Rifugio Auronzo (Auronzo Hütte) is a high-alpine mountain hut situated beneath the towering Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen in the Sesto/Sexten Dolomites in Northern Italy.
In summer and early fall, you can drive all the way up to Rifugio Auronzo via a paved toll road, which connects Lake Misurina to the south side of Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks).
This Rifugio Auronzo toll road has a few names: Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road, Three Peaks toll road, and Misurina – Auronzo toll road.
The toll gate is located just north of Lago d’Antorno (Lake Antorno), a small alpine lake 1.9 km north of Lake Misurina. From the toll gate, it’s a 5-km drive to Rifugio Auronzo.
Given its accessibility, Rifugio Auronzo (2320 m) is a popular starting point for many high-elevation hikes and via ferrata climbs in the region.
From the Auronzo hut, you can hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail, walk to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint, and embark on the strenuous Sentiero Bonacossa Trail.
If you’re planning a hiking trip to the Dolomites, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself on the toll road to the Three Peaks. Here’s what you need to know.
Update | The Auronzo Toll Road opened for the summer season on May 25, 2025. Starting this year, vehicle access to Rifugio Auronzo is restricted. If you want to drive the Auronzo toll road, you must make an online reservation in advance. Pre-book your parking on pass.auronzo.info.
- Location: Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore, Belluno, Italy
- Toll Road Seasonal Opening Times: Late May/Early June – Late October/Early November, depending on snow/ice conditions.
- Payment: Online Reservation is needed
- Cost: 40 EUR for cars, 26 EUR for motorcycles, 60 EUR for campervans and motorhomes
- Public Toilets: There are public toilets outside Rifugio Auronzo.
- Transit: You can take a bus to Rifugio Auronzo from Cortina d’Ampezzo (Bus 30/31), Dobbiaco/Toblach (Bus 444), and Lake Misurina (Bus 31).
- Where to Eat: Malga Rin Bianco Ristorante or Rifugio Auronzo
- Sexten Dolomites Trail Map: Tabacco 010: Sextener Dolomiten/Dolomiti di Sesto 1:25.000
- Where to Stay near the Auronzo toll road: Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno
Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road Map
When is the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road Open
The toll road opened on May 25, 2025.
The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo is open seasonally. It’s typically open from the end of May, or early June until the end of October, or early November.
These dates shift each year depending on snow and ice conditions. In 2023, the road opened on May 27th. In 2022, the toll road opened on June 1st. During our trip to the Dolomites in 2021, the road didn’t open until June 30th because of the heavy amount of snowfall.
If there are bad weather conditions, or risk of snow and/or ice, the Auronzo toll road will be closed.
If you’re not sure whether the Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road is open, you can contact the Auronzo tourist office for up-to-date info.
You can also monitor current conditions on the Rifugio Auronzo facebook page. Also, this Auronzo Toll Road page tends to be regularly updated.
Operating Times
In the high summer season, the Rifugio Auronzo toll road is open 24 hours.
However, the operating times change throughout the season.
In autumn, the toll road is usually only open during the day. Access is restricted for safety reasons as low temperatures increase the possibility of ice on the road.
When we visited in late October, the road was only open from 8 am until 6 pm.
2025 Toll Road Pricing
Cars: 40 EUR
Motorcycles: 26 EUR
Campervans and Motorhomes: 60 EUR
Bus (up to 30 seats): 80 EUR
Bus (more than 30 seats): 160 EUR
The toll ticket is only valid for 12 hours.
Online Booking
Starting in 2025, it’s mandatory to make an online reservation for driving the toll road to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo parking lot (aka Rifugio Auronzo parking lot).
Click the “Book Now” button on auronzo.info to create an account and book your 12-hour time slot. During the booking process, you’ll be asked for your email, telephone number, and license plate.
If you don’t know your license plate yet (because you’re renting a car), you can add the license plate number to your reservation the day before your entry.
How to Get to Rifugio Auronzo
Drive (with online reservation)
The easiest way to get to Rifugio Auronzo is by driving your own vehicle. We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals.
After passing through the toll gate, it’s a 5-km (10-minute) drive to Rifugio Auronzo.
