Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Iconic UNESCO site in the Dolomites, famous for its dramatic peaks and breathtaking hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds & secure parking
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Best Time
Beat crowds & secure parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic UNESCO site in the Dolomites, famous for its dramatic peaks and breathtaking hiking trails.
"The Tre Cime loop was our favorite hike in all of the Dolomites!"
🚗 Book Parking Online
Reserve your spot at Rifugio Auronzo days in advance to guarantee access.
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Sturdy footwear is crucial for varied terrain and potential wet conditions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
Rifugio Auronzo
Iconic 10km hike offering breathtaking 360-degree mountain panoramas and multiple refugios.
Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
Near Rifugio Auronzo
A short, rewarding hike to a dramatic viewpoint of jagged peaks, popular for photos.
Rifugio Lavaredo
On the Tre Cime loop
Enjoy refreshments with unparalleled views of the iconic peaks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Parking in Advance
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Parking Online
Reserve your spot at Rifugio Auronzo days in advance to guarantee access.
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Sturdy footwear is crucial for varied terrain and potential wet conditions.
🎒 Pack Layers & Snacks
Mountain weather changes rapidly; bring extra clothes and sustenance.
⏰ Start Your Day Early
Arrive before 9 AM to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more peaceful hike.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Parking Online
Reserve your spot at Rifugio Auronzo days in advance to guarantee access.
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Sturdy footwear is crucial for varied terrain and potential wet conditions.
🎒 Pack Layers & Snacks
Mountain weather changes rapidly; bring extra clothes and sustenance.
⏰ Start Your Day Early
Arrive before 9 AM to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more peaceful hike.
🚌 Consider the Bus
An alternative to driving; check bus schedules and book tickets in advance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is widely praised as one of the world's greatest day hikes, offering extraordinary 360-degree mountain views and unique rock formations. Visitors rave about the stunning panoramas, the well-maintained trails, and the welcoming rifugios. However, the logistical challenges of accessing the site, particularly securing parking, and the significant crowds during peak times are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is one of the greatest day hikes in the world. The sight of all the various mountains, landscape, rock formations in a single setting is extraordinary. Constant 360 degree views of layers of mountains. Multiple valleys. Something new along every bend. Refugios with nice people, good food in extraordinary settings to rest. Go early - by late morning starts to get very crowded."
Andrew Klein
"Incredible area!! I understand why the Italians are so proud of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and are very present there to walk around it. We did the same, which took us 3 hours and 15 minutes.
But, you have to be prepared !! First: without buying a ticket online (days in advance!!) for your car, you are not allowed to drive to the top, where you find the parking area. And second: be prepared for the hike. You are in the mountains, so bring food, drinks and (extra) clothes. Also, be careful with the kind of shoes you wear. It is easy to get hurt without proper shoes, especially when the trail is wet. Hope you take this advice from a experience mountain guide. 😉"
Eric M
"The Tre Cime loop was our favorite hike in all of the Dolomites! It was a great challenge with lots of climbs. You really get to see so much on a day hike- 4 huts, multiple glacier lakes (great for sticking your feet in), grassy meadows, and ginormous mountains all around. It’s worth the logistical loopholes to get here- my advice is take the bus (get tickets in advance) as early as possible and enjoy a full day up here."
Katie Mae Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access is by car to Rifugio Auronzo via a toll road. Booking parking online in advance is highly recommended, as it sells out. +2 Alternatively, you can take a bus from nearby towns, which may also require advance booking.
Yes, there is a toll road leading to the Rifugio Auronzo parking area. The cost can be around €30, and booking parking online is often required. +1
Yes, you can reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo by bus from towns like Misurina or Cortina d'Ampezzo. Check local transport schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
The best strategy is to book your parking at Rifugio Auronzo online well in advance. If you miss out, arriving extremely early (before 7 AM) might offer a chance, but it's not guaranteed.
While you can see Tre Cime from a distance from certain viewpoints without paying the toll, to hike the popular loop around the peaks, you generally need to pay for parking or take a bus that accesses the toll road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need an entry ticket for the park itself, but you absolutely need to book parking at Rifugio Auronzo online in advance, especially during peak season.
Parking at Rifugio Auronzo typically costs around €30-€40 per vehicle, and it's essential to book this online in advance.
The area is generally accessible year-round, but the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo is typically open from late May/early June to mid-October, weather permitting. +1
It is highly unlikely you can book parking on the day. Reservations are usually required days or even weeks in advance, especially for summer weekends.
Information on discounts is scarce. The primary recommendation is to book online in advance to secure a spot, regardless of the cost.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The classic 10km loop around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is the most popular and offers incredible views. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
The main loop hike is approximately 10 km and takes about 3-4 hours at a moderate pace, not including stops for photos or refreshments.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable athletic clothing, and bring layers as the weather can change quickly. A waterproof jacket is also advisable.
Yes, there are several rifugios (mountain huts) along the loop, such as Rifugio Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli, offering food and drinks.
The main loop is moderately challenging with some uphill sections. Beginners can manage it with proper preparation, good footwear, and a steady pace.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning light offers softer shadows and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the dramatic peaks. Golden hour in the late afternoon is also stunning.
The classic viewpoint from the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is incredibly popular for iconic shots. The entire loop offers numerous breathtaking photo opportunities. +1
A good quality smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors. However, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive mountain vistas.
Drone regulations can vary and are often restricted in national parks. It's best to check current local regulations before flying a drone.
Beyond the main peaks, look for reflections in small lakes, wildflowers in meadows during summer, and the unique rock formations of Cadini di Misurina. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint as a shorter, more accessible option for families with very young children or those who prefer less strenuous activity. It's a relatively short walk from the parking area and offers spectacular views.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, pack your own picnic lunch and snacks. The rifugios offer meals, but they can be pricey. Enjoying a packed lunch with a view is a fantastic budget-friendly experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't just stick to the main viewpoints; explore the entire loop for unique compositions. Look for opportunities to include alpine flora, reflective lakes, and the textures of the rock formations in your frames.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Access
Many visitors opt to drive to the parking lot, but if you miss out on booking, arriving extremely early (before 7 AM) might offer a slim chance, though it's not guaranteed.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly or adventurous approach, it's possible to park further down and hike up, but this significantly increases the time and effort required.
The Iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike
The trail winds through diverse landscapes, from open meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer to rocky terrain. Along the way, you'll encounter several rifugios (mountain huts) like Rifugio Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli, which are perfect spots to rest, refuel with local food, and soak in the magnificent scenery.
The entire trek typically takes between 3 to 4 hours, excluding extended stops. It's important to be prepared for mountain conditions. Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the varied terrain, and packing layers of clothing is crucial as the weather can change rapidly.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Tre Cime
For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The soft, golden light of sunrise and sunset casts a magical glow on the rock faces, creating stunning contrasts and shadows.
While a smartphone camera can capture beautiful images, a wide-angle lens can be particularly useful for encompassing the vastness of the landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit