Auronzo di cadore
Auronzo di cadore
Misurina, nestled among the most spectacular peaks of the Dolomites, is one of the most magical and fascinating locations in the Alps. Its lake, a natural mirror surrounded by forests, mountains and a pleasant walk, provides postcard-perfect scenery in every season and an atmosphere of timeless stillness.
At 1,754 meters above sea level, Misurina is an ideal starting point for a variety of excursions to the Cadini di Misurina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, outdoor activities and relaxing moments with views of the surrounding peaks. The purity of the air, known since the 19th century, has also made it a favorite place for wellness.
Walk along its shores, breathe the silence that gives its lake or take a photo at sunset reflected on the water: every moment in Misurina has something magical.
Pack your backpack, follow our advice and let yourself be embraced by the authentic beauty of the Dolomites.
Misurina is located in the heart of the Belluno Dolomites, a few kilometers from Auronzo di Cadore, along the border with South Tyrol.
It is easily accessible along the State Road 48, which crosses the picturesque Passo Tre Croci from Cortina d’Ampezzo, or from Dobbiaco, passing through Carbonin and crossing a mountain road in the middle of the woods.
This charming mountain village overlooks one of the most scenic lakes in the Alps and is a privileged starting point to reach the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, thanks to the panoramic toll road that leads to the Rifugio Auronzo.
From Misurina you can easily explore the surrounding mountains, such as the picturesque Cadini di Misurina Group with their numerous forks, the wild Popena Valley and the historic area of Monte Piana.
Misurina, a beautiful town in the heart of the Dolomites, is easily accessible by car, bus or combined public transport.
| Provenienza | Percorso consigliato |
|---|---|
Venezia / Belluno | Prendere l’autostrada A27 e proseguire lungo la SS51 di Alemagna in direzione Cortina d’Ampezzo, quindi svoltare sulla SS48 in direzione Passo Tre Croci – Misurina. |
Bolzano / Trento | Uscire dall’autostrada A22 a Bressanone/Val Pusteria, proseguire lungo la SS49 fino a Dobbiaco, poi seguire per Carbonin – Misurina lungo la SS51. |
Cortina d’Ampezzo | Circa 30 minuti di auto attraverso il panoramico Passo Tre Croci. |
Dobbiaco / Carbonin | Circa 25 minuti seguendo la strada che sale tra boschi e paesaggi dolomitici. |
The nearest and most convenient train station from the Veneto side is in Calalzo di Cadore, reachable from Venice or Belluno. From there buses leave for Auronzo di Cadore, with connections to Misurina.
Alternatively, on the South Tyrolean side, you can get to Dobbiaco by train (via Trento or Bolzano) and continue with the bus line to Carbonin and Misurina or shuttles, which also arrive at the Rifugio Auronzo under the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
During the summer season, Misurina is connected by Dolomitibus and Südtirolmobil lines.
It is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season, and always check the updated schedules, as they can change depending on the period and availability. The means of transport can be crowded: leaving early in the morning can make travel easier.
We recommend using Google Maps (public transport mode) to plan updated routes and connections.
In the heart of the Dolomites, at 1,754 meters altitude, Lake Misurina is one of the most suggestive and photographed alpine jewels of Italy. Surrounded by majestic peaks such as the Cadini Group, the Mount Cristallo, the Mount Popena and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the lake offers spectacular views in every season.
With its clear waters reflecting the mountains and the sky, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the area and the ideal place for a relaxing walk around its perimeter, easily accessible even with strollers, or for a few hours in a boat or pedal boat on its surface.
The area is also known for its particularly healthy microclimate, so much so that Misurina was the only center in Italy for the treatment of childhood asthma at high altitude.
In summer it is a starting point for various hikes and climbs. In winter, when the waters freeze over, the lake transforms into a fairy-tale place, perfect for snow hikes, activities on the cross-country trail or outings for ski mountaineering. Also next to the lake is the Col de Varda chairlift, for those who prefer downhill skiing.
