Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Map & Instructions)
This iconic hike circles the three magnificent peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, offering some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the Dolomites. It’s a bucket-list experience that every hiker should do at least once.
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) are three distinctive rock towers that dominate the skyline of the Dolomites. These limestone giants rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape, creating one of the most photographed mountain scenes in the world.
These towering peaks stand at the border between South Tyrol and Veneto, forming part of the Sexten Dolomites. In German, they’re known as Drei Zinnen, and they’ve been drawing climbers, hikers, and photographers for over a century.
This spectacular loop hike takes you around the entire massif, offering constantly changing perspectives of these incredible peaks. You’ll traverse beneath towering rock faces, cross alpine meadows, and walk along World War I trenches.
The views are spectacular from start to finish. The three peaks are the stars of the show, but you’ll also see panoramic vistas across dozens of other Dolomite ranges, including the Cadini Group and Monte Paterno.
Several rifugios dot the route, each offering hearty mountain food and stunning terraces. They’re perfect spots to rest your legs and soak in the majesty of your surroundings.
The walk is graded easy to medium. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, though you’ll need a reasonable fitness level for the distance and some moderate climbs.
In this blog post, I’ve covered everything you need to know about the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, including how to get to the trailhead, a map, and detailed instructions for the circuit.
TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO HIKE OVERVIEW
- Start / Finish: Rifugio Auronzo
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Elevation gain: 450 meters
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
This is one of my favorite loop hikes in the Dolomites because you get incredible views throughout the entire circuit, with each section offering a different perspective of the iconic peaks.
The hike begins at Rifugio Auronzo, which sits at 2,320 meters and offers your first stunning views of the three peaks. You can access this starting point by car or shuttle bus via a toll road.
The trail heads counterclockwise around the massif, first climbing gradually to Rifugio Lavaredo, which sits directly beneath the north faces of the three towers.
From here, you’ll traverse across to Rifugio Locatelli, perched on a saddle with spectacular 360-degree views. This is perhaps the most photographed rifugio in the Dolomites and makes an excellent lunch stop.
The route then descends past the chapel of Cappella degli Alpini before contouring around the southern side of the peaks, passing through areas marked by World War I fortifications and tunnels.
A final climb brings you past Rifugio Lavaredo and back to your starting point at Rifugio Auronzo.
I’ve rated the hike as easy to medium for several reasons.
Firstly, while the trail is well-maintained and not technically difficult, you’ll still gain 450 meters over the course of the loop, with some steeper sections that can test your fitness.
Secondly, the altitude (you’re hiking above 2,300 meters throughout) can affect some people, particularly if you’ve just arrived in the mountains. Take your time and listen to your body.
The terrain is generally good, with well-marked paths, but there are some rocky sections where sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
It took me about 3 hours and 30 minutes of actual hiking, but I spent around 5 hours in total, stopping frequently for photos, having lunch at Rifugio Locatelli, and simply sitting and admiring the views.
TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO HIKE MAP
Below is a map of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop with the main rifugios along the route (marked in red).
The walk begins and ends at Rifugio Auronzo (marked in brown), which you reach via the toll road from Misurina.
The car parks and bus stops in Misurina are marked in blue at the bottom of the toll road.
If you prefer a physical map, I recommend: Tabacco 010 – Sextner Dolomiten/Dolomiti di Sesto.
For digital maps, download the Trentino – South Tyrol region on Maps.me. It has all the trails clearly marked, and you can track yourself offline. Alternatively, just use the map provided here.
USING OUR MAPS: Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD
This Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike starts at Rifugio Auronzo, which you reach via a toll road from Lake Misurina. The toll road is open daily from early June to late October, weather permitting.
The toll costs €30 per car (as of 2024) and gives you access to the parking area at Rifugio Auronzo. This toll can seem expensive, but it helps manage the enormous number of visitors and maintain the road.
The bottom of the toll road begins in Misurina, near Lake Misurina (Lago di Misurina).
BY CAR
Lake Misurina is about 15 minutes from Dobbiaco; 35 minutes from Cortina d’Ampezzo; 1 hour 15 minutes from Bolzano; and about 1 hour 30 minutes from Val Gardena.
