Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike, in Dolomites
Drei Zinnen (Without a Car)
- Last Updated: September 11, 2024
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is one of the most renowned trails in the Dolomites, and unlike many others, this adventure proves that you don’t need a car to experience its stunning beauty.
After city hopping through Italy, we made our way from Venice by bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo, followed by a regional ride to the serene Lago Antorno. Spending the night at Chalet Lago Antorno, we rested up and set off early, enjoying the tranquility of the trail before the crowds arrived.
This unique, car-free journey to one of Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes made for an unforgettable hiking experience.
Table of Contents
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: General Details
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo can be reached in various ways, either by public transport, on foot, by car, or by trekking from other surrounding mountains. The easiest and cheapest option is by public transport, which I’ll cover in this article.
- Highlights: Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks, Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, Grotta delle Tre Cime, Laghi dei Piani lakes, Lago Misurina, and Lago Antorno lakes.
- Duration: 1 day.
- Accommodation: If you’re staying overnight, you can choose to stay in Misurina Lake (either at a hotel or a campsite), Chalet Lago Antorno (like we did), and a bit further but with more options at Cortina d’Ampezzo. Suppose you find a place and like mountain huts then you can sleep at Rifugio Auronzo.
- Price: 73,5€ – 152,5€ (details in the following section)
- Outfit: Hiking gear (details in the following section)
- Best Months to Hike: June – October
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: Technical Details
- Pre-Hike – Trail 101 (if you’re hiking up from Lago Antorno):
- Type: Out-and-Back Trail.
- Distance: 9 km (4,5km each way) – Starting at Chalet Lago Antorno, and ending at Rifugio Auronzo, the hiking trail goes parallel to the street at first and then diverges right, crossing it multiple times before arriving at Rifugio Auronzo.
- Duration: 3 hours of moving time (1h30min each way).
- Elevation Gain: 934m | +467m | -467m
- Altitude: Lowest point: 1,866m at Chalet Lago Antorno. Highest point: 2,333m at the Rifugio Auronzo.
- Difficulty: Medium. The main Tre Cime loop is easy but if you add this extra length and elevation gain it is way more challenging.
*This is a great option when you want to be at Tre Cime di Lavaredo for sunrise or sunset or just want to be away from the crowds for a while – If you come with a bus or car you need to wait for the toll to open at 6 am and there’s going to be a queue. Also, you might not have a place at the mountain hut so Lago Antorno is the closest you can sleep to the peaks without camping.
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike:
- Type: Loop Trail.
- Distance: 11,5 km – Starting and ending at the Rifugio Auronzo (w/ extra stop at Grotta delle Tre Cime)
- Duration: 3-4 hours of moving time.
- Elevation Gain: 1,320m | +660m | -660m
- Altitude: Lowest point: 2,170m between Rifugio Locatelli and Rifugio Langalm. Highest point: 2,498m at the Grotta delle Tre Cime.
- Difficulty: Easy. The hike is easy, and you will find many people with kids doing it. If you’re not used to hiking bring trekking poles.
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike we did from Lago Antorno and with the extra Grotta delle Tre Cime.
The standard Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop from Rifugio Auronzo to Rifugio Locatelli and back to Rifugio Auronzo.
How to do the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike?
- Firstly, you need to reach Rifugio Auronzo and there are a couple of ways for you to do that: On foot, by car/campervan, or by Dolomiti Bus 30/31.
- Then you need to decide if you plan to stay overnight in the area. If you do, you also have some options, make a reservation in the Rifugio Auronzo mountain hut (it might be fully booked), camp at the Misurina Lake campsites, stay sleeping on a campervan, or stay at a hotel either at Chalet Lago Antorno, any of the Misurina Lake hotels or at Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Once you reach Rifugio Auronzo you only have to go around the three peaks and follow the marked signs. It’s pretty much straightforward. Per order or appearance, you will pass through Cappella degli Alpini, Rifugio Lavaredo, Forcella Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli, Rifugio Langalm, Col de Mezzo, and arrive back at the Rifugio Auronzo.
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What clothing and equipment should i bring to do the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike?
To ensure a safer and more comfortable journey in this mid-altitude mountain hike with some rocky sections, certain specific equipment is indispensable, especially if you’re staying overnight or doing it on a cold day:
Essentials:
- Breathable T-shirt (Tech or Merino)
- Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex or H2O Technology)
- Puffer Jacket
- Shorts or Pants
- Hiking Shoes or Trekking Boots
- Backpack: 25-35 liters
- Gloves: One Layer (preferably merino wool for breathability and comfort)
- Sunglasses: Category 4 UV protection.
- Cap: Or a beanie and buff if it’s cold.
- Hiking Merino Socks: One Layer (preferably merino wool for breathability and comfort)
- Sunscreen: Ensure you have a minimum of SPF 50.
- Trekking Poles: For the entire hike.
- Low Gaiters: For peace of mind if there’s gravel.
- Swimming Clothes: (if you’re staying overnight or going for a swim)
Dry-fast Towel: (if you’re staying overnight or going for a swim)
Camping and Extras:
- Headlamp
- Victorinox Swiss Multi-Tool or Victorinox Hiker Knife
- Change of Clothes
Other Things:
- First-Aid Kit
- Drinks, and Snacks
- Thermos
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How much does it cost to do the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike?
