Lago di Limides Guide: A Short & Easy Hike in the Dolomites

A quiet gem in the Dolomites

Lago di Limides is a small mountain lake in the Dolomites, known for its dramatic setting and mirror-clear water, where the Tofana massif is reflected on calm days.

The hike from Col Gallina is short and straightforward, and along the way, the landscape opens up with great views of some of the area’s most iconic peaks, including Lagazuoi and Tofane.

It’s a walk that suits families with children, beginners, and really anyone who wants to enjoy the mountains without getting out of breath.

Despite its beauty and easy access, Lago di Limides sees far fewer visitors than popular spots like Lago di Braies and Lago di Carezza – and that’s exactly one of the reasons we think it’s worth the trip.

We did the walk ourselves in mid-September and had both the path and the lake entirely to ourselves.

Even though the water level was low, it was a lovely hike.

In this guide to Lago di Limides, we share why the lake is worth visiting, how to get there, practical info on parking and access, when to visit and our best tips for a great experience.

Where to stay near Lago di Limides

Adlinks
• Budget: Hotel Serena – Good budget hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo are rare to find, but here’s a nice one.
• Budget: Garnì Astor – Simple double rooms in Alleghe at a family-run B&B at a low price.
• Luxury: Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel – One of the most spectacular 5-star hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo, approximately 25 minutes away.

Search for the best hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo here or read our comprehensive guide to where to stay in the Dolomites.

What is Lago di Limides?

Lago di Limides (also known as Lago Limides or Lake Limides) is a small mountain lake located at around 2,170 metres (7,120 feet) above sea level, just above Passo Falzarego in the Veneto region of northern Italy.

The lake is known for its clear water and the striking reflections of the Tofana massif on still days.

It’s one of the more accessible hikes in the Dolomites: short, scenic, and not too steep.

The nearest large town is Cortina d’Ampezzo, a well-known base for hiking, skiing and exploring the Dolomites year-round.

Map of Lago di Limides

Why visit Lago di Limides

If you’re after a short, manageable hike in the Dolomites with big views and mountain reflections in clear water, Lago di Limides is a great choice.

The trail is easy to follow and suitable for both families with children and less experienced hikers.

It’s also ideal for a relaxed picnic or as a second outing if you’ve already tackled a more demanding hike earlier in the day. Cinque Torri, for example, is just around the corner.

While it can get busy in high season, it still sees far fewer visitors than many of the Dolomites’ other well-known lakes.

The hike is especially beautiful in spring and early summer, when the lake is full and the surrounding slopes are dotted with colourful wildflowers.

Overview of the hike to Lago di Limides

• Start and finish: The walk begins here, with parking available just across the road.
• Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on your pace, breaks and how often you stop for photos).
• Distance: Around 1 kilometre (~ 0.6 miles) each way.
• Elevation: ~ 120 metres (~ 395 feet).
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Suitable for children and dogs: Most children can manage the hike, and dogs are welcome – just keep them on a lead.
• Trail surface: A mix of soil with roots, gravel and stones. Some sections are slightly rocky or uneven, but nothing technically difficult.
• Facilities: Rifugio Col Gallina is located right at the trailhead. There are no other facilities along the route.
• Cost: Free!

The hiking route to Lago di Limides

The walk to Lago di Limides starts from Col Gallina, near the Col Gallina cable car and Rifugio Col Gallina, just off the SR48/Passo Falzarego road.

On Google Maps, the starting point is marked as “Lago Limides Hike Trailhead”. From here, follow trail no. 419 in the direction of Forcella Averau.

The path is slightly uneven and climbs steadily, but the elevation gain is only about 120 metres (~ 395 feet), so it’s manageable for most.

The route takes you through a stretch of forest and past small caves in the rocks. Croda Negra rises ahead of you, while Lagazuoi is behind you.

The hike is roughly 1 kilometre (~ 0.6 miles) and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace.

At the lake, you can walk around Lago di Limides and take in the views of the surrounding mountains in every direction!

To return, follow the same trail back to Rifugio Col Gallina – it’s downhill all the way and usually a bit quicker.

Alternative hiking route

You can also start the hike from Passo Falzarego, where there’s plenty of parking.

From there, it’s about 1.5 kilometres (just under a mile) to the lake, with an elevation gain of roughly 110 metres (~ 360 feet).

You can also combine the two routes to make a small loop. In that case, allow around 15 minutes to walk the 850 metres (0.5 miles) along the SR48/Passo Falzarego road between the two trailheads.

Our experience at Lago di Limides

We visited Lago di Limides on an autumn trip to the Dolomites in mid-September and had no trouble finding a parking spot right at the start of the trail.

A light layer of snow had already fallen on the mountainsides and in some spots along the path, but the hike was still easy to complete without any issues.

It took us around 20 minutes to reach the lake – one of the easiest hikes we’ve done in the Dolomites.

