Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
Also known as: Drei Zinnen
The three iconic towers (Drei Zinnen) from every angle, Rifugio Locatelli, WWI relics, Paternkofel
The route
The line through Dolomites (Sesto), Italy - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Late Jun-late Sep (rifugi and lifts open); Jul-Aug busiest
Frequent afternoon thunderstorms in summer - start early; sudden cold, and snow lingers on the highs into early summer
Golden-hour light on the north faces of the Tre Cime; larch colour in autumn
Roughly late Jun-Oct snow-free; the toll road closes in winter. Confirm.
On the trail
Gravel mountain paths, some rocky sections, alpine meadow
Non-technical; wide paths with big-mountain scenery; no fall exposure on the standard loop
Excellent; obvious well-signed circuit
Most reasonably fit walkers and families; high starting altitude means it is walkable by many; not wheelchair
Marmot, chamois, ibex, alpine chough; golden eagle overhead
Larch and pine forest lower, then alpine pasture, edelweiss and gentian, and bare dolomite rock
Very busy in summer - go early or late; the reservation system caps road traffic
Out-and-back to Rifugio Locatelli for the classic three-peaks view; add the Paternkofel ferrata; anticlockwise vs clockwise
Getting there & staying
Rifugio Auronzo (2,320 m) via the paid Misurina toll road, or by bus
Toll road ~EUR 40 in summer with a MANDATORY online time-slot reservation (via the Auronzo municipality site since 2025); seasonal buses. Confirm.
Rifugi Auronzo, Lavaredo and Locatelli on the loop for meals/overnights
Layers, sun protection, water; refill at rifugi; reasonable phone coverage
Rifugi with food and toilets; large car park at Auronzo
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
No hiking permit; the cost is the toll-road access with its required online reservation
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Afternoon storms at altitude, crowds and parking; book the toll-road slot ahead
Short loop near rifugi; dial 112
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.