To provide you with an estimation of the expenses associated with doing the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, I have provided a detailed breakdown of the costs involved. Firstly, you need to consider whether you will be going in your car or by public transport. Additionally, other supplementary expenses require careful consideration.
Transport (from Venice):
- Bus (Venice – Cortina D’Ampezzo) – 13€
- Dolomiti Bus 30/31 (Cortina D’Ampezzo-Lago di Misurina-Tre Cime) – 9,5€
- Car (Diesel – 182kms one way): 20€ – including 8,4€ tolls (Via Michelin)
Accommodation:
- Rifugio Auronzo – 30-40€ (w/ breakfast) | 50-60€ (w/ dinner & breakfast)
- Chalet Lago Antorno – 200€ (w/ breakfast)
- Camping Misurina – 10€ per person, 5€ tent
Parking & Tolls:
- Misurina Camping: 5€ Car – 12€ Campervan
- Rifugio Auronzo + Toll: 30€ Car – 45€ Campervan (for updated prices or toll opening hours the contact email is: [email protected]
Food, Drinks, and Snacks: 15-20€ (pp per day)
Estimated Total (per person – one way):
- Scenario 1:
- Solo,
- Public Transport,
- 1-day hike with overnight camp in Misurina,
- Price Breakdown: 13€ (Bus Venice-Cortina D’Ampezzo), 9,5€ (Dolomiti Bus), 15€ (Camping, and Tent), 40€ (Food, Drinks, and Snacks for 2 days).
- Total: 77€
- Scenario 2:
- Group of 4,
- Private car,
- 1-day hike with an overnight in a hotel in Cortina D’Ampezzo,
- Price Breakdown: 5€ (Gas – Car/4), 40€ (Food, Drinks, and Snacks for 2 days), 100€ (Twin Room in Cortina D’Ampezzo/2), 7,5€ (Rifugio Auronzo Parking + Toll/4).
- Total: 152,5€
- Scenario 3:
- Couple,
- Campervan,
- 1-day hike with overnight inside the van at Rifugio Auronzo,
- Price Breakdown: 18,5€ (Gas – Via Michelin price for a Campervan/2), 15€ (Rifugio Auronzo Parking + Toll/2), 40€ (Food, Drinks and Snacks for 2 days).
- Total: 73,5€
*Scenarios 2 and 3 are only this cheap if you already have a car or campervan and don’t need to rent one, otherwise it will be way more expensive.
How to get to the Rifugio Auronzo on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike?
By Car & Hike:
From Venice to Lago Antorno by car: 3h15min
From Lago Antorno to Rifugio Antorno by hike: 1h30min
By Bus:
From Venice to Cortina D’Ampezzo: 2h30min – 3 hours
From Cortina D’Ampezzo to Rifugio Auronzo: 1 hour
By Car:
From Venice to Rifugio Auronzo: 3h30min – 4 hours
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Where to sleep on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike?
You can stay at Rifugio Auronzo, though it’s often fully booked due to its popularity. Camping and bivouacking aren’t allowed directly in the Tre Cime di Lavaredo area. Still, you can camp at one of the designated campsites near Misurina Lake or stay in a campervan.
If you’re staying overnight near the trail, here are your best options: Chalet Lago Antorno, hotels around Misurina Lake, or accommodations in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Curiosities
Name Origin: The name “Tre Cime di Lavaredo” comes from Italian, meaning “Three Peaks of Lavaredo.” In German, they are called “Drei Zinnen,” which translates to “Three Merlons.”
Location: Tre Cime di Lavaredo is located in the Sexten Dolomites of northeastern Italy, on the border between the provinces of South Tyrol and Belluno.
Formation: The peaks are composed of well-layered dolomites of the Dolomia Principale formation, dating back to the Carnian to Rhaetian age.
Peaks: The three distinctive peaks are Cima Piccola (Kleine Zinne, 2,857 meters), Cima Grande (Große Zinne, 2,999 meters), and Cima Ovest (Westliche Zinne, 2,973 meters).
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 2009, the area around Tre Cime di Lavaredo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Natural Park of the Three Peaks.”
Historical Significance: Tre Cime di Lavaredo was a key battleground during World War I between Italy and Austria-Hungary, with remnants of fortifications and tunnels still visible.
Climate: Due to its high altitude, the area experiences rapid weather changes, including fog, rain, and even snow in summer, though it benefits from relatively mild alpine conditions.
Flora and Fauna: The surrounding alpine meadows are home to colorful wildflowers such as edelweiss and gentians, as well as wildlife like marmots, chamois, and golden eagles.
Things to Do: Popular activities include hiking, climbing, and photography, with numerous well-marked trails leading to and around the peaks. The Rifugio Auronzo and Rifugio Locatelli provide excellent spots for resting and taking in the views.
Accessibility: Tre Cime di Lavaredo is accessible via a toll road from Misurina, or by hiking trails starting from nearby locations such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Toblach.
