Hiking in Cortina d’Ampezzo: 4 Must-Do Hikes in the Dolomites
Planning an Italian Dolomites trip? This guide to hiking in Cortina d’Ampezzo covers the area’s best trails, lakes, viewpoints, and travel tips.
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If you’re dreaming of dramatic peaks, turquoise mountain lakes, and trails that feel like they belong on the cover of a travel magazine, hiking in Cortina d’Ampezzo deserves a top spot on your Dolomites itinerary.
After hiking in Ortisei, we had high expectations, and Cortina d’Ampezzo did not disappoint. From classic Dolomites postcard views to unforgettable lakes and trails, this area quickly became one of our favorite parts of the trip.
In this hiking guide, I’m breaking down four unforgettable hikes we completed during our stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Lago Federa via the Croda da Lago circuit, and Cinque Torri.
Cortina d’Ampezzo as a Base for Hiking in the Dolomites
Cortina d’Ampezzo sits at the heart of the eastern Dolomites in the Veneto region of northern Italy, and it earns its nickname, the “Pearl of the Dolomites.” This is a larger, livelier town than Ortisei, with a bustling town center lined with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and a mountain town energy that feels equal parts glamorous and authentically alpine.
Cortina is well-equipped for everything you need as a base camp for hiking in the Dolomites. Accommodations range from cozy mountain guesthouses to upscale hotels, restaurants cover everything from quick rifugio lunches to full evening dining, and gear shops are easy to find if you need to pick up any last minute supplies. It’s a town that takes both its hiking and its hospitality seriously.
After seeing the scenery for myself, it’s easy to understand why Cortina d’Ampezzo was chosen as a host venue for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
A rental car is strongly recommended here; unlike Ortisei where the gondolas do much of the heavy lifting, most of Cortina’s best hikes require driving to trailheads scattered across the surrounding valleys and mountain passes, most are reachable within 30-60 minutes by car.
We rented a car and loved having the flexibility to hike early, stop at scenic viewpoints, and explore at our own pace. If you’re still looking for a rental, I recommend comparing prices through Discover Cars.
Best Hikes in Cortina d’Ampezzo (Quick Guide)
These trails showcase the very best of hiking in Cortina d’Ampezzo and deserve a spot on your itinerary.
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo – One of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites around three dramatic peaks
- Lago Federa via the Croda da Lago Circuit – A hike through forests and alpine terrain leading to a stunning mountain lake and rifugio
- Lago di Braies – A lakeside trail around one of the most beautiful and photographed lakes in the Dolomites, known for its bright turquoise water
- Cinque Torri – A shorter hike featuring unique rock formations, panoramic mountain views, and fascinating World War I history
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike
There are iconic hikes, and then there is Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The three jagged limestone towers that make up Tre Cime are arguably the most recognizable peaks in the entire Dolomites…and standing at their base for the first time, it’s easy to understand why. It’s the kind of scenery that reminds you exactly why you planned this trip around hiking in the first place.
We hiked the full loop around all three peaks and added the Cadini di Misurina detour. We racked up miles that day and every single one of them was worth it.
Optional Side Quest: Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
If you’re already visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo, I highly recommend adding the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint to your day. This short detour leads to one of my favorite viewpoints in the Dolomites. Because of its proximity to the Tre Cime trailhead, this viewpoint is easy to combine with the Tre Cime loop.
The trail is relatively short, covering approximately 1.5–2 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain. While the hike itself is not particularly difficult, sections of the trail are narrow with steep drop-offs.
At the end of the trail, you will find an insane viewpoint overlooking the jagged Cadini mountain range. Bucket list, check!
Trail Stats & Route Overview
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop is one of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites, circling the famous three peaks that give the trail its name. You’ll hike past mountain huts, alpine meadows, and incredible viewpoints before looping back to the trailhead.
