Auronzo di cadore
Surrounded by Nature
Auronzo di Cadore is the ideal destination for those who wish to experience the mountains at a slower pace. It’s not only about demanding hikes and high-altitude adventures: here you’ll also find gentle walks, easy paths and routes suitable for everyone — perfect for families, couples, seniors or anyone who simply wants to breathe fresh mountain air without tackling steep elevation gains.
Surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, Auronzo offers relaxing strolls among alpine lakes, forests and iconic panoramas, where every step becomes a moment of wellbeing. Here, the mountains are not just about physical challenge, but also about relaxation, silence and quality time.
Lake Santa Caterina is the symbol of Auronzo and one of the most beloved spots for peaceful walks in town. The full loop around the lake is easy and accessible, ideal for an early morning stroll or a sunset walk, when the mountains reflect on the water and create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Along the path, you’ll find cafés, relaxation areas and scenic viewpoints — perfect for a short break or a photo stop.
The Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore actively promotes movement as a healthy lifestyle.
Auronzo has joined the regional network of “Active Municipalities,” introducing initiatives designed to support the wellbeing of both residents and visitors. One of these initiatives is the installation of dedicated signage along the Lake Santa Caterina path. The markers are placed along a one-kilometre stretch and indicate the starting and finishing points, as well as distances at 250, 500 and 750 metres. They serve as a visible invitation to walk regularly and, for those who may find it challenging, to set progressive and achievable goals.
In this way, the town encourages the development of healthy habits and helps people experience the benefits of outdoor physical activity.
Just a few kilometres from Auronzo lies the picturesque Lake Misurina, one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites, famous for its turquoise reflections and wide-open mountain views.
The flat circular path around the lake is suitable for everyone — a relaxing walk perfect for families with children, couples and seniors. Walking at a leisurely pace, you can admire the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the surrounding peaks, with numerous scenic spots ideal for photos and short breaks. The loop is approximately 2.5 km long and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. It’s a simple yet incredibly evocative walk, ideal for those who want to experience the mountains without tackling demanding elevation gain.
A similar experience can be enjoyed at Lake Antorno, located not far from Misurina and set in a more intimate and peaceful setting. Here too, you can take a pleasant walk around the lake on a short and easy path, perfect for those seeking tranquility and panoramic views of the Tre Cime and nearby peaks.
Both options are ideal for visitors spending a few days in Auronzo or the surrounding area who wish to balance more challenging hikes with relaxing moments, breathing in the fresh mountain air and immersing themselves in the quiet beauty of the alpine landscape.
Beyond the lakes, Auronzo offers numerous gentle walks through forests, along gravel roads and well-marked trails — perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without tackling technical routes or demanding elevation gain.
The green areas surrounding the village allow for peaceful strolls among open views and shaded stretches, ideal even on warmer days. Walking among larches and fir trees, listening to the sound of mountain streams and breathing in the fresh alpine air is a rejuvenating experience that immediately connects you with the Dolomite environment.
The “Woodland Trails” project was created to showcase these routes. It brings together a selection of walks around Auronzo, complete with descriptions and practical information to help you choose the most suitable one.
One of the most fascinating destinations for a nature walk is the Somadida Forest, a vast protected area covering more than 1,600 hectares in the heart of the Dolomites. It stretches from the valley floor along the Ansiei stream up to the imposing Marmarole peaks. It is one of the most important state nature reserves in the Veneto region and represents a true historical and environmental heritage site.
In the past, this forest supplied valuable timber to the Republic of Venice: its spruce trees were used to build masts and naval structures for the Venetian Arsenal. Even today, you can admire majestic, centuries-old Norway spruces in an environment that has remained largely unspoiled.
The lower part of the forest is particularly suitable for easy walks: the paths are mostly flat and accessible to everyone, making them ideal for families and for those seeking a relaxing stroll in the quiet of the woods. At the entrance, there is also a visitor center with a small natural history museum and the charming “Forest Library,” a wooden hut where you can browse books dedicated to nature and the local territory.
During the summer, the forest comes alive with guided tours, meetings and environmental education events organized by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Department. Among the most distinctive features is a full-scale reconstruction of a traditional Venetian “raso,” a wooden raft once used to transport logs along the Piave River down to Venice. Built using trees that fell during Storm Vaia, this installation tells the story of the deep historical bond between Somadida and the Serenissima Republic.
Walking through the Somadida Forest means not only immersing yourself in a rich and peaceful ecosystem, but also stepping into a story that connects nature, culture and tradition. It’s an authentic experience, ideal for those who wish to discover a different and lesser-known side of Auronzo di Cadore.
Walks in Auronzo di Cadore are much more than simple strolls — they are a way to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience the Dolomites in an authentic way. Choose Auronzo for your hikes and outdoor days: among alpine lakes, scenic trails and unforgettable views, every day becomes a memorable experience.
Book your holiday in Auronzo di Cadore now and spend your summer enjoying peaceful walks, nature and unique panoramas.
