Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most iconic sights in the Dolomites, it’s 3 huge protruding rocks surrounded by mountains and valleys. This is an absolute must do if you’re hiking in the Dolomites. We did this hike on a slightly cloudy day and it was still really amazing and quite mysterious so I can only imagine how scenic it is on a sunny clear day. Here’s all the information you need to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop at a glance
Distance: 10km
Time needed: 4 hours
Difficulty: Relatively easy
How to get there
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a 40 minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. To access the final stretch of road and parking you’ll need to pay €30 at the toll booth, it is expensive but it’s worth it. It’s definitely best to start as early as possible, just to reduce the number of people that you’ll end up sharing the trail with. Make sure to bring lunch with you so you can have lunch with a view!
You’ll be glad to know that there are public toilets just before the Rifugio that you can use before you start the hike. At the time of writing it cost €1 to use the public toilets.
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
The trail begins at Rifugio Auronzo, but if you’ve parked at the higher car parks there is a gap in the railing just before you reach the highest car park which leads you down to the main path from the Rifugio.
The beginning of the trail is along a relatively wide flat path and looking back you’ll see Rifugio Auronzo, continue along the path and you’ll pass a church on the left. Continue walking until you reach Rifugio Lavaredo.
From Rifugio Lavaredo continue following signs to Forcella Lavaredo to take you up close to the 3 huge rocks. Once you get here you can get some amazing photos.
When you’re ready follow signs to Rifugio Locatelli this will take on the loop round Tre Cime. When we were walking along here there were some snowy bits which were quite slippery so it’s important to have good shoes! As you get closer to Rifugio Locatelli remember to look back to snap some pictures of Tre Cime. You can choose to go up to the Rifugio or continue on the trail that takes you back round.
As you get closer to closing the loop you’ll come across these beautiful lakes with Tre Cime behind which is an amazing view.
Continue on the path and you’ll walk through a section where either side you are surrounded by small rock towers that people have built and created. A short while after this you’ll find yourself back at the car park!
On the way back why not stop off at the small but beautiful Lago d’Antorno or Lago Misurina.
Top Tips – what to take with you
- Cash/coins for the toilets & card to pay for the €30 entry
- Bring layers including fleece and a waterproof jacket
- Packed lunch & snacks
- Water
- phone/camera
- Hiking boots & socks
For more ideas on what to do in the have a look at my 3 day hiking itinerary!
