Let’s put it straight – Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen is an icon of the Dolomites. Three majestic peaks in the Dolomiti di Sesto mountain range: Cima Ovest, Cima Grande, and Cima Piccola, not only impress us with their size and stimulate the imagination with their mystery. There are turquoise mountain lakes, green alpine plains, and endless valleys at their foot, providing the background to one of the most beautiful natural views that can be experienced in the Dolomites.
The ten-kilometer hike to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is the best way to experience this wonder of nature. I have created a detailed guide to Tre Cime di Lavaredo that will help you plan this hike so that you can experience this place as much as possible.
What’s the best time to hike around Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
In July and August – in other words, high season – Tre Crime is crowded with tourists. I would advise against visiting these months. September and October is the best time to wander around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, because there are definitely fewer tourists. I was in October and I think it is a really good time for this hike. Regardless of the month, I also recommend that you reach Rifugio Auronzo in the morning, before the arrival of tourist buses and tour groups. In addition, it allows you to get to another unique place – Cadini di Misurina – which I wrote about here: An alternative to Tre Crime hike in Dolomites: Cadini di Misurina hike with a unique viewpoint
How to get to Tre Crime di Lavaredo /Drei Zinnen
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is located in the Dolomites of Northern Italy. It borders with the provinces of South Tyrol and Verona. The starting point of the hike to Tre Crime and Misurina is Rifugio Auronzo.
How to get to Rifugio Auronzo
Rifugio Auronzo is located at an altitude of 2320 meters above sea level. This is where two important trails begin, leading to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina. The rifugio (hut) can accommodate up to 104 people during the summer months, but it is closed at the end of the season. If you are considering spending the night here, book in advance as places fill up very quickly.
There are three options on how to get to the Rifugio Auronzo:
- hike from Antorno Lake,
- by bus,
- by car.
I have described these three options in detail below so that you can decide for yourself which is best for you. Personally, I recommend renting a car and going on a road trip in the Dolomites.
How to get to Rifugio Auronzo by car
The easiest way to get to Rifugio Auronzo is to take one of the most picturesque roads in the Dolomites. Just take the SS49 road, which goes straight through Tre Cime National Park towards the Missurina. From there, follow the Rifugio Auronzo sign.
The last section is a private road, and you have to pay 30 euros (for a passenger car) to go up. The toll collection point is open from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm. When I was in October 2021, I could only pay in cash.
You will pay 20 euros for motorcycles, and 45 euros for large cars and campers. Spending a night in a camper in the parking lot at Rifugio Auronzo costs an additional 15 euros.
Around Rifugio Auronzo you will find huge parking lots, so you will have no problem finding a parking space.
How to get to Rifugio Auronzo by bus
You can also take the buses from Dobbiaco, Missurina, or Cortina to the Auronzo hut during the summer months. Buses usually run from around 9.00 am and end at 5.30 pm. The two-bay bus trip costs 15 euros. It is also included in the price if you have a Südtirol pass. If you are staying in the Tre Cime National Park area, ask your hotel reception for the Südtirol Pass, as it is often included in the room price. The downside of this solution is the need to adapt to the bus timetable, so there is little chance of making two trails in one day, and you definitely won’t be able to stay for sunset on Cadini di Misurina.
From Dobbiaco/San Candido
Bus 444 departs from Dobbiaco/Toblach to Rifugio Auronzo and runs up to three times an hour during the summer and costs 15 euros (round trip). If you have a Südtirol pass, the ride is included in the price.
From Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Auronzo
Catch the 445 bus towards Dobbiaco/Toblach. At Lago di Landro Dobbiaco, take bus 444 to continue your trip. This bus also costs 15 euros (both ways). If you have a Südtirol pass, the ride is included in the price.
Buses run from June, when the tourist season begins, and run daily all summer until October. More information about bus timetables can be found HERE.
TIP: Many hotels in the region offer a bus ride, which may be included in the accommodation price. Ask at the front desk upon check-in to see if this option is available.
On foot from Lake Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo
Hiking from Lake Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo is a good option if you’re on a very tight budget. There is a parking lot near the lake where you can leave your car and go on a 1.5-hour hike to reach Rifugio Auronzo. However, keep in mind that this is a steep trail with an elevation of 500m.
Personally, I do not recommend it, because together with the section of Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina it will be an absurdly long hike.
A loop around Tre Crime si Lavaredo
The 10-11 km Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is a moderately easy hike, which should take around 3-4 hours. Below individual stages are described:
- Rifugio Aurenzo to Forcella Lavaredo viewpoint – 40 min, 2,2 km
- Forcella Lavaredo to Rifugio Locatelli – 40 min, 2,2 km
- Rifugio Locatelli – Malga Langalm – 1,5 godz., 3,6 km
- Malga Langalm – Rifugio Aurenzo (parking lot) – 45 min, 2,6 km.
Rifugio Aurenzo to Forcella Lavaredo Viewpoint – 40 MIN, 2,2 KM
From Rifugio Aurenzo, the gravel path (101) leads east towards Cappella degli Alpini (alpine church) and then to Rifugio Lavaredo.
On the left side, there is a view of three peaks. From here, it is best to continue straight towards Forcella Lavaredo, one of the best viewpoints on the entire Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. From Rifugio Lavaredo, turn left and follow path 101 up to the viewpoint from where you can perfectly see the peaks of Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli (also known as Drei Zinnen Hutte).
From Forcella Lavaredo do Rifugio Locatelli – 40MIN, 2,2 KM
From Forcella Lavaredo, the hike continues towards the most iconic hut in the Dolomites – the Rifugio Locatelli/Drei Zinnen Hutte.
It can be reached following two trails:
- a wider and more comfortable lower path (continuation of path 101) that goes down into the valley at the foot of three peaks
- an upper path that cuts into the Croda Passaporto and Monte Paterno rock falls and provides a more exciting experience.
I recommend the upper path for a more thrilling experience and epic views if you are in good shape.
At Rifugio Locatelli, you can stop for lunch overlooking the imposing peaks of Tre Cime. They serve traditional mountain dishes such as soups and dumplings. There are also many World War I bunkers and tunnels worth exploring in the area. They offer a beautiful view of three peaks. It is also worth taking an easy trip to Laghi dei Piani, two picturesque lakes not far from the hut.
If you want to spend more time in the area and see Drei Zinnen/Tre Cime in all its glory at sunrise, you can stay at Rifugio Locatelli for the night (but only in summer).
Rifugio Locatelli – Malaga Langalm – 1,5h 3,6 KM
From Rifugio Locatelli, there is a path (102) down to the valley. Here, the most challenging part of the hike to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is located. The path leads back up the gorge up a very steep slope. Then take path 105 towards the Malga Langalm hut. You cross the Sorgenti del Rienza stream and arrive at Malga Langalm. If you haven’t eaten before, then I recommend dining here. It is the most relaxing and comfortable hut on this trail and, therefore, the perfect place to take a break
Malaga Langalm – Rifugio Aurenzo (parking) – 45 MIN, 2,6 KM
The last part of the trail through the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is relatively easy. You follow path 105, with a slight slope, around three peaks towards the Forcella del Col de Mèdo viewpoint. From here, you can see the Puster valley and Lake Misurina (in the province of Belluno). From this viewpoint, it is only a 10-minute walk to the parking lot and the end of the hike.
Things to see and do during hike to Tre Crime di Lavaredo
In addition to the popular trail described above, there are many more attractions in the Tre Crime area:
Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
Cadini di Misurina lies opposite the equally impressive Tre Cime di Lavaredo. It is a group of mountain peaks that rise out of the surrounding valley. Their striking formations, limitless layers, and size set them apart from the rest of the Dolomite mountains. They are impressive- I have dedicated a separate post to this trail- as an addition or alternative to the trail around Tre Crime: An alternative to Tre Crime hike in Dolomites: Cadini di Misurina hike with a unique viewpoint
World War I Bunkers (Gallerie di Monte Paterno)
During World War I, the front line between Austria and Italy ran through the Tre Cime peaks and the surrounding area. It was one of the fiercest and bloodiest battlefields in Europe, in rather rough conditions. Therefore, there are many fortifications, trenches, tunnels and other remains from this period. It is possible to visit the many tunnels and trenches located at the foot of Monte Paterno, which can be reached near the Rifugio Locatelli. You can see some of the tunnels on your own or as part of Via Ferrata with a guide. The most famous of the trenches in the region is located above the Rifugio Locatelli and offers a fantastic view of three peaks.
Laghi dei Piani
Located just below Rifugio Locatelli, Laghi dei Piani – is a group of alpine lakes that give the most beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountain ranges during sunrise and sunset. They are just a short hike from the Rifugio and definitely worth the detour beyond the main loop of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Cappella degli Alpini
The old chapel at the foot of the Tre Cime, between Rifugio Auronzo and Rifugio Lavaredo is a very picturesque place. With expansive views of the Dolomites, it is also a paradise for photographers, making it the perfect focal point for epic landscapes.
Forcella Lavaredo Viewpoint
Forcella Lavaredo is one of the best viewpoints in the entire Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. The jagged peaks of Tre Cime soar above it impressively, while on the right is the dramatic mountain of Monte Paterno. It is the perfect place to stop and admire the power of nature.
Responsible trekking in Dolomites
The Dolomites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, known for their “jagged” peaks and pristine natural environment. Still, in recent years they have become even more popular thanks to Instagram and other social media.
This has led to the lousy behavior of tourists as well as the tangible effects of so-called over-tourism. It is a great privilege and honor to be able to admire the unusual, raw nature of the Dolomites. Since we had the opportunity to experience this place, let’s also make it possible for others to experience it intact. We will also have somewhere to return one day.
Therefore, even on short trips such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo, let’s remember a few key rules:
- Stick to paths, we respect fencing and signs.
- Follow the rules for the use of drones in the Dolomites and be careful. Flying over people in tourist places is very dangerous, but also irritating for others.
- Use a reusable water bottle.
- Trekking at the end of the season – Tre Cime di Lavaredo is very crowded at the peak of summer, so let’s plan a getaway out of season to not contribute to over-tourism and environmental degradation. It’s also a good idea to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- Let us respect the local environment and culture.
- This part of Italy, which borders South Tyrol and the municipality of Verona, has a unique and rich culture steeped in religious and historical importance. Historical battles of World War I took place around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and their remains can be seen at every turn. Please respect these monuments and under no circumstances take anything from the national park.
- Don’t litter! Whatever we do, let’s not litter this pristine natural environment. Always take your trash off the trail and dispose of it in designated places. If you come across trash while hiking -take it with you. A small gesture on a global scale is of great importance.
The material was created in collaboration with South Tyrol Tourism Organization
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