Nature
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also called the Drei Zinnen, are three distinctive battlement-like peaks, in the Sexten Dolomites of northeastern Italy. They are one of the best-known mountain groups in the Alps. The three peaks, from east to west, are:Cima Piccola / Kleine Zinne Cima Grande / Große Zinne Cima Ovest / Westliche Zinne.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen) are three sheer rock towers rising abruptly from a high alpine plateau in the Sexten Dolomites. Their squared-off silhouette is one of the most recognisable in the Alps, and the main draw is walking the loop trail around their base, which gives changing views of the three peaks from every angle without requiring technical climbing.
Getting there
There is no direct public transport to the trailhead. Most visitors drive up a toll mountain road to the Rifugio Auronzo car park, which sits already at altitude below the peaks; this drive from the valley takes roughly 30-45 minutes. In summer, shuttle buses also run up to this car park from nearby villages such as Misurina, avoiding the need to drive the toll road yourself.
Time to allow
The classic loop around the base of the three peaks, passing Rifugio Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli, takes about 3-4 hours at a walking pace, including stops for photos. Add extra time if you plan to detour to a viewpoint or refuge for a meal.
When to go
The trail is a summer and early autumn hike; it is closed or unsafe in winter/snow conditions. It gets busy in July and August, especially midday around the car park and the first stretch of trail, so an early start gives quieter paths and better light.
Nearby
The hike naturally passes close to Paternkofel (1.5 km) and the Rienz river valley (1.8 km). With more time, the jagged Cadini group (4.6 km) and Zwölferkofel (4.1 km) make good additional viewpoints or longer walks in the same area.
Sources: open data from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap · Updated August 5, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
