Lake Misurina

Lago di Misurina

A mirror-like lake between Cortina and Tre Cime, with the Sorapiss peaks reflected in its waters. It is a must-stop on the way to Tre Cime and a starting point for hiking and photography.

Lake Misurina lies 15 kilometers north of Cortina d’Ampezzo at an altitude of 1,754 meters. It is 1.5 kilometers long and is the largest natural lake in the Ampezzo area. Because of its clean air, a children’s respiratory sanatorium was built here (the yellow building on the lakeshore), and the speed skating events of the 1956 Winter Olympics were held on the frozen lake. Opposite its southeastern shore rise the Sorapiss peaks (3,205 meters). On calm mornings, the peaks, spruce forests and lakeside hotels are perfectly mirrored in the water, making it the most classic stop on the road from Cortina to Tre Cime. From the northern shore you can see the southern profile of Tre Cime and the spires of the Cadini di Misurina group. The lake loop is about 2.7 kilometers and takes 45 minutes on a gentle path. Several hotels and restaurants line the shore, and pedal boats can be rented. Lake Misurina is also the starting point of several important hiking and viewpoint routes. The Tre Cime toll road (Auronzo hut) branches uphill from the north end of the lake, and bus 444 stops here as well. The Col de Varda cable car (10 minutes) rises above the lake to 2,115 meters for views over the lake and Tre Cime. From the top station, a one-hour walk leads to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, the spire-group photo spot that became popular after 2021. The trail has exposed sections, so take care. Getting there: it is about 25 minutes’ drive from Cortina, or you can take bus 30/31 (Dolomiti Bus). In summer, bus 445 also runs from Dobbiaco. Allow an hour, or spend a night by the lake to shoot the reflections at dawn and catch the early bus to Tre Cime. In winter the lake freezes, offering skating and ice walking, with quiet snowy scenery all around.

Lake Misurina

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby