Tre Cime di Lavaredo – Three Giants, One Unforgettable Day
BY ALEX
5 MIN READ
LAST UPDATE
AUG 22, 2025
Tre Cime di Lavaredo – Three Giants, One Unforgettable Day
The day we hiked to Tre Cime di Lavaredo was, without a doubt, one of the most anticipated of our entire Dolomites adventure. In photos, they seem almost unreal in their perfection. Standing before them, all you can do is stay silent and take it all in.
We set off early in the morning towards Rifugio Auronzo, filled with excitement. This time, I was joined by Snow, my faithful companion on every journey. I was surprised to find a large amount of snow still lingering near the towers. At one point, I stood next to a wall of snow towering far above my 1.73 m height—a reminder of how heavy the previous winter had been.
📍 General Trail Information
Starting point: Rifugio Auronzo (2,333 m)
Distance: ~10 km (loop)
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Elevation gain: ~400 m
Difficulty: Easy – moderate
Max altitude: 2,450 m
Trail markers: CAI 101 and 105
Recommended season: June – October
Car access: Online parking reservation required for Rifugio Auronzo (no reservation = no access)
Tre Cine di Lavaredo
🗺️ Trail Description
The classic route starts from Rifugio Auronzo, following CAI 101 along the southern face of the three towers. The scenery is breathtaking right from the start—on the right, the sheer walls of Cima Ovest; on the left, deep valleys painted in cool, dramatic shades.
Rifugio Auronzo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo in ceata
Bisericuta de pe traseu
After about an hour, we reached Rifugio Lavaredo, perched on a saddle offering a unique perspective of the massif. From here, the climb to Forcella Lavaredo begins, leading to the most iconic viewpoint of Tre Cime. This is a scene you see everywhere in photos, yet nothing compares to being there in person.
Rifugio Lavaredo
Forcella Lavaredo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
We paused here for photos and a quiet moment—the kind of silence that speaks directly to the soul.
Forcella Lavaredo
Monte Paterno
Continuing along CAI 105, the path becomes wilder, with narrow trails and rocky sections, until we reached Rifugio Locatelli. This spot is perfect for a lunch break with a near-theatrical view of Tre Cime.
Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Cadini di Misurina. We were tired, the daylight was fading, and we decided to save it for another trip and yes, we will be back.
Rifugio Locatelli
Eu, Giulia si Snow
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Pauza de somnic
Grija la zborul cu drona
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Prieteni pe viata
Forcella Lavaredo
🌄 Points of Interest
Forcella Lavaredo – most famous viewpoint over the towers
Rifugio Locatelli – unique views + perfect for sunset photography
Lago Pian di Cengia – small glacial lake, ~30 min detour
June snow – a striking contrast against the lush green valleys
Logo di Misurina
Logo di Dobbiaco
Logo di Dobbiaco
🎒 Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Windproof jacket + rain cover
Trekking poles (for gentle ascents and snow patches)
Water and snacks
Camera + drone (check no-fly zones)
🔑 Tips & Tricks
Book parking online in advance for Rifugio Auronzo.
Avoid weekends—it’s one of the most crowded spots in the Dolomites.
Early morning or late evening offer the best light and fewer crowds.
If visiting Cadini di Misurina, allow at least 2 extra hours.
✅ Conclusion
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is more than a destination it’s an experience. A place where the mountains show their grandeur in silence, leaving you with nothing to do but admire them. It’s one of those days you live fully, and when you leave, you know you’ll be back.
▶️ Watch the vlog on YouTube: here
📸 See the full photo gallery: here
With light,
Alex Gabor
jurnalulf56.com
🌲 Let your steps and gaze rise. Up there, true silence begins.
