Region: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, San Candido / Sesto — Sexten Dolomites, Italy
Places To Stay: To hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you can stay in Dobbiaco, San Candido, Sesto or slightly further away you have Cortina d’Ampezzo. There are also plenty of rural villages where you can stay and various types of hotels, B&B’s or hostels in the Veneto region. Looking for more Dolomites trails? Head to my ‘Dolomites Hiking Guides‘ page to see hiking routes in the different regions and.
This is the classic Tre Cime di Lavaredo walk, the one most people picture when they think of the Dolomites. By driving, or taking the shuttle bus, up to Rifugio Auronzo, you start high in the mountains and keep the walk to a very manageable circular route while still enjoying breathtaking views for almost the entire hike.
The trail circles the famous Three Peaks on wide, well-maintained paths, passing some of the best rifugi in the Dolomites and some of the region’s most iconic viewpoints. There are no technical sections, making it accessible to most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness, although the altitude and steady climbs still provide enough of a challenge to make it feel like a proper mountain day.
It does get incredibly busy, especially during the summer months, but as soon as you leave Rifugio Auronzo and the towering north faces of Tre Cime come into view, it’s immediately obvious why this has become one of the most famous walks in the Dolomites and a bucket-list hike for so many people.
If you’re planning to explore more of the Dolomites, there are plenty of incredible walks nearby. The Alpe di Siusi Panorama Loop offers a completely different experience, with rolling alpine meadows and spectacular views of Sassolungo and Sassopiatto, while the Cinque Torri Circular Walk combines dramatic limestone towers with fascinating First World War history. You can also browse all of my Dolomites hiking guides for more walking routes, GPX downloads and inspiration for your next adventure.
Below are a few ideas for day tours and transfers around San Candido, with GetYourGuide offering great discounts and easy booking + a huge amount of options in the Dolomites area.
For a wider choice of accommodation in the Dolomites, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
Getting There: Directions, GPX and Map
Start/Finish: Rifugio Auronzo car park (Tre Cime toll road)
- By car: Drive up the Tre Cime toll road from Lago d’Antorno (fee payable, card/cash accepted). Parking is right at Rifugio Auronzo.
- By bus: Seasonal buses run from Misurina / Lago d’Antorno up to Rifugio Auronzo, useful if you don’t want to drive.
- GPX: Download the GPX file here.
- Follow this route on my Outdooractive and Komoot profiles.
- Avoid the early start – find accommodation in Dobbiaco
Travel Data: I use eSIMs to stay connected — quick setup and no roaming faff. Sim Local has been solid in Italy/Europe with good prices and coverage.
Hike Profile
- Distance: 9.37km / 5.82 miles
- Duration: 4–5 hours with stops
- Ascent/Descent: ~583.5m / 1912ft
- Highest Point: 2,451m
- Difficulty: Moderate, sometimes loose terrain on the paths, but season depending as snow can be thick in Spring.
- Terrain: Well-worn pathways most of the way around, good walking shoes are a must.
Route Overview (Clockwise from Rifugio Auronzo)
| Section | From → To | Path | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rifugio Auronzo → Forcella dei Campanili | T2 | Easy, gently rising path with instant views |
| 2 | Forcella dei Campanili → Rifugio Locatelli | T2 | Classic Tre Cime scenery, busy but stunning |
| 3 | Rifugio Locatelli → Rifugio Lavaredo | T1 | Flatter, relaxed section beneath the peaks |
| 4 | Rifugio Lavaredo → Rifugio Auronzo | T1 | Final stretch back to the car park |
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Hike Description
Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, it’s difficult not to stop almost immediately. The views are incredible in every direction, and unless you’re racing to beat the crowds, it’s well worth taking a few minutes to simply soak it all in before setting off. From here, the wide trail gently climbs away from the car park, with the unmistakable north faces of Tre Cime beginning to dominate the skyline almost straight away.
The walk follows broad, well-made paths towards Forcella Lavaredo, where the scenery really begins to open up. Looking back, you’ll already have fantastic views across the surrounding mountains, but as you crest the pass the full grandeur of the Three Peaks and the Sexten Dolomites comes into view. Despite this being one of the busiest walks in the region, the trail is wide enough that it rarely feels crowded, even when plenty of people are stopping to admire the views or grab another photo.
