Lago di Coldai: Hiking Guide to the Mountain Lake below Civetta

Gentle hike to a beautiful mountain lake

Beneath the steep cliffs of the Civetta massif, you will find the mirror-clear mountain lake Lago di Coldai.

There are a few ways to reach the lake, but this guide focuses on the hike from Rifugio Palafavera in Val di Zoldo.

The walk from Rifugio Palafavera is manageable in length and not too technical, yet it offers a fantastic slice of the Dolomites: forests, alpine meadows, rugged peaks and, of course, stunning views.

We did the hike at the end of September, when the water level was a bit low, but it was still a truly memorable experience.

In this Lago di Coldai guide, we’ll explain why the lake is worth a visit, how to get there, practical info on opening hours and parking, when to visit the lake and our best tips to make the most of your trip.

Where to stay near Lago di Coldai

Adlinks
• Budget: Garnì Astor – Simple double rooms in Alleghe at a family-run B&B at a low price.
• Budget: Albergo La Montanina – 3-star hotel in classic alpine style with a spa, located in Caprile near Alleghe.
• Luxury: 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 hotels in Alleghe here or read our comprehensive guide to where to stay in the Dolomites.

What is Lago di Coldai?

Lago di Coldai is a small mountain lake at 2,143 metres (~ 7,031 feet), set below the sheer rock walls of Monte Civetta in the Dolomites.

Its dramatic location and clear, mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding peaks make it truly special.

You can reach the lake by a relatively short and easy hike or by combining a cable car ride with a walk.

Map of Lago di Coldai

Lago di Coldai lies in the Veneto region of northern Italy, within the Civetta massif in the Dolomites.

It’s near Val di Zoldo and close to the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, which is part of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites.

Why visit Lago di Coldai

Relatively easy to reach, hiking to Lago di Coldai offers a fantastic nature experience, which is one of the best reasons to visit this mountain lake.

The trail is manageable, with varied terrain and stunning views, leading to a lake beautifully set beneath Monte Civetta.

On calm days, the towering mountain reflects perfectly in the clear water – a moment definitely worth capturing on camera!

Lago di Coldai is somewhat like the turquoise Lago di Sorapis but easier to access.

And though popular during peak season and weekends, it’s far less crowded than the well-known, Instagram-famous Lago di Braies and Lago di Carezza.

It’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites, offering plenty to see without the need for a tough, full-day trek.

Overview of the hike to Lago di Coldai

• Start and finish: The parking lot at Rifugio Palafavera.
• Duration: 5-7 hours (depending on breaks, photos and pace).
• Distance: Return trip around 11-12 kilometres (~ 6.8-7.5 miles), plus any detours.
• Elevation: ~ 600-700 metres (~ 1,970–2,300 feet) ascent and descent.
• Difficulty: Moderate. No technical climbing or scrambling, but some sections are steep, rocky and uneven. Allow most of the day for the hike.
• Suitable for children and dogs: Families with older children used to hiking will likely manage the trip. We would not recommend it for smaller children, and pushchairs aren’t an option. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a lead.
• Trail surface: The trail surface ranges from wide gravel paths to steeper, rocky sections. We used our walking poles for extra support, and they’re worth bringing along if you have some.
• Facilities: Rifugio Adolfo Sonino al Coldai is about 15 minutes from the lake and offers food and toilet facilities. It’s open only during the high season, from mid-June to the end of September.
• Cost: Free if you hike the whole way. Taking the chair lift part of the route comes at a cost.

The hiking route to Lago di Coldai

Start at Rifugio Palafavera (1,507 metres / 4,944 feet) and follow the road Via Coi, which leads towards Malga Pioda along path no. 564.

The trail begins on the west side of the road just south of the refuge.

The wide path winds through forest and alpine meadows and is mostly gravel with some small stones. It climbs gently and is easy to walk.

It takes around 45 minutes to reach Malga Pioda (now unfortunately closed). On the plus side, there’s usually fresh drinking water available at the small water station opposite the hut.

Just after Malga Pioda, turn left onto path no. 556 towards Rifugio Adolfo Sonino al Coldai (2,132 metres / 6,995 feet).

This section takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

The trail here becomes rockier and steeper, requiring a bit more effort, but nothing too demanding.

From Rifugio Adolfo Sonino al Coldai, continue along path no. 556 towards Forcella Coldai.

This part of the hike is slightly tougher, with a climb followed by a descent down to Lago di Coldai (2,143 metres / 7,031 feet).

The final stretch from the refuge to the lake takes about 15 minutes. For many, it’s the most challenging part of the route – but it’s well worth it once you arrive.

At Lago di Coldai, you can walk along the lakeshore and admire the stunning reflection of the Civetta massif in the clear water.

Cable car to Lago di Coldai

If you want to save your legs a bit, you can take the chair lift from Palafavera at Rifugio Palafavera to this point.

From there, it’s still a short walk to Malga Pioda, where the steeper part of the hike towards Rifugio Adolfo Sonino al Coldai begins – so you don’t save a huge amount of time or elevation.

The chair lift usually runs from July to September. Check opening times and prices here.

We haven’t tried the lift ourselves, but it’s described as somewhat old-fashioned and slow, so be prepared for that.

If you’re coming from Alleghe (“on the other side” of Monte Civetta), you can take a cable car from Piani di Pezzè to Col Dei Baldi.

From there, it’s around 1.4 kilometres (slightly less than a mile) downhill to Malga Pioda.

Check opening hours and prices of the cable car from Alleghe.

Our experience at Lago di Coldai

We visited Lago di Coldai on an autumn trip to the Dolomites at the end of September, when there was already a dusting of snow on the cliffs higher up.

We parked at Rifugio Palafavera and set off towards Malga Pioda.

From there, we hiked up to Rifugio Adolfo Sonino al Coldai, with beautiful views along the way – including towards Monte Pelmo.

Since we came at the end of the season, we barely met any other hikers. And although the route takes some time, it felt calm and manageable.

Eventually, we reached Forcella Coldai, where we finally caught sight of our goal: Lago di Coldai!

Like many other lakes in the Dolomites, it wasn’t as full of water in late September as it would be in spring or summer, but it was still stunning.

We walked down to the water and enjoyed the view with a snack, and of course, we took plenty of photos of the mountains reflected in the lake.

Although Civetta (3,220 metres/10,564 feet) isn’t the tallest peak in the Dolomites, the massif is widely considered one of the most impressive – and we agree. It looks truly dramatic.

After a break by the lake, we returned along the same path, and near the end, we were greeted by a flock of friendly sheep. A perfect way to round off the day.

The whole hike took us about 5-6 hours, including lots of photo stops and short breaks along the way.

Practical information about Lago di Coldai

Opening hours

Lago di Coldai has no official opening hours, so you can visit the lake anytime.

That said, from October to May, there may be snow on the route, so we only recommend the hike if you have snow experience and proper equipment.

During this period, the lake is also likely to be frozen, meaning you won’t see the reflections or its beautiful colours.

Price

Visiting Lago di Coldai is free if you hike.

Taking a cable car from Palafavera or Alleghe does, of course, come with a cost.

Parking at Rifugio Palafavera is, as far as we know, free – unlike parking in Alleghe, which requires a fee. We cover this in more detail later in the guide.

Restaurants and facilities

About 15 minutes from Lago di Coldai is Rifugio Adolfo Sonino al Coldai, where you can eat and use the toilet.

The refuge is open only during summer from mid-June to the end of September.

At both the start and end of the hike is Rifugio Palafavera, where you can also have a bite or use the toilet.

Please note that it’s common to pay a small fee to use the toilets at refuges if you don’t buy food or drinks. Remember to bring cash.

Can you swim at Lago di Coldai?

As we understand it, swimming in Lago di Coldai is officially prohibited, though many still do it despite the rules.

The lake’s ecosystem is fragile, so it’s best to avoid bathing to help protect it.

With the number of visitors the lake receives, swimming isn’t sustainable. Among other things, sweat and sunscreen residues can harm the environment.

How to get to Lago di Coldai

You get to Lago di Coldai by starting the hike from Rifugio Palafavera, located in Val di Zoldo.

It’s easiest to reach Palafavera by car, as public transport in the area is limited.

From Alleghe, the trip takes around 25 minutes via SP20 and SP251, while from Cortina d’Ampezzo it’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes via SS51 and SP251.

Parking

We parked at Rifugio Palafavera, where there is a large parking lot.

As far as we know, parking here is free, but please check for any signs with prices.

If you park in Alleghe at this parking lot, you can take the cable car from Piani di Pezzè to Col dei Baldi and hike from there.

The latest prices we found for parking are 2 euros per hour (~ 2.4 USD) or 10 euros for the whole day (~ 11.8 USD) in high season. Payment can be made by card or coins, but not banknotes.

