Seven days, countless jaw-dropping moments—up for a stunning week in the Dolomites? Hit the Dolomites’ top trail treasures, starting and ending at the iconic Lago di Braies. With this self-guided tour, you’ll wind through lush valleys and craggy peaks, catching those signature pink cliffs glowing at dusk. Cinque Torri, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Fanes and Tofane peaks, it’s all part of the itinerary. No crazy technical climbs here, just solid hiking and cozy mountain huts, with all logistics sorted.
The Lago di Braies to Tre Cime di Lavaredo self-guided hiking tour is a 7-day journey through the Dolomites’ most stunning landscapes. You’ll trek past soaring cliffs, lush valleys, and iconic peaks like Cinque Torri and the Tre Cime, all while enjoying cozy mountain huts each night. With all logistics handled—from accommodations to luggage transfers—you can focus on soaking up the epic views and vibrant colors of this alpine paradise, just perfect for hikers craving freedom with support.
Check-in at the hotel and enjoy your day at Lago di Braies. Maybe take a boat ride and get some rest, as tomorrow the hiking starts!
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Double occupancy room in a hotel
Start at the stunning Lago di Braies, nestled in a natural cirque, then circle the lake before ascending the Croda del Becco Pass (Seekofel, 2,388 m / 7,835 ft). Beyond the pass, you’ll find the Biella Refuge (Seekofelhütte, 2,320 m / 7,612 ft), surrounded by alpine pastures home to chamois and vibrant flora like edelweiss. After about an hour, reach the Sennes Refuge (2,116 m / 6,942 ft), then descend 45 minutes to Fodara, perched on the edge of a dramatic cirque dominated by Corda Camin (2,610 m / 8,563 ft). Fodara (1,980 m / 6,496 ft) is a quaint alpine hamlet in a large mountain basin.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: About 5.5 hours
Elevation: +1,000 m (3,280 ft), -400 m (1,312 ft)
Accommodation: Refuge Fodara or equivalent
Begin with a descent through forested slopes to the Pederü Refuge (1,543 m / 5,062 ft), followed by a gradual climb to the Fanes Refuge. A short ascent brings you to Passo Limo (2,174 m / 7,133 ft), opening onto the vast Alpe di Fanes. Cross scenic passes—Tadega (2,157 m / 7,077 ft) and Col de Locia (2,069 m / 6,788 ft)—with towering peaks like Monte Cavallo (2,912 m / 9,954 ft) and the Dents de Cunturines (3,017 m / 9,898 ft) rising above. After descending to Capanna Alpina, a final climb leads to the beautifully situated Refuge Scotoni (1,985 m / 6,513 ft).
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 6 to 6.5 hours
Elevation: +980 m (3,215 ft), -990 m (3,248 ft)
Accommodation: Refuge Scotoni or equivalent, half-board
After breakfast, begin the day with an ascent to the Lagazuoi Pass (2,573 m / 8,442 ft). From here, choose one of two scenic options:
Option 1 (ascent to Pizo Lagazuoi): Climb to the summit of Pizo Lagazuoi for sweeping views before descending via cable car to Passo Falzarego. From there, traverse the Penes de Falzarego to reach the Col Gallina Refuge, then climb through Alpe Potor and the dramatic Cinque Torri area to arrive at Rifugio Scoiattoli (2,225 m / 7,300 ft).
Hiking: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: +900 m (2,953 ft), -600 m (1,969 ft)
Option 2 (recommended, ascent to Lagazuoi Pass): Continue from the Lagazuoi Pass to Forcella de Travenanzes (2,507 m / 8,225 ft), then descend to Passo Falzarego (2,015 m / 6,611 ft). From there, climb up to Passo Averau (2,435 m / 7,989 ft) before arriving at the stunning Cinque Torri. You can also opt for a more direct route via Plan del Menis. All paths lead to Rifugio Scoiattoli in a true postcard-worthy alpine setting.
Hiking: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: +970 m (3,182 ft), -700 m (2,297 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Scoiattoli Refuge or equivalent
Begin with a descent to the alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,225 m / 4,019 ft), taking approximately 3 hours with a total elevation loss of 800 m (2,625 ft). From Cortina, a regular bus transfer brings you to the picturesque Lago di Misurina (1,751 m / 5,745 ft). These are the options from the lake where the Tre Cime is reflected:
Option 1: Hike to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Hiking: 6 hours
Elevation: +600 m (1,969 ft), -800 m (2,625 ft)
Option 2: Take a direct bus to Rifugio Auronzo. Note: Due to the remote location of the hut, water availability may be limited.
Hiking: 3-6 hours
Elevation: +0 to +600 m (1,969 ft), -800 m (2,625 ft)
Meals. Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Auronzo Refuge or equivalent
This legendary stage winds through jagged needles, towers, and soaring peaks. Begin by crossing the Lavaredo Pass beneath the towering Tre Cime, then continue through a dramatic corridor between Tre Cime and Mount Paterno to reach Rifugio Locatelli and its panoramic view of the Tre Cime’s iconic north face.
