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
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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.
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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)
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Included:
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- 7-day Lago di Braies to Tre Cime di Lavaredo self-guided hiking tour
- Accommodation for 6 nights (5 nights in a small dormitory and 1 night in a double occupancy room)
- 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners
- Luggage transfers
- Digital travel package
- Smartphone travel app with GPX files
- Tourist taxes
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
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- Printed travel package
- Accommodation upgrade to double occupancy rooms
- Extra night(s) at Lago di Braies
Not included:
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- Travel to/from Lago di Braies, Italy
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Bus transfer on Day 5
- Entrance fees
- Registration fees
- Showers in huts
- Anything not mentioned in the “included” section above
- Travel and medical insurance — optional
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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.
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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:
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- Hiking boots/shoes — waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in
- Hiking socks — one pair for every day or two days of the trip (hiking/sport specific padded socks, no cotton please)
- Sun hat — wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
- Warm hat & gloves — lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
- Hiking shirts — non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts
- Warm top — mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
- Insulating jacket — down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
- Hiking pants & shorts — nylon pants and shorts, zip-offs or leggings
- Base layer/long underwear — 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
- Rain gear — waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon (for the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear)
- Casual clothing & footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.
Gear:
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- Backpack — a 30–45 liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking
- Personal luggage — small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack
- Hydration system — 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
- Trekking poles — telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain (strongly recommended)
- Headlamp — preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries
- Picnic/lunch kit — knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
- Phone, charger, power bank
- Waterproof travel case or pouch — used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, & lip balm
- First aid kit
- Personal toilet paper kit — toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes
- Toiletries
- Contact lenses & glasses
- Prescription medication — with emergency back-up supply
- Cash in local currency
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:
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- Medications — brands of choice; all medications should be prescribed or approved by a doctor prior to use
- Prescription drugs — any required prescriptions with backup doses (kept in carry-on luggage)
- Epinephrine — multiple doses recommended if severe allergies are present, with doctor prescription
- Pain relief — ibuprofen, aspirin, non-aspirin (e.g., Tylenol)
- Antihistamine — diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl)
- Non-drowsy allergy relief — loratadine (e.g., Claritin)
- Antacid/heartburn relief — bismuth (e.g., Pepto-Bismol), antacid tablets
- Anti-diarrheal — loperamide hydrochloride (e.g., Imodium)
- Cold/flu medicine
- Electrolyte replacement/drink mix
- Creams — antibiotic ointment, anti-itch (hydrocortisone), arnica
- Eye problems: dry/itchy — eye drops
- Feminine hygiene — tampons, pads
- Wound care — assorted bandages, antiseptic swabs
- Blister kit
- Sun protection — sunscreen, SPF lip balm
- Various items — athletic tape/“KT tape,” nail clippers, tweezers, small bottle of hand sanitizer, sewing kit (for clothing/button repairs), disposable surgical gloves (1–2 pairs)
Optional items:
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- Face masks — 2–3 recommended
- Travel power adapter — electric power voltage in Italy is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F & L type
- Support braces — joint braces if currently needed or from past injuries (e.g., knee, ankle, elbow)
- Sleep mask & ear plugs
- Bug repellent
- Quick drying towel or bandana(s)
- Swimsuit
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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…
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- accommodation
- breakfasts and dinners
- luggage transfers
- tourist taxes
- digital travel package
- smartphone travel app
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.
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Group sizes and pricing
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- Due to safety reasons, it takes a minimum of 2 people for this Lago di Braies to Tre Cime self-guided hiking tour to operate. Solo hikers are not allowed to join.
- The maximum group size is set at 16 participants.
- The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
Lago di Braies to Tre Cime self-guided hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Lago di Braies to Tre Cime self-guided hiking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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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!
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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!
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