Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a Dolomites classic you shouldn’t miss. With its quintessential jagged 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.

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The rising sun paints imposing peaks in shades of gold and red.

Jagged spires reach towards the sky, slowly revealing their secrets as the light dusts their faces.

A fresh crust of brilliant white crunches underfoot, and the sting of a cold Autumn morning takes what little breath hasn’t already been stolen by the incredible views.

They say that seeing is believing but even standing here in the heart of these mountains it’s hard to accept that this place is real. I almost feel like I’m standing in front of a giant green screen, with Hollywood responsible for this magical landscape.

Nestled beneath the three imposing spires, Rifugio Auronzo marks the start of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the best day hikes in the Dolomites.

Mountain peaks tower all around, turquoise lakes punctuate alpine meadows and a maze of World War I tunnels weaves through the rocks. The diversity of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (also known as Drei Zinnen) is a great introduction to everything that the Dolomites has to offer.

The only downside to hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo is that it’s one popular place.

Fortunately, with just a little planning, you can enjoy the mesmerising views and top-class hiking without having to contend with hundreds of other people. Inevitably, you’ll run into fellow hikers on the trail and at some of the many rifugios that dot the landscape. That, though, is one of the joys of alpine hiking.

The best way to explore here is by using the power of your own two feet. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to enjoy one of my favourite hikes in the Dolomites. I’ve hiked through this area on multiple occasions because I love it here so much!

This guide contains all the tips you need for hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo when you’re visiting the Dolomites. Don’t forget to plan your route to enjoy one of the rifugios or restaurants along the way!

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A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO LOOP | THE DOLOMITES BEST DAY HIKE

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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.

Why Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo?

The poster child for the Dolomites, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo are actually the symbol of the Dolomite UNESCO World Heritage site for a good reason. The three peaks themselves are a marvel, 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.

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You can add various detours onto the main loop, so there’s a lot to explore up here. You can even extend the hike as far as Misurina if you’re after more of a challenge.

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

What’s it Like Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo?

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

Rifugio Lavaredo is a perfect place for a brief stop. 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 trying to make sense of the beauty spread out before me.

From here, hiking Tre Cime becomes a little more challenging, but the mountain peaks provide a constant distraction from any struggles on the trail. Detours provide a welcome break from some of the more crowded parts of the route, giving an opportunity to see the mountains from a different vantage point.

The final section of the hike is more challenging, but on a good day, you can see for miles, making it one of the best portions for photographers. There’s enough variety to keep things interesting, with more difficult routes and several Via Ferrata. You’ll also find caves, World War I tunnels and sparkling alpine lakes scattered along the trail.

Trail Conditions Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The paths at Tre Cime di Lavaredo are well-marked and easy to follow, just like most of the hiking routes through the Dolomites. There are quite a lot of different trails here, though, so you do need to pay attention to make sure you don’t take a wrong turn.

You can complete the loop in either direction, but going anti-clockwise means you’re always facing the best views. This puts the Tre Cime peaks on your left as you walk, so you can’t go too far wrong if the mountains are always to your left!

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

The toughest section for me was the path down from Rifugio Locatelli where there’s a steep descent followed by an immediate uphill slog. I was seriously sweating by the time I got to the top!

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

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

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

The route 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.

You’ll quickly reach Rifugio Lavaredo, where I would definitely recommend that you stop for a break on the deck. If you’re not ready for a drink or snack then just take the opportunity to enjoy the amazing views from here.

Then you continue uphill on path 101 to Forcella Lavaredo, which I think is one of the best viewpoints in the area. 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)!

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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 gorgeus Piani Lakes behind. Continue past the hut and along the gravel road past the pretty Chiesetta San Bernardo.

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 hike and honestly my least favourite part. It does, however, take you to the wonderful Malga Langalm restaurant. This is an excellent place for a rest and a meal or drink before embarking on the final part of the Tre Cime hike.