There is a large parking lot next to the Auronzo hut with a 700-vehicle capacity.
Here are the approximate driving times from nearby destinations:
Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo | 7.5 km, 20 minutes
Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Auronzo | 22.4 km, 40 minutes
Dobbiaco/Toblach to Rifugio Auronzo | 27.2 km, 40-50 minutes
Take the Bus
From Lake Misurina | DolomitiBus line 31 connects Lake Misurina (bus stop: Misurina Genzianella) with Rifugio Auronzo in 20 minutes. This bus ticket costs around 4 EUR per person one-way.
From Dobbiaco/Toblach | Shuttle Bus 444 connects the Dobbiaco/Toblach Train Station in Alta Pusteria/HochPustertal to Rifugio Auronzo. In 2025, this bus will be operating between May 31st and October 12th. You can download the latest timetable here. This bus needs to be booked and paid online in advance on the tre-cime.bz/ticket website.
From Cortina d’Ampezzo | From Cortina d’Ampezzo, take bus 30 to Misurina and then bus 31 to Rifugio Auronzo. Use this Dolomitibus journey planner to plan your transit journey.
Hike Up
Lake Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo
Another way to approach Rifugio Auronzo is by foot.
Just before the toll station, trail 101 branches off to the right and leads all the way to Rifugio Auronzo. This hike takes 1:30-1:45 hours one-way.
You can park your car at the free parking lot next to Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno, across from Lake Antorno.
Alta Pusteria to Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Strong hikers can also approach Tre Cime di Lavaredo from the north. There are a few wonderful hikes that connect the side valleys of Alta Pusteria in South Tyrol with Dreizinnenhütte, the iconic mountain hut that commands a sweeping view of the north face of the Three Peaks.
The first time we visited Tre Cime di Lavaredo was on this 3-Day Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trek starting in Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal in German). Read our Val Fiscalina travel guide for a day hiking option.
My absolute favorite hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo is the Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Hike, which starts in Val Campo di Dentro (Innerfeldtal in German).
If you decide to hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Alta Pusteria, base yourself in Sesto (Sexten), San Candido (Innichen), or Dobbiaco (Toblach).
Sexten Accommodations | B&B Grüne Laterne – Lanterna Verde (guesthouse), Hotel Royal (3-star hotel), Hotel Schoenblick (3-star hotel), Aparthotel Gamz (luxury aparthotel), or Bad Moos Dolomites Spa Resort (spa hotel)
San Candido Accommodations | Residence Kugler (apartments), ATTO Suites (design apartments), and Naturhotel Leitlhof (4-star carbon-neutral hotel, read our Naturhotel Leitlhof review).
Where to Stay near the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road
Lago Antorno
If you want to deeply explore the southern Sesto/Sexten Dolomites, we recommend staying near Lake Antorno or Lake Misurina. From Lago d’Antorno, it’s a mere 10 minute drive to Rifugio Auronzo.
Midrange | Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno is situated along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo panoramic road, directly across from Lake Antorno. With its unbeatable location, you can embark on a variety of hikes directly from the hotel’s doorstep: Rifugio Fonda Savio, Rifugio Auronzo, Monte Piana. As a guest, you’ll love the views of the Cadini di Misurina peaks, the cozy rooms, and the on-site à la carte restaurant. Breakfast is included.
Look for accommodation near Lake Misurina.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Ringed by the Ampezzo Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo boasts a central and stunning location in the Ampezzo Valley in Veneto. You can stay here for a few days or for several weeks and never run out of things to see and do.
Budget | Hotel Meuble Oasi is a guesthouse set in the town center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, walking distance to the pedestrian zone and bus station. Book this 2-star hotel for the unbeatable price, location, spotless rooms, and on-site parking.
Midrange | Baita Fraina is a charming B&B with six rooms with balconies, 3km from Cortina’s town center (5 minute drive). This guesthouse is also home to a Michelin recommended à la carte restaurant, which serves regional cuisine. Stay here for the mountain views, the affordability, and the food.
Midrange | Hotel Villa Alpina is a centrally-located 3-star-superior hotel housed in a historic villa. Rooms are comfortable and feature parquet floors and alpine furnishings. The room rate includes breakfast and outdoor parking.