Public transport

We haven’t used public transport to reach Lago di Coldai or Rifugio Palafavera ourselves, and detailed route information is hard to find online.

If you’re planning to travel by bus, we suggest asking locally (for example at your hotel) or checking your route and seeing the connections at Dolomiti Bus.

When to visit Lago di Coldai

The best time to visit Lago di Coldai is from late June to mid-October, depending on snow conditions each year. During this period, the paths are usually clear of snow.

Rifugio Adolfo Sonino al Coldai, near the lake, is open only in summer – typically from mid-June to the end of September. Keep this in mind if you plan to stay overnight or eat there.

July and August are the busiest months, with good weather and open lifts.

Expect more visitors, especially on weekends and around Ferragosto (the Italian public holiday in mid-August).

September often brings clear skies, fewer hikers, and beautiful autumn colours, though some refuges may close during the month.

Like many mountain lakes in the Dolomites, water levels can be lower later in summer and in September, which slightly alters the lake’s appearance.

We hiked there at the end of September, and despite the lower water, it was still a wonderful experience.

June and October can be pleasant shoulder seasons, but this depends on the specific weather that year.

Snow on the trails or a frozen lake isn’t unusual outside the main season, so it’s wise to check local conditions before visiting.

Time of day

No matter the season, Lago di Coldai is busiest during the daytime hours.

To avoid crowds, the best time to start your hike is early in the morning.

Mornings also offer the best chance of calm weather, so you can see the mountains reflected perfectly in the lake.

Rain and thunderstorms tend to arrive in the afternoon… But nothing is guaranteed in the Dolomites.

The light is often best in the morning or late afternoon, but the lake is stunning all day long.

Make sure to check the weather forecast for your planned day.

Keep in mind the sun sets earlier at Lago di Coldai than “official” times suggest, as the surrounding mountains block the sunlight before actual sunset.

How long to spend at Lago di Coldai

Most people take around 2 to 2.5 hours to hike from Rifugio Palafavera to Lago di Coldai.

At the lake, many spend between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on how long you want to enjoy the view, take photos, have a snack or explore the shore.

If you plan to have lunch at Rifugio Adolfo Sonino al Coldai (about 15 minutes from the lake), it’s worth allowing extra time.

In total, most spend 5 to 7 hours on the full trip, depending on pace, breaks, and how long you linger at the lake or refuge.

Where to stay near Lago di Coldai

The Dolomites are spread out, so if you want to avoid long drives to Lago di Coldai, choosing your accommodation wisely is key.

The nearest larger town is the charming Alleghe (adlink), where we stayed during our visit.

From Alleghe, we also explored places like Cinque Torri, Lago di Sorapis and Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Another popular option is Cortina d’Ampezzo (adlink).

Although it’s just over an hour’s drive from Rifugio Palafavera, Cortina is one of the liveliest and most popular towns in the Dolomites, and it’s perfectly located for a wide range of hikes and cable cars.

Our best tips for Lago di Coldai

• Manage your expectations. Lago di Coldai can get busy in high season and on weekends, so you won’t have the place to yourself.
• Think about the season you visit the lake – water levels and how calm the surface is can vary quite a bit.
• Arrive early in the day for a quieter hike and calmer weather, especially if you want to enjoy the lake before the crowds.
• The sun rises late and sets early. Because of the surrounding mountains, daylight hours feel shorter than the official times.
• Bring a good camera. Lago di Coldai is beautiful! Here is a guide to the gear we use.
• Be prepared for changing weather. Conditions can shift quickly and be very unreliable in the mountains. It often rains in the afternoon, but you never know in the Dolomites, so always check the forecast before setting off.
• Dress in layers. 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 help ease the pressure on your legs, especially on the steeper, rocky sections.
• Bring food, drinks and snacks. It’s a great place for a picnic if you’re not planning to eat at the refuge (during the opening hours).
• Use sunscreen and bring sun protection. The sun can be intense in the summer, even if the air feels cool.
• Carry some cash. If you want to use the toilet at a refuge or buy something small, card payments aren’t always accepted.

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.
• Don’t swim in Lago di Coldai.

Thank you for reading along

Thank you for reading our guide to Lago di Coldai. We hope it’s helped you get a better idea of the hike!

What do you think of this beautiful mountain lake in the Dolomites?

If you haven’t been yet and have questions, feel free to drop them in the comments. We’re happy to help.

And if you’ve already visited Lago di Coldai, we’d love to hear your best tips and experiences.