Three massive rock towers, one loop trail and a view that shows up on nearly every Dolomites bucket list. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike circles the famous peaks, with rifugi for rest stops and the Laghi dei Piani tucked below the north faces. It’s also one of the busiest trails in the Dolomites, so planning ahead pays off. This guide covers how to reserve parking, which trail to choose, where to stop along the loop and what to expect on the trail.
Chris did his homework and grabbed a parking reservation six weeks out. We (meaning Chris) chose the upper trail toward the Tre Cime di Lavaredo rifugio, Dreizinnenhütte (Rifugio Locatelli in Italian), instead of the main path everyone else took. We still walked the entire circuit: 9.2 miles and 3,407 feet of climbing in just under 6 hours. Chris claims he wasn’t scared at all when we reached a rockslide. I, on the other hand, took five steps of faith and felt like I’d just cheated death.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike at a Glance
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The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the Dolomites, and one of the most popular. The classic loop circles all three peaks, with rifugi along the way and views that shift with every turn. If you’re planning a bigger trip, start with my Dolomites Itinerary guide, then use this one to plan your day on the trail.
- Distance — 9.2 miles (15 km) for our full loop, including Laghi dei Piani & Sasso di Sesto.
- Elevation gain — 3,407 feet (1,038 m).
- Time — Just under 6 hours with stops.
- Difficulty — Easy to moderate on the main path, strenuous on the trail back to the parking area.
- Trailhead — Rifugio Auronzo parking area.
- Parking — Reservation required (we booked six weeks out).
- Best time to go — Summer, when the rifugi are open (we hiked in late August).
Where is Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen in German) sits in the Sexten Dolomites of northern Italy, inside Parco Naturale Tre Cime. The peaks straddle the border between South Tyrol and the Veneto, which is why every sign, rifugio and menu comes in both Italian and German. The Dolomites are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, so you’re hiking through protected terrain the whole way. If this hike is part of a bigger trip, my guide to planning a trip to Italy covers the rest of the country.
The three peaks each have their own name:
- Cima Grande — the tallest, at 9,839 feet (2,999 m).
- Cima Ovest — the western peak, at 9,754 feet (2,973 m).
- Cima Piccola — the smallest, at 9,373 feet (2,857 m).
The closest towns are Misurina and Auronzo di Cadore on the Veneto side and Toblach (Dobbiaco) and Sexten (Sesto) on the South Tyrol side. The toll road up to Rifugio Auronzo starts near Lake Misurina. From our base in Colle Santa Lucia, the drive took about 1.5 hours, so plan an early start if you’re staying elsewhere in the Dolomites. Don’t expect the postcard view from the parking lot, though; the famous north faces don’t really show up until you’re on the trail and hiking past Rifugio Lavaredo.
Tre Cime Parking Reservation & How to Get There
The only road to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike trailhead is a toll road that climbs from near Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo. In summer, a car can’t get past the booth without a parking reservation. Plan this part first, because it shapes the rest of your day.
How the Parking Reservation Works
Chris booked our Tre Cime parking reservation online six weeks before the trip, and I’m glad he did. You pick an arrival time when you book, and the ticket is good for 12 hours from that time or until you leave the lot, whichever comes first. A car costs €40, a motorcycle €26, and a campervan €60.
Don’t count on booking a same-day spot. Reservations are released in limited numbers and often sell out weeks in advance in summer, which is why Chris booked six weeks out. Even if one opened up last minute, you couldn’t book it at the booth, since a hand-painted “No Internet” sign greets you on arrival. You can add your license plate to the booking until 11:59 pm the day before, which helps if you’re picking up a rental car.
No Reservation? Shuttle Options
Without a parking reservation, the drive up gets stressful fast. On our way to the toll booth, a car came flying past everyone, weaving around traffic until it finally overtook the shuttle bus right in front of us. Then it slowed to a crawl at the entrance. Apparently the driver didn’t have a reservation and was racing to make the early shuttle, which is a lot of adrenaline before the hike even starts.
