Auronzo di cadore
Auronzo di cadore
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, set in the heart of the Dolomites, are among the most iconic landscapes in the entire Alpine range. These three towering limestone peaks rise dramatically within the Tre Cime Natural Park and have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.
Exploring them on an easy panoramic hike, capturing them at sunset, or spending the night in a mountain hut will be a truly unforgettable experience — one you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.
Pack your backpack, follow our tips, and let yourself be captivated by the majestic beauty of the Dolomites.
The Tre Cime rise majestically along the border between South Tyrol and Veneto.
They are easily accessible from Misurina via a scenic road, which requires advance booking and leads directly to Rifugio Auronzo. Located at the foot of the imposing southern faces of the Tre Cime, the mountain hut is an ideal starting point for a variety of hikes around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and beyond.
The three peaks, renowned for their slender shape and almost sculptural appearance, reach the following elevations:
Among them, Cima Grande di Lavaredo is the most sought-after by mountaineers. In 1869, the famous Viennese climber Paul Grohmann became the first to summit Cima Grande, marking a historic milestone in the story of Dolomite alpinism. To this day, the dramatic vertical walls of the Tre Cime remain a dream destination for climbers from all over the world.
The southern face of the Tre Cime can be seen directly from the center of Auronzo di Cadore, while from the area of Misurina you can admire their south-western profile — where, interestingly, Cima Piccola is almost hidden from view.
To enjoy the most famous panorama, with the three peaks perfectly aligned side by side, you’ll need to reach Forcella Lavaredo. The pass can be reached in about one hour on a well-marked trail. From there, you can continue on to Rifugio Locatelli, which offers a truly privileged, front-row view of the Tre Cime directly opposite the hut.
Another incredibly scenic perspective can be enjoyed from the summit of Monte Paterno, reached via the panoramic Innerkofler via ferrata, a medium-difficulty route. The trail starts near Rifugio Locatelli and takes around 2–3 hours round trip. Proper via ferrata equipment is required, but the effort is more than rewarded by the close-up and breathtaking views of the Tre Cime.
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is a circular hike suitable even for less experienced walkers. With moderate elevation gain and ever-changing views of the peaks, it offers unforgettable panoramas from every angle.
The most popular route starts at Rifugio Auronzo, located at 2,333 metres and also accessible by car. From here, the trail follows path no. 101 up to Forcella Lavaredo (2,454 metres), before continuing toward Rifugio Locatelli, where hikers are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Tre Cime’s famous north faces.
From the hut, the path descends gently past the small lakes of the Piani and continues toward Malga Langalm — a perfect spot for a scenic break. The trail then gradually leads back to Rifugio Auronzo, completing the loop at the foot of the majestic Tre Cime.
The entire circuit takes approximately 3–4 hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops along the way.
Along the way you will find the following mountain hut:
In addition to the Tre Cime, which can be admired and photographed along the entire route, the panorama includes other spectacular Dolomite groups such as the Cadini di Misurina group, Mount Paterno, Sesto Dolomites, Mount Cristallo, Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo group, Sorapiss group and Mount Antelao. At the foot of the mountains you can find Lake Misurina and Lake Santa Caterina, also called Lake Auronzo, two other alpine pearls that are worth a visit.
The enrosadira – or alpenglow – is definitely a spectacle not to be missed! It is a magical play of lights that, at dusk and dawn, colors the rocky walls of the Dolomites in warm shades ranging from pink to intense orange to red fire.
The area is well served by several mountain huts, perfect for a break or to sleep at altitude.
Easily accessible by car thanks to the panoramic road with access by online reservation that starts from Misurina, it is the most convenient and popular starting point for the classic loop tour of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The panoramic location and proximity to the car park make it a great base for day trips, via ferrata and outdoor activities in the area. The shelter has recently changed management.