- Route: Full loop around Tre Cime + Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
- Trail Type: Loop with out and back detour
- Distance: ~6.2 miles for the main loop; add approximately 1–2 miles for the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
- Elevation Gain: ~1,300–1,640 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Est. Time: 3–4 hours for the loop; budget a full day if you’re adding the Cadini detour and taking your time
- Trailhead: Rifugio Auronzo parking area
Trailhead Parking & Getting There
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike begins at Rifugio Auronzo, which is reached via a seasonal toll road from Lago Misurina.
If you plan to drive, be sure to reserve your parking spot online in advance, as access is limited and reservations are linked to your vehicle’s license plate. Reservations often sell out well before peak summer dates, so I recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized. If you’re renting a car, you can typically update your reservation once you receive your vehicle’s license plate.
Since reservation policies, parking fees, and operating dates can change from year to year, be sure to check the latest information before your visit.
A Highlight of the Hike
While the Tre Cime loop is spectacular from start to finish, the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint ended up being the highlight of the day for us.
We visited the viewpoint before starting the main Tre Cime loop, and it couldn’t have worked out better. We had the entire viewpoint to ourselves for over an hour, giving us plenty of time to soak in the scenery and take photos from every angle.
I know Cadini di Misurina has become significantly busier in recent years, so we were incredibly lucky. Even if you have to share the viewpoint with other hikers, I still think the short detour is well worth adding to your day.
Trail Tips
- Book your Rifugio Auronzo parking slot well in advance (this is non-negotiable in peak summer months)
- Do the Cadini di Misurina detour (go first thing for the best chance at a quieter experience)
- Hike counter clockwise for the best morning light
- The trail starts at a high elevation (about 7,600 feet), so pace yourself and stay hydrated
- Trekking poles help on the rockier sections
- Budget a full day (between the loop, the detour, and stopping to actually soak in the views, you’ll want the time)
Lago di Braies Hike
If there’s one image that defines the Dolomites in everyone’s mind, it’s Lago di Braies. That impossibly turquoise water, the wooden rowboats, and the mountains…it’s the kind of view that looks almost too perfect to be real.
This is one of the most photographed spots in all of northern Italy, and while that comes with a reputation for crowds, the lake loop itself is an easy, relaxed walk that will take you away from the crowds.
Lago di Braies is also a starting point for multiple longer trails and multi-day treks, so if you’re looking for more of a challenge, you have options. We kept our day leisurely and simply enjoyed the lake, but it’s worth knowing this isn’t just a photo stop, there’s a lot more to explore if you have the time.
Trail Stats & Route Overview
- Trail Type: Loop
- Distance: ~2.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal (around 300–330 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Est. Time: 1–1.5 hours at a relaxed pace
- Trailhead: Starts right at the main lakefront viewpoint near the boathouse and Hotel Lago di Braies
- Season: Lake accessible year-round; loop trail may be partially closed in winter depending on snow and ice conditions
Getting There & Parking
Lago di Braies is located about a 55 minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. During peak season (typically from July through mid-September), vehicle access to the lake is restricted during the middle of the day, and advance parking reservations or a valid public transportation reservation may be required.
Several paid parking lots are located along the access road. The closest lot offers the shortest walk to the lake but is typically the most expensive.
For the best experience, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Not only is parking easier to find, but you’ll also enjoy a quieter lake and better conditions for photography. Since seasonal access restrictions and parking policies can change from year to year, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.
A Highlight of the Hike
We arrived just before sunrise, and I can’t imagine experiencing Lago di Braies any other way. The early morning light reflected off the surrounding peaks, the lake was calm, and the crowd was small.
Although we skipped the rowboats because of the chilly October weather, we stopped for a cappuccino at the lakeside cafe and enjoyed a more leisurely day and it was exactly what we needed.
Lago di Braies is every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest, but it has become one of the most popular destinations in the Dolomites. Arriving early made all the difference and allowed us to experience the lake before the crowds arrived.