The easier option is to leave the car below and make a shuttle reservation. Bus 31 runs from Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo in about 20 minutes, and Shuttle 444 runs from the Dobbiaco/Toblach train station from late May to mid-October (book ahead). Buses 30 and 31 also connect Cortina d’Ampezzo to Misurina, which works if you’re staying there.
Leave the reservation, driving and parking to someone else. A private guided hike to Tre Cime handles the logistics and the route, which is also a smart option if narrow trails make you nervous.
Camping Near Tre Cime
Don’t plan on sleeping in your car at the top. Camping is banned in the Tre Cime parking area, with fines from €100 to €500. On our way up, we drove past Camping Alla Baita near Lake Misurina, one of the few legal spots nearby, and it was packed with tents and campervans in late August.
The location is hard to beat. The campground sits right across from the bus stop for Dolomiti Bus lines 31 to Rifugio Auronzo, so you can skip the parking reservation entirely. It opens in late May each season, weather permitting.
Prefer a real bed? Here’s where to stay in the Dolomites.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike Parking & Trailhead
The trailhead is at the Rifugio Auronzo parking area, at the end of the toll road. Attendants in yellow vests direct each car to a spot, and you may end up following a line of cars up a steep incline to park along the road. If you’re driving a manual, brush up on your hill starts before you go.
By this time, Chris and I were in need of a restroom. We stopped at the first WC we saw and paid €1 to use a squat toilet (bring coins). If you walk a little further to the rifugio, there are toilets there as well and a cafeteria-style room where we purchased chocolate croissants before starting our hike.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike Trail Options
There’s no single right way to hike Tre Cime. As one of the best hikes in the Dolomites, the classic loop circles all three peaks from Rifugio Auronzo, but side trails branch off everywhere, so you can make the day as easy or as hard as you like. These are the routes we saw and took.
The Main Loop Path
The trail begins on a wide gravel road toward Rifugio Lavaredo, and the famous north faces stay hidden until you round the corner past it. Most hikers stay on the road and the main path up to Rifugio Locatelli, then continue around past Langalm and back to the parking area. It’s the busiest route, but it’s also the easiest to follow, with rifugi spaced out for breaks.
For a shorter day, walk out to Rifugio Lavaredo and back on the nearly flat path, or continue up to the saddle beyond it for your first look at the north faces.
- Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1,394 feet (425 m)
- Time: 2.5-5 hours
The Upper Trail (Our Route)
We (meaning Chris) chose the narrow upper trail along the mountainside instead of the main path. It was quieter, with bigger views and far fewer people, but at 1.5 to 2 feet wide, it isn’t for anyone nervous about heights. It also led us straight to a rockslide that had wiped out part of the trail (more on that below).
- Distance (our full route): 9.2 miles (14.8 km)
- Elevation Gain: 3,407 feet (1,038 m)
- Time: ~6 hours
Our full route included the Laghi dei Piani & Sasso di Sesto add-on below.
Add On: Laghi dei Piani & Around Sasso di Sesto
From Rifugio Locatelli, we dropped down to the Laghi dei Piani, two small alpine lakes tucked below the hut, then followed a trail around Sasso di Sesto that brought us back to Locatelli. The elevation gain on this add-on is manageable, and it gets you away from the crowds. Save your energy for the real test: the long climb from Locatelli back to the parking area.
What to Expect on the Full Loop
This is the part of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike that photos don’t show: what it feels like on the trail, stop by stop. Here’s how our loop played out, including the part I’d rather not repeat.
Chapel, Cows & Crowds
The first stretch is busy and easy going. We passed the Cappella degli Alpini, a small white chapel along the road, plus plenty of hikers, grazing cows, and one little boy stacking rocks who was very frustrated that they wouldn’t stay put. Past Rifugio Lavaredo, the crowds thin a little and the three peaks finally come into view.
