Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen

Three limestone towers standing side by side are the symbol of the Dolomites. The loop hike around them takes 3-4 hours, and the Rifugio Locatelli below the north face offers the most classic viewpoint.

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian: Tre Cime; German: Drei Zinnen) are three dolomite towers standing side by side. The highest, Cima Grande, reaches 2,999 meters, and its sheer north face rises 500 meters. The peaks are legendary in climbing history and are the emblem of the Dolomites. Most visitors drive from the Lago di Misurina side along a toll road (about €30 per vehicle; since 2024, peak-season visits require an online time slot reservation) up to the Rifugio Auronzo car park at 2,320 meters. From here, the loop trail (paths 101 and 105; about 10 km, 400 m of ascent, 3.5-4.5 hours) is the Dolomites' most classic day hike. First, follow a gentle gravel road for 20 minutes to the Rifugio Lavaredo. Then climb to the Forcella Lavaredo saddle, where you first see the Tre Cime head-on. Continue along the north-side trail to the Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte, 2,405 meters). The small lake in front of the hut reflects the north face of the Tre Cime, making it the most famous photo spot. Rock caves and trenches from World War I are also found here. Afterward, return to the car park via the Langalm meadows. In peak season (July-August), the car park is full before 8 a.m. You can take bus No. 444 from Lago di Misurina (about €10 round trip) or hike from the Val Fiscalina near Dobbiaco up to the Rifugio Locatelli (about 2.5 hours one way, free). The trail is basically easy, but the altitude of 2,300-2,450 meters and the lack of shade mean you should bring sunscreen, a windproof jacket, water and cash (the huts serve meals, with lunch costing about €15-20). At sunrise, the east face of the Tre Cime turns golden. Staying overnight at the hut is possible, but you need to book several months in advance.

Opening hours

Open all day (toll road about mid-June–mid-Oct 06:00–20:00; closed in winter)

World Heritage · Hiking · Landmark · Mountain huts

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