Trail Tips
- Book parking or transport in advance if visiting during peak season (July–mid September), when car access is restricted
- Bring a layer for the cooler morning air, especially if you’re visiting in shoulder season
- Coffee and snacks are available at the lakeside cafe
- Traditional wooden rowboats can be rented seasonally
- Use Lago di Braies as a launch point for longer hikes if you want to extend your day
- Set your expectations for crowds, this is one of the most visited spots in the Dolomites
- Stop at Rifugio Ospitale on your drive back to Cortina d’Ampezzo for a meal with beautiful mountain views and outdoor seating
Rowboat Rentals at Lago di Braies
One of the most popular activities at Lago di Braies is renting one of the iconic wooden rowboats. Rentals are typically available from late spring through fall, weather permitting.
A private rowboat costs approximately €55 (about $65 USD) for a 45 minute rental and accommodates up to five people. During the busy summer months, wait times can become quite long, so arriving early is your best chance of getting out on the water.
Lago Federa Hike (via Forcella Ambrizzola)
The Lago Federa hike via Forcella Ambrizzola is, hands down, the trail that surprised us the most…and by the end of the day, it had become my favorite hike in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
It’s longer and more challenging than it looks on paper, but every mile is worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, alpine meadows, and a beautiful mountain pass before arriving at Lago Federa, a picturesque alpine lake with a rifugio.
Honestly, we underestimated this one. Rather than taking the more direct route to the lake, we continued on to Forcella Ambrizzola, which added both distance and elevation gain. It ended up being one of the best decisions of the trip, offering stunning views and a much more rewarding hiking experience.
Trail Stats & Route Overview
Starting from Ponte de Ru Curto, the trail climbs steadily through forest before emerging into the dramatic Croda da Lago area. The route continues to Forcella Ambrizzola, a scenic mountain pass with 360 degree views, before descending toward Lago Federa.
- Route: Forcella Ambrizzola via Lago Federa
- Trail Type: Loop
- Distance: ~8 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~2,998 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Estimated Time: 4.5–6 hours, depending on pace and stops
- Trailhead: Ponte de Ru Curto
- Best Season: June through October
- Season: Rifugio Croda da Lago (Rifugio Palmieri) is typically open from early June through late October, depending on weather and snow conditions
Getting There & Parking
The trailhead at Ponte de Ru Curto is roughly a 20 minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. There’s a small parking lot at the trailhead that offers free parking. The lot fills up quickly, so arriving early is essential.
A Highlight of the Hike
We chose the longer route to Lago Federa instead of the more direct trail to the rifugio, and we’re so glad we did. We had long stretches of the trail completely to ourselves, hiking through golden larch forests with mountain views that seemed to get better around every corner. It was the kind of hike that felt rewarding from start to finish without ever becoming a grind.
One of the highlights is arriving at Lago Federa and Rifugio Croda da Lago (Rifugio Palmieri), one of the most picturesque mountain huts in the Dolomites. By the time we arrived, we were more than ready for lunch and a hot cappuccino. Afterwards, we lingered by the lake, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere as the surrounding peaks and golden larches reflected across the glassy water.
If you only have time for one hike in this guide, this is the one I’d recommend.
Trail Tips
- Don’t underestimate this hike, there’s a lot of elevation gain
- Arrive early (trailhead parking lot is small and fills up fast)
- Consider taking the loop to the rifugio rather than the out and back
- Visit in fall if you can (the golden larches make this one of the best autumn hikes in the Dolomites)
- Refuel at Rifugio Croda da Lago the food (10/10 rest break)
Cinque Torri Hike
After the long days on Tre Cime and Lago Federa, Cinque Torri was exactly the kind of hike we needed…a little easier, a lot of history, and just as scenic as everything else on this list.
The “Five Towers” are a striking rock formation rising out of alpine meadows just outside Cortina, and what makes this hike stand apart from the others is the history surrounding the area and trail.
Trail Stats & Route Overview
We hiked via Baita Bai de Dones, though it’s worth knowing there are several different route options depending on how much elevation you want to take on and how much time you have.
- Route: Cinque Torri via Baita Bai de Dones
- Trail Type: Loop
- Distance: ~4.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~1,360 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Est. Time: 2.5–3 hours, plus time to explore the WWI sites
- Trailhead: Baita Bai de Dones parking area
Getting There & Parking
Baita Bai de Dones is about a 25–30 minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. There’s a large parking lot at the trailhead, and no reservation is needed.
