4.8
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23,575
hikers
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
03:25
10.0km
340m
Hiking
Embark on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop, a moderate hiking route that immerses you in the dramatic scenery of the Dolomites. As you hike, you'll witness panoramic views of jagged limestone peaks and rugged valleys, with the iconic Three Peaks constantly changing their appearance. The trail offers a particularly striking perspective of their famous northern faces from Forcella Lavaredo. This well-defined loop covers 6.2 miles (10.0 km) and involves an elevation gain of 1101 feet (335 metres). Most hikers complete it in about 3 hours and 25 minutes, making it a rewarding half-day adventure. Along the way, you will pass several mountain huts, with Rifugio Locatelli offering a privileged viewpoint of the Tre Cime.
To plan your visit, consider that this trail is located within Tre Cime Natural Park. While specific details on trailhead access, parking, or permits are not provided here, it is always wise to check local regulations before you go. Ensure you are prepared for a moderate hike, bringing appropriate gear and sufficient water. Checking weather conditions beforehand is also recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
This route is considered one of the most popular trails for experiencing the Dolomites, drawing hikers from around the world. Its consistent dramatic scenery and the opportunity to see the iconic Three Peaks from multiple angles make it a standout. The geological formations of the jagged limestone peaks are a defining feature of the region, offering a unique natural environment to explore.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
204 m
Auronzo Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
907 m
View of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.92 km
Lavaredo Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Tip by
4.67 km
Rifugio Antonio Locatelli – View of Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Highlight • Mountain Hut
28.06. – 28.09.2025
Mountain hut hosts:
Pintossi Angelo family
WhatsApp: +39 389 9076228
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Tip by
7.63 km
Source of the Rienz River
Highlight • River
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Tip by
10.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.04 km
4.35 km
575 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
7.34 km
2.15 km
283 m
231 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,420 m)
Lowest point (2,180 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 7 May
7°C
1°C
43 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop?
The full Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop typically takes around 3.5 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views or visit the rifugios. The trail itself is about 10 kilometers long.
Is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop is generally considered an easy to moderate hike. While it's non-technical and well-maintained, there are some segments with noticeable ascents and descents. Hikers should be reasonably fit, and be aware that the average altitude is around 2,300 meters (7,500 feet), so acclimatization might be beneficial for some.
Where does the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop start, and what are the parking options?
The most common starting point for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop is Rifugio Auronzo. You can reach it via a toll road from Misurina. There's a large parking area at Rifugio Auronzo, but it fills up quickly, especially during peak season. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Misurina or Cortina d'Ampezzo directly to Rifugio Auronzo.
What is the terrain like on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop?
The trail primarily consists of compact gravel paths, but you'll also encounter rocky mountain paths and alpine meadows. While generally well-maintained and non-technical, conditions can vary, especially after rain. Expect a mix of slight inclines and declines throughout the loop.
What are the notable landmarks and viewpoints along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop?
The main highlight is the close-up experience of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo themselves, offering changing perspectives throughout the loop, including the famous northern faces from Forcella Lavaredo. You'll also pass several mountain huts like Rifugio Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli, which offers a privileged view of the Tre Cime. Other sights include the Cadini Group and serene alpine lakes.
What is the best time of year to hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop?
The best time to hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop is from late June to early October when the trails are typically snow-free. September often offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months of July and August.
Is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are generally permitted on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop, but they must be kept on a leash. Be mindful of other hikers and any livestock you might encounter. Always carry enough water for your dog, especially on warmer days.
Are there any entrance fees or permits required for the Tre Cime Natural Park or the trail?
There is no specific hiking permit required for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop itself. However, if you drive to Rifugio Auronzo, you will need to pay a toll fee for the road leading up to the rifugio, as it is within the Tre Cime Natural Park. This fee typically covers the day for your vehicle.
Are there places to get food and water along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop?
Yes, there are several mountain huts (rifugios) located directly on or very close to the loop, including Rifugio Auronzo (the common starting point), Rifugio Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli, and Malga Langalm. These rifugios offer opportunities for rest, food, and drinks, so you don't need to carry all your supplies for the entire hike.
Can I extend or shorten the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop?
Yes, the trail offers flexibility. You can shorten it by hiking only a portion, for example, to Rifugio Lavaredo and back. You can also extend your hike with detours to places like the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint or by exploring some of the World War I caves and tunnels in the area.
Is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop suitable for families with children?