My Experience on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike
Tre Cime di Lavaredo had been at the top of my to-do list since I left Switzerland in 2021. This summer, we managed to squeeze it into a month-long trip around Greece and Italy. However, we faced a small problem: we didn’t have a car or campervan, and our budget was running low. So, we decided to rely on public transport. We also didn’t have a tent, so after some research, we realized that for a last-minute trip to Tre Cime, we would need to stay in a hotel. Booking last-minute hotels in Italy during summer is notoriously expensive, so we ended up paying for a not-so-affordable hotel at Lago Antorno, the only one there—Chalet Lago Antorno. At least breakfast was included!
We took a Flixbus from Venice (Mestre) to Cortina D’Ampezzo and then caught the Dolomiti bus to Lake Misurina, where we bought groceries for the next day. After shopping, we started walking up the very steep road to Lago Antorno. I had assumed it would be downhill, but it turned out to be a steep uphill climb. We had a massive trolley with us since we were attending two weddings that summer and had packed clothes for both cold and hot weather, as well as a month’s worth of travel essentials. I ended up pushing the bag up the hill while cars passed by, and the people inside couldn’t believe I was managing such a feat. Some were hiking down or driving past, shouting “Bravo, bravo!” and laughing, which made the moment a bit more amusing.
Eventually, we arrived at Chalet Lago Antorno, ate something, and took some photos and videos of the surrounding high mountain peaks reflecting in the lake at sunset—it was unbelievably beautiful.
Our plan was to start the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike early, aiming to reach Rifugio Auronzo before the crowds. Based on my previous hiking experience in Switzerland, I knew that it was best to finish by lunchtime, as clouds typically begin to gather in the Alps around midday, and rain often follows in the afternoon.
From Lago Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo
So, we planned to wake up at 5 AM to start the hike. While we didn’t have the trail entirely to ourselves, the pre-hike was mostly just us, the trees, and the cows, all surrounded by stunning mountain scenery—it was stunning.
The pre-hike to Rifugio Auronzo is part of Trail 101, which starts just after Lago Antorno. The trail runs parallel to the road where cars are passing by, then veers slightly right, heading inward. We crossed a small river and continued following the hiking direction signs until we finally saw the rifugio in the distance. By then, it was roughly 6 AM, and cars were already queuing at the toll booth to go up. So, my advice: go early.
In summer, the parking lot, which has around 700 spaces, usually fills up by midday, so arriving early in the morning is essential if you want to secure a spot. During the pre-hike, we were able to avoid the cars for a good 45 minutes to an hour, but eventually, the trail intersects with the road in a straight line, while the road zigzags all the way up to the refuge.
When we finally arrived, we saw hundreds of cars already parked, along with numerous campervans. Most of the hikers were fully equipped—proper hiking gear, helmets, and even equipment for via ferratas and climbs. Meanwhile, we were in sneakers and dressed casually, as we didn’t want to add more weight to our bags just for one day of hiking. It didn’t make sense to pack all the hiking gear, extra shoes, etc., just for this single hike. In theory, the hike itself was relatively easy, with only the pre-hike involving some uneven terrain, so we decided to stick with our casual approach.
From Rifugio Auronzo to the famous Grotta delle Tre Cime (Rifugio Locatello)
Once we reached the refuge, we stopped for a croissant and a coffee to fuel up before starting the main hike. By that time, the path was already full—there were so many hikers! I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a crowded trail in my life.
We began the hike and noticed many people heading in the opposite direction, toward the path leading straight from the terrace of Rifugio Auronzo. I later realized that this was the famous Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Unfortunately, we totally missed it at the time. We thought about going afterward, but as I mentioned, the clouds did roll in after midday, so we had to let it go.
As we started the hike, we passed what felt like a thousand people, a small chapel, and went to the left of Rifugio Lavaredo. Eventually, we reached the ridge where you can catch the first famous view of the Tre Cime peaks. We took some time to snap photos and then continued straight toward Rifugio Locatelli. As we got closer, we noticed holes in the rock wall to our right, with some hikers up high near them. Nevertheless, we pressed on toward the rifugio.
When we arrived, we were completely awestruck by the lakes behind the rifugio. As usual, I hadn’t researched every detail about the hike to keep my expectations low and allow myself to be surprised when I got there—and this time, the surprise was huge. The view of the two stunning blue lakes, surrounded by green pastures and rugged peaks, was absolutely breathtaking.
To our left, up high, we could already see a line of people queuing, which led to the famous Grotta di Tre Cime holes. These were actually WWII bunkers that have since become Insta-famous spots for perfectly framed photos of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Naturally, we went there too and spent some time getting creative with photo compositions.
After a while, we headed back down and had lunch by the rifugio, enjoying the incredible view of the lakes.
From Rifugio Locatelli back to Rifugio Auronzo, and down to Lago Antorno
Thanks for reading through, and I hope you have fun on this adventure. I will share more of my favorite shots below, enjoy!
Photo Gallery
From Lago Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo
From Rifugio Auronzo to the famous Grotta delle Tre Cime (Rifugio Locatello)
From Rifugio Locatelli back to Rifugio Auronzo, and down to Lago Antorno
