Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Toblach to Cortina via Misurina (2 Days)

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen, the Three Peaks) are the most famous rock towers in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This short drive starts in Toblach (Dobbiaco) in South Tyrol, runs south through the Höhlensteintal past two mountain lakes to Lake Misurina, climbs a toll road to the car park at Rifugio Auronzo right under the peaks, and finishes the next day in Cortina d’Ampezzo over Passo Tre Croci. It is only about 50 km, but the walk round the peaks takes half a day, so give it two.

Italy drives on the right. The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo is open roughly from late May to late October, weather permitting, and must be booked online in advance; outside that season you can still drive Toblach–Misurina–Cortina, but not up to the peaks. Winter tyres or snow chains on board are required on signposted roads, usually 15 November to 15 April.

Day 1 — Toblach to Rifugio Auronzo (27 km)

From Toblach drive south on the SS51 into the Höhlensteintal, past the Toblacher See (Lago di Dobbiaco) and the shallow Dürrensee (Lago di Landro, 1,406 m) under Monte Cristallo. At the head of the valley turn off for Misurina: its lake (1,754 m) is one of the classic views of the Tre Cime. From Misurina the toll road climbs past Lake Antorno to the large car park at Rifugio Auronzo (about 2,330 m), at the foot of the peaks. Sleep at Rifugio Auronzo (book ahead), back down in Misurina, or in a motorhome in the car park.

Day 2 — Round the Tre Cime and on to Cortina d’Ampezzo (22 km)

Start early with the circuit of the Tre Cime: about 10 km and 3½–4 hours on foot, past Rifugio Lavaredo, over Forcella Lavaredo to Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte) facing the famous north faces, and back via Malga Langalm. Then drive back down to Misurina and over Passo Tre Croci (about 1,800 m) into Cortina d’Ampezzo, the elegant mountain town at the end of the road.

Costs

Use the cost calculator to price fuel and nights for your dates. The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo cost €40 for a car, €26 for a motorbike and €60 for a motorhome in 2026, booked online at pass.auronzo.info with your number plate; the ticket is valid for 12 hours from the entry time you book, and a stay of more than 12 hours (a night in a motorhome) needs two slots. In a motorhome you may sleep in the car park but not camp: no tables, chairs or awnings. In summer the Dolomiti Bus shuttle from Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo costs €10 per person and saves the toll. Mountain huts and hotels around Misurina and Cortina are often €90–200+ per night in season; book early.

Optional detour: Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is about 16 km west of Toblach. In summer the valley road is regulated: in 2026 