There is parking available at Rifugio Auronzo at the top of the toll road. During peak season (July and August), arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to guarantee a spot, as it fills up quickly.
If the parking at Auronzo is full, you can park in Misurina and take the shuttle bus.
BY SHUTTLE BUS
During peak season (typically mid-July to end of August), a shuttle bus service operates from Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo. This is actually a great option as it saves you the toll fee, and you don’t have to worry about parking.
The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from approximately 8 AM to 5 PM. Check locally for current times and prices.
There are also limited public bus connections to Misurina from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Dobbiaco during summer months.
HIKING INSTRUCTIONS
RIFUGIO AURONZO TO RIFUGIO LAVAREDO (45 minutes)
From the parking area at Rifugio Auronzo (2,320m), take a moment to admire the incredible view of the three peaks rising before you. This is one of those pinch-me moments.
Head toward the peaks on Path 101, which is clearly signposted. The wide, well-maintained trail heads gently upward across rocky terrain.
You’ll pass the small Rifugio Bosi on your left, and the trail begins to curve around the base of the peaks.
The path climbs gradually, and with each step, the north faces of the Tre Cime grow more imposing. These sheer walls of rock are where some of the most legendary climbs in mountaineering history have taken place.
After about 45 minutes of steady walking, you’ll reach Rifugio Lavaredo (2,344m), also known as Lange Alm. This rifugio sits right beneath the north faces and offers magnificent views upward.
This is a good place for a quick break, though I prefer to push on to Rifugio Locatelli for lunch.
RIFUGIO LAVAREDO TO RIFUGIO LOCATELLI (30 minutes)
From Rifugio Lavaredo, continue on Path 101 as it traverses across the scree slope beneath the peaks.
This section offers some of the best views of the entire hike. You’re walking directly beneath these massive towers of rock, and the scale is simply incredible.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow as it gradually climbs across the rocky terrain. Keep your eyes open for climbers on the faces above—they look like tiny dots against the immense walls.
After about 30 minutes, you’ll round a corner and see Rifugio Locatelli (2,405m), also called Dreizinnenhütte, perched dramatically on the Forcella Col di Mezzo saddle.
This is arguably the most spectacularly positioned rifugio in the Dolomites. From its terrace, you can see the Tre Cime on one side and an incredible panorama of other peaks on the other, including Monte Paterno and the Cadini Group.
I strongly recommend stopping here for lunch. The food is excellent (traditional South Tyrolean dishes), and the views from the terrace are absolutely unforgettable. I spent a good hour here, and it was the highlight of my day.
RIFUGIO LOCATELLI TO CAPPELLA DEGLI ALPINI (40 minutes)
After tearing yourself away from Rifugio Locatelli, take Path 105 heading south.
The trail descends quite steeply at first, zigzagging down the rocky slope. Take your time here, especially if it’s been raining, as the rocks can be slippery.
After about 15 minutes of descent, you’ll reach the Cappella degli Alpini (2,302m), a small but poignant chapel dedicated to the soldiers who fought and died in these mountains during World War I.
The area around the chapel is dotted with remnants of the war—trenches, tunnels, and fortifications. It’s a sobering reminder that these beautiful mountains were once a brutal battlefield.
The views from here are magnificent, with the south faces of the Tre Cime towering above you. This perspective is completely different from the north side, and the peaks look almost friendly from this angle.
CAPPELLA DEGLI ALPINI TO RIFUGIO AURONZO (1 hour 15 minutes)
From the chapel, continue on Path 105 as it contours around the southern side of the massif.
This section is longer but relatively easy, with gentle ups and downs. The trail is wide and well-maintained as it traverses across grassy slopes and rocky terrain.
You’ll pass more World War I fortifications, including tunnels you can explore if you’re interested (bring a headlamp).
The views continue to be spectacular, with constantly changing perspectives of the three peaks and the surrounding Dolomites.
After about an hour, the trail begins to climb slightly as you approach Rifugio Lavaredo from the opposite direction than you passed it earlier.
From Rifugio Lavaredo, it’s a short 15-minute descent back to Rifugio Auronzo and your starting point.
