How to Hike to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint in the Dolomites

A ridiculously beautiful viewpoint near Tre Cime di Lavaredo

You probably already know about Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen in German or the Three Peaks in English) if you’ve either been to the Dolomites or are planning a trip there.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo is truly stunning, and we’d recommend the circular hike around the peaks to anyone who enjoys dramatic mountain landscapes.

But have you heard of the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint?

It’s a lesser-known spot just 30-45 minutes from the same car park – and it might be even more spectacular.

Some even call these jagged peaks the Peaks of Mordor!

In clear weather, you can already see the start of the trail and the spiky mountains from Rifugio Auronzo, where most people arrive.

The hike is fairly straightforward, and if you’ve got some extra energy before or after the Tre Cime hike, this viewpoint is well worth the detour.

In this travel guide to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, we share why it’s worth visiting, how to get there, practical info, when to go, and our best tips for making the most of your visit.

Where to stay near Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

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• Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno – The hotel closest to the start of the Tre Cime hike.
• Hotel Sorapiss – 3-star hotel by Lake Misurina, also very close to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
• Romantik Hotel Santer – 4-star hotel with pool in Dobbiaco, just over half an hour from the Tre Cime car park.
• Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel – One of the most spectacular 5-star hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Search for the best and cheapest hotels near the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint) here or read our comprehensive guide to where to stay in the Dolomites.

Overview of the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

• Start and finish: Rifugio Auronzo (the same as for the hike around Tre Cime di Lavaredo).
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours, depending on how many breaks you take, photo stops and your walking pace.
• Distance: It’s roughly 2 kilometres (~ 1.24 miles) to the viewpoint, making the round-trip hike about 4 kilometres (~ 2.5 miles) in total.
• Elevation: ~ 112 metres (~ 367 feet) of ascent and descent.
• Difficulty: Fairly easy overall, though the path does have some ups and downs. It might be a bit challenging if you’re afraid of heights. A few sections need careful footing because of loose ground.
• Suitable for children and dogs: The hike is definitely doable with older children, but keep in mind that some paths near the edge are quite narrow. It’s best if the kids are confident on their feet before tackling those sections. As far as we know, dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a lead.
• Trail surface: Some sections of the trail are made up of compact gravel or soil, which is fairly easy to walk on. Other parts, however, consist of larger stones or loose gravel that can shift underfoot. We used walking poles for extra support and would recommend bringing some if you have them.
• Facilities: There are no toilets or restaurants along the route, so you’ll need to use the facilities at Rifugio Auronzo before setting off (or after). It’s only open during the high season, typically from late May to late October.
• Cost: The toll road, including parking, costs around 40 euros (~ 47 USD) in 2025. More details and alternative options are provided later in the guide.

Map of the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is a short hike from Tre Cime di Lavaredo, within the Parco Naturale Tre Cime, situated in the north-eastern corner of Italy, near the border with Austria.

The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of the most beautiful short hikes in the Dolomites.

The trail isn’t too demanding, and although it’s just 2 kilometres (~ 1.24 miles) to the viewpoint, you’re rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including a unique perspective of the back of Tre Cime di Lavaredo along the way.

The highlight is the stunning Cadini di Misurina mountain range, known for its sharply pointed peaks.

Starting the hike

Most hikers begin at Rifugio Auronzo.

From there, don’t follow trail no. 101 towards Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Instead, head the opposite way and take the smaller trail no. 117 towards Rifugio Col de Varda, which leads down into the valley to the right of the refuge.

Tip: If you’ve parked in the lower section of the car park, there’s no need to walk up to Rifugio Auronzo first – you should be able to find trail 117 by heading down the valley to the right straight from the parking area.

The hike starts by going downhill before climbing a fairly steep hill, where walking poles can come in handy.

About halfway through the hike, near the top of the hill, the path splits into two.

If you take the left fork, you’ll face a slightly trickier stretch with narrow paths and steep drops on one side. The views are fantastic if you’re comfortable with heights.

If you’d rather avoid the exposed section (with your heart in your throat but great views!), you can reach the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint by staying on the right-hand path, which is wider and less exposed.

Note: Since our own hike, we’ve been told that the path on the left is either more dangerous than we originally thought or has worsened over time. If you do decide to take the left route, please promise us you’ll be very careful and avoid it if it’s been raining or if the ground is muddy. The right path is lovely too.

The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

The final and most famous viewpoint at Cadini di Misurina is a narrow ridge that slopes upwards.

If you’ve seen the pictures in this guide, you’ll easily recognise it when you arrive.

We want to stress again that the path up is narrow and steep, but it’s certainly possible to reach – you just need to tread carefully.

Once on the ridge, the views stretch in all directions, offering a full panorama of the Cadini di Misurina mountain range.

