Guide · The classic loop

Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike: the loop step by step

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike everyone means is a loop of about 10 km from Rifugio Auronzo, round the back of the peaks and home again. Here is the route, the road you must book, and how a guide changes the day.

Check availabilityfrom $150 · free cancellation

Editorial team, dolomiteshikingtour.comUpdated October 25, 20266 minutes to read55 sources

The matching tour Guided Tre Cime loop from Misurina 4.9 (12 reviews) 5 hoursToll road to Rifugio Auronzo includedPick-up in Misurina from$150per person Check availabilityFree cancellation up to 24 hrs before

Quick answer

01The route: Rifugio Auronzo, Forcella Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli, Malga Langalm, back.¹ ²
02The numbers: About 10 km, about 400 m up, 3 to 4 hours.³
03Getting up: A booked road from Misurina, 40 euros per car in 2026.⁴ ⁵
04Best time: Late June to late September, with the huts open.⁶
05With a guide: Pick-up in Misurina and the toll road included.

The loop, from hut to hut

The classic circuit starts at Rifugio Auronzo, at 2,333 m and reachable by car, and follows path 101 east under the south faces.¹ After about 20 minutes on an easy path you pass Rifugio Lavaredo at 2,344 m, which looks straight onto the Spigolo Giallo of Cima Piccola, a climbing route graded VI+.⁷ ⁸

The path then rises to Forcella Lavaredo, at 2,454 m the highest point of the usual loop, and this is where the peaks suddenly line up side by side.¹ ⁹ From the pass you continue to Rifugio Locatelli, which sits opposite the north walls and gives the view that ends up on posters.⁹

From Locatelli the loop drops gently past the small lakes of the Piani towards Malga Langalm, at 2,285 m the last stop before the circuit closes at Rifugio Auronzo.² ¹⁰ Most of the climbing on this direction of the loop comes before Forcella Lavaredo, so the second half feels like a long, easy return with the north walls behind you.

On the trail

The loop in stages

Start

Rifugio Auronzo

At 2,333 m, end of the booked road.¹
20 minutes

Rifugio Lavaredo

At 2,344 m, below the Spigolo Giallo.⁷ ⁸
High point

Forcella Lavaredo

At 2,454 m, the peaks side by side.¹
North side

Rifugio Locatelli

The hut that faces the famous north walls.⁹
Way back

Malga Langalm

At 2,285 m, the last stop before the loop closes.¹⁰

Length, time and how hard it really is

The Municipality of Auronzo gives the classic loop as about 10 km with about 400 m of height difference, taking about 3 to 4 hours.³ It describes well marked trails without particular technical difficulty, and recommends the loop to families with children.¹¹

So the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike difficulty lies less in the terrain and more in the altitude and the weather. You walk the whole day high above the valleys, with Malga Langalm at 2,285 m the lowest hut on the loop; the air is thinner, the sun is strong and there is little shade.¹⁰ Weather at this height can change within an hour, which is why Cortina's tourism office advises starting early, when it tends to be more stable.¹²

The first stretch to Rifugio Lavaredo is a wide gravel track, the rest a mountain path over scree and grass. Allow time for stops: the municipality's 3 to 4 hours depends on your pace and a few stops, and a long lunch at a hut or a panoramic detour adds more.¹³ On a clear summer day the walking itself rarely feels hard; it is the long stops at the viewpoints that stretch the day, and that is part of the point.

Altitude

How high each point sits

Altitudes as the Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore gives them.¹⁴ ¹⁰ ¹ ⁷ ¹⁵

Weather in the valley

Month by month at Toblach / Dobbiaco

Month	Daylight (h)	Darkness (h)	High / low	Wet days	At the Tre Cime
Jan	8.9	15.1	0 / -9 °C	4	Snow, road shut
Feb	10.3	13.7	3 / -8 °C	4	Snow, road shut
Mar	11.8	12.2	8 / -4 °C	5	Snow, road shut
Apr	13.5	10.5	12 / 0 °C	8	Snow, road shut
May	15	9	17 / 4 °C	11	Road opens late
Jun	15.8	8.2	21 / 8 °C	12	From late June
Jul	15.5	8.5	23 / 9 °C	12	Busiest month
Aug	14.3	9.7	23 / 9 °C	13	Busiest month
Sep	12.6	11.4	18 / 5 °C	9	Quieter, huts open
Oct	11	13	12 / 2 °C	8	Huts closing
Nov	9.4	14.6	6 / -3 °C	7	Snow, road shut
Dec	8.6	15.4	0 / -8 °C	5	Snow, road shut