Since we came so late in the season, we hardly met any other hikers along the way.

On the other hand, the lake wasn’t as full as it typically is in spring and early summer. Still, it was very much worth the walk and we really enjoyed the mountain views and the peaceful atmosphere.

Practical information about Lago di Limides

Opening hours

Lago di Limides has no official opening hours, so you can visit at any time of day.

Keep in mind that snow may be present on the trail from around September or October through to May.

Price

Visiting Lago di Limides is completely free!

And so is parking, which is a rare bonus for popular spots in the Dolomites.

Restaurants and facilities

At the start of the trail, you can buy food and drink at Rifugio Col Gallina – though the reviews are a bit mixed…

You can read more on Rifugio Col Gallina’s website.

We couldn’t find official seasonal opening times there but from other sources, it seems the refuge is only open during the summer season (July to September) and again in winter (December to Easter). So don’t be surprised if it’s closed outside those periods.

How to get to Lago di Limides

The hike to Lago di Limides starts from Col Gallina, which is about a 25-minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo, heading towards Passo Falzarego.

Driving times from nearby towns in the Dolomites

Driving times to Col Gallina/Passo Falzarego vary depending on where you’re staying in the Dolomites, as the region is full of long distances and winding mountain roads.

Here are some approximate times from nearby towns:

• Cortina d’Ampezzo: 25 minutes drive. One of the Dolomites’ most popular towns, well-located for both Lago di Limides and Cinque Torri.
• Arabba: 30 minutes drive west of Passo Falzarego.
• Corvara: 45 minutes drive from Col Gallina, located in the Alta Badia valley.
• Misurina: 45 minutes drive from Col Gallina. Small town near the scenic Lago di Misurina.

Parking

If you start the hike from Col Gallina, you can park for free in this parking lot just across the road.

At Passo Falzarego, there are plenty of parking spaces as well, but these tend to fill up quickly since several popular trails begin there.

Public transport

You can take bus line 30 from Cortina d’Ampezzo towards Passo Falzarego, and the “Col Gallina” stop is right at the start of the hike.

Bus services may be limited outside the high season, and times can vary, so it’s best to check the schedule in advance.

Plan your route and see the connections here.

When to visit Lago di Limides

The best time to visit Lago di Limides is in spring or early summer, especially in June or early July.

The lake is fed by rain and melting snow, so when the summer heat arrives, it often starts to dry out, meaning water levels tend to be lower later in the season.

We hiked there ourselves in mid-September and found that the lake wasn’t very full of water, but it was still a beautiful trip.

In winter, the whole area is covered in snow and can only be reached on skis or snowshoes.

Time of day

If you want to see Lago di Limides at its most photogenic, it’s best to visit early in the day – preferably in the morning.

This is when you’re most likely to find mirror-clear water, with the mountains perfectly reflected on the surface.

There are usually fewer people too, which is a bonus during the busy season.

The lake is also popular at sunset, when photographers gather to catch the perfect light.

The walk back to the car park is short enough that you can enjoy the sunset by the lake and still return before it gets dark. That said, it’s wise to bring a headlamp or torch just in case.

How long to spend at Lago di Limides

The hike itself takes around 20 to 30 minutes each way (depending on your pace and breaks).

At Lago di Limides, you can either make a quick stop to enjoy the view or spend over an hour taking photos, having lunch and relaxing.

The lake isn’t very large, so most people spend between 1-2 hours on the entire trip.

Where to stay near Lago di Limides

Places in the Dolomites can be quite spread out, so if you want to avoid long drives to Lago di Limides, it’s important to pick your accommodation carefully.

Cortina d’Ampezzo (adlink) is an obvious choice, just a 25-minute drive from the hike.

It’s one of the liveliest and most popular towns in the Dolomites, perfectly located for a range of hikes and cable cars, including Cinque Torri, Lago di Sorapis, and partly Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Another option to consider is Alleghe (adlink). We stayed here ourselves during our visit to Lago di Limides and nearby sights. It’s also a great base if you want to explore the Civetta area and Lago di Coldai.

Our best tips for Lago di Limides

• Arrive early in the day or late in the afternoon for a quieter hike without the crowds.
• Visit the lake in spring or early summer for the best experience. The lake relies on rainwater and melting snow, and it often dries up later in summer. Water levels, as well as how calm the surface is, can vary quite a bit depending on the season.
• Bring a good camera. Lago di Limides 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 be useful to ease the strain on your legs. The hike is fairly easy, but the path does steadily climb on the way to the lake.
• Bring food, drinks and snacks. It’s a great place for a picnic by the water.
• Use sunscreen and bring sun protection. The sun can be intense in the summer, even if the air feels cool.

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 travel guide to Lago di Limides. We hope you’ve found it helpful for planning your hike!

What do you think of this lesser-known Dolomites lake? Does it make you want to visit?

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

And if you’ve already been, we’d love to hear your best tips and experiences!