Tre Cime di Lavaredo: A Perfect Day Trip Guide with Cadini di Misurina & WW1 Tunnels (with 2025 updates)
Welcome to the Dolomites! Visiting the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," is one of the most breathtaking day trips from Cortina d’Ampezzo. Adding in the historical WW1 tunnels along the Tre Cime loop and the nearby Cadini di Misurina lookout makes it even more memorable. This guide will help you plan the best routes, hikes, and timing based on my personal experience exploring these trails!
Tre Cime in June 2024
Getting to Tre Cime: Transport Options
Shuttle Bus From Cortina d’Ampezzo
Step 1: Take Bus 445 from Cortina d'Ampezzo, Olympiastadion to Dürrensee. Service usually begins around 8:30 AM and runs every 2 hours.
Step 2: From Dürrensee, hop on Bus 444 to Rifugio Auronzo. This shuttle departs every 30 minutes during high season. Online reservation is required.
Cost: €22 roundtrip (more information below)
Important: The last shuttle returns around 6:25 PM, so staying for sunset isn’t feasible unless you plan to hike or arrange alternative transport.
Dolomiti Bus From Cortina d’Ampezzo
Step 1: Take Dolomiti Bus Line 51 from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Misurina Genzianella. Service usually begins around 7:55 AM and runs every 2 hours.
Step 2: From Misurina Genzianella, hop on Dolomiti Bus Line 50 to Tre Cime rif. Auronzo. This bus departs every 30 minutes during high season.
Cost: Around €4.
Important: The last shuttle returns around 6:00 PM, so staying for sunset isn’t feasible unless you plan to hike or arrange alternative transport.
✅ You can tap and go using a contactless credit or debit card.
Shuttle Bus From Dobbiaco
From 31st May to 12th October 2025, take the Tre Cime Shuttle 444 by SüdtirolMobil.
Departs from Dobbiaco train station and ends at Rifugio Auronzo.
The bus departs every 30 minutes during operating hours.
📄 Timetable: View the 2025 schedule (PDF)
Cost: €22 roundtrip.
Last return trip from Rifugio Auronzo is at 18:23, so plan your hike accordingly.
Advance reservation is mandatory via the 3-ZINNEN website. (Return journey must also be purchased in advance.) Tickets can be purchased from 27th May, 2025.
This direct route is ideal if you're arriving by train or bus and want a hassle-free experience without driving or parking stress.
Driving from Cortina
If you're driving from Cortina, take the SS48 and head toward Misurina, where you'll find the toll road leading up to Rifugio Auronzo.
Toll Fee
The toll is €40 per car, which includes the parking fee at Rifugio Auronzo and is valid for 12 hours. This fee must be paid online in advance via the official Auronzo tourist information website.
On-site payment will no longer be available starting in 2025.
The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo is only open from late May to late October, depending on snow and weather conditions.
Opening Times
The car park is open 24 hours.
Please note: The toll road is closed between late October and late May due to seasonal conditions.
Overnight Parking
Your ticket is valid for a 12-hour window, which can include overnight parking as long as it falls within your reserved time slot. If you plan to stay longer than 12 hours, be sure to either extend your reservation or purchase back-to-back tickets. Failure to do so may result in a penalty.
Extending Parking
You can extend your stay by purchasing additional 12-hour tickets, subject to availability.
Alternative Access
If the car park is fully booked, you may need to consider alternative ways to reach the starting point. Options include:
Hiking - 2 hours one way to Rifugio Auronzo
Public / Shuttle bus
Taxi
Cycling
For details on these alternatives, check out my other blog post: How to Get to Tre Cime if Driving isn’t an option.
Suggested Itinerary: Tre Cime, WW1 Tunnels & Cadini di Misurina
1. Start at Rifugio Auronzo
Once you arrive, either by car or shuttle, you’ll find yourself at Rifugio Auronzo with breathtaking views of Tre Cime. From here, start on Trail 101, which forms a loop around the Three Peaks. This loop can be completed in a half-day, allowing for additional exploration afterward if desired.
2. Morning Hike: Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop with WW1 Tunnel
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3.5-4 hours for the full loop, including the tunnel detour
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Follow the classic Trail 101 around Tre Cime for one of the most scenic hikes in the Dolomites. Along the way, you’ll pass by Rifugio Lavaredo, a popular rest stop for a quick snack. A highlight of the loop is the WW1 tunnel, located near Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte).
