Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen) is the most iconic mountain group in the Dolomites and one of the most photographed locations in Europe. While many visitors simply walk the famous loop trail, there are actually numerous hikes that offer different perspectives of the three peaks, ranging from easy family walks to full-day mountain adventures.
This guide covers the best hikes to see Tre Cime, the most famous Instagram locations, hidden viewpoints, photography tips and the best times to visit.
Why Tre Cime Is So Famous
The three peaks consist of:
- Cima Grande (2,999m)
- Cima Ovest (2,973m)
- Cima Piccola (2,857m)
The dramatic north faces are among the most recognizable mountain views in the Alps and can be seen from several outstanding viewpoints throughout the area. (HutLists)
Tre Cime Loop Hike
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Rifugio+Auronzo
Hike on Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/italy/veneto/tre-cime-di-lavaredo-drei-zinnen
This is the classic hike and the one most visitors complete.
Distance
Approximately 10 km
Time
4–5 hours
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Route
- Rifugio Auronzo
- Rifugio Lavaredo
- Forcella Lavaredo
- Rifugio Locatelli
- Malga Langalm
- Rifugio Auronzo
The trail circles the entire Tre Cime massif and provides constantly changing views of the mountains. It is well-marked and suitable for most hikers. (HutLists)
Best Photography Locations
- Forcella Lavaredo
- Rifugio Locatelli
- Malga Langalm
- Forcella Col di Mezzo
Best Time
Sunrise through mid-morning.
Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Cadini+di+Misurina+Viewpoint
Hike on Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/italy/veneto/rifugio-auronzo-cadini-di-misurina
This is arguably the most famous Instagram hike in the Dolomites.
Distance
3.2 km round trip
Time
1–2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Why It Is Special
The trail leads to a narrow ridge overlooking the dramatic Cadini di Misurina peaks while also offering unique views of the backside of Tre Cime. (Earth Trekkers)
What to Photograph
- Cadini ridgeline
- Tre Cime in the distance
- Hikers on the ridge
- Sunrise light
- Jagged peaks
Instagram Score
10/10
This is one of the most photographed locations in the entire Dolomites. (Char Across The World)
Rifugio Locatelli Hike
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Rifugio+Locatelli
Hike on Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/italy/south-tyrol/rifugio-auronzo-tre-cime-di-lavaredo
If your primary goal is photographing Tre Cime, this hike offers the most famous view.
Distance
Approximately 7–8 km round trip from Rifugio Auronzo
Time
3–4 hours
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Why It Is Special
The north face of Tre Cime appears directly in front of the hut and is considered one of the most iconic mountain views in Europe. (HutLists)
Best Photo Spots
Chiesetta Alpina
The small chapel beside the refuge creates a classic composition with Tre Cime in the background. (Earth Trekkers)
Sasso di Sesto
A short climb above the refuge provides one of the best elevated viewpoints in the entire area. (Earth Trekkers)
Laghi dei Piani
Small alpine lakes below the refuge occasionally provide reflections. (Earth Trekkers)
Forcella Lavaredo Hike
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Forcella+Lavaredo
Hike map on Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/italy/veneto/tre-cime-rifugio-auronzo-forcella-lavaredo
Many people underestimate this location.
Not to confuse with the Col Forcellina that is another options only going north on the other side of Tre Cime.
Hike map on Alltrails of Col Forcellina: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/italy/veneto–2/col-forcellina
Distance
2.2 km one way from Rifugio Auronzo
If you want the shortest hike and see another view of Tre Cime than from the south, then this is it.
Continue around to see Tre Cime from all directions in the longer Rifugio Locatelli Hike. I would recommend that instead to see more for a few km more hiking.
Time
40–60 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Why It Is Special
The saddle provides the first dramatic reveal of the famous north faces and the surrounding mountain ranges. (Earth Trekkers)
What to Photograph
- Tre Cime
- Rifugio Locatelli in the distance
- Mountain panoramas
- Sunrise
Monte Paterno Viewpoint Hike
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Monte+Paterno
For photographers wanting a higher perspective, Monte Paterno offers some of the best views in the region.
Distance
Varies depending on route
Difficulty
Moderate to Difficult
Why It Is Special
You can look directly across at Tre Cime rather than photographing from below.
Best For
Experienced hikers seeking less crowded viewpoints.
Malga Langalm Hike
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Malga+Langalm
Many photographers rush through this section of the Tre Cime loop.
That is a mistake.
What Makes It Special
The western side of the mountains often receives beautiful afternoon light.
What to Photograph
- Meadows
- Tre Cime
- Marmots
- Alpine flowers
- Sunset colors
Best Time
Late afternoon.
(HutLists)
Lago d’Antorno to Tre Cime
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Lago+d%27Antorno
A fantastic option if you want to avoid the expensive toll road.
Distance
Around 10 km one way
Elevation Gain
About 500 meters
Why It Is Special
You experience a more gradual approach to Tre Cime while passing beautiful mountain scenery. (alpine wanderlust)
Alta Via Route Views
Several sections of the Alta Via routes provide spectacular views of Tre Cime.
Best For
Multi-day hikers.
What to Photograph
- Tre Cime from a distance
- Mountain ridges
- Sunrise and sunset light
- Remote alpine landscapes
Best Instagram Spots Around Tre Cime
Cadini di Misurina Ridge
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Cadini+di+Misurina+Viewpoint
The most famous Instagram photo in the Dolomites. (Earth Trekkers)
Rifugio Locatelli Chapel
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Rifugio+Locatelli
One of the classic Tre Cime compositions. (Earth Trekkers)
Sasso di Sesto
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Sasso+di+Sesto
An elevated perspective looking down over Tre Cime and the refuge. (Earth Trekkers)
Forcella Lavaredo
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Forcella+Lavaredo
The classic postcard panorama. (The Common Wanderer)
Rifugio Auronzo Terrace
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Rifugio+Auronzo
Excellent views of:
- Cadini di Misurina
- Tre Cime
- Misurina area
- Sunset light
Laghi dei Piani
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Laghi+dei+Piani
Small lakes that occasionally provide reflections of surrounding peaks. (Earth Trekkers)
Best Tre Cime Photography Locations
Best Sunrise
- Cadini di Misurina
- Forcella Lavaredo
- Rifugio Locatelli
- Sasso di Sesto
- Tre Cime Loop
Best Sunset
- Malga Langalm
- Rifugio Auronzo
- Cadini di Misurina
- Monte Paterno viewpoints
- Forcella Col di Mezzo
Suggested Full Photography Day
Sunrise
Cadini di Misurina
Morning
Tre Cime Loop
Midday
Rifugio Locatelli
Afternoon
Sasso di Sesto
Golden Hour
Malga Langalm
Sunset
Cadini di Misurina Ridge
Related Dolomites Guides
- https://frewaphoto.com/best-instagram-spots-in-the-dolomites/
- https://frewaphoto.com/best-autumn-photography-in-the-dolomites/
- https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-visiting-triglav-national-park/
- https://frewaphoto.com/best-day-hikes-in-slovenia/
- https://frewaphoto.com/best-hiking-trails-in-slovenia-for-great-photos/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hike to see Tre Cime?
The Tre Cime Loop is the classic hike and offers the best overall experience with views from every angle. (HutLists)
What is the easiest Tre Cime hike?
The walk to Forcella Lavaredo is the easiest option that still provides spectacular views. (The Common Wanderer)
Where is the famous Instagram photo of Tre Cime?
Most famous images are taken from Cadini di Misurina, Forcella Lavaredo or Rifugio Locatelli. (Earth Trekkers)
Is Cadini di Misurina worth it?
Absolutely. It is one of the best short hikes in the Dolomites and delivers one of the region’s most dramatic viewpoints. (Earth Trekkers)
What is the best time of year to hike Tre Cime?
Late June through October generally offers the best conditions. September and early October combine excellent weather with smaller crowds. (Earth Trekkers)
Can you photograph Tre Cime without hiking?
Yes. Rifugio Auronzo is accessible by road during the hiking season and provides excellent views close to the parking area. (Dolomiti.it)
Is Tre Cime good in autumn?
Autumn is one of the best times to visit. Crowds are lower, mountain light is excellent and nearby larch forests begin turning golden. (HutLists)