4. MALGA LANGALM TO RIFUGIO AURONZO | 2.5KM – 40MIN

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

This final part of the hike at Tre Cime 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.

TIP | There’s an official Tre Cime di Lavaredo viewpoint in Landro which is worth a stop if you’re driving past.

Optional detours when hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The short routes outlined below are some of my favourite detours when hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo. They take you to some of the best viewpoints that you’d otherwise miss if you simply walk the loop.

Route 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 then this is a much less busy alternative.

Via Ferrata from Forcella Lavaredo to Paterkofel

At Forecella Lavaredo, instead of following everyone down the descent, head up the ridge to your right until you see the entrance to a World War 1 tunnel. You’ll be briefly plunged into darkness, 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’ll need a proper via ferrata kit to tackle the route in safety though.

Gallerie del Monte Paterno route

The majority of people will take the well-travelled path 101 here, but if you’re after a bit more of an adventure, I recommend trying out the upper path. Carving through the rocks of Croda Passaporto and Monte Paterno, there are a couple of scrambling sections that aren’t for the faint of heart.

When I tackled this route in October, there was snow and ice underfoot, making it 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!

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 look out posts to explore.

Route excluding Rifugio Locatelli

This isn’t a favourite, but 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 get back to the parking 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 also seeing the beautiful lakes behind.

The caves above Rifugio Locatelli

This is one of the best photo spots in the area in my opinion. The path up to the caves is clearly visible from the hut, and you should definitely take it. Once 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.

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 as an added extra! From Rifugio Auronzo, take the right, instead of the left loop of the Tre Cime and keep walking until you reach the stunning Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.

Whilst this does add an additional short hike onto your loop, it’s well worth it to see 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.

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Stunning at any time of day, the best time to visit is at sunset, so you can tackle the Tre Cime loop, have some food and then head here to watch the beautiful alpenglow as the sun goes down. 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.

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

Best Time of Year to Hike Tre Cime di Lavardo

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.

If your only option is to come in August, then, at the very least, I recommend avoiding this hike at the weekend. Alternatively, you could try this 3-day hike instead, which goes off the beaten track!

Many of the cable cars and rifugios 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

The views at Tre Cime di Lavaredo are impressive at all times of the day. The main thing is to ensure you leave early enough that you don’t have to rush. Take a headlight if there’s any chance of being caught after the sun goes down or you’re starting before sunrise.

Incidentally, sunrise and sunset are great times for photography here. You might want to consider booking a night at one of the Rifugi to avoid a very early hike from Misurina since the road to Rifugio Auronzo doesn’t open until 7 or 8am depending on the month.

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How to get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trailhead

How to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo by Car

I definitely recommend hiring a car and taking a road trip through the Dolomites, especially if you’re here outside the peak summer months. It’s far and away the easiest way to see everything that the Dolomites have to offer.

To get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen via 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). It’s a slightly decreased cost of €25 for additional days after your first if you stay overnight. Parking at Rifugio Auronzo is included in the cost of the toll, but the road closes once the parking is full!

Hours | The toll road is open from 7am – 7pm in the summer season and 8am – 6pm during the shoulder seasons (late May to mid-June and from mid-October to close of season).

TOP TIPS | Between late October and late May, the road here is completely closed. Arrive before 9am to be sure of a place to park in high season (August and weekends). Bring cash for payment, just in case, although cards are accepted at the toll booths.

How to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo by Bus

For a more convenient option during peak season, take the bus to the start of the trail. 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 (from mid May). Only unsold tickets are now available to purchase at the Dobbiaco bus and train stations. The cost is €16 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.

