Tre Cime Nature Park: Best Hikes, Via Ferratas & Photography Spots

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Home to the most recognizable peaks of the Dolomites, the Tre Cime Nature Park is a paradise for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. Countless hiking trails and via ferrata routes create a labyrinth that may be difficult to decipher if you don’t know the area. In this article, I will uncover all the hiking, climbing, backpacking, and photography opportunities that await you in Tre Cime Nature Park.

A Few Facts About The Tre Cime Nature Park

Established in 1981
Renamed to Tre Cime Nature Park in 2010
Since 2009 enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Covers an area of 11600 hectares
Located in the South Tyrol region

Best Hikes In The Tre Cime Nature Park

Above, you can see the map of the hikes. Click on each trail to open a window on the left that will tell you its name. Please keep reading to learn the details about each hike, including distance, elevation gain, and time required.

TIP: All distances and times provided include the way there and back but don’t include breaks.

1. Croda Fiscalina Circuit

Distance: 19.2 km / 11.9 mi
Elevation gain: 1180 m / 3870 ft
Time required: 8-10 hours
Colour on the map: green

I am kicking off the list with my favourite hike in Tre Cime Park, the Croda Fiscalina Circuit. As the name suggests, the trail circles Croda Fiscalina, one of the summits in the Tre Cime Nature Park.

Going hungry along this trail is not possible because you will walk by four fantastic mountain huts where you can savour the local cuisine.

As for the views, you can’t go wrong with choosing this hike. It first leads through the beautiful Fiscalina Valley, taking you to the foot of Croda Dei Toni (Zwölferkofel). Then, it continues to Rifugio Locatelli, where you will get the classic view of the Three Peaks (Tre Cime).

2. Tre Cime Circuit

Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi
Elevation gain: ca. 400 m / 1250 ft
Time required: 4-5 h
Colour on the map: red

The Tre Cime Circuit belongs to the classic hikes in the Dolomites. It’s neither too long nor too strenuous, and it’s the perfect trail for someone who does not have a lot of hiking experience.

The trail circles the Three Peaks, the famous limestone that named the park. It crosses Forcella Lavaredo, one of the iconic photography spots in the Dolomites, and then continues to the buzzing Locatelli hut.

If you are looking for solitude, this trail is not for you. It’s one of the busiest hikes in the Dolomites, so if you are looking for other ways to see the peaks, then Croda Fiscalina Circuit, Tre Scarperi Circuit, or the hike through Val Rinbon will be a better choice.

Read More: Guide To The Tre Cime Circuit Hike

3. Dreischusterspitze (Tre Scarperi) Circuit

Distance: 14.6 km / 13.5 mi
Elevation gain: 979 m / 3211 feet
Time required: 6-7 hours
Colour on the map: pink

The map above shows that the Tre Scarperi Circuit is a U-shaped hike rather than a circuit, which means it starts and ends in different locations.

However, both trailheads can be reached via public transport, so relocation isn’t a problem. I called the hike a circuit because it circles Monte Tre Scarperi (Dreischusterspitze).

The hike starts in the Campo Di Dentro valley, climbs to Rifugio Locatelli, descends through the Sassovecchio Valley, and ends in Fiscalina Valley. You will cover four unique corners of Tre Cime Nature Park in one day.

4. Sentiero Dei Camiosci

Distance: 4.8 km / 3 mi
Elevation gain: 344 m / 1130 ft
Time required: 1.5 – 2.5 h
Colour on the map: yellow

If you want a family-friendly hike in the Tre Cime Nature Park, consider walking the Sentiero Dei Camiosci.

The hike starts at the top of the Croda Rossa Gondola on a small high alpine plateau called Rotwandwiese, with a beautiful view of Monte Croda Rossa. In just under 5 kilometres, the trail covers 344 meters of elevation, most of which is covered in the first quarter of the distance.

This hike is also a good choice for a hot summer day, as much of the trail leads within the tree line, providing some cool shade. Don’t worry, though. There are plenty of lookout points along the way, from which you can admire Fiscalina Valley and the peaks surrounding it on either side.

5. Val Rinbon to Rifugio Locatelli

Distance: 16.1 km / 12.4 mi
Elevation gain: 980 / 3215 ft
Time required: 7-9 hours
Colour on the map: blue

If you would like to reach the Locatelli hut and admire the views of the Three Peaks without the usual crowds seen on the Tre Cime Circuit, consider hiking to the hut through the Rinbon Valley. It’s not the easiest way to reach the famous view, but it is certainly more rewarding.

The hike leads through a narrow valley following a river stream. The trail starts in the Landro Valley, close to two beautiful lakes: Landro and Dobiacco. Stop near the lakes for a quick photo when visiting this area.

