Three towering limestone obelisks, soaring nearly 3,000 meters into the sky of the Dolomites like a breathtaking monument sculpted by nature. These are the legendary Three Peaks of Lavaredo (in Italian, Tre Cime di Lavaredo), perched on the border between Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige.
While the world boasts higher peaks, few can rival the allure of the Three Peaks. As a symbol of the Dolomites, they stand as a spectacle like no other and are counted among Italy’s unmissable landmarks, alongside the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in Rome, and St. Mark’s Square in Venice.
Their striking beauty has made them so iconic that they have graced the big screen in Solo: A Star Wars Story, appeared in the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (in the thirteenth episode of the first season), and featured in video games like Far Cry Primal and WWI Isonzo. The Three Peaks even star in the logo of Forst beer.
For History buffs, it’s fascinating to know that between 1915 and 1917, these majestic peaks served as a frontline in the Italian theater of World War I. Today, visitors can still see remnants of that turbulent time, including trenches, tunnels, and barracks scattered across the landscape.
Renowned in the mountaineering world, the Three Peaks of Lavaredo draw adventurers from across the globe. Yet, you don’t need to be a seasoned climber to bask in their splendor. Easily accessible without the need for daring ascents or extreme feats, they are a beloved destination, with accommodations and services just a short distance away. However, a few important things are worth knowing before you embark on your adventure. This guide to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo offers everything you need to plan your perfect excursion.
What to See at the Three Peaks of Lavaredo
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo consist of three majestic peaks: Cima Grande (Big Peak), Cima Ovest (West Peak), and Cima Piccola (Little Peak, which also includes the smaller Punta di Frida and Cima Piccolissima). Cima Grande, the central and tallest of the trio, towers at 2,999 meters. It’s followed by Cima Ovest at 2,973 meters, and then Cima Piccola, standing at 2,857 meters.
The best way to truly appreciate these iconic peaks is by embarking on the Three Peaks Loop Trail (Giro delle Tre Cime), a scenic trail that circles the base of the mountains, winding through meadows and scree slopes with no strenuous elevation changes. Along the way, you’ll come across the Meridiana di Sesto, a remarkable natural wonder. This is the world’s largest stone sundial, formed by the towering peaks of the Sesto Dolomites. As the sun moves across the sky, these peaks cast shadows that indicate the time of day.
Hiking Trails Around the Three Peaks of Lavaredo
Hiking is one of the most popular activities, and it’s no wonder why. The trails offer unparalleled views of the peaks and the surrounding Dolomite landscape, making it a hiker’s paradise. There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from very easy to highly challenging, and with numerous route options, you can customize an itinerary to suit your preferences and abilities. Whether you prefer a day hike or a multi-day trekking adventure, the possibilities are endless.
- Three Peaks Loop Trail: This classic trail is a must-do for visitors. This 9.5-kilometer circular hike takes you around the base of the three peaks, offering stunning views from every angle. The trail is well-marked and typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. Hikers will be treated to panoramic views of the peaks, alpine lakes, and the rugged terrain that defines this stunning region. The route largely follows trails no. 101 and no. 105 and begins at Rifugio Auronzo. The turnaround point is Rifugio Locatelli, from where you can enjoy the best view of the Three Peaks. The loop trail is approximately 9.5 km long, divided as follows: from Rifugio Auronzo to Rifugio Lavaredo 1.7 km, estimated walking time 35 minutes; from Rifugio Lavaredo to Forcella Lavaredo 1 km, 25 minutes; from Forcella Lavaredo to Rifugio Locatelli 1.9 km, 45 minutes; from Rifugio Locatelli to Malga dei Pastori 2.8 km, 1 hour and 15 minutes; from Malga dei Pastori to Rifugio Auronzo 2.1 km, 40 minutes.
- Rifugio Locatelli Trail: For a more challenging hike, consider the trail to Rifugio Locatelli. This 6-kilometer hike takes you up to the Rifugio, a mountain hut located directly beneath the Three Peaks. The hike offers incredible views of the peaks and the surrounding valleys, and the hut is a great place to rest and enjoy traditional alpine cuisine.
- Drei Zinnen Hike: It’s a longer trail that takes you deeper into the Dolomites. This 14-kilometer hike offers a more immersive experience, with diverse landscapes ranging from alpine meadows to rocky outcrops. The trail provides stunning views of the Three Peaks as well as other notable peaks in the Dolomites.
Climbing the Three Peaks of Lavaredo
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Three Peaks are renowned for their challenging climbing routes. The peaks offer some of the most famous climbing routes in the Dolomites, attracting climbers from around the world. Mountaineering on these iconic peaks began in the 19th century, and since then, scaling their dramatic walls has become a coveted dream for countless climbers and free climbers.
