Where should I stay near the Tre Cime walk?

Stay in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the stylish alpine town at the heart of the Dolomites, or Lake Misurina for a quieter option. Many hotels use renewable energy and source local South Tyrolean produce. Booking through IMPT adds 1 tonne of CO₂ removal per night at the same rate as Booking.com — the garanzia miglior prezzo.

Walking Guide · Sexten Dolomites, Trentino-Alto Adige

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop — Walk Guide with Eco Hotel at the Trailhead

Q: Is the Tre Cime loop suitable for beginners?

Yes, the loop on trails 101 and 105 around the Tre Cime is the easiest high-altitude walk in the Dolomites. It's wide, well-graded, and requires no scrambling. The altitude (2,300-2,450 m) is the main challenge. Allow 4 hours with stops. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Q: When is the best time to walk the Tre Cime loop?

The trail is accessible from late June to late September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather and facilities open at both rifugi. Late June and early September offer fewer crowds while still having good conditions. The walk is free of snow from July onwards, but always carry warm layers.

Walk: 11 km · Moderate · 4 hours · Dolomites, UNESCO World Heritage · Updated June 2026

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is the most iconic walk in the Dolomites — and for good reason. Three colossal limestone pinnacles rise from an alpine basin like natural cathedrals, their sheer north faces catching the morning and evening light in shades of rose, gold, and grey. The loop trail circles these UNESCO World Heritage peaks on wide, well-maintained paths that are accessible to walkers of all abilities. At 11 kilometres and with minimal elevation gain, it's a gentle high-altitude circuit that rewards modest effort with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Europe. The trail passes two mountain refuges for refreshments — Rifugio Auronzo at the start and Rifugio Lavaredo (Locatelli) at the classic photo point. Book your accommodation through IMPT for carbon-negative stays in Cortina or Misurina.

11 km

Distance

Moderate

Difficulty

4 h

Duration

2,320 m

Start Elevation

150 m

Ascent

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Step-by-Step Walk Guide

Start at Rifugio Auronzo (2,320 m)Begin at Rifugio Auronzo, reachable by the toll road from Lake Misurina (30 € per car) or by summer bus from Cortina d'Ampezzo. The rifugio has a restaurant, toilets, and maps. The trail starts behind the building, heading east on trail 101 towards the Tre Cime. The first section is a gentle rise through an alpine basin.

Walk towards the Tre CimeFollow the wide gravel path across the basin. After about 1 km, the three peaks come into full view — Cima Grande (2,999 m), Cima Ovest (2,973 m), and Cima Piccola (2,857 m). This first glimpse is breathtaking. The path continues on level ground for another kilometre as the peaks tower above you. In summer, the basin is carpeted with alpine flowers — edelweiss, gentians, and alpine poppies.

Continue to Rifugio Lavaredo (2,405 m)The trail circles around the base of the Tre Cime, passing below the dramatic north faces. At 3 km from the start, you reach Rifugio Lavaredo (also called Rifugio Locatelli). This is the classic photo spot — the three peaks reflected in the small Lago dei Camosci. Stop for lunch or coffee; the rifugio serves hearty South Tyrolean food.

Return to Rifugio Auronzo (3.5 km)From Rifugio Lavaredo, head south-west on trail 105. The return path is a gentle descent across open alpine terrain with views of the Cadini di Misurina spires to the south. The full loop takes approximately 4 hours at a relaxed pace with photo stops. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms — start before 10 AM.

Eco Hotel Vicino a the Tre Cime Walk

The Dolomites region is a leader in sustainable alpine tourism. Cortina d'Ampezzo offers a wide range of hotels, from eco-chic mountain lodges to traditional rifugio-style accommodation. Lake Misurina offers a quieter, more scenic option right at the base of the toll road. Many properties run on renewable hydropower from the region's mountain streams and serve locally sourced South Tyrolean cuisine. Booking through IMPT adds 1 tonne of CO₂ removal per night at the same rate as Booking.com.

Garanzia miglior prezzo — stesso prezzo di Booking.com o migliore. IMPT funds carbon removal from its commission. Book Cortina hotels now →

Domande Frequenti

How do I get to the Tre Cime trailhead?

Drive the toll road from Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo (30 € per car). In summer, a public bus runs from Cortina d'Ampezzo. From mid-June, the chairlift from Carbonin to Rifugio Locatelli offers an alternative.

Is the Tre Cime loop suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's the easiest high-altitude walk in the Dolomites — wide trails, no scrambling, minimal elevation gain. The altitude (2,300-2,450 m) is the main challenge. Allow 4 hours. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

When is the best time to walk the Tre Cime loop?

Late June to late September. July and August offer the most reliable weather with all facilities open. Late June and early September have fewer crowds. The trail is snow-free from July.

Where should I stay near the Tre Cime?

Stay in Cortina d'Ampezzo or Lake Misurina. Many hotels use renewable hydropower and serve local South Tyrolean produce. Booking through IMPT adds 1 tonne CO₂ removal per night at the same rate as Booking.com.

Can I walk the loop with children?

Yes, families with older children (8+) regularly complete the loop. The trail is wide and safe. Bring warm layers and rain gear — alpine weather changes fast. Both rifugi serve food and drinks.

🌿 New IMPT members get €5 di credito gratuito. Book now →

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