Highs, lows and rainy days of at least 1 mm are our own averages of the South Tyrol weather service tables for Toblach / Dobbiaco (1,219 m), 1991 to 2020, a valley station far below the trail; day length is calculated by us.⁵⁵ Season according to Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore.⁶

Ways up

Guide, bus or your own car

Misurina/Dolomites: Tour of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Road included

Guided loop

Pick-up in Misurina

Walk: 10 km, 400 m
Reviews: 12
Price: from $150

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No car needed

Bus or shuttle

Auronzo, Cortina, Dobbiaco

Shuttle 444: Mid-June to September
Busy months: July and August
Tip: Board early in Auronzo

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Most freedom

Own car

Booked road slot

Car: 40 euros
Ticket: 12 hours
Free cancel: Up to 5 days

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Your plan

Which way suits your day

Pick the line closest to your situation.

No car, short on time Car, flexible dates No car, travelling in August Fit and want a long day

Guided loop

The guide drives you up from Misurina and the toll is included.

Book the road

Cars get in with an online reservation; 40 euros in 2026.⁴ ⁵

Early bus from Auronzo

Misurina queues are long in July and August.¹⁶

Walk up from Val Marzon

About 960 m and four hours up to Rifugio Auronzo.¹⁷

The hike lasts about 3-4 hours, with about 400 meters of difference in altitude and a total distance of 9-10 km, on well marked trails and without particular technical difficulties.

Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Source 11

Getting up there: the booked road, buses or your feet

The road from Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo is about 6 km long and ends in a large car park under the south walls; the paid gate is about 3 km from Misurina.¹⁸ ¹⁹ Cars only get in with an online reservation, and in 2026 a car pays 40 euros, a motorcycle 26 euros.⁴ ⁵ The ticket runs 12 hours from your booked time.²⁰

Without a car, Dolomitibus runs to Rifugio Auronzo from Auronzo and Cortina, and shuttle 444 comes up from Dobbiaco station from mid-June to the end of September, with a reservation.²¹ In July and August the municipality advises against boarding in Misurina, where queues are long, and suggests an early bus from Auronzo instead.¹⁶

Strong walkers can skip the road altogether. From Val Marzon a quieter trail climbs to Rifugio Auronzo, about 960 m of ascent and four hours up.¹⁷ It turns the classic loop into a long, full mountain day.

Map

The Tre Cime loop, the Cortina hikes and the Alta Via 1

The guided loop around the Tre Cime from Misurina, the Cinque Torri and Lake Sorapis on the Cortina side, then the whole Alta Via 1 from Lago di Braies to Belluno.

Map of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo area with Misurina, Lago d'Antorno, Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Lavaredo, Forcella Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli, Malga Langalm and Rifugio Pian di Cengia — Tre Cime loop

Map around Cortina d'Ampezzo with Passo Tre Croci, Rifugio Vandelli at Lake Sorapis, the Cinque Torri huts, Rifugio Nuvolau, Passo di Giau and Rifugio Lagazuoi — Cortina side

Map of the Alta Via 1 from Lago di Braies past Rifugio Biella, Fanes, Lagazuoi, Nuvolau, Croda da Lago, Coldai, Vazzoler, Carestiato, Pian de Fontana and 7° Alpini to Belluno — Alta Via 1