Each of the Three Peaks features multiple equipped routes, many of which can be tackled free, adding up to over 25 ascents. The most renowned is the historic Normal Route on Cima Grande: it is considered relatively straightforward when undertaken in favorable conditions.
- Comici Route: One of the most celebrated climbing routes on Cima Grande. This route is known for its technical difficulty and spectacular views. Climbers should be experienced and prepared for a challenging ascent.
- Cassin Route: Another popular climbing route, which offers a mix of technical climbing and breathtaking scenery. This route on Cima Ovest is known for its historic significance and challenging nature.
- Normal Route: For a less challenging climb, the Normal Route on Cima Grande provides a rewarding experience with less technical difficulty. This route is suitable for climbers looking for a more moderate ascent.
Photography and Scenic Views
The Three Peaks of Lavaredo are a photographer’s dream, with their dramatic peaks and stunning landscapes providing endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking images. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a professional, the Three Peaks offer some of the most iconic and photogenic scenes in the Dolomites.
- Sunrise and Sunset Photography: The Three Peaks are particularly striking during sunrise and sunset. The soft light of the golden hour enhances the dramatic features of the peaks, creating perfect conditions for stunning photographs.
- Reflection Shots: Alpine lakes and streams around the Three Peaks provide opportunities for reflection shots. The calm waters often mirror the towering peaks, creating a captivating visual effect.
- Panoramic Views: The high vantage points along the hiking trails offer panoramic views of the Dolomites. Capturing wide-angle shots of the peaks against the expansive sky can result in breathtaking images.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Mountain biking is another exciting way to explore the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. The region features a range of bike-friendly trails that offer both challenging terrain and scenic routes.
- Panorama Trail: It’s a popular route for mountain bikers. This trail offers stunning views of the Three Peaks and the surrounding mountains, providing a thrilling biking experience.
- Alta Via 1: For a more demanding ride, the Alta Via 1 trail provides a challenging biking route with varied terrain. This trail offers a mix of uphill climbs and downhill descents, making it suitable for experienced bikers.
Winter Sports and Snow Activities
In winter, the Three Peaks of Lavaredo transform into a winter wonderland, offering a range of snow-based activities. The snowy landscape provides a different perspective of the peaks and a chance to enjoy winter sports. If you’re planning a winter vacation in Italy, consider also Livigno (the “little Tibet of Alps”).
- Snowshoeing: It’s a popular winter activity that allows visitors to explore the snow-covered trails around the Three Peaks. It’s a great way to enjoy the winter landscape at a leisurely pace.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Cross-country skiing trails are available in the region, offering a chance to experience the snowy terrain while enjoying a full-body workout.
- Alpine Skiing: Nearby ski resorts provide opportunities for alpine skiing, with slopes and facilities suitable for various skill levels.
Visiting Mountain Huts (Rifugi)
The Three Peaks of Lavaredo region is dotted with charming mountain huts where visitors can rest and enjoy traditional alpine cuisine. These huts offer a cozy retreat after a day of outdoor activities.
- Rifugio Auronzo: Located near the Three Peaks, it offers stunning views and a menu of delicious local dishes. It’s a great spot for a meal or a break during your hike.
- Rifugio Locatelli: Situated beneath the Three Peaks, it provides hearty meals and a warm atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to relax and take in the breathtaking surroundings.
Three Peaks Park: General Information
The Three Peaks of Lavaredo are part of the Three Peaks Natural Park, established in 1981 to safeguard the region’s rich environmental heritage. Spanning 11,891 hectares, the park was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
The park features a visitor center located within the elegant ex Grand Hotel Dobbiaco. It’s definitely worth a visit, as the center includes a fascinating multimedia museum. Here, you can marvel at breathtaking aerial views of the peaks, explore the unique rock formations and diverse flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the heroic stories of climbers and soldiers who once traversed these rugged terrains. Admission to the museum is complimentary.
Where to Stay at the Three Peaks of Lavaredo
The key huts for exploring the Three Peaks are Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Locatelli, Rifugio Pian di Cengia, and Rifugio Zsigmondy-Comici. Make sure to secure your accommodation in advance, as staying in a hut is a unique experience that may not suit everyone. These lodgings are basic but more comfortable than traditional mountain huts. Expect shared rooms, uncertain availability of hot showers, and potential booking challenges due to high demand. Additionally, some refuges accept only cash payments.