6. Monte Paterno Circuit

Distance: 13 km / 8.1 mi
Elevation gain: 680 m / 2230 ft
Time required: 4-5 hours
Colour on the map: orange

For the first 20-30 minutes, the Monte Paterno circuit intersects with the Tre Cime Circuit, but once you reach the Lavaredo Hut, the trail branches off, leaving the majority of the crowd behind.

You will then circle another prominent peak in the area – Monte Paterno. There is a beginner via ferrata that goes to its summit, but I will get to that later.

I recommend hiking this route if you want to break away from other hikes but still want to see all the highlights of the Tre Cime Nature Park.

7. Kreuzberg Pass to Rifugio Berti Circuit

Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 mi
Elevation gain: 823 m / 2700 ft
Time required: 4-5 hours
Colour on the map: purple

It’s time for more off-the-beaten-path hikes in the Tre Cime Nature Park. First on the menu is the circuit hike from Kreuzberg Pass to Rifugio Berti and back.

The trail is located on the East side of the park. Apart from a short zig-zag route on the scree slope in the first part of the hike, most of the circuit is relatively easy. Plan a more extended break near the tiny lake Popera. The surrounding jagged peaks will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you.

8. Giralba to Rifugio Carducci

Distance: 14.8 km / 9.2 mi
Elevation gain: 1289 m / 4232 ft
Time required: 6-7 hours
Colour on the map: turquoise

If hiking in the crowds is a hard pass, this trail following the narrow Giralba Valley will be perfect. Though strenuous (for each kilometre walked, you gain approximately 175 meters of elevation), you will often stop to admire the steep mountain slopes ahead of you.

At the end of the hike, the cute Rifugio Carducci and its wide array of South Tirol’s mountain cuisine await. To my surprise, we encountered some free-range chickens roaming outside. If you hike with a furry friend like me, keep it leashed around the hut.

The trailhead of this hike lies close to the town of Auronzo on the Southern border of the Tre Cime Nature Park. This is a great town to stay in if you want a more immersive local experience.

Best Via Ferratas In The Tre Cime Nature Park

Tre Cime Nature Park is a playground for those who enjoy scrambling. Plenty of via ferrata routes are scattered around the park from beginner to advanced level, and I can proudly say I have done almost all of them.

1. Via Ferrata Croda Rossa (Rotwandspitze)

Difficulty level: beginner
Time required: 5-6 hours

Tre Cime Nature Park is filled with history from World War I. Tunnels, trenches, and, most of all, via ferratas, are the remnants of the battles that happened here over a century ago. You will find plenty of WWI memorabilia on the Croda Rossa iron path.

The route leads to the summit of Corda Rossa (Rotwandspitze), from which you get a fantastic panoramic view of Tre Cime Park and the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Alps. To my surprise, I even spotted the summit of Mt Triglav—the highest mountain in Slovenia!

2. Via Ferrata Zandonella

Difficulty level: intermediate
Time required: 7-8 hours

Via Ferrata Zandonella also leads to the summit of Croda Rossa but along the mountain’s southern flanks. The route is slightly more complicated and steeper, with much more cable time.

In return, this route is much less frequented, so you get solitude. Via Ferrata Croda Rossa and Zandonella can be combined into a full-day summit adventure.

2. Via Ferrata Severino Casara (Zwölferkofel)

Difficulty level: intermediate
Time required: 5-7 hours (excluding hut approach), 8-10 hours with hut approach

Severino Casara is the classic via ferrata route in the Tre Cime Nature Park. It circles the Zwölferkofel mountain (Croda Dei Toni), one of the area’s most distinguishable peaks. The route can be walked either clockwise or counterclockwise.

3. Via Ferrata Roghel & Cengia Gabriella

Difficulty level: advanced
Time required: 12-14 hours (overnight hut stay required)

If you are looking for a challenging via ferrata in the Tre Cime Nature Park, then Roghel & Cengia Gabriella iron paths will be perfect. Technically, they are two separate routes, but it’s best to combine them.

Via ferratas Roghel & Ciengia Gabriella connect Rifugio Berti with Rifugio Carducci. To complete it, you must plan an overnight stay in one (or both huts).

4. Via Ferrata Torre Di Toblin

Difficulty level: intermediate
Time required: 1.5-2 hours (plus 2 hours approach)

Via Ferrata Torre Di Toblin has a special place in my heart. It was the first iron path I completed in 2018 when I first visited the Dolomites.

This short route is in the heart of the Tre Cime Nature Park. It follows a series of cables and ladders to the small summit of the Toblin Tower. You get excellent panoramic views of the Three Peaks, Monte Paterno, and Monte Tre Scarperi from the top.

5. Via Ferrata Strada Degli Alpini (Alpinisteig)

Difficulty level: beginner
Time required: 7-9 hours

This excellent traverse follows a series of ledges along the western flanks of Monte Popera and Cima Undici. Almost no scrambling is involved along this route, but a strong head for heights is a must.

A big part of the route follows narrow ledges with a few hundred-meter drop to the side. The fantastic view towards Croda Dei Toni (Zwölferkoffel) will accompany you most of the way.