The Rockslide & Five Steps of Faith
The upper trail was fine…until it wasn’t. A rockslide had wiped out a section of the path, and someone had carved five makeshift footholds into the slope, with nothing to catch you if one gave way. I was not anxious to cross.
Chris climbed down the slide to see whether we could walk around it to the road below. We couldn’t. Our choices were to turn back or take five steps of faith. I said a lot of prayers and stepped. Chris, of course, claims he wasn’t scared at all.
The Tunnel & Rifugio Locatelli
After the rockslide, we passed a tunnel carved straight into Monte Paterno (Paternkofel), part of the network soldiers dug into this mountain during World War I, when the front line ran right through here. A little farther on, we reached Rifugio Locatelli, the best rest stop of the day, with the classic view of the north faces right outside. This is where most hikers stop for lunch and photos, so expect company.
The Climb Back Out
From Locatelli, the trail back to the parking area drops past the Langalm hut and then climbs steeply for what felt like forever. This is where the elevation gain catches up with you. We were grateful to be done and even more grateful to sit down.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Rifugio Stops
Every Tre Cime di Lavaredo rifugio on the loop doubles as a bathroom stop, a snack stop, or a place to sit down, and sometimes all three. Chris and I packed our own food, so we only needed one real break, but it helps to know where each one is before you start.
Rifugio Auronzo
This is the trailhead rifugio at the parking area, and your last easy stop for a while. Along with toilets, it has a cafeteria-style room where we grabbed chocolate croissants before starting the hike.
Rifugio Lavaredo
The first rifugio on the loop sits along the gravel road, a short, easy walk from Auronzo. We passed right by since we were still fueled up, but it’s a good stop if you’re only doing the short out-and-back trek.
Rifugio Dreizinnenhütte (Rifugio Locatelli)
This was our main rest stop and the most popular one on the loop, thanks to the view of the three north faces right outside. It goes by two names, Dreizinnenhütte in German and Rifugio Locatelli in Italian, so don’t be confused when trail signs switch between them. Expect a crowd at lunchtime.
Langalm Hut
Langalm sits at 7,490 feet (2,283 m) on the far side of the loop, just before the long climb back to the parking area. It’s an alm, a traditional mountain hut that serves food, not a full rifugio. By the time we reached it, we were ready for a snack and a restroom, but the lines were so long that I talked Chris into skipping it and pushing on. Pack extra snacks so a long line doesn’t decide for you.
Best Photo Spots on the Tre Cime Loop
The whole loop is photogenic, but a few spots stood out. These are the ones worth slowing down for, in the order you’ll reach them.
- Lake Misurina — your first look at the south side of the peaks, reflected in the lake on a calm day. Stop on the drive up.
- Cappella degli Alpini — the small white chapel with the south faces towering behind it. Photo tip: Add a person in the frame for scale.
- Past Rifugio Lavaredo — the moment the north faces come into view. Everyone stops here, so step off the trail to avoid the crowds.
- The tunnel windows in Monte Paterno — my favorite shot of the day. The WWI tunnel openings frame the three peaks like a picture window.
- Rifugio Locatelli — the classic postcard view of the north faces, with the rifugio and its chapel in the foreground—Chiesetta Alpina.
- Laghi dei Piani from above — the turquoise lakes look best from the trail above them, before you hike down.
- Grazing cows — keep an eye out for cows near the trail. With mountain peaks behind them, they make an instagrammable shot nobody plans for.
Camera Gear Basics
Keep your camera handy—beautiful moments pop up everywhere. What’s in my camera bag? Check out my favorite photography equipment.
- No DSLR? Your iPhone works too — the best camera is the one you have with you.
- Camera body — Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III (grab-and-go) or Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (if you want to learn manual mode).
- Lens — Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (“Nifty Fifty”) is inexpensive, sharp, and great for portraits.
- Camera Clip — The Peak Design Clip attaches to a backpack strap so the camera isn’t hanging off your neck all day.
