope that you have the most wonderful trip. Croatia is amazing too so I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous holiday

  2. I’m using solely your guides to plan my Dolomites trip! Thanks so much for the super helpful and thorough information, Cat 🙂

  3. When you mentioned the “ you can take the guided via ferrata from here”, do you mean we meet up there at that point and only pay for that section? I am thinking to hike to the Toblin Tower via ferrata with my teeanager, but she is not familiar with the equipment and I am unsure about helping her myself. The whole guided tour for 2 costs more than €400. Do you know of any via ferrata class that she can follow nearby? Thank you for your input.

    1. I’ve not done this as a guided via ferrata, so I’m not sure where they would start from I’m afraid. If your teenager isn’t familiar with the equipment then this probably isn’t the best place to start as it’s of moderate difficulty. I don’t know of any classes but there are definitely easier routes such as Gran Cir where you could help her learn how to use the gear (you don’t really need to use the gear at all if you’re a confident hiker so might be a good option to get her familiar with it) before tackling something like the Toblin Tower? I hope that helps.

  4. We have done many easy via ferrata without the equipments before, so I will try the Gran Cir and have her learning how to use the gear. We’ll take the gears along. Thank you very much for your reply and recommendation.

  5. Hi Cat !

    I read through the whole blog post on Tre Cime to arrive here – thank you Cat for all these insane details!

    2 of my friends are joining me to the Dolomites early September ( 10 Sep) and this guide comes in super handy. This is their first time attempting a hike and I am deliberating the best way to keep their first hike enjoyable and ensuring they have enough energy to attempt a couple more walks in our 5 days in Dolomites.

    For this reason and coupled with the fact that we can only arrive at around 10am, which of the following would you recommend :

    1. Hike the whole Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop

    2. Choose only Misurina Viewpoint

    3. Misurina Viewpoint + half of Tre Cime ie going back after Forcella Lavaredo

    4. Just bite the bullet and pay for the 30eur parking twice to complete both hikes

    Would love to know your thoughts on such a tough question given you have covered both!

    Cheers,
    Min

    1. Hi Min, I replied on IG, but just in case you missed it there (and in case it helps others!) I’d recommend trying to just do one day and aim for both Misurina Viewpoint and half of the Tre Cime hike. In my opinion the best bits of the Tre Cime loop are between Rif. Auronzo and Locatelli, both of which should be open until late September for lunch or dinner. If you’re arriving around 10 then I would do the Tre Cime hike as far as Locatelli, have lunch there and then wander back before going to the Misurina viewpoint for golden and blue hours. You could then head down the mountain to your accommodation for the night! Hope that helps and have a wonderful trip 🙂

  6. Hello Cat.
    I find your blog and description very comprehensive so thank you for sharing. Would like to get your opinion, would it be better to do the Misurina viewpoint 1st, (1st thing in the morning) and then do the Tre Cime hike?
    Thank you.

    1. Hi Azian! I’m really pleased that you’ve found my blog helpful to plan your trip. Personally, I did the Misurina hike early and found that was a lovely way round to do it because I was late in the season and it was very quiet at sunrise. Having said that, the Tre Cime hike is quieter earlier on in the day and then does get more busy through the morning. I don’t honestly think it will matter that much for your visit because the Misurina views are spectacular all the time – it can get cloudy later in the day though so I’d probably decide based on what the weather looks like – Tre Cime is still lovely if there’s cloud about, but you won’t get the Misurina views. Enjoy your trip! Cat

  7. Hi Cat!

    My sister and I are planning our first trip to the Dolomites in October and love your blog! The way you organize everything and all of the amazing details you include are beyond helpful — your blog has made us so much more excited for our trip, so THANK YOU!

    One question — how much time does the detour Via Ferrata from Forcella Lavaredo to Paterkofel add on to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike? We are considering doing the Via Ferrata on this hike, but curious how much time it may add for planning purposes.

    Thank you so much!
    Molly

    1. Hi Molly! I’m SO glad to hear that you’ve found my blog helpful – the Dolomites are one of my favourite places in the world so I’m really happy to be able to share the love!
      I would say that you’d add 1.5-2h to the hike by doing the Via Ferrata so probably 5-6h total instead of 4ish. Obviously if you’ve got a lot of via Ferrata experience then you’ll probably be on the quicker end of that scale. Hope that helps and enjoy your visit!
      All the best, Cat

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