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.
Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road Guide
Quick Summary
- 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.
- Toll Road Operating Times: The operating times change throughout the season. In high season, the gate is open 24 hours. In Fall, the gate may only be open during the day (if there’s a risk of snow/ice). Email [email protected] for current times.
- Best Time to Drive: We recommend driving the toll road as early as possible (8 am latest). In high season, the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot reaches full capacity by late morning/early afternoon.
- Payment: Cash or Credit Card
- Cost: 30 EUR for cars, 20 EUR for motorcycles, 45 EUR for campervans/caravans
- Public Toilets: There are public toilets outside Rifugio Auronzo.
- Transit: Between mid-June and early October, 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
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Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road Map
When is the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road Open
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. For example, in June 2021, the toll 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 ([email protected]) 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.
Auronzo Toll Road 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 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.
Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road Pricing
- Cars: 30 EUR
- Motorcycles: 20 EUR
- Campervans and Vehicles longer than 210 m: 45 EUR
- Bus (30 people or less): 60 EUR
- Bus (more than 30 people): 120 EUR
The toll ticket is only valid on the day of purchase until midnight (24:00), regardless of entry time. The daily price is added for each subsequent day.
Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road Payment Options
You can pay either in cash, or by credit card.
After paying the toll, don’t forget to collect your ticket, which is dispensed from the machine.
During high season, the staff responsible for collecting the parking fee is present at the toll booth from 6 am until 8 pm. If you pass through the gate outside of those times, you can pick up your ticket (by pressing a clearly visible button) and pay the fare upon return.
During low season (Fall), the staff is present at the toll booth during the scheduled operating times. They’ll post the current times at the gate. For safety reasons, you won’t be able to pass through the gate before the official operating time.
How to Get to Rifugio Auronzo
Car
The easiest way to get to Rifugio Auronzo is by driving your own vehicle.
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. There’s no additional parking fee.
As soon as the parking lot reaches capacity (late morning/early afternoon), the staff closes the toll gate. In high season, you can wait up to 2 hours to drive the toll road.
If you’re planning on driving to Rifugio Auronzo anytime between mid-June and mid-September, we recommend getting an extra-early start (8 am latest) to beat the crowds. Drive up for sunrise, and you’ll never forget it.
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
Bus
Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo
DolomitiBus line 31 connects Lake Misurina (bus stop: Misurina Genzianella) with Rifugio Auronzo. The ride takes 20 min and runs about 20 times/day during high season (mid June to Early September). The ticket costs 4 EUR per person one-way.
In low season (Early September – Early October) this bus runs 11 times/day.
Dobbiaco/Toblach to Rifugio Auronzo
Bus 444 connects the town of Dobbiaco/Toblach in Alta Pusteria/Pustertal to Rifugio Auronzo. It usually runs between mid -June and early October.
There are 14 connections a day (up to three connections an hour) in high season (July 10 – September 10), starting at 7:45 am from Dobbiaco/Toblach. The last return bus from Rifugio Auronzo leaves at 5:45 pm.
The bus ride between Dobbiaco/Toblach and Rifugio Auronzo takes about 50 minutes and costs 16 EUR/person round trip.
If you’re visiting in high season (July 10 – September 10), Bus 444 needs to be booked and paid online in advance on the tre-cime.bz/ticket website. Unsold tickets can be purchased at the Toblach bus and train station.
Outside high season (before July 10th, after September 10th), tickets are only available from the Toblach bus and train station or on the shuttle bus (not online).
Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Auronzo
Take DolomitiBus line 30/31 (PASSO FALZAREGO – CORTINA – MISURINA ALB. MISURINA – TRE CIME) from the main bus stop Cortina Autostazione. During high season (mid June – mid September, this bus leaves 4 times/day.
The ride lasts about 60 min and costs 9.50 EUR one-way. You will need to switch busses in Misurina (to Bus 31).
Other possible bus stops in Cortina are: Lago Scin, Alverà, Cortina H. Corona, Socrepes, Lacedel
Or: Take Bus 445 from Cortina to Schluderbach / Carbonin. Walk 2 minutes around the corner to the bus stop: Abzweigung Misurina / Bivio Misurina. Wait here for the Bus 444 to get to Rifugio Auronzo. In high season, you will need to reserve and pay your seat for this bus (444) in advance.
- Bus 445: 3 EUR one-way
- Bus 444: 4 EUR one-way
The whole trip from Cortina will take you about 1:10 minutes.
Related: Cortina d’Ampezzo Travel Guide
Foot
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. There are also a few parking spots directly at the toll gate.
Val Fiscalina to Rifugio Auronzo
If you’re interested in approaching Rifugio Auronzo on a multi-day hiking tour from Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal in South Tyrol, check out our 3-Day Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trek.
Where to Stay
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. You can hike to the beautiful lakes of Lago Federa and Lago di Sorapis. You can explore the Tofane group along the Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail and the Croda da Lago chain along the Croda da Lago Circuit Trail. You can venture to the Sexten Dolomites, to hike the challenging Sentiero Bonacossa Trail, the moderate Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail, and see the famous Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint. If you venture to Passo Giau, you can hike to Lago delle Baste and Monte Mondeval.
Budget | Jaegerhaus Agriturismo is a highly-recommended farm stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The farm is located 2 km north of the town center in a dreamy location, facing Punta della Croce and Croda del Pomagagnon. Expect a delicious breakfast buffet. You can also eat dinner in their restaurant, which features ingredients sourced directly from their farm. Rooms are clean, cozy and designed in an alpine-rustic style.
Midrange | Camina Suite & Spa is a modern and stylish accommodation, managed by a caring and kind staff. Highlights of staying here are the bright, spacious suites, lovely furnishings and design accents, balcony views, and air conditioning. The breakfast is outstanding. Don’t miss out on their spa facilities (may need to be booked in advance due to COVID regulations).
Luxury | Dolomiti Lodge Alverà is a splurge-worthy hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, featuring an on-site spa and pool, on-site restaurant, and plush suites. Guests rave about the hotel’s mountain views, breakfast, wellness facilities, and design.
Look for accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
What to Pack for a Dolomites Trip
Hiking Gear
- Hiking Backpack: Osprey Tempest 30 Women’s Backpack / Osprey Talon 33 Men’s Backpack
- Grade B/C high-cut hiking boots: Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (Kati’s Boots), Women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (Sabrina’s Boots), Men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (men’s equivalent)
- Polarized, CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses
- Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Photography Gear
- Camera Body: Sony Alpha a6400
- Mid-range Zoom Lens: Sony Vario-Tessar 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS ZEISS
- Wide angle Zoom Lens: Sony – E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-angle Zoom Lens
- Backpack Camera Clip: Peak Design Camera Clip
Dolomites Hiking Guides & Maps
- Day Hiking: Cicerone Guide: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites
- Sexten Dolomites Trail Map: Tabacco 010: Sextener Dolomiten/Dolomiti di Sesto 1:25.000
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Plan your trip to the Italian Dolomites
- Best Things to Do in the Dolomites
- Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites
- Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites
Where to Stay in the Dolomites
Our Favorite Destinations in the Dolomites