It’s an exhilarating experience!

This viewpoint is truly one of the best in the Dolomites.

A small warning

Be careful.

Walking in the mountains always carries some risks, especially on narrow paths. Use your common sense and only continue if you feel comfortable and safe.

Avoid this hike if it’s raining, has recently rained heavily, or if there’s snow on the ground.

The trail can become very loose and unstable, and snow can make it hard to see the path. It’s simply not worth risking your life for a photo.

How long to spend at the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

The walk to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is about 4 kilometres (~ 2.5 miles) in total, with an elevation gain of roughly 112 metres (~ 367 feet) from the car park.

Most people will be able to reach the viewpoint in 30-45 minutes, but allow 1.5 to 2 hours in total if you want to spend some time taking photos and having a short break.

Our experience at the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

Our day began with a lovely hike around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, starting in fog, moving into blazing sunshine, and finishing with hail and rain.

You can read all about our experience, along with everything you need to know, in this travel guide to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

When we returned to the car park, we still had plenty of energy, so we set off towards the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint well before sunset.

We followed trail no. 117 from Rifugio Auronzo. Faced with a choice between the hair-raising left route and the slightly safer right path, we opted for the left.

This gave us spectacular views in good light while still being able to watch our footing.

It might be hard to tell from the photos, but some sections felt quite narrow (though still safe), which gave us a bit of a flutter in the stomach. But wow, how beautiful it was!

Arriving at the viewpoint

Unfortunately, it was rather cloudy when we arrived…

We waited patiently, and to our delight, the clouds briefly cleared just as the sunset painted the sky with wonderful colours.

In total, we probably spent about 45 minutes to an hour taking photos and soaking in the view.

We were perhaps a bit slow, snapping so many pictures and going back and forth – most people would be fine with just 10 to 15 minutes here.

When we visited the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint in mid-September, we had the place to ourselves, but it’s likely busier in peak season.

Heading back to Rifugio Auronzo car park

On the way back, we took the safer right route (which was then on our left when we turned from the viewpoint), making for a quicker descent.

It started to rain again as dusk fell, but we’d brought headlamps and, buzzing from the experience, didn’t mind getting soaked.

Hiking to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint remains one of our best memories from the Dolomites!

When to visit the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is right next to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a very popular excursion spot in the Dolomites.

Both hikes start from the same car park, so it’s worth considering when you plan your visit.

That said, the viewpoint is far less crowded than Tre Cime, so if you arrive early or late in the day, you might be lucky enough to have it all to yourself.

The best and easiest time to do both hikes is during the summer months, from June to September.

Like much of Italy, the busiest months here are July and especially August, when many Italians take their summer holidays.

If you’re visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint in summer, it’s therefore important to get there first thing (car parks can fill up as early as 8.30 in the morning!), or come later in the afternoon when crowds start to thin out.

Note: Be especially careful if it has been raining. The final stretch to the viewpoint is quite narrow, and the ground can be slippery.

The best time of day

Outside the peak season, you shouldn’t need to arrive too early to find a parking spot.

When we visited Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint in mid-September, we arrived around 8.15 in the morning without any trouble.

We did the hike to the viewpoint at the end of the day and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

On the downside, we had to walk some of the return journey in the dark (luckily, we had headlamps) – but hey, we had the place all to ourselves!

If you want to catch the sunset at the viewpoint, it’s wise to start the hike 1 to 2 hours beforehand. Due to the mountains, the sun sets nearly an hour before the “official” sunset time.

The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint in winter

In winter, the toll road to the car park is closed, and weather conditions can be quite changeable and extreme.

However, it’s still possible to hike from the free parking area outside the toll road, but it’s a tough walk.

Snowshoes are recommended during winter, and ideally, you should go with a guide.

We wouldn’t advise attempting the hike alone after snowfall, as several sections are very narrow, and it can be difficult to see where to step, especially on the final stretch to the viewpoint.

How to get to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

Drive to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint by car

Most visitors arrive at Tre Cime by car.

The toll for passenger cars (including all passengers) to drive up to the car park is 40 euros (~ 47 USD)*. Parking itself is free.

The road is generally open from 6 in the morning to 8 in the evening. Keep some cash handy, as card payments aren’t always accepted at the entrance.

The final section of the road is steep and winding (roughly a 12% incline), but no more challenging than many other roads in the Dolomites.

For motorhomes, the toll is a bit higher at 60 euros (~ 70.5 USD)*, while motorcycles cost 26 euros (~ 30.5 USD)*.

*The prices were last updated in 2025. See the most updated prices here.

Walk for free

Pedestrian access is free, so you can avoid the entrance fee by parking before the toll road.

