Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: Easy Circuit Trail in the Dolomites

The grand circuit trail around Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen in German) is arguably the best day hike in the Italian Dolomites. It simply upstages all others, because of its accessibility and sensational scenery.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo is the name given to three mammoth peaks in the Sesto/Sexten Dolomites. These three peaks are the reigning symbol of the region and the reason why so many people flock to this corner of Italian Alps in summer.

Starting at Rifugio Auronzo (2320 m), which is accessible by both bus and car via a toll road (pre-booking required), it takes about 4 hours to hike the whole 9.7 km loop.

If you’re interested in a more challenging approach to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which doesn’t require any pre-booking, consider hiking the Torre dei Scarperi day hike, the Val Fiscalina approach, or even this 3-day Tre Cime di Lavaredo trek.

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Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Hiking Map

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When to Hike around Tre Cime di Lavaredo

We recommend hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo anytime between late June and mid-October. 

The road to Rifugio Auronzo, the trailhead, is usually open starting in late May, or early June. However, If you visit early in the season, you will likely encounter snow on the trail.

Another thing to consider is the opening times of the mountain huts (rifugios). Along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit trail, there are several huts that serve food and drink. But, these huts are only open between late June and late September.

We hiked the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop trail in August, September, and October. Each year, the trail gets busier and busier. Hopefully, the new access regulations will improve the overall experience for everyone.

Another option is to approach Tre Cime di Lavaredo from a lesser-known destination. Experienced hikers should take a look at the Torre dei Scarperi circuit trail, starting in Val Campo di Dentro/Innerfeldtal in Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal. This quiet hike connects Rifugio Tre Scarperi/Dreischusterhütte with Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte.

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How to Get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Reserve Your Parking Spot Online (Mandatory)

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit trail starts at Rifugio Auronzo (2320 m), the mountain refuge that’s situated directly at the south flank of the Three Peaks.

You can drive directly to the Auronzo hut via the Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime Toll Road with an access permit.

It’s now mandatory to make a toll road access reservation, which includes a parking spot at the Rifugio Auronzo car park.

After creating an account, you can start the booking process. When you book a new ticket, you will then select your vehicle type (e.g. car, motorcycle, campervan) and desired date and time of entry. Next, you’ll be asked for your vehicle license plate. If you don’t know it yet, you can add it to your reservation at another time, though no later than the day before your visit.

If you’re unable to secure a reservation, or if you’re traveling without a car, I’ve summarized bus options and alternative hiking options in this guide: Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road.

Pricing | 40 EUR for cars, 26 EUR for motorcycles, and 60 EUR for campervans and motorhomes

Opening Times | The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo is usually open from the end of May/early June until the end of October/early November. It depends on the snow conditions. If you’re not sure whether the toll road is open (e.g. after a snow storm), you can contact the Auronzo tourist office by emailing them: iat@comune.auronzo.bl.it

When Can You Drive to Rifugio Auronzo | When you make your online road access reservation, you must select your entry date and time. The reservation is valid for 12 hours.

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Drive the Toll Road to Rifugio Auronzo

No matter where you’re coming from, head to Lago di Misurina and follow the road to Lago d’Antorno.

Shortly after Lago d’Antorno, you’ll arrive at the gated toll station. You will pass through a tollgate, which will check your transit permit, which you pre-booked using the online portal.

After passing the toll gate, you’ll continue driving 3.4 km all the way to Rifugio Auronzo.

Here are the approximate driving times from nearby towns:

• Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Auronzo: 40 minute drive
• Dobbiaco/Toblach to Rifugio Auronzo: 40 minute drive
• Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo: 17 minute drive

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Which Direction to Hike around Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, you can either hike in the direction of Rifugio Lavaredo on Trail 101 (right), or towards Malga Langalm (also known as “Long-Olbe” in the South Tyrolian dialect) on Trail 105 (left).

Most people hike in the direction of Rifugio Lavaredo first (counter-clockwise).

We recommend hiking in the direction of Langalm first (clockwise). The trail unfolds more beautifully in this direction.

Try to start the Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit as early as possible. If you hike the trail clockwise in the middle of the day, it’ll feel like you’re going against the current like a confused sardine.

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Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail Description

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Rifugio Auronzo – Forcella del Col de Mezzo – Langalm (45 minutes)

From the parking lot at Rifugio Auronzo (2320 m), head left and join trail 105. You’ll see a footpath leading from the end of the parking area.

As you savor the views of Cadini di Misurina on your left, follow the level path for 1.2 km to Forcella del Col de Mezzo (2315 m).

At the Forcella del Col del Medo saddle, the trail gently descends to Langalm alpine hut (2283 m).

This is a great place for coffee and cake. Order your food and drinks inside, and grab a seat outside facing Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

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Langalm to Drei Zinnen Hütte/Rifugio Locatelli (1:10 hours)

From the alpine hut, continue hiking along trail 105 past a small lake. As you progress, the towering Drei Zinnen become more and more impressive.

It takes about 1 hour to reach the red-roofed Rifugio Locatelli/Drei Zinnen Hütte (2405 m), which enjoys the best vantage point of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The highest summit is Cima Grande (German: Große Zinne) with an elevation of 2999 meters. Cima Grande is flanked by Cima Ovest (Westliche Zinne, 2973 meters) and Cima Piccola (Kleine Zinne, 2857 meters).

Though initially flat, the trail will ultimately ascend. You’ll hike up approximately 200 meters in order to reach the hut.

Rifugio Locatelli/Drei Zinnen Hütte is a great place for lunch. This hut is self-service and cash only, when we last visited.

After a relaxing break, make sure to check out the nearby Laghi dei Piani (German: Bödenseen) lakes.

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Drei Zinnen Hütte/Rifugio Locatelli – Forcella Lavaredo/Paternsattel – Rifugio Lavaredo (1 hour)

The loop trail continues beneath Paternkofel and stretches out linearly towards Forcella Lavaredo (2454 m).

As you progress towards Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the views continue to marvel.

It’s a gentle ascent to the Forcella Lavaredo saddle. When you arrive, you won’t believe your eyes.

The jagged Cadini di Misurina mountains look like a fantasy novel come to life.

Rifugio Lavaredo stands on a plain below the saddle.

There are two trails that descend to the timber and stone hut. You can take either.

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Rifugio Lavaredo to Rifugio Auronzo (30 minutes)

From Rifugio Lavaredo (2344 m), the trail continues to wrap around the Three Peaks.

With the Cadini di Misurina mountain group front and center, the final stretch of this Tre Cime di Lavaredo day hike is highly pleasurable. Walk slowly and enjoy it!

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Optional: Cadini Di Misurina Viewpoint (1 hour out-and-back)

When you get back to Rifugio Auronzo, we recommend detouring 30 minutes to the famous Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint.

We explained how to get there in this Cadini di Misurina viewpoint guide.

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Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Hotels

The closest settlement To Tre Cime di Lavaredo is Misurina. The best accommodation at Lake Misurina is Chalet Alpenrose. More options include Hotel Sorapiss, Quinz – Locanda Al Lago, and Hotel Miralago.

Further up the road, very close to the toll gate, is Chalet Lago Antorno. From Lago Antorno, you can hike to Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Fonda Savio, and Monte Pana. Experienced hikers can tackle the Sentiero Bonacossa North Trail.

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Cortina d’Ampezzo Accommodations

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a 40-minute drive to Rifugio Auronzo. By basing yourself in Cortina, you’ll have access to a wide variety of trails including the Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail and the Croda da Lago Circuit Trail.

Read my guide to Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo to find the best place to stay for your budget.

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).

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