- Small Tripod — The GorillaPod has flexible legs that wrap around railings or branches, no need to haul a full tripod.
- Wireless Remote — A wireless remote lets you be hands-free.
Tips for Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The Tre Cime loop isn’t technical, but it’s long, busy and has more climbing than most people expect. These are the things I’d tell a friend before they go.
- Book parking early — reservations sell out weeks ahead in summer, and you can’t book at the booth.
- Train in advance — Chris and I spent our weekends hiking in Colorado before the trip, which made the climb back to the parking area much more manageable.
- Start early — you’ll beat the worst of the crowds at the viewpoints and give yourself time for add-ons like Laghi dei Piani. If you have a choice, choose the earliest reservation in the day possible.
- Bring coins — many of the WCs charge €1 per person.
- Pack your daypack with snacks and plenty of water — rifugio lines can be long, especially later in the day.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes — the loose scree on the rockslide and side trails is no place for sneakers.
- Use hiking poles — they help on the steep climb back to the parking area and on loose gravel.
- Layer up — it’s cooler at 7,000+ feet, and the weather changes quickly in the Dolomites. Pack a rain jacket, light jacket, and maybe even a puffy vest.
- Be mindful of the sun — wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. There’s almost no shade on the loop, and UV is stronger at altitude.
- Know your comfort with heights — the main path is wide and easy, but the upper trail is narrow with steep drop-offs.
Once you’ve checked Tre Cime off your list, here are a few more things to do in the Dolomites.
Italy Quick Facts
- Official Language: Italian
- Capital City: Rome
- Population: 58.9 million
- Currency: Euro (€ or EUR)
- Power Outlet: Type L (3 round prongs) is standard and Type C (2 round pins)
- Emergency Number: 112
- Drive on the: Right side of the Road
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike?
The classic loop from Rifugio Auronzo is about 5.5 miles (8.8 km) and takes 2.5-5 hours at an easy pace. Adding side trails such as Laghi dei Piani and the route around Sasso di Sesto can stretch it to 9+ miles (15 km) and closer to 6 hours.
Is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike difficult?
The main loop is moderate. It follows a wide gravel road and well-marked paths, with most of the effort in the climb back to the parking area. Narrower upper trails and side routes add steep sections, loose scree and exposure to heights.
Do you need a reservation to park at Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
Yes. In summer, a car needs an online reservation to drive the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo. Tickets cost €40 per car and are valid for 12 hours from the booked arrival time. Reservations often sell out weeks in advance, and there’s no internet at the booth for booking on the spot.
How do you get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo without a car?
Dolomiti Bus line 31 runs from Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo in about 20 minutes, and Shuttle 444 connects the Dobbiaco/Toblach train station to the trailhead from late May to mid-October. Buses from Cortina d’Ampezzo connect through Misurina.
When is the best time to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
Late June through September is the most reliable window, when the toll road and rifugi are open and the trails are mostly free of snow. July and August are the busiest months, so early starts help avoid the crowds.
Where can you eat on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike?
Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte) and the Langalm hut all serve food and have restrooms. Lines can be long in peak season, so packing snacks and water is a smart backup.
Where is the best view of Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
The classic view of the three north faces is near Rifugio Locatelli. The WWI tunnel windows in nearby Monte Paterno frame the peaks for one of the most unique photos on the loop.
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Tre Cime Is Worth Every Step (Even the Sketchy Ones)
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike lives up to every photo you’ve seen, and then some. Book your parking early, pick the trail that fits your nerve, and leave time for the lakes if your legs allow. I may not repeat those five steps of faith, but I’d go back for that view through the tunnel window in a heartbeat.
Before you lace up, grab my free Dolomites Hiking Packing List so you don’t end up on an exposed ridge wishing you’d packed something warmer. It covers everything Chris and I carried on the trail, from layers to snacks for when the rifugio lines get long.
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