Auronzo di cadore
Surrounded by Nature
Summer in Auronzo di Cadore is the perfect time to experience the mountains step by step. Here, hiking is not just a sport, but an authentic way to explore the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, crossing silent valleys, panoramic trails and iconic mountain groups.
From full-day hikes and scenic walks to more demanding itineraries, Auronzo offers a wide range of routes designed for experienced hikers, mountain lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its strategic location makes the village an ideal base for excursions, providing easy access to several Dolomite ranges. Well-marked and carefully maintained trails, welcoming mountain huts along the way, and breathtaking views — even at moderate altitudes — make every outing truly rewarding.
To complete the experience, the summer climate is generally stable and pleasant, ideal for hiking safely and enjoying the trails even during the central hours of the day.
In Auronzo di Cadore, you can explore a wide variety of routes crossing some of the most iconic and fascinating mountain groups in the area. Below is a selection of the best-known and most appreciated destinations for hiking and outdoor excursions.
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are one of the ultimate symbols of the Dolomites. Hiking in this area ranges from the famous circular loop around the three towering peaks — a scenic trail offering ever-changing perspectives — to longer and more challenging routes that may include equipped sections and via ferratas. The landscape is predominantly rocky, yet the main trails are generally wide and easy to follow.
The area is also home to several mountain huts, perfect for a break, lunch, or a relaxing pause along the way. It is always advisable to check opening and closing dates in advance.
If you plan to reach the area by car, please note that access is permitted only with a pre-booked parking pass for the high-altitude parking area near Rifugio Auronzo. Booking in advance is essential to ensure entry to the area.
The Tre Cime can also be reached via numerous hiking trails starting from different locations. There are countless options and, often, the journey is even more rewarding than the destination: valleys, forests, mountain passes and quieter mountain huts reveal natural wonders that deserve to be explored with the same sense of curiosity.
The Cadini di Misurina, surrounding the village of Misurina and its lake, form a striking and jagged mountain group, easily recognizable by its dramatic spires and narrow passes. In both summer and winter, the area is crossed by a dense network of trails, equipped routes and via ferratas, allowing visitors to explore it at different levels of difficulty.
It is an ideal destination for those who love panoramic hikes and high-altitude walks with wide, spectacular views. Well-trained hikers can even reach the Tre Cime di Lavaredo directly on foot from here.
Those looking for easier routes can opt for the trails leading to the mountain huts just above Lake Misurina, which are relatively accessible, such as Col de Varda, Malga Maraia and Rifugio Città di Carpi.
The Marmarole group represents one of the most accessible and scenic mountain areas around Auronzo di Cadore, ideal for summer hiking routes that start directly from the village or its immediate surroundings.
Right from the center of Auronzo, the closest peak is Monte Agudo, which rises above the village and is a perfect destination for easily accessible panoramic hikes. The trails wind through forests and open slopes, offering spectacular views over the valley, Lake Santa Caterina and the surrounding Dolomites. This area is particularly well suited for half-day hikes, high-altitude walks and non-technical routes, making it ideal even for moderately trained walkers. Thanks to the lifts, which operate during the summer season, you can quickly reach higher elevations and start from there on relaxed and scenic itineraries.
Beyond hiking, Monte Agudo also offers fun activities for the whole family. At higher altitude, you’ll find the Fun Bob — a rail toboggan run that allows you to descend the mountain in a dynamic yet safe way, with curves and panoramic views along the way. It’s an adrenaline-filled experience that is also suitable for children.
Near the chairlift departure station, at the base of the village, there is also the Adventure Park — an equipped area with suspended courses, bridges and tree-top passages. It’s the perfect activity for families, teenagers and groups who want to combine hiking with some outdoor fun and adventure.
Beyond Monte Agudo, the Marmarole group offers numerous lesser-known hiking routes, ideal for those seeking tranquility and a more direct connection with nature. The trails cross forests, alpine pastures and panoramic ridgelines, gradually gaining elevation and revealing ever wider views of the Dolomites, with the possibility of reaching remote mountain huts and bivouacs set in an authentic and uncrowded environment.
Croda dei Toni is an ideal destination for experienced hikers, where trekking takes on a wilder and more authentic character. The routes unfold in rugged, high-alpine environments that are far less crowded, with significant elevation gain and landscapes that fully express the raw power of the mountains.
Imposing and easily recognizable, Croda dei Toni dominates the skyline and can be seen both from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and from the center of Auronzo di Cadore. The area is also highly appreciated by via ferrata enthusiasts. Among the most remarkable routes is the Ferrata Casara, a particularly scenic itinerary that allows hikers to complete a full circuit of the massif, crossing panoramic ledges and several suspension bridges.
At the foot of the mountain, within the municipality of Auronzo, you’ll find Rifugio Carducci — a key reference point for hikes and multi-day traverses — as well as the picturesque Lago Nero. The hut can be reached from Val Giralba (Auronzo), from Sesto, or from the Comelico area via the panoramic Cengia Gabirella, making this one of the most fascinating and complete areas for those seeking an intense Dolomites experience.
The Sorapiss group is famous for its unmistakable turquoise lake, one of the most photographed and evocative destinations in the Dolomites. The hike leading to the lake is fairly demanding, but it offers a powerful and highly rewarding experience set within a striking alpine landscape. The trail can start from the Valbona area, although the most common and frequently used access point is from Passo Tre Croci.
The best time for summer hiking in Auronzo di Cadore generally runs from May/June through September/October, with optimal conditions typically between late June and early September. At the beginning of the season, it is always advisable to check trail conditions and the possible presence of lingering snow at higher elevations, especially on more exposed or demanding routes.
Following these simple guidelines will help you enjoy a safer and more rewarding hiking experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes of the Dolomites.
After a day on the trails, Auronzo welcomes you with accommodation options for every need, traditional mountain cuisine, and an authentic alpine atmosphere. Book your stay in Auronzo di Cadore and turn your summer hikes into a complete experience of nature, relaxation and the grandeur of the Dolomites.