If you’d rather skip some of the climbing, a chairlift also runs from Baita Bai de Dones up to Rifugio Scoiattoli, cutting out a significant portion of the elevation gain. Although, it was not open when we visited in late October.
Personal Experience
Rifugio Cinque Torri was closed for the season when we visited, but even closed, it was easy to see why it’s such a beloved stop…the setting alone looked like the perfect spot to grab a drink and a plate of food after exploring the towers, and it’s clearly worth planning around if you’re visiting while it’s open.
The real highlight of this hike for us was the WWI history scattered throughout the trail. Walking through the preserved trenches and bunkers was a powerful experience. There’s so much history packed into this small stretch of mountainside, and it’s almost hard to wrap your head around the fact that a war once took place somewhere so peaceful and beautiful.
After exploring the rock formations and the open-air museum, the trail back was just as beautiful as the way in with views in every direction and fall colors that were in full display. This was a somewhat easier day on paper, but we took our time and let it be exactly that: a slower, more relaxed day in the mountains, and a great change of pace after some of the more demanding hikes on this list.
Trail Tips
- There is an option to take a chairlift up if you want to save your legs (open seasonally)
- Budget extra time for the WWI trenches and bunkers
- Check ahead if you want to eat at Rifugio Cinque Torri, since hours and seasonal closures vary
- Treat this as an easier day (it pairs well as a rest day after more strenuous hikes)
Best Time for Hiking in Cortina d’Ampezzo
The best time for hiking in Cortina d’Ampezzo is from June through October, when most trails are snow-free and mountain huts are open for the season. Summer offers warm temperatures, vibrant green landscapes, and full access to hiking trails, while fall brings cooler weather, beautiful autumn colors, and fewer crowds.
We visited in October and were treated to sunny days, crisp mountain air, and excellent hiking conditions. Keep in mind that some rifugios, lifts, and seasonal services begin closing later in the fall, so it’s worth checking schedules before your trip.
What to Pack for Hiking in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Weather in the Dolomites can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Even on sunny days, it’s worth packing a few extra layers and trail essentials.
The items below are what I typically bring on hiking trips and have found invaluable for staying comfortable on the trail.
- Hiking boots or trail runners with good traction (I switch between these two options depending on weather and terrain)
- Lightweight rain jacket for sudden weather changes
- Layers such as a fleece or lightweight insulated jacket
- Daypack for carrying extra clothing, water, and snacks
- Reusable water filter bottle or hydration reservoir (don’t forget a bite valve cover!)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for high-elevation sun exposure (I love this pair – comfy for long wear and they don’t slip. I have basic black, but they have lots of color combos)
- Hiking poles for longer hikes and steep descents (I tried a cheaper pair and they didn’t last, these are legit)
- This is my “luxury” hiking item (so clutch at a lake or nice viewpoint)
- Portable phone charger
- I always travel internationally with an Airalo eSIM so I have reliable data for Google Maps, AllTrails, and everything else without relying on wifi
Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo makes an excellent base for exploring the eastern Dolomites, with accommodations ranging from boutique hotels and alpine lodges to apartments and family-run guesthouses. Whether you’re planning long hiking days or simply want to enjoy the mountain scenery, there are plenty of great places to stay.
Here are a few great places to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo:
👉 See how Cortina d’Ampezzo fits into my 14-Day Northern Italy Itinerary, including Venice, Rome, scenic drives, and more unforgettable Dolomites hikes
Final Thoughts on Hiking in Cortina d’Ampezzo
After spending several days hiking around Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s easy to understand why this area is considered one of the highlights of the Dolomites. If you love spending time in the mountains, Cortina is a place you’ll be dreaming about long after your trip ends.
Continue Planning Your Dolomites Trip
Planning a larger Italy adventure? Check out my 14-Day Northern Italy Itinerary: The Dolomites, Venice & Rome Road Trip Guide
Looking for more incredible Dolomites hikes?My Hiking in Ortisei Guide covers Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and the Adolf Munkel Trail
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