Rifugi at Tre Cime di Lavaerdo

Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte | This is the ultimate Tre Cime di Lavaredo accommodation. With a view directly over the 3 peaks, there’s no better place to stay for those sunset and sunrise opportunities. Online booking is essential to guarantee a place.
Open | Late June to late September – check website for dates.
Dorm | €29 bed only / €65 half board
Room | €45 bed only / €80 half board
Breakfast | €13
Shower | €8/6 min

Rifugio Auronzo | I loved my stay here, but people are very divided this hut – you definitely can’t beat it for convenience, but it does get 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
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. Be aware that they don’t accept credit cards!
Open | mid June to late September
Dorm | €70 half board
Room | €75 half board

TIP | Bring cash if you’re planning to eat or stay at one of the rifugios. Although they all theoretically accept credit cards, the connection can be variable up in the mountains and their machines may not be working.

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.

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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 carpark.

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

Otherwise, Cortina d’Ampazzo or Dobbiaco/Toblach are larger towns within easy driving distance to the trailhead. 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!

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.

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!

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…

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.

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.

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

With so many visitors every year, and the temptation of Instagram never far away, it’s sadly rather common to see bad behaviour here and on other popular hikes in the Dolomites.

Please always follow the 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. If you know of any specific rules relating to droning in the Dolomites region then please let me know as I’ve found nothing but opinions!

Bring your reusable water bottle, and don’t leave your litter behind for others to clean up! 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

1 | There are some challenging up and downhill sections on the hike, so you should wear hiking boots. The extra ankle support is invaluable. I wear (and love) the Mammut Nova Gore-TEX boots.

2 | I have only recently started using hiking poles, and love them for the downhill assistance. I recommend a lightweight option like these Black Diamonds. You can easily strap them to your daypack or backpack when not in use.

3 | Speaking of daypacks, you’ll definitely want to take one with you since you’ll need to carry some layers, water and snacks in addition to your camera gear! I use either my F-stop Gear Lotus which is a really great camera backpack, or the Osprey Tempest. The 34L size is perfect for the day and it’s designed specifically for women. For something larger, the 46L Kyte is great and if you’re just after something small, the 24L Sirrus is wonderful.

READ THIS | My Hiking Gear Guide

4 | This is a mountain hike and the weather is unpredictable in the mountains. Even if there’s not a cloud in the sky and there’s no bad weather forecast, you should prepare for all eventualities and bring layers. You’re also hiking at altitude and it will be colder at the summit than at the villages. I always have merino base layers with me, both top and leggings and recommend Kathmandu or Icebreaker. I usually wear a merino T-shirt or long sleeve shirt with hiking pants and bring 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 also requires bringing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Nobody wants that UV damage in their lives.

6 | Waterproof outer layers are also a really good 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 | Although most of you will use online maps such as google or maps.me, there’s nothing like an old school paper map. Tabacco Maps are arguably the best topographic maps in the Dolomites. They are scaled 1:25000 and cover the whole north-eastern part of Italy. You can buy the maps here. If you’re relying on your mobile phone then bring a charging cable and powerbank and make sure you’ve downloaded everything before you leave wifi behind.

8 | Water and snacks are a must, even if you’re planning on having a meal at one of the mountain rifugios or huts. For water, I use a combination of Hydroflask and Steripen if I’m worried about water purity. I love these snack bars in addition to nuts and dried fruit.

9 | A headtorch is always in my daypack no matter what and, in fact, I’m usually carrying 2 because that’s how I roll. If there’s any danger that you’ll be hiking before the sun comes up or goes down then this is essential.

10 | 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 then I’d recommend a 24-70mm for this hike.

READ THIS | What’s in My Camera Bag (coming soon)

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.

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.

Hopefully, you’ve now got all the information you need for an epic time hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Let me know if you have any questions or tips for your fellow readers in the comments!

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 ITALY | TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO ITALY

PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES | VISITING THE DOLOMITES FOR THE FIRST TIME

THINGS TO DO | A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING LAGO DI BRAIES, A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING ALPE DI SIUSI and BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE DOLOMITES (COMING SOON)

DOLOMITES DAY HIKES | THE BEST DAY HIKES IN THE DOLOMITES, CRODA DA LAGO, THE BEST AUTUMN HIKE IN THE DOLOMITES, A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING SECEDA

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