Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop from the Rifugio Auronzo

What it is

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen) are three rock towers in the Sexten Dolomites, on the border between the Veneto and South Tyrol: the Cima Grande, at 2,999 metres, the Cima Ovest, at 2,973, and the Cima Piccola, at 2,857. The border runs right along their ridge since a treaty of 1752. They were the front line in the First World War, between 1915 and 1917, and their north faces are a legend of climbing.

The full loop around them is the best-known excursion in the Dolomites: a high-mountain circuit that requires no technique and shows you the three towers from every side.

The route step by step

• Distance: about 8.8 km.
• Ascent: about 550 metres cumulative.
• Time: 3 to 4 hours not counting stops.
• Difficulty: medium, because of the altitude and some climbs; the path is wide and well marked.

1. Rifugio Auronzo. You set off from the end of the toll road, on the south face of the towers. The first stretch is a wide track, almost flat, beneath the south walls.
2. Rifugio Lavaredo. With hardly any climbing you reach the second hut, at the foot of the Cima Piccola.
3. Forcella Lavaredo. A short, steeper climb takes you to the pass. Here the north face, the one in the photo, suddenly appears.
4. Rifugio Locatelli, optional. If you want to see the north face head-on, continue to the Rifugio Antonio Locatelli: it lengthens the loop and adds ascent, but it is the best view of the three towers together.
5. North and west faces. From the Forcella you go down through the meadows on the north side and round the Cima Ovest to the west.
6. Return to the Auronzo. A last climb takes you back to the starting point.

Getting there

• By car: from Misurina, along the toll road to the Rifugio Auronzo. In 2026 online booking was compulsory, with €40 per car, €26 per motorbike and €60 per motorhome. You have the details at Tre Cime toll road.
• By bus: shuttle 444 goes up from the Dobbiaco bus station to the Rifugio Auronzo. In 2026 it ran from 31 May to 11 October, with a prior return booking: when places run out, you can't go up. You have it at Dobbiaco bus 444.

When to go

From late May to October, when the road and the huts are open and snow has gone from the path. Start early: summer storms arrive in the afternoon and from mid-morning the path fills up. At dawn and dusk the light on the walls is something else; if you want to see them like that, sleep at the Rifugio Auronzo.

Water, food and warm clothing

On the loop you pass several huts where you can eat and drink, starting with the self-service at the Rifugio Auronzo. Even so, bring water and something to eat. You are above 2,300 metres: even if it is hot below, bring a windbreaker and a warm layer, a hat and sun cream, because much of the path has no shade.

With children and dogs

With children used to walking it is a great excursion: the first stretch to the Rifugio Lavaredo is almost flat and can be a short outing in itself. Dogs can do the loop; keep them on a lead, because in summer there are many people.

If the weather turns

If you see storm clouds building or hear thunder, don't go up to the Forcella: go back to the Auronzo the same way or take shelter at the Rifugio Lavaredo. In fog the path is still easy to follow, but you lose the view.