WW1 Tunnel Detour: This route takes you through historic wartime tunnels, giving you a peek into the region’s history. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for the tunnels, as they are narrow and dark in sections. Be prepared for some dampness in the tunnels, and bring sturdy shoes for this part of the hike.
Via Ferrata Information: Accessing the WW1 tunnels requires navigating a short via ferrata section. While it’s not technically difficult, some sections may involve scrambling and exposure, so it's essential to be prepared.
WW1 Tunnel Duration: 1-1.5 hours round trip from Rifugio Locatelli
After the WW1 tunnel exploration, return to Trail 101 and continue back to Rifugio Locatelli, where you’ll have amazing views of Tre Cime’s north faces.
My Experience: When I visited, we took a leisurely pace on the Tre Cime loop, taking in each new viewpoint. We marveled at the rugged peaks, got lost in the grandeur of the landscape, and spent more time than expected, leaving us without enough time to fully explore Cadini di Misurina. If you’re planning on additional hikes, aim to keep a steady pace to stay on schedule.
3. Lunch Break at Rifugio Locatelli
Rifugio Locatelli is a great place to stop for lunch, offering panoramic views and a selection of Italian dishes. Try their polenta or a bowl of warm soup, especially after exploring the tunnels.
4. Afternoon Hike: Cadini di Misurina Lookout
After lunch, head back toward Rifugio Auronzo and pick up the trail to Cadini di Misurina for a stunning lookout with panoramic views over the jagged peaks of Cadini. This trail is shorter but involves some steep sections and an exposed ridge, rewarding you with breathtaking photo opportunities.
Difficulty: Moderate, with some exposure
Duration: 45 minutes each way from Rifugio Auronzo (1.5 hours round trip)
Views: The lookout provides a dramatic, picture-perfect view over the Cadini peaks and is one of the most photographed spots in the Dolomites.
5. Prepare for Sunset at Rifugio Auronzo
If you’re driving, staying for sunset is a memorable way to cap off the day. After the Cadini di Misurina hike, head back to Rifugio Auronzo, where you’ll have time to relax before sunset.
Sunset Viewpoint: Walk a short way along Trail 101 for a stunning vantage point facing Tre Cime.
Sunset Timing: Plan to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before sunset to find a good spot and settle in for photos as the peaks turn shades of pink, gold, and purple.
Note: Temperatures can drop quickly in the evening, so pack layers to stay comfortable.
Evening Return to Cortina
After the sunset fades, it’s a 40-minute drive back to Cortina d’Ampezzo. The parking toll covers 12 hours, so you’re free to take your time. For those in campervans or cars, overnight stays inside your vehicle are common and generally permitted, offering the chance to catch the sunrise the next morning. However, camping outside your vehicle or setting up tents is not allowed within the park. Make sure to leave before the parking toll expires or extend it in advance (if availability allows), as overstaying will result in a penalty fee.
Seasonal Considerations
Be prepared for snow during the shoulder seasons of June and September/October. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s wise to check the weather and trail conditions beforehand.
While Tre Cime is undeniably beautiful, it can also be very crowded, especially during peak summer months. Arriving early can help you experience the area with fewer visitors.
Checkout this LIVE WEBCAM for Tre Cime trail condition.
Tips for Planning Your Day
Arrive Early: The car park opens at 6:00 AM, and arriving early will help you avoid potential waits and enjoy quieter trails.
Dress in Layers: Weather changes quickly at high elevations, so bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
Bring Essentials: Pack water, snacks, and a flashlight for the WW1 tunnel. A headlamp is helpful if you’re staying until after dark.
Stay Mindful of Time: The incredible views can be captivating, but keep track of the time, especially if you want to include Cadini di Misurina in your itinerary.
What to Bring for the Via Ferrata:
Helmet: To protect against falling rocks and accidents.
Harness and Via Ferrata Kit: These are necessary if you wish to use the cables for safety; some sections can be steep.
Flashlight or Headlamp: For exploring the tunnels, as lighting may be minimal inside.
Proper Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or approach shoes with good grip are recommended for stability.
Visiting Tre Cime was an unforgettable experience for us, but it’s easy to lose track of time at such a beautiful place. By planning your day with both Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina in mind, you’ll be able to take in even more of the Dolomites’ stunning views.
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