Cinque Torri – A Lesson in Beauty Among Towers and Clouds
BY ALEX
5 MIN READ
LAST UPDATE
JUL 12, 2025
Cinque Torri – A Lesson in Beauty Among Towers and Clouds
You see them in photos, you long for them, you dream about them—and when you finally get there, you wonder if it’s real, if it’s just a perfect illusion. Cinque Torri is that kind of place: where beauty gathers impossibly in one single spot, and you feel blessed to be part of that magic, even if just for a few hours.
This was our second hike in the Dolomites, right after Seceda. I’d been waiting for this moment for a long time, eager to step onto the narrow paths, to see the dramatic ridgelines and cliffs, and to become one with the lace-like stone surrounding us.
📍 Trail Information
Trailhead: Col Gallina
Distance: 9.6 km (loop)
Duration: 3h 45 min
Elevation gain: 600 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Min. Elevation: 1974 m
Max. Elevation: 2575 m
Trails: 419, 441, 439, 440, 424
Best time to hike: June – October
Route: Col Gallina Parking – Lago di Limedes – Forcella Averau – Rifugio Averau – Rifugio Scoiattoli – Cinque Torri – Pian dei Menìs – Col Gallina Parking
Cinque Torri
🗺️ Trail Description
Col Gallina
The trail begins at Col Gallina, located along Passo Falzarego (SR 48). You can park directly across from Ristorante Grill da Strobel. We waited nearly half an hour here for the rain to stop the forecast promised clearer skies around 10:00, and once it opened up, we set off.
Lagazuoi
Lagazuoi
Col Gallina to Lago di Limedes (25 minutes)
From the southern end of the parking area, follow trail 419 toward Rifugio Averau, Rifugio Nuvolau, and Lago di Limedes. The path climbs gently through a larch and stone pine forest. Follow the red-white trail markers to stay on track.
After passing a cave and some ruins, the forest gives way to a wide alpine meadow. To the north, the majestic silhouettes of Lagazuoi, Col dei Bos, and Tofana di Rozes dominate the skyline.
Lago di Limedes
Lago di Limedes to Forcella Averau (50 minutes)
From Lago di Limedes, continue on trail 419 along the northern side of the lake, heading toward the square-shaped Monte Averau (2649 m). The trail gradually becomes steeper and rockier, eventually leading through a rugged chute and a final steep ascent to the saddle between Monte Averau and Croda Negra.
Just as we reached Lago di Limedes, the rain returned. We threw on our 3-in-1 jackets and rain covers for the backpacks. Higher up, snow appeared intermittently on the trail—but soon, a long steep snow-covered slope blocked our way. Fortunately, someone before us had made steps in the snow; without those, we might have had to turn back.
Even Snow had a challenge here, climbing over a large boulder. While trying to help him up, I suddenly dropped knee-deep into a hidden snow pocket—only saved by rocks beneath. That moment showed us just how thick the snow still was in this area. Eventually, we guided Snow up safely and carried on.
Forcella Averau – Rifugio Averau (15 minute)
From Forcella Averau (2435 m), trails 419 and 441 merge. Follow trail 441 toward Rifugio Averau. The trail wraps around the southern wall of Monte Averau, with increasingly open views toward Monte Pelmo, Monte Cernera, Monte Civetta, and the Pala Group.
Although the refuge was closed when we arrived, we found shelter on the terrace—just enough time to dry off a little and wait out the worst of the weather.
From here, the trail connects with route 439 to ascend to the Nuvolau Ridge and its summit crowned by historic Rifugio Nuvolau (2575 m), one of the oldest in the Dolomites. We opted to continue toward Rifugio Scoiattoli.
Rifugio Averau – Rifugio Scoiattoli (25 minute)
The path from Averau to Scoiattoli continues for another 25 minutes. Despite the snow still clinging to the ski slopes nearby, the trail is well-trodden.
Just before reaching Scoiattoli, there’s a fork—our loop route continued west on trail 440 toward Pian dei Menìs (more on that later).
And then it happened—out of nowhere, the clouds and rain began to part. The gloomy mist lifted, and there stood Cinque Torri, bathed in golden sunlight. It was the kind of moment that gives you energy to keep going, even when you’re cold and soaked. Ten minutes earlier, we were thinking about turning back. Now we were shedding jackets under a warm sun, energized by beauty.
Rifugio Scoiattoli – Cinque Torri (5 minute)
To reach the towers, take the short trail between the upper chairlift station and Rifugio Scoiattoli.
The Grande Torre is the tallest, rising to 2361 m. It features three peaks and is a favorite for climbers. The remaining towers are:
Torre Seconda (Torre Romana)
Terza Torre (Torre Latino)
Quarta Torre (twin summits)
Quinta Torre (Torre Inglese)
Together, these five towers form one of the most iconic landscapes in the Dolomites. You need to see them in person to truly believe how surreal they are.
Nearby is the M5 trail—an open-air museum honoring Italian soldiers who fought in WWI against Austro-Hungarian forces. Trenches, bunkers, artillery shelters, observation posts, and wooden barracks have been reconstructed. Informational panels (in Italian, German, and English) provide rich historical context.
Visiting this open-air museum is free of charge, with information panels displaying passages from historical archives in three languages: Italian, German, and English.
If you’re ever in the Dolomites, Cinque Torri is a landmark you shouldn’t miss—and even though we’ve already seen it once, we hope to return there someday.
Rifugio Scoiattoli – Pian dei Menìs – Col Gallina (1 oră 15 minute)
From Scoiattoli, descend along the gravel road. Trail 440 breaks off to the right, following beneath the chairlift until it intersects with the Monte de Potor trail (2264 m). Keep right, descending a slope scattered with dolomite boulders.
As you pass below the treeline, the trail becomes steeper and reinforced with wooden barriers. It levels out again near the Pian dei Menìs meadow, where you’ll cross a small bridge and follow trail 424 across the wetlands.
From there, the trail gently ascends through the forest until you reach the Col Gallina parking area.
🌄 Points of Interest
The stunning Lagazuoi–Col dei Bos–Tofana di Rozes massif
Lago di Limedes – a mirror of sky between the larches
Forcella Averau – views toward Monte Averau and Croda Negra
Rifugio Averau & Rifugio Scoiattoli – scenic terrace stops
Cinque Torri – iconic Dolomites rock formation
M5 War Museum – WWI history in open air
🎒 Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
3-in-1 jacket + rain cover
Trekking poles (very useful on snow)
Water, high-energy snacks
Camera + drone (if permitted)
🗝️ Tips & Tricks
Verifică mereu prognoza – vremea se schimbă rapid!
Echipament adecvat pentru zăpadă, chiar și la început de vară.
Alege o zi senină dacă vrei imagini cu Cinque Torri în toată splendoarea.
Vizitează muzeul – merită 30 de minute în plus!
✅ Conclusion
Cinque Torri isn’t just a photography destination—it’s a lesson in beauty, history, and resilience. If you’re hiking in the Dolomites, put it on your list. I know I can’t wait to return.
▶️ Watch the vlog on YouTube: here
📸 See the full photo gallery: here
With light,
Alex Gabor
jurnalulf56.com
🌲 Let your steps and your gaze rise. That’s where the real silence begins.