1
Misurina
The village at 1,754 m where the guided Tre Cime tour of this site picks you up.¹⁴
In Google Maps ↗
2
Lago d'Antorno
The bookable road to the Tre Cime starts near this small lake; the paid gate is about 3 km from Misurina.¹⁹ ²²
In Google Maps ↗
3
Rifugio Auronzo
Start and finish of the classic loop, at 2,333 m, with the big car park at the end of the road.¹
In Google Maps ↗
4
Rifugio Lavaredo
About 20 minutes on foot from Rifugio Auronzo, at 2,344 m.⁷
In Google Maps ↗
5
Forcella Lavaredo
The pass at 2,454 m where the three peaks line up side by side.¹ ⁹
In Google Maps ↗
6
Rifugio Locatelli
The hut facing the north walls, the classic photo stop of the loop.⁹
In Google Maps ↗
7
Malga Langalm
At 2,285 m, the last stop before the loop closes at Rifugio Auronzo.¹⁰
In Google Maps ↗
8
Rifugio Pian di Cengia
A quieter hut at 2,528 m, reached on more demanding trails.²³
In Google Maps ↗
9
Cortina d'Ampezzo
The town the Cinque Torri and Sorapis hikes start from; about 30 minutes by car to Misurina.²⁴
In Google Maps ↗
10
Passo Tre Croci
Trailhead of path 215 to Lake Sorapis.²⁵
In Google Maps ↗
11
Rifugio Vandelli
The hut beside Lake Sorapis, at 1,926 m.²⁶
In Google Maps ↗
12
Rifugio Scoiattoli
At 2,255 m by the top of the Cinque Torri chairlift, where the 5 Torri tour starts.²⁷
In Google Maps ↗
13
Rifugio Cinque Torri
Opened in 1904, at the foot of the towers.²⁸
In Google Maps ↗
14
Rifugio Averau
At Forcella Averau, 2,413 m.²⁹
In Google Maps ↗
15
Rifugio Nuvolau
Built in 1883 at 2,575 m, the oldest hut in the Dolomites.³⁰
In Google Maps ↗
16
Passo di Giau
Start of the hike up to Rifugio Nuvolau.³¹
In Google Maps ↗
17
Rifugio Lagazuoi
At 2,752 m by the cable car from Passo Falzarego.³²
In Google Maps ↗
18
Lago di Braies
Start of stage 1 of the Alta Via 1.³³
In Google Maps ↗
19
Rifugio Biella
At 2,327 m, end of stage 1, usually open mid-June to mid-September.³⁴ ³⁵
In Google Maps ↗
20
Rifugio Fanes
End of stage 2 and start of the climb to Lagazuoi.³⁶ ³⁷
In Google Maps ↗
21
Rifugio Croda da Lago
End of stage 5 from Rifugio Nuvolau.³⁸
In Google Maps ↗
22
Rifugio Coldai
On stage 7 from Palafavera towards Rifugio Vazzoler.³⁹
In Google Maps ↗
23
Rifugio Vazzoler
End of stage 7.³⁹
In Google Maps ↗
24
Rifugio Carestiato
End of stage 8.⁴⁰
In Google Maps ↗
25
Rifugio Pian de Fontana
End of stage 10.⁴¹
In Google Maps ↗
26
Rifugio 7° Alpini
Start of the last stage down to Belluno.⁴²
In Google Maps ↗
27
Belluno
Where the Alta Via 1 ends, at 389 m.⁴³
In Google Maps ↗

Open the map in Google Maps

Packing

What the municipality says to bring

Wear and carry

Hiking boots for trekking
Layers with a wind and rain jacket
Water and a packed lunch
Hat, sunglasses and sun cream

Also useful

Cash for the huts
A map or GPS app
Your road booking
A plan without phone signal

Video

What to know before you hike the Tre Cime

No data goes to YouTube until you press play on this clip.

The guided Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike

The tour behind this site takes away the road question. The guide meets you in Misurina, drives you 15 minutes up the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo, and the toll is in the price. On foot it is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike of 10 km and 400 m, via Forcella Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli, returning over Forcella Col di Mezzo.

The duration label says 5 hours and the itinerary lists 6 hours of hiking, so think of it as a half day plus. The guide speaks English and Italian and explains the geology, the Great War on these slopes, the plants and the animals as you walk. It has 12 reviews with a rating of 4.93.

You bring a backpack, 1 litre of water, trekking shoes, a rain jacket and a phone, which the listing makes mandatory, plus your own food. Extras at the huts are not included. The price starts from $150, and cancelling costs nothing until 24 hours before the walk.

When to go, and when the huts close

The municipality names late June to late September as the best time, when the trails are free of snow and all the huts are open.⁶ July and August are the busiest months; the second half of June and September are quieter.⁴⁴ The road itself opens from late May to October, depending on snow and ice.¹⁹

Closing dates matter at the end of the season. In 2026 Rifugio Locatelli and Malga Langalm closed on 27 September, Rifugio Lavaredo on 11 October, while Rifugio Auronzo stayed open until the end of October, weather permitting.⁴⁵ ⁴⁶ ⁴⁷ In winter the road is closed to cars and the huts are shut.⁴⁸

The climate table on this page comes from the valley station at Toblach / Dobbiaco, far below the loop. Read it for the pattern of the year, not for the temperature at Forcella Lavaredo, which is a good deal colder.

The peaks you are walking around

The Tre Cime are three limestone towers on the border between South Tyrol and Veneto, inside the Tre Cime Natural Park and part of the Dolomites World Heritage Site since 2009.⁴⁹ ⁵⁰ Cima Grande reaches 2,999 m, Cima Ovest 2,973 m and Cima Piccola 2,857 m.¹⁵

Their climbing history is old: in 1869 the Viennese climber Paul Grohmann made the first ascent of Cima Grande.⁵¹ Today the climbers you watch on the walls are on routes like the Spigolo Giallo, while hikers stay on the paths below.⁸

For a higher view, the Innerkofler via ferrata climbs Monte Paterno from near Rifugio Locatelli, about 2 to 3 hours round trip, rated medium and only with via ferrata kit.⁵² That is a different outing from the loop, and a good reason to hire a mountain guide if you have never clipped into a cable.