If you’re not an avid hiker and simply want to admire the iconic peaks without undertaking strenuous treks, consider staying in a comfortable hotel within driving distance. The best locations for accommodation include the towns of Misurina, Dobbiaco, Sesto, and Auronzo di Cadore. All of these areas offer a range of tourist-friendly options, including hotels, B&Bs, and vacation apartments.
Among them, Auronzo typically has the most affordable prices, while Misurina is the closest. Some hotels in these areas offer views of the Three Peaks. While you won’t have the peaks directly in front of you as you would at Rifugio Locatelli, you’ll benefit from private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, flexible breakfast times, and the convenience of credit card payments.
Visiting the Three Peaks of Lavaredo: FAQ
There are numerous ways to experience the Three Peaks, which can sometimes lead to confusion and questions. Here are answers to the most common inquiries.
Can you visit the Three Peaks of Lavaredo year-round?
Absolutely! The Three Peaks are a natural wonder with no fences or entrance fees, so you can explore them 24/7 throughout the year. However, as they are in a high-altitude environment, winter visits require careful planning. Be aware of shorter daylight hours, frigid temperatures, snow on the trails, and potential huts closures.
What is the best time to visit the Three Peaks of Lavaredo?
The ideal times are May, June, and early September, when you’ll enjoy long days, warm temperatures, and most huts will be open. July and August are peak tourist months and can be very crowded, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
Autumn is also a favorable period for visiting, with fewer crowds and sufficient daylight for day hikes. However, be prepared for cooler temperatures and the possibility that some huts may be closed or have reduced hours. In winter, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation: only a few experienced hikers brave the snowy trails, finding tranquility in the pristine beauty. If you’re ready for the cold and have the right gear, you can also experience this serene winter wonderland.
Is it better to visit the Three Peaks alone or with a guide?
Most visitors prefer to explore the Three Peaks of Lavaredo independently. The classic route does not require a mountain guide, as it is well-marked and free of technical challenges. However, having a guide can offer added reassurance. With a guide, you’ll not only traverse the area safely but also gain valuable insights into the mountains’ history, including the climbs, World War I anecdotes, and local legends and folklore. Guided tours can be booked online or through local tourist information offices.
Is the Three Peaks circuit suitable for everyone?
It depends on the route you choose. The classic loop, starting and ending at Rifugio Auronzo, is considered an easy trek, ideal for families with young children. It’s common to see hikers with child carriers or trekking strollers. The total elevation gain is modest (around 400 meters up and down), and the overall distance is manageable.
For those sticking to the less challenging routes, the trail follows a broad forest road that is mostly flat, with a gentle ascent between Rifugio Lavaredo and Forcella, and a slightly steeper but brief section near Rifugio Locatelli. The final segment narrows but remains easily navigable.
In contrast, the more demanding variants – such as the extended treks from the valley floor to the Tre Cime, the equipped trail from the peaks to Mount Paterno, the via ferrata starting from Rifugio Locatelli, and other trails marked with EE or EEA ratings – are of moderate to difficult levels and should be tackled only by experienced hikers in excellent physical condition.
In summary, the Three Peaks circuit is accessible to all, provided you select a route that aligns with your fitness level and hiking experience. It is generally safe but can pose challenges if approached without due preparation and appropriate gear.
Can you eat at the Three Peaks?
Certainly! All the huts along the route offer dining options. Most are open for both lunch and dinner (including the larger ones like Auronzo and Locatelli), though some may only serve lunch. The huts provide hearty mountain fare – simple but delicious. Although the menu choices might be limited, the quality is excellent, and the portions are typically generous, in true Italian fashion.
During the summer, wait times for meals can be quite lengthy, so plan accordingly. If you’d rather avoid sitting down for a meal, consider having a sandwich to enjoy outdoors. While there are refreshment points along the route, it’s wise to carry some snacks in your backpack. Hiking on an empty stomach is never ideal!
What should you wear for a hike at the Three Peaks?
The Three Peaks circuit takes place at altitudes between 2,200 and 2,400 meters, where conditions can change rapidly. Dress appropriately for high mountain environments. Wear sturdy trekking shoe – avoid sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops. Although it may seem obvious, many hikers still attempt the trails with inappropriate footwear.
Layer your clothing with technical, breathable, and quick-drying materials (essential if it rains). A hat to shield your head from the sun and a waterproof jacket are must-haves; depending on the season, you might also need a wool hat, neck warmer, and gloves.
Trekking poles are not essential but highly recommended, as they help distribute the physical strain across your legs and arms, reduce knee stress, and offer greater stability on descents. Follow these guidelines whether you’re embarking on a simple day hike or tackling a more challenging trek from the valley floor.