For active families, the loop is generally suitable. Parts of the trail, specifically up to Rifugio Lavaredo, are even accessible with a stroller. For the full loop, children should be comfortable walking for several hours on varied terrain. The presence of rifugios makes it easier to take breaks.
What should I bring for a hike on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop?
Even on a day hike, it's wise to bring sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing (weather can change quickly), rain gear, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a small first-aid kit, and a camera. While rifugios offer food and water, carrying a water bottle is always recommended.
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Trail Reviews
Wonderful hike from the Auronzo hut. At this time of the year it's also completely overcrowded. You have to be early, the last piece is a toll road up to 2300m. There is a very large car park there, but it is full by 8.30 a.m. in the valley at the latest, then nothing is possible except biking (would also be something without a dog, quite steep but nice) or of course on foot. In terms of landscape, there is not much to add to the photos.... the hike itself is quite easy, on the way there are 3 huts which are of course very well visited in midsummer.
We circumnavigate the battlements counter-clockwise. From the Dreizinnenhütte we climb over the Alta Via No. 4 down and on the other side back up to the Langalm. Wonderful place to stop with delicious cake and cold drinks. All organic. And the battlements so close. Continue to the Auronzo hut, check the bus timetable for tomorrow. Back to Rifugio Antonio Locatelli/S. Innerkofler - Dreizinnenhütte. We can't get enough of this panorama. The arrow on the photo shows the Toblinger nodes, this morning's via ferrata.
The classic...... by car to the Auronzo hut (30 euros toll) and then walked anti-clockwise. We were already at the hut at 7:10 a.m. so as not to join the procession. 😂😂 Now in August, this hotspot is totally overcrowded from 9 a.m. at the latest (Italy is on vacation). If, like us, you get there very early, you're one of the first and everything is fine. For me it is one of the most beautiful hikes so far. You don't even know where to start looking, just gorgeous. 😍😍😍
As someone so beautiful said today, if you build a highway high in the mountains, you don't have to be surprised if there are so many people there. It is impressive to walk around the Three Peaks, but also frightening how crowds are smuggled through here like in an amusement park. If you still have to take part, there aren't many alternatives. We were at the parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and even earlier would be even better to be able to snap the battlements with even less backlight. P costs 30€ for cars, we walked the way counterclockwise like almost everyone. It's still an experience and the sun is really hot up there. Paired with a cool wind not to be underestimated. Apply lotion and take a jacket with you. Maybe we'll do the ascent from Sexten to the Dachsteinhütte, that would be an alternative, but then it's no longer enough for a circumnavigation (at least for us), but it might not even be necessary. The view from there is quite fine. stay clean
Finally, we did it 🙂 we have been planning to circumnavigate the Drei Zinnen 🗻🏔⛰ for 3 years now. The bad word with C... always intervened 🥴 This morning at 3 our alarm clock ⏰ rang and there was a good reason for that, because we wanted to experience the Drei Zinnen at sunrise 🌄 🤗 said done at 5 a.m. we are then at the parking lot 3 degrees arrived, we thought it was pretty cold. Whether that was the right decision 🤭 but there are the right clothes 🤗 In any case, getting up early was worth it 🥰 we were all alone until about 9 a.m. and had the mountains and peace all to ourselves 🙂 Fantastic, we have enjoyed it and I couldn't stop taking pictures 🤭🤣 after seven hours we arrived back at the parking lot. It was exhausting but so beautiful🥰highly recommended if you're in the area.👍👍👍
Wonderful hike around the 3 peaks. 🥰🗻🦫 Unfortunately I forgot to complete the tour in time via Komoot😊
We decided to take the shuttle bus from Sexten. Journey time 1 hour. The parking lots can be overcrowded and you have to put up with long waiting times in the area in front of the parking lot at a certain time. With the shuttle bus we had to pay a little more than the toll for the mountain road alone of 30€, but we were glad that we as a bus could simply drive past the queue and thus start our tour earlier. Of course we weren't alone. Crowds of tourists visit this hotspot every day. However, you shouldn't complain if you're part of it yourself. Not true? After having made the strenuous path up to the battlements and reached the circular route, the viewer was offered a breathtaking view of the landscape with many well-known peaks all around. We stretched the circular route to almost 10km by visiting the Dreizinnenhütte. In the end we were well served, as the sun and some hard inclines demanded one or the other spring.
Nice excursion to a place that you have to go to at least once.