Located about 20 minutes walk from the Rifugio Auronzo, along an easy path overlooking the Tre Cime, it is an ideal stop for a break immersed in the Dolomites. The cuisine offers typical dishes of South Tyrol and the Dolomites, perfect to taste authentic flavors in a cozy mountain atmosphere.
Located opposite the north side of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, it offers one of the most iconic and spectacular views of the entire mountain group. From here you have a wide view of one of the most photographed panorama of the Dolomites. It is the ideal place for photography lovers, especially at sunset, when the tops are tinged with warm and golden shades.
Less busy than other Rifugi in the area, it is immersed in a wild and suggestive natural setting, away from the crowds. It can be reached via more challenging hiking trails. Thanks to its strategic position between the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Croda dei Toni, it is an excellent base for the circular trekking of the “Giro dei Tre Rifugi“, loop tour of the Rifugi, or for longer and technical routes in the heart of the Tre Cime Natural Park.
11 answers to the most frequently asked questions about visiting the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
The best time to visit the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is from late June to late September, when the trails are completely free of snow and all Rifugi in the area are open. In addition, during the summer, there is also a toll road to reach the Rifugio Auronzo by car.
July and August are the busiest months; June (from the second half) or September are excellent alternatives for those who want more tranquility, with less traffic but still good weather conditions.
In spring and autumn, the huts may be closed and the trails may be frozen or covered with snow. In winter the area is covered with ice and snow. Avoid reaching the area unless you are equipped for winter hiking or are not accompanied by a mountain guide.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to do the loop tour of the Tre Cime in one day, and that’s exactly how most people tackle it!
The classic tour starts and returns to the Rifugio Auronzo and touches the following points: the Forcella Lavaredo, the Rifugio Locatelli, the Piani lakes, the Langalm. The hike lasts about 3-4 hours, with about 400 meters of difference in altitude and a total distance of 9-10 km, on well marked trails and without particular technical difficulties. You have plenty of time to complete it in the day, perhaps also adding a few stops, a lunch at the Rifugio or a panoramic detour.
Yes, there are routes suitable for families with children at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, especially the classic loop tour, which is one of the most accessible and panoramic in the Dolomites. It is an easy route, well signposted, with little difference in altitude and numerous rest points and Rifugi along the way. There are also several lakes where children can play and cool off.
The classic loop trail around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo starting from the Rifugio Auronzo is about 10 km long and takes about 3-4 hours, with a slight difference in altitude of about 400 meters.
Yes, it is possible to sleep in the Rifugi along the route, such as Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli and Rifugio Pian di Cengia. It is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season.
The best viewpoints to photograph the Tre Cime are:
The hike at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo develops on dirt roads and rocky mountain trails. For an excursion to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo it is recommended to bring:
Yes, the Tre Cime are also accessible in winter, but only on foot, with snowshoes or possibly by snowmobile service from the Rifugio Antorno (if active), since the road to the Rifugio Auronzo is closed to car traffic.
The access is generally from Misurina or Lago d’Antorno, and requires a good physical preparation and appropriate equipment. The mountain huts of the Tre Cime are closed during the winter.
Around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you can sleep in different locations:
These locations are well connected and offer several options for overnight stay, both in summer and winter.
No special permit is required to go to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. However, motorised access to the area is regulated by an online reservation. To reach the parking lot under the southern walls of the Tre Cime, near the Rifugio Auronzo, you must pay the ticket, which allows entry to the panoramic road and the parking.
The ticket is required for access to the road that leads to the Rifugio Auronzo, main starting point for the loop tour of the Tre Cime. The reservation and payment can be made online only. The ticket can be purchased online at the following page: parking Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
It is advisable to buy the ticket in advance, especially during high season, to avoid long waits.
The signal along the Tre Cime trail may be limited in some areas, especially in more remote and high altitude areas. Although some areas, such as Rifugi, may have signal, it is advisable not to rely exclusively on your phone during the hike and prepare yourself properly with a map or GPS app.