Between nature, history and pure air, the Misurina Lake is a must-see for those who visit the Dolomites.
Lake Misurina is a great starting point for walks and hikes suitable for everyone, from families to more experienced hikers. Some of the most popular routes are:
Misurina offers a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and accommodation facilities perfect for those who want to stay immersed in the beauty of the Dolomites. Overlooking the lake or nestled in the surrounding woods and mountains, many accommodations enjoy spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking or outdoor activities.
Misurina’s strategic position makes it a perfect base for exploring the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Cadini di Misurina and the entire area of the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites.
Misurina is located in the municipality of Auronzo di Cadore, just 12 km from Misurina, where there are many other options for staying. Auronzo is an ideal starting point for other excursions and activities in the area.
Consult a map of Misurina to find your way around.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Misurina.
The best time to visit Misurina depends on your personal preferences and the activities you want to do.
Summer is the ideal season for hiking, trekking, climbing, cycling and outdoor activities and is particularly suitable for the opening of all the facilities and Rifugi. Autumn offers spectacular colors thanks to the foliage of the surrounding forests. It is a quiet time to enjoy the natural beauty in a more calm atmosphere. Misurina is a perfect destination for winter sports lovers, thanks to the proximity of several ski areas and snow activities such as snowshoeing or ski touring. Spring is ideal for those seeking tranquility, with cooler temperatures and nature beginning to awaken. It is a less crowded period, perfect for those who want to enjoy the peace of the Dolomites.
Yes, in Misurina there are several routes suitable for families and children.
The tour around Lake Misurina is an easy and scenic hike that can also be hiked with a stroller. Another option is the hike to the Rifugio Città di Carpi, which can be reached from Col de Varda by chairlift and then on foot on a scenic trail about an hour long, ideal for families with children. In addition, the Malga Rin Bianco trail is an easy path of about 45 minutes with an elevation gain of only 50 meters, perfect for walks with young children.
The path around Lake Misurina has a length of about 2.6-2.7 km and can be easily walked in about an hour. It is a flat route, also suitable for families with children and trekking strollers.
The best viewpoints to photograph Lake Misurina are:
Yes, Misurina is accessible even in winter and offers numerous opportunities for snow lovers. The locality is famous for its microclimate that guarantees snowfall, creating an enchanting landscape during the winter season.
In the area you can practice ski touring, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snow walking and fun tobogganing.
You can sleep in Misurina, in one of the facilities on the lake or around, or go to Auronzo di Cadore, a quiet town a few km from Misurina, where you can admire the Tre Cime di Lavaredo walking in the center, which offers a variety of hotels, B&B and apartments. Ideal for families and sports lovers.
These locations are well connected and offer several options for overnight stay, both in summer and winter.
The legend tells the story of a king and his only daughter, Misurina.
The king loved her so deeply that he granted her every wish. But as a result, the little girl grew more spoiled and arrogant with each passing day. One day, Misurina demanded the magical mirror of the Fairy of Mount Cristallo — a great mirror that held the power to read the thoughts of anyone reflected in it.
Unable to deny his daughter’s request, the king set off with her toward Mount Cristallo, where they met the beautiful fairy. The fairy agreed to give Misurina the mirror, but on one condition: the king would have to transform forever into a gigantic mountain, casting his shadow to protect her enchanted flower garden.
At those words, the king’s heart froze — yet he was sure his daughter would never accept such a terrible bargain. But Misurina, overjoyed as soon as she held the long-desired mirror in her hands, eagerly agreed that her father should become a mighty mountain.
Soon, King Sorapis began to change: his wrinkles turned into deep ravines, his hair and beard into forests. Misurina, still in his arms, grew dizzy and fell to the ground together with the magical mirror.
Devastated, the king wept. From his still-open eyes flowed so many tears that they formed what we now know as Lake Misurina.
The mirror shattered into a thousand fragments, scattering colorful reflections that still sparkle today on the surface of the lake.
