Three Peaks Wonder
Mason O'Donnell
| 25-05-2025
· Travel team
Located in northern Italy, the Three Peaks Lavaredo (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) is the most iconic natural feature in the Dolomites.
Three huge limestone peaks stand like guardians above the valley, attracting climbers, photographers and nature lovers from all over the world. If we are looking for an alpine adventure that combines hiking, scenery and culture, this is the ideal place.
How to get to Three Peaks? Detailed explanation of transportation methods
We can choose the following ways to get to the Three Peaks area (Rifugio Auronzo is the main entrance):
Self-driving (recommended)
- About 45 minutes drive from “Cortina d’Ampezzo”
- About 50 minutes drive from “Dobbiaco”
- Driving requires passing a private mountain road (starting from Misurina)
Tolls (charged by vehicle, including parking):
- Car: about $37 USD/day
- Motorcycle: about $22 USD/day
- Take a shuttle bus: $15–20 USD round trip
Public transportation
- During the summer (June to October), you can take a bus from Dobbiaco, Cortina and other places to Rifugio Auronzo (reservation is required in advance)
Opening hours and best travel season
- Mountain trails and mountain huts are open from mid-June to mid-October every year, depending on the snow cover
- Best time: July to September, when the climate is mild, mountain flowers are in full bloom, and photos are the best
- Not recommended in winter: mountain trails are closed, dangerous, and cannot be hiked
Recommended hiking routes and difficulty
Tre Cime Loop
- The total length is about 10 kilometers, and the average time is 3-4 hours
- Starting point: Rifugio Auronzo, passing Rifugio Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli along the way
- Difficulty: Medium, suitable for general physical fitness, can be completed with complete hiking shoes
Professional climbing routes
- If we have experience in climbing, we can choose to try Via Ferrata or traditional rock climbing routes. It is recommended to be accompanied by a guide
Recommended photography spots
- Forcella Lavaredo Pass overlooks the panoramic view of the three peaks
- Locatelli The reflection of the mirror lake behind the mountain house
Cost and accommodation reference
The hike itself is free, but the following items need to be paid:
Rifugio Auronzo / Lavaredo / Locatelli Mountain House
- Lunch or dinner: $18–25 USD
- Bed in dormitory: $55–90 USD (including breakfast)
- Hot drink or dessert: $5–10 USD
Nearby accommodation (Misurina, Dobbiaco, Cortina)
- Economy hotel: $80–100 USD/night
- Mid- to high-end mountain hotel: $120–180 USD/night
Practical tips
1. Go up to the mountain one day in advance to avoid crowds and mountain road congestion
2. Bring hiking shoes, windbreaker and warm layers, even in summer, it is cooler in the morning and evening
3. Water sources are scarce, please bring your own water bottle (1-2L) and high-calorie dry food
4. It is recommended to download offline maps (such as Komoot or Maps.me)
5. If you need to take photos of sunrise/sunset, please check whether the mountain hut accepts early morning departures
Is it suitable for family or light hiking?
Absolutely suitable! There are almost no cliffs along the Three Peaks Trail, and some children (over 7 years old) can complete it smoothly. As long as we prepare the right equipment, there are rest points and mountain huts along the way to stay. It is a family route that takes into account both safety and scenery.
A day of dialogue with the mountains is worth remembering for a lifetime
Three Peaks Lavaredo is not only a visual feast, but also a journey that purifies both body and mind. Here, we feel the tranquility of the plateau, the fresh air, and regain our awe of nature. If the Alps are the backbone of Europe, then the Three Peaks are the most upright heartbeat. Are you ready? This mountain adventure is waiting for us to set off.
Best Destination in the Dolomites - Three Peaks of Lavaredo
Video by Phantom2Pilots