If the sun is shining when you finish, I highly recommend grabbing a drink at Rifugio Auronzo’s terrace and sitting down to admire what you’ve just accomplished. The view of the three peaks from here never gets old.
RIFUGIOS ON THE ROUTE
One of the joys of hiking in the Dolomites is stopping at the rifugios for food, drinks, and spectacular views. Here are my top picks on this route.
RIFUGIO LOCATELLI
This is hands-down my favorite rifugio on the route, and one of my favorites in the entire Dolomites. Perched on a saddle between the Tre Cime and Monte Paterno, the 360-degree views are simply incredible.
Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with traditional South Tyrolean and Italian mountain dishes. The canederli (bread dumplings) are excellent. The rifugio opens from mid-June to late September and has accommodation for overnight guests.
If you’re considering doing this hike as a sunrise trip, staying overnight here is magical.
RIFUGIO AURONZO
This is where you’ll start and finish your hike, and it’s worth spending some time here. The large terrace has fantastic views of the three peaks, and it’s a perfect place to celebrate completing the circuit.
They serve meals throughout the day, and the apple strudel is phenomenal. It’s open from early June to late October, matching the toll road season.
RIFUGIO LAVAREDO
A more modest rifugio, but with an incredible location right beneath the north faces of the Tre Cime. It’s a good spot for a quick coffee break, and the views upward to the towering walls are humbling.
Open from June to September, serving simple mountain fare and drinks.
BEST TIME TO HIKE TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO
The best time to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo is from late June to mid-September. During this period, the snow has melted from the trails, the rifugios are open, and the weather is most stable.
I hiked in early August, and while the trail was busy, it never felt overcrowded except at the most photographed viewpoints. The weather was perfect—clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures.
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider these strategies:
Early morning: Arrive at Rifugio Auronzo by 7:30 AM or earlier. You’ll beat most of the crowds and have better light for photography. The morning light on the peaks is magical.
Late season: September can be excellent, with fewer people and often crystal-clear weather. The rifugios stay open until late September, and the autumn colors add an extra dimension to the hike.
Weekdays: If possible, hike Monday through Thursday rather than on weekends, when the trail gets significantly busier.
I’d avoid peak Italian holiday periods (early-mid August especially) if you want a quieter experience.
WHAT TO TAKE ON THE HIKE
Hiking Boots: While the trail isn’t technical, proper hiking boots with ankle support are recommended for the rocky terrain. I use something similar to Salomon Quest boots.
Hiking Poles: These really help on the descents, particularly the steep section from Rifugio Locatelli. I swear by my Black Diamond poles.
Layers: Even in summer, it can be cold at this altitude (you’re above 2,300m throughout). Bring a warm mid-layer and a windproof jacket. I use a lightweight down jacket that packs small.
Waterproofs: Mountain weather changes quickly. A good waterproof jacket is essential. Make sure it’s breathable for when you’re working hard on the climbs.
Sunblock/Hat/Sunglasses: The sun is intense at this altitude, and there’s limited shade on most of the route. Don’t underestimate this—I learned the hard way!
Water: Bring at least 1.5 liters per person. You can refill at the rifugios, but it’s good to carry enough. I use a 2-liter hydration bladder in my pack.
Snacks: While the rifugios serve food, bring some energy bars or trail mix for quick boosts along the way.
Camera: This is one of the most photogenic hikes in the world. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone, and make sure it’s fully charged.
Cash: The rifugios prefer cash (euros), so bring enough for lunch and drinks.
Maps: Download an offline map on your phone, or carry the Tabacco 010 physical map. The trails are well-marked, but it’s always good to have a backup.
Drones: Check current regulations, as drone rules in this area have changed over the years. When I hiked, they were not permitted, but regulations can vary.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is one of those hikes that exceeds even high expectations. Every turn reveals another stunning perspective, and the sheer drama of these peaks never diminishes, no matter how long you spend in their presence.
This hike is accessible enough for fit beginners but spectacular enough for experienced mountaineers. It’s no wonder it’s on so many bucket lists.
Take your time, stop frequently, and soak it all in. This is what the Dolomites are all about.