Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: The Loop from Rifugio Auronzo, Toll Road, Buses and Huts (2026)

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is a loop around the most famous peaks in the Dolomites. It starts and ends at Rifugio Auronzo and follows wide, well-marked trails and passes three mountain huts. However, the real planning is in the access. You face a booked toll road, seasonal buses and huts that close one by one in fall, so this guide covers all three.

Last updated: September 26, 2026

Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike at a glance

The three peaks are Cima Grande, Cima Ovest and Cima Piccola, part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the wider region, including which base to choose, see our guide to Dolomites tours. Also, if you would rather hike with a guide, start with our comparison of two Dolomites hiking tours.

The loop route, step by step

The local tourist board lists the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike as 8.8 km on trails 101 and 105. It also gives about four hours and about 550 m of climbing, and rates the walk as easy. That is according to its route page (checked September 2026). In practice, “easy” means you need no climbing skills. Still, you walk at over 2,300 m, so allow extra time for photos and breaks.

Rifugio Auronzo to Rifugio Lavaredo

First, from the parking area at Rifugio Auronzo, follow the wide track east. It runs almost flat along the south side of the peaks. Then, after a small chapel, you reach Rifugio Lavaredo at 2,344 m. However, this first stretch is the busiest, so start early if you can.

Forcella Lavaredo to Rifugio Locatelli

Next, the trail climbs to Forcella Lavaredo, the pass where the north faces suddenly appear. Then it traverses to Rifugio Locatelli at 2,405 m, the highest hut on the loop. In fact, this is the classic view of the three peaks from the north, and also a natural lunch stop.

Back to Rifugio Auronzo on trail 105

Finally, from Rifugio Locatelli, descend and follow trail 105 around the west side of the peaks. Here the path drops into a meadow valley, then climbs back up to Forcella Col di Mezzo. After that, it is a short walk back to Rifugio Auronzo. As a result, many hikers find this last climb the hardest part, because it comes at the end.

Driving to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike: the toll road

First, the toll gate stands near Lago d’Antorno, just above Misurina, where a 6 km road climbs to Rifugio Auronzo. According to the Auronzo tourist site (checked September 2026), car access is allowed only with an online booking. The fee is about €40 for a car, about €26 for a motorbike and about €60 for a camper. Also, the permit is valid for 12 hours from your entry time.

In general, the road opens from late May to late October, weather permitting. As a result, it closes in winter, when the area becomes snow terrain. So, if you are renting a car, read our guides to driving in Italy and car rental in Italy before you book.

Getting there by bus

For the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, the bus is often the easier choice, because you skip the booking and the parking fee. In short, there are two main options:

• From Misurina (Dolomiti Bus). The Dolomiti Bus shuttle page says the daily service returned on May 30, 2026 (checked September 2026). It runs from Misurina via Lago d’Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo, with trips from 7:40 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. The ticket costs about €10 per person and is valid for the day. The shuttle also connects with line 50 from Auronzo and line 51 from Cortina.
• From Dobbiaco (line 444). In 2026, line 444 runs from Dobbiaco to Rifugio Auronzo from May 31 to October 11. However, you must book and pay online in advance, according to the official line 444 booking site (checked September 2026). As a result, plan ahead: an adult round trip costs about €22.

Also, Dobbiaco has a train station in the Val Pusteria, so you can combine rail and bus. For how Italian trains work, see our guide to trains in Italy.

Huts on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike

Three huts, or rifugi, sit on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike. Each rifugio is a staffed mountain hut that serves hot food and often has beds. Rifugio Auronzo stands at 2,333 m. The local section of the Italian Alpine Club, CAI Auronzo, runs it, according to the hut’s website (checked September 2026).

Meanwhile, these closing dates come from the Auronzo tourist site (checked September 2026). In short, from late September you should carry your own lunch and water, because fewer huts are open.

When to do the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike

• Early summer (June). The road and buses are running, but snow can linger on the north side in some years. So check conditions before you go.
• High summer (July and August). All huts are open and the days are long. However, crowds peak, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains.
• Early fall (September to mid-October). The air is clear and the crowds thin out. Still, huts close one by one, and line 444 stops on October 11.
• Late October to May. The toll road closes and the loop becomes snow terrain. Therefore, this is only for experienced winter hikers or guided groups.

Similarly, for the season across the country, see our guide to Italy in fall. And if you return in December, pair the mountains with the Bolzano Christmas market.

Safety and what to pack

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is easy for the Dolomites, but it is still a high mountain walk. Above all, the weather can change within an hour. Here is what to plan for:

• Start early. For example, summer storms often build in the afternoon, so aim to finish by early afternoon.
• Wear hiking shoes. The trails are wide, but loose gravel on the descents is slippery in sneakers.
• Bring layers. Also, the passes are windy and much colder than the valley, even in August.
• Carry water and snacks. Above all, this matters in fall, when huts close.
• Know the emergency number. In Italy, dial 112 for any emergency, including mountain rescue.

Also, stay on the marked trails. Shortcuts erode the slopes. In addition, the side paths up toward the peaks lead to climbing terrain.

Going with a guide

You do not need a guide for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike itself. Even so, a guided day solves the two hardest parts: transport and timing. For example, a guide can handle the toll road booking and choose a quieter direction around the peaks. In addition, a certified mountain guide is essential for anything beyond the loop. That includes a via ferrata, a protected climbing route with fixed cables. For hikes in other parts of Italy, see our guide to Cinque Terre hiking.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike tours and other Dolomites experiences

If you want someone else to sort out the logistics, then these experience pages on our site can help. Each lists prices and ratings read on Viator:

• Dolomites hiking tour comparison: two Dolomites hiking tours compared side by side.
• Dolomites day trip from Venice: a long day from the city, so check which area it visits.
• Prosecco Hills wine tour from Venice: a gentler day in the hills on the way to the mountains.

For more ideas, browse our day trips from Venice, the Veneto travel guide and the experience finder.

To build this hike into a longer trip, see our Dolomites itinerary, which pairs Tre Cime with Cortina, Braies and Val Gardena.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike: frequently asked questions

How long is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike?

The local tourist board lists the loop from Rifugio Auronzo as 8.8 km and about four hours. It also climbs about 550 m, so add time for breaks and photos.

Do you need to book the toll road to the Tre Cime?

Yes. Car access to the Rifugio Auronzo parking area is allowed only with an online booking. In September 2026 the fee was about €40 for a car, valid for 12 hours.

Can you do the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike without a car?

Yes. A Dolomiti Bus shuttle runs from Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo in summer. In addition, line 444 runs from Dobbiaco from May 31 to October 11, 2026, with online booking required.

Is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike hard?

The local tourist board rates it as easy, on wide, marked trails. However, it is at over 2,300 m, and the climb to Forcella Col di Mezzo at the end is steep.

When do the huts close?

In 2026 Rifugio Locatelli closes on September 27 and Rifugio Lavaredo on October 11. Rifugio Auronzo then stays open to the end of October, weather permitting.