Continuing on towards Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte) is one of the highlights of the entire circuit. Most people take a break here, whether that’s for lunch, coffee or simply to sit outside and enjoy one of the finest mountain panoramas in the Dolomites. It’s also worth spending a little extra time exploring the nearby First World War tunnels and caves, which provide both a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history and one of the most photographed viewpoints of Tre Cime. Just be prepared for a short wait if you’re hoping to capture the famous cave photograph.
Leaving Locatelli behind, the route continues beneath the southern side of the Three Peaks. The crowds begin to thin slightly, giving the walk a more relaxed feel as the trail undulates across open alpine terrain towards Langalm before reaching Rifugio Lavaredo, which makes an ideal final refreshment stop before the last stretch.
From Rifugio Lavaredo it’s a gentle climb back towards Forcella Lavaredo before retracing the final section to Rifugio Auronzo. As the car park comes back into view and the towering cliffs of Tre Cime slowly disappear behind you, it’s easy to understand why this circular walk has earned its reputation as one of the most iconic hikes anywhere in the Alps.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.
I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.
Places to Stay in the Dolomites – My Picks
I’ve put together a few guides to make choosing a hotel in the Dolomites easier. If you’re after a romantic break, I’ve found some cosy hideaways. If it’s hiking that’s front and centre, I’ve rounded up the best hotels with trails right from the door. There are also ski-in ski-out favourites, family-friendly bases, and hotels with those wow-factor mountain views or even hot tubs to sink into after a long day.
- Most Romantic Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels for Hiking in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Ski-In Ski-Out Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Family Friendly Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels with Mountain Views in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in the Dolomites ⇢
Places to Stay in Cortina
For a wider choice of accommodation in the Dolomites, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
Recommended Stays
Right in the centre of the famous ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the 4-star Hotel De La Poste is set in an early 19th-century building. It features 2 restaurants and free WiFi throughout.
Parc Hotel Victoria is a great hotel to relax in Cortina, the staff are ready to help at all times and are very friendly. It is located very close to the promenade, shops and restaurants in Cortina, and simple access to the buses.
Practicalities
- Parking: Access to the Rifugio Auronzo car park is seasonal and now requires an advance online reservation. For summer 2026, the published car price is €40 for a 12-hour booking, although prices and arrangements should always be checked before travelling.
- Public transport: Seasonal buses run towards Rifugio Auronzo from locations including Auronzo, Dobbiaco/Toblach and Cortina, making it possible to complete the walk without driving. Tickets and timetables should be checked in advance.
- Start early: Tre Cime is one of the busiest walking areas in the Dolomites. An early start gives you quieter trails, more time at Rifugio Locatelli and a better chance of completing the loop before afternoon weather develops.
- Food and drink: Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Locatelli and Rifugio Lavaredo provide seasonal food and refreshments. Carry water regardless, and bring some cash because card facilities can occasionally be unreliable in the mountains.
- Footwear: Good walking shoes or trail shoes are suitable in dry conditions. Lightweight hiking boots offer more support on the rougher and looser sections, particularly following rain.
- Weather: The route remains above approximately 2,169m throughout, so conditions can change quickly. Carry a warm layer and waterproof protection even when the valley forecast looks settled.
- Families: The paths are generally straightforward and there is no scrambling, but the complete route includes approximately 584m of ascent. It is best suited to active children already comfortable with several hours of mountain walking.
- Best season: Late June to late September normally provides the most reliable hiking conditions, although snow can remain into summer and the access road can close during poor weather.
- Navigation: The main circuit is well signposted and heavily walked, but several trails meet around Rifugio Locatelli and Forcella Lavaredo. Downloading the GPX for offline use is still recommended.
- Caves and viewpoints: The well-known cave viewpoint near Rifugio Locatelli involves a separate short climb from the main trail. Allow extra time and expect queues during busy periods.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo FAQs
How long is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo circular walk?
How long does the Tre Cime circuit take?
How much ascent is involved?
What is the highest point of the walk?
Where does the Tre Cime walk start?
Do I need to reserve parking at Rifugio Auronzo?
Can I reach Rifugio Auronzo without a car?
Is the Tre Cime circular walk suitable for beginners?
Is the Tre Cime walk suitable for children?
Which mountain huts does the route pass?
Does the route visit the famous Tre Cime caves?
Can the Tre Cime loop be walked in either direction?
Is Tre Cime di Lavaredo very busy?
Are dogs allowed on the Tre Cime walk?
When is the best time to walk Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
Is the walk worth doing despite the crowds?
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