Midrange | Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel with 24 thematic rooms and a bar in the very center of Cortina. Guests are treated to free on-site parking and an excellent breakfast.
Top Choice – Luxury | Camina Suite & Spa is a 4-star boutique hotel, 1 km north of Cortina’ town center. This intimate hotel with 12 rooms offers alpine-style suites with comfy beds and ample closet space. Rooms are equipped with nespresso machines, air-conditioning, and soundproofing. We loved the high-quality breakfast and complimentary spa (3 saunas, relaxation zone, and showers). Read our Camina Suite & Spa hotel review.
Top Choice – Luxury | HOTEL de LËN is a fresh-faced luxury hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo’s town center. Interiors blend natural and sustainable materials with fine furnishings to create a relaxing, yet refined atmosphere. The hotel restaurant showcases local Ampezzo flavors in unique and exciting ways. We loved the charming, enthusiastic staff, the rooftop spa (1 complimentary hour), and communal areas (living room, cocktail bar, and restaurant). Breakfast is included in the room rate. Parking is off-site and an extra charge. Read our Hotel de Len review.
Luxury | Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel is a top-rated, 5-star hotel in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Although housed in a historic building, the entire interior has been renovated. Rooms are delightfully modern. Stay here for the superb on-site restaurant, impeccable staff and concierge, top-notch facilities (spa, indoor pool, bar, and lobby area).
More Luxury Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Dolomiti Lodge Alverà, Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, Rosapetra SPA Resort, and Faloria Mountain Spa Resort
Look for accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
More Hikes near Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Ampezzo Dolomites:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo Hiking Guide
- Croda da Lago Circuit
- Tofana di Roses Circuit
- Passo Giau to Mondeval
- Lago Federa
- Lago delle Baste
- Rifugio Nuvolau and Cinque Torri
- Lago di Sorapis Hike
Sesto / Sexten Dolomites:
Braies / Prags Dolomites:
Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials
Use our Dolomites Travel Guide to plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Italy.
When to Visit
Summer Season | The best time to hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. If the weather is stable, the hiking season can extend until late October.
Winter Season | The ski season runs from December until March. Here’s my intro guide to Skiing in the Dolomites.
If you want to visit in spring, read this guide first: May in the Dolomites.
How to Get to the Dolomites
Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.
If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites without a Car.
Car Rental
The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. Check car rental rates here.
Best Places to Stay
Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:
- Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer: best villages and towns in South Tyrol, Trentino and Belluno
- Best Hotels in the Dolomites: best boutique and luxury hotels in the Dolomites including Val Gardena Hotels and Alta Badia Hotels.
- Dolomites Accommodation Guide: farm stays, mountain huts, wellness hotels, aparthotels
We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.
- Base 1: Val Gardena
- Base 2: Val di Funes
- Base 3: Alta Badia
- Base 4: Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Base 5: Alta Pusteria
- Base 6: San Martino di Castrozza
What to See & Do
During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.
Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.
In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites, we’ve outlined the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, Prato Piazza, and Seceda.
Hiking Guides
Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.
Hello! Do you know if there is a bus that can take me from Refugio Auronzo to the car park that is right near the tax point of the toll road? I know that there are public buses from Cortina or Dobbiaco, but can these busses stop at the toll point? Thank you!
Hi Ana,
I don’t know if there is a bus stop at the toll gate. Please reach out to the Auronzo tourist office. They reply to email very quickly.
All the best,
Sabrina
Someone told me the toll road always opens on 1, June or the weekend of which would put the opening at 31 May 2025 this year (assuming the roads are clear). Is this typically accurate? I’ll be there on the 29th, so I’m hoping there’s a chance it will be open.
Hi Jon,
The road opening status will be posted on the Auronzo website. Starting this year, there is a booking requirement for driving up the toll road.
If the road is closed, you can park near Lake Antorno and walk up.
Have fun,
Sabrina
How far in advance do you think a reservation needs to made for last week of june?
Hi Gail,
This is a completely new booking system. I would recommend booking your access permit/parking as soon as possible.
Kindly,
Sabrina