Light, longer variants and a night up high

Light changes the walls more than any viewpoint. At dawn and at sunset the dolomite rock glows from pink to deep red, the effect locals call Enrosadira, and Rifugio Locatelli faces the north walls where that glow is easiest to watch.⁵³ ⁹ Seeing it means being up high early or late, which is easiest if you sleep there.

Several huts on and near the loop take overnight guests: Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli and Rifugio Pian di Cengia, with booking advised in high season.⁵⁴ Pian di Cengia, at 2,528 m, is quieter and reached by more demanding trails, and it is the base for the longer Giro dei Tre Rifugi.²³

There is also a guided evening option: a sunset and stargazing hike that meets at Rifugio Auronzo in the late afternoon, about 6 km and 250 m of ascent, ending with a telescope and a hot drink. It has no reviews yet, and you bring your own dinner.

Your Tre Cime day

Walk round the Tre Cime with a local guide.

Meet in Misurina, ride up the booked road and cancel free until 24 hours before.

See datesfrom $150 · free cancellation 4.9 · 12 genuine reviews

You ask,we answer.

How long is the Tre Cime loop?

About 10 km. The municipality gives about 10 km and about 3 to 4 hours from Rifugio Auronzo.³

How much does the Tre Cime road cost?

40 euros for a car in 2026. Motorcycles pay 26 euros; cars need an online reservation to get in.⁵ ⁴

Can I reach the Tre Cime without a car?

Yes, by bus or shuttle. Dolomitibus runs from Auronzo and Cortina; shuttle 444 from Dobbiaco in summer.²¹

Is the loop suitable for children?

The municipality says yes. It calls the classic loop one of the most accessible routes, with rest points and huts.¹¹

What is the highest point of the loop?

Forcella Lavaredo, 2,454 m. The pass on path no. 101 where the peaks line up side by side.¹

Does the guided tour include the road?

Yes, from Misurina. The guide drives you up to Rifugio Auronzo and the toll is in the price.

Can I sleep in a hut on the loop?

Yes, in several of them. Rifugio Auronzo, Lavaredo, Locatelli and Pian di Cengia take guests; book ahead.⁵⁴

Sources

Evidence for this guide

1
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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2
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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3
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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4
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Parking Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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5
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Parking Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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6
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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7
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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8
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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9
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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10
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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11
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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12
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Tips for experiencing the mountains
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13
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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14
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Misurina, the Pearl of the Dolomites
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15
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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16
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)How to get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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17
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)How to get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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18
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)How to get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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19
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)How to get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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20
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Parking Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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21
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)How to get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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22
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Parking Tre Cime di Lavaredo
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23
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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24
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Misurina, the Pearl of the Dolomites
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25
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)To Lago Sorapis
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26
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Rifugio Vandelli
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27
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)5 Torri tour
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28
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)To Rifugio Cinque Torri
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29
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Rifugio Averau
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30
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Rifugio Nuvolau
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31
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)To Rifugio Nuvolau
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32
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Ascent to the summit of Piccolo Lagazuoi
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33
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1
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34
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1 - Stage 1
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35
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1 - Stage 1
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36
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1
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37
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1
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38
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1
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39
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1
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40
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1
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41
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1
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42
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1
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43
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Alta Via N.1 - Stage 12
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44
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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45
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Mountain hut closures in Auronzo, Misurina and the Tre Cime: 2026 dates
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46
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Mountain hut closures in Auronzo, Misurina and the Tre Cime: 2026 dates
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47
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)Mountain hut closures in Auronzo, Misurina and the Tre Cime: 2026 dates
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48
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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49
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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50
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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51
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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52
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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53
Cortina d'Ampezzo tourism (Cortina Marketing)Dolomiti UNESCO
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54
Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (auronzo.info)The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, One of The Natural Wonders of Italy
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55
South Tyrol weather service (Province of Bolzano)Monats- und Jahresmittel der Minimal- und Maximaltemperatur, 41000MS Toblach / Dobbiaco, Station Toblach / Dobbiaco (Province of Bolzano 41000MS), 1991 to 2020
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Keep reading

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Lago di Sorapis hike: path 215, the ledges and a guided loop

Guided Tre Cime loop from Misurina 4.9 (12) · Free cancellation Often full 6 days before the date from$150 Check availabilityfrom $150 · payment later