Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina: One-Day Hiking Itinerary
Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. These outdoor activities involve inherent risks, and conditions may change. I am not responsible for any injuries, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information. Undertaking these activities without proper experience, equipment, or a qualified guide can be dangerous. Always assess your skill level, check local conditions, and proceed at your own risk.
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I’m a member of several Dolomites travel Facebook groups, and I often see people asking the same question: “Can I visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina in one day?” And the simple answer is YES!
In this short guide, I’ll explain how to plan your visit to these two iconic Dolomites locations, and share with you my recommended hiking itinerary.
Where are Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Cadini di Misurina?
Both Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina sit in the same region of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Italy, between the towns of Misurina, Sexten/Sesto and Toblach/Dobiacco.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen)
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen in German) are three iconic, towering limestone peaks located in the Sexten (Sesto) Dolomites, straddling the border between the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Veneto regions. They’re one of the most photographed and recognizable formations in the Dolomites.
Cadini di Misurina
Cadini di Misurina is a dramatic, jagged mountain group located just south of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, near Lake Misurina. It’s known for its sharp spires and the now-Instagram-famous Cadini viewpoint. When most people mention wanting to visit Cadini di Misurina, they are typically referring to the viewpoint, rather than the mountain group itself (although they offer epic hiking trails too).
Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina Hiking Route
The easiest way to visit these two iconic locations in a single day is to start from Rifugio Auronzo, which sits at the top of a toll road, just a short drive from Misurina.
Once at Rifugio Auronzo, you can hike to both locations easily. My recommendation is to first hike to the viewpoint for Cadini di Misurina, as this is closest to the parking.
The trail for the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint isn’t officially marked, but it’s very easy to find. When you’re standing with your back to Rifugio Auronzo, the trail is directly in front of you, going south. It’s not hard to spot, as you’ll see many other people hiking the same way.
Local tip: It’s not uncommon to wait in line for up to an hour for the famous Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. If you are not bothered about having that exact photo, you can also take amazing photos of the Cadini group from the hillside just above the famous viewpoint, without needing to wait in line.
Once you’ve been to the viewpoint, you simply turn around and walk back the way you came. You can either walk all the way back to Rif. Auronzo, or take the trail which joins the main circular hike once you get closer to it.
While you will always have views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the most recognizable perspective is from the north side. Most people walk across to Rif. Locatelli (Drei Zinnen Hütte) to take their photos, with the optional stop along the way at Rif. Lavaredo.
Once you reach the far side, you’ll have great views back to the north faces of Tre Cime di Lavaredo (where you see the big vertical rock walls). From here, you can return the way you came. But if you’re able, I highly recommend hiking the full loop, via the Tre Cime Lakes and the Langalm (see map below).
Can I drive to Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
It is possible to drive to Rifugio Auronzo, the start of the hike for Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina. The drive takes around 45 minutes from Cortina d’Ampezzo or Dobbiaco/Toblach. However, just past Lake Antorno, on the road up to Rifugio Auronzo, the road becomes a toll road. In previous years, you could just drive up on the day, pay €30 for the toll, and continue to Rif. Auronzo. But in 2025, the toll road and parking area at Rif. Auronzo now operates a pre-booked slot system.
How does the parking for Tre Cime di Lavaredo work?
To pre-book your parking for Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you need to visit this website. You will be asked to choose your date and time, enter your vehicle registration, and pay the toll/parking fee (this was €40 for 12 hours).
When you pre-book, you have to choose an entry time. While you cannot enter before your entry time, you can enter afterwards. However, you must enter and leave within 12 hours of the booked entry time; otherwise, you will be required to pay a penalty fee upon exit.
If you are hiring a car, and don’t know your vehicle registration yet, you can add a different registration plate and change the information up to 24 hours before your booking starts.
Getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo by public Transport
If you’re trying to travel more sustainably, and use public transport as much as possible, then you’ll be happy to know that you can also reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo by bus.
From Toblach/Dobbiaco Train Station: During the summer season (approx. May – October) bus 444 runs from the railway station in Toblach/Dobbiaco to Rifugio Auronzo. The shuttle bus must be booked and paid online in advance.
From Cortina d’Ampezzo: From Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can take the Dolomiti Bus to Rifugio Auronzo.
From Misurina: It is also possible to take the Dolomiti Bus from the bus stop “Misurina Genzianella”, close to Lake Misurina. There is a large paid parking area close to this bus stop.
Alternative Hiking Routes to Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Cadini di Misurina
If you’re not afraid of a slightly longer hike, then an alterative route that I can highly recommend is to reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal instead. This route has more elevation gain and distance, so it’s more suited to experienced hikers who are a bit quicker on the trail. You’ll get your first views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo when you reach Rifugio Locatelli/Drei Zinnen Hut. From here, you can choose to hike towards Rifugio Lavaredo and Auronzo, or you can complete the full loop, before returning back the way you came up. You’ll still be able to see the Tre Cime and Cadini in one day, but it will feel more like an adventure than simply driving up. Or for those who want to make the fun last even longer, consider staying in one of the many mountain huts in the area, and make it a two-day adventure.