6. Via Ferrata De Luca (Innerkofler)

Difficulty level: beginner
Time required: 2.5-3 hours

Another excellent beginner route for someone who wants to try via ferratas is the De Luca Iron Path. It follows a series of tunnels starting near the Locatelli hut and taking you to the summit of Monte Paterno. The top of Monte Paterno provides fantastic views of Tre Cime and other prominent peaks of the park.

7. Via Ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa

Difficulty level: beginner
Time required: 5-6 hours

Via Ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa connects Rifugio Auronzo with Rifugio Fonda Savio. The latter lies just outside of the Tre Cime Nature Park boundary.

The route is mainly known for its famous lookout, the Cadini Di Misurina viewpoint. It’s a beloved spot for Instagrammers. Most people only hike to the viewpoint and back. The cable-protected section starts after the lookout.

8. Via Ferrata Merlone

Difficulty level: intermediate
Time required: 3-4 hours (not including hut approach)

Alta Via 4 Extension Via Ferrata Merlone 4

Technically, Via Ferrata Merlone lies just outside of the Tre Cime Nature Park boundary. Still, since it is one of my favourite intermediate iron paths in the Dolomites, I wanted to mention it.

The route starts at Rifugio Fonda Savio and takes you to the summit of Cima Cadin in the Cadini di Misurina group. From the top, you see a unique view of the southern faces of the Three Peaks. They look entirely different from their northern faces.

Read More: Guide To Via Ferrata Merlone

10 Best Photography Spots In The Tre Cime Nature Park

1. Rifugio Locatelli

If you want the classic view of Tre Cime, book a night or two at the Locatelli hut. The hut faces South and has a direct view of the northern faces of Tre Cime.

2. Cadini Di Misurina Viewpoint

I already mentioned the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint above when I mentioned the via ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa. Although the viewpoint lies directly on the route, you don’t need any via ferrata equipment if you want to see only it.

The lookout is a 30-40-minute hike from the Auronzo hut. This beloved outcrop overlooks the Cadini di Misurina group and its jagged peaks.

3. Forcella Lavaredo

Another classic view of the Three Peaks is from the Lavaredo Saddle. You cross it when hiking the Tre Cime Circuit. It’s only a 30-40 minute walk from the trailhead near Rifugio Auronzo. My favourite time to photograph the Three Peaks from Forcella Lavaredo is during sunrise.

4. Laghi Dei Piani

If you love to photograph bodies of water, particularly with mountains reflecting in them, then plan a sunrise or sunset shoot at Laghi Dei Piani. Laghi in Italian translates to lakes. They are located around a 10-minute walk from the Locatelli hut.

5. Tre Cime Tunnel View

Remember what I said about the World War History prevalent around the Tre Cime Nature Park? There are plenty of tunnel networks and caves around the Locatelli hut, which soldiers dug during the occupation.

One in particular has gained popularity amongst photographers, as its opening perfectly frames the Three Peaks. A 15-minute uphill hike from the Locatelli hut can reach the tunnel.

6. Val Fiscalina

The entry to the Fiscalina Valley is one of my favourite photography spots in the Tre Cime Nature Park. I have hiked here many times before, and each time, I was left in awe of the dramatic peaks shooting straight from the valley floor.

If you are looking for an easy-to-get-to photography spot, add it to your list. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the car park.

7. Croda Fiscalina Summit

The summit of Croda Fiscalina provides, in my opinion, the best view of Zwölferkoffel (Croda Dei Toni). If you would like to shoot from this location, it is best to plan an overnight stay in Rifugio Pian Di Cengia (Buellelejochhuette).

The summit can be reached within 45 minutes of leaving the hut. You also get to see other famous Tre Cime Nature Park peaks, including Tre Cime.

8. Vallon Popera

This was my newest discovery during my last visit to the park in September 2023. The plan was to stay overnight in Rifugio Berti, but due to a miscalculation on my side, I ended up bivouacking near a stream not too far from the hut. I woke up to see the first light hitting Croda Rossa’s peaks right before me.

9. Cadin Di Longeres Valley Viewpoint

This is one of my favourite autumn photography spots in the Dolomites, and I reckon you can understand why just looking at the picture. The Cadin Di Longeres valley is filled with larch trees, and during fall, when they turn orange, the whole scenery turns colourful.

The jagged peaks of the Cadini di Misurina to the left only add to the spectacle. The lookout is a 20-minute downhill walk from the car park near Rifugio Auronzo.

10. Lago Antorno

Another classic photo location in the Tre Cime Nature Park is Lake Antorno. The lake provides reflections of the south faces of Three Peaks. The lake can be reached by car, so not much preplanning is needed to visit the spot.

During the summer season, wildflowers on the lake’s shoreline provide a great foreground for photos. In the Fall, the Larch trees surrounding the lake turn bright orange, adding colour to the scenery.