Hiking: 4 hours
Elevation: +154 m (505 ft), -1,050 m (3,445 ft)
You have the possibility to extend the hike (2 hours of walking, +420 m / 1,378 ft, -420 m / 1,378 ft) by doing the complete tour of Mount Paterno, via the Croda Passaporto, Cengia lakes, and Büllelejoch Pass—an unforgettable loop through the dramatic Dolomitic Needles. Then you’ll reach Locatelli and continue with a spectacular descent into the Landro Valley. From there, choose one of two routes to Prato Piazza:
Option 1 (easy): A gentler climb via Lago di Landro and the forest track to Carbonin. After 1.5 hours, a scenic path shortcuts the switchbacks and crosses the plateau to reach Prato Piazza.
Hiking: 7 hours
Elevation: +800 m (2,625 ft), -1,100 m (3,609 ft)
Option 2 (steep climb): A steeper ascent with a short, mildly exposed section (5 m / 16 ft, with handrails), tracing the Chiara Valley and skirting Strudelkopf. Cross a high pass at 2,300 m (7,546 ft) before descending to the majestic alpine plateau of Prato Piazza.
Hiking: 7.5 hours total
Elevation: +1,050 m (3,445 ft), -1,400 m (4,593 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain refuge in Prato Piazza or equivalent (alternative hotel in Brückele with bus transfer if needed)
Option 1 (easier): A direct descent into the Schmieden Valley leads you gently back to Lago di Braies. Reaching Lago di Braies marks the end of your self-guided tour.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Elevation: +300 m (984 ft), -800 m (2,625 ft)
Option 2 (for experienced hikers): Ideal for experienced hikers without fear of heights, this stunning traverse follows trail No. 3 around the dramatic Croda Rossa. Expect alpine pastures, rocky outcrops, a short cable-protected section, and a beautiful descent to Lago di Braies. If selecting this option, your Day 2 route may be adjusted to reach Rifugio Sennes via the Riciogogn Pass to avoid repeating sections. Reaching Lago di Braies marks the end of your self-guided tour.
Hiking: 4.5 hours
Elevation: +350 m (1,148 ft), -900 m (2,953 ft)
Beautiful route that can be adjusted according to your fitness level, breathtaking panoramas without too much strenuous effort, quality accommodations that allow for good recovery, and opportunities to interact with other hikers
Return from 7 days with friends, an impressive discovery of the UNESCO World Heritage. The richness and variety of the Dolomites’ landscapes. Grandiose. The paths are so well marked and maintained, you feel at ease, with benches to admire the landscape. The surprise of the refuges, which are actually more like hotels. The least favorable for me was the Auronzo Refuge – cold and impersonal. I prefer the refuges like Refugio Cinque Torri Hutte, where there’s more sharing among hikers, which feels more convivial and goes in the direction of openness to others, in my opinion. As for luggage transport, it’s definitely a plus!!! (Except when the taxi takes us to the wrong refuge – we’ll remember that positively!) All in all, a MAGNIFICENT stay in the Dolomites.
Exceptional region – varied landscapes and challenging hikes! We pushed ourselves, and it was worth it – we were 2 adults and 2 children, aged 12 and 14.
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
In order to go on this Lago di Braies to Tre Cime self-guided hiking tour, great fitness is required. You’ll be hiking 3 to 7 hours per day, for 6 days in a row, with 300 to 1,000 m (985 to 3,280 ft) of altitude gain and 400 to 1,270 m (1,315 to 4.165 ft) of altitude loss per day.
The most you’ll hike within a day is 15 km (9.3 mi). On most days, you’ll have the chance to either take it easier or take it up a notch—check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
The hike ranges in altitude from 1,250 m (4,100 ft) at its lowest point to 2,570 m (8,430 ft) at its highest. There will be a few technical passages, alternating paths and trails.
For more hiking adventures in the Dolomites, click here! And if you want to see all our hiking trips in Italy, check them out here.
The following items are required for this Lago di Braies to Tre Cime self-guided tour unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed. Luggage transfers have a limit of 26lbs/12kg—please stick to this as extra items are not easily stored by the team.
Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option — it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.
Note that the beginning and end of the season (June and September) have a strong risk of snow and snowy conditions on the trail.
Clothing:
Gear:
First aid kit suggestions:
Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:
Optional items:
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By going on this Lago di Braies to Tre Cime tour, we take care of…
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!
Digital travel package includes documents available in English, French, and German, sent by email, and provides access to a smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only). It also contains the list of booked accommodations, and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, a printed version of the travel package can be provided for an additional fee; it will be ready and available at the first accommodation of the itinerary, including maps, a topo guide, and a travel folder—you can add this at checkout.
As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Group sizes and pricing
Lago di Braies to Tre Cime self-guided hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Lago di Braies to Tre Cime self-guided tour is Lago di Braies. To get there, most people fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Innsbruck Airport (INN). From there, you can take a shuttle service or rent a car to reach Lago di Braies—it will take you 2-3 hours.
Once you’re there, check into your hotel and take advantage of the beautiful setting of Lago di Braies—maybe take a boat trip on the lake!
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Beautiful route that can be adjusted according to your fitness level, breathtaking panoramas without too much strenuous effort, quality accommodations that allow for good recovery, and opportunities to interact with other hikers