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Mountain · Cortina d'Ampezzo, Vêneto
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The three best-known rock towers of the Dolomites, up to 2.999 metres high, encircled by a trail that starts at Rifugio Auronzo, at the end of a toll road requiring a reservation.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Drei Zinnen in German, are three rock towers on the border between Veneto and Alto Adige. Cima Grande, in the center, reaches 2.999 metres; Cima Ovest, 2.973; Cima Piccola, 2.857. The north faces are among the classic climbs in the Alps.
Between 1915 and 1917, the Tre Cime were on the front line between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Trenches, tunnels and remains of shelters can still be seen on the slopes and on the nearby Monte Paterno.
The most used access is the toll road that starts near Lago d'Antorno, above Misurina, and climbs about 6 km to Rifugio Auronzo, at 2.333 metres. It generally opens from late May to early November and requires an online reservation with a time slot. From Auronzo, a wide trail circles the towers via Rifugio Lavaredo and the Forcella Lavaredo to Rifugio Locatelli, from where the three north faces are seen side by side.
The full circuit takes about 3 to 4 hours, with no technical sections, but at over 2.300 metres.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day, including the circuit around the towers.
Best time
From mid-June to September, when the trail is snow-free and the refuges are open. Arrive early: on July and August weekends the road permits fill up. At the start and end of the season there may be snow on shaded sections.
How to get there
From Cortina, about 35 km via Passo Tre Croci and Misurina to the toll near Lago d'Antorno; from there, 6 km to Rifugio Auronzo. The road requires an online reservation. In season there are usually scheduled buses to Auronzo: check times.
Tip
Book the road permit as soon as you have a date. Bring warm clothing, a windbreaker and water: the weather changes quickly at that altitude. Stay on marked trails, because many slopes contain war remnants.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Do you need to reserve to drive up to the Tre Cime?
Yes. The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo requires an online reservation with date and time in season, which usually runs from late May to early November.
Is the trail around the Tre Cime difficult?
It is moderate: about 3 to 4 hours, with no climbing sections, but with ascents and descents and altitude above 2,300 meters.
Where do you get the classic view of the Tre Cime?
From the north side, near Rifugio Locatelli, where the three faces appear side by side.
Can you go without a car?
Yes. In season there are usually buses that run from Misurina and Auronzo up to Rifugio Auronzo. Check schedules beforehand.