From there, you’ll need to walk the 500 metres up (~ 1,640 feet) to the car park before you can even begin the hike around the peaks.

It’s a tough start, but it will save you some money.

Bus to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

Taking the bus to Tre Cime and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint can often be both cheaper and more comfortable.

The Dolomiti Bus service runs buses from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Auronzo di Cadore to Rifugio Auronzo.

Between mid-June and the end of September, there’s also a shuttle operated by SüdtirolMobil (line 444) that connects Dobbiaco station with Rifugio Auronzo.

It’s a good idea to check the timetable beforehand, but bear in mind that buses don’t always run exactly to schedule. If you’re unsure, your hotel should be able to help with the latest info.

Keep in mind, however, that buses don’t run very early or late, which might be inconvenient if you want to catch the spectacular morning or evening light for photos.

Also, during summer, the last bus in particular is likely to be very full.

Where to stay near the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

If you want to get to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint early (and avoid queues, crowds, or closed access during the summer), it’s a good idea to stay fairly close by.

The mountain refuges around Tre Cime are obviously the most convenient, but they’re very popular and can be hard to book.

And while the comfort is decent, it doesn’t quite match a hotel…

The nearest accommodation options are around Lake Misurina, or even better, at Lake Antorno, which lies on the way up to the Tre Cime car park.

If you don’t stay here, we’d suggest basing yourself in Carbonin (Schluderbach) or Dobbiaco (Toblach) to the north, the beautiful town of Cortina d’Ampezzo to the west, or Auronzo to the east.

Of course, you can stay further away, but expect at least an hour’s drive each way.

If you’re as far west as Val Gardena (for example, Ortisei or Santa Cristina), it’s roughly a two-hour drive each way.

The best places to stay near Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint:

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• Lake Misurina: The closest accommodation options to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
• Carbonin (Schluderbach): A small town just 15-20 minutes from the Tre Cime car park.
• Dobbiaco (Toblach): One of the main towns in the northern Dolomites, close to spots like Lago di Braies.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo: The largest (and flashiest) town in the Dolomites.
• Auronzo: Where we stayed during our visit to Tre Cime.

The best hotels near the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint:

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• Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno – The hotel closest to the start of the Tre Cime hike.
• Grand Hotel Misurina – Simple 4-star hotel right by Lake Misurina.
• Hotel Sorapiss – 3-star hotel by Lake Misurina, also very close to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
• B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina – Hotel located right at the start of the Lago di Sorapis hike, just 23 minutes from the Tre Cime car park. Excellent value for money.
• Romantik Hotel Santer – 4-star hotel with pool in Dobbiaco, just over half an hour from the Tre Cime car park.
• Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel – One of the most spectacular 5-star hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
• Faloria Mountain Spa Resort – A more affordable luxury option in Cortina.

Our best tips for the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

• Manage your expectations. Even though the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is less crowded than Tre Cime di Lavaredo, it can get busy in high season and on weekends (+ the car park fills up quickly).
• Come early or late in the day if you’d like a quieter experience and softer light for photos.
• Bring a good camera. The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is beautiful! Here is a guide to the gear we use.
• Be prepared for changing weather. Conditions in the mountains can shift quickly and be very unreliable – it’s not unusual to experience hail, rain and 25°C (77°F) all in the same day. Afternoon showers are common, but it’s always best to check the forecast before setting off.
• Dress in layers and consider bringing rain gear and gloves. The weather at altitude can change quickly, and it often feels colder than expected.
• Wear proper footwear. Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers with a good grip make the hike more enjoyable.
• Walking poles can be useful to relieve your legs, especially if you already have a pair.
• Bring food, drinks and snacks and enjoy them with a nice view, if you don’t plan to eat at one of the refuges (during opening hours).
• Use sunscreen and bring sun protection. The sun can be intense in the summer, even if the air feels cool.
• Bring a headlamp if your hike might stretch into sunset.
• Remember to carry cash. Not all places in Italy accept credit cards; some refuges and the toll road may only accept cash.

Sustainable travel tips

To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
• Avoid disposable plastics.
• Dispose of waste properly and don’t leave anything behind.
• Take only photos and leave only footprints. Avoid picking flowers or taking anything from nature with you.
• Stick to the marked paths.
• Show consideration towards other visitors.
• Respect the local wildlife.

Thank you for reading along

Thank you for reading our hiking guide to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. We hope you found it helpful!

If you’re nearby, don’t forget to check out our guide to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and take a look at our list of the best hikes and viewpoints in the Dolomites here.

What do you think of the hike? Have you already visited this spectacular viewpoint? If so, we’d love to hear your best tips and experiences.

And if you haven’t been to the Dolomites yet, feel free to ask us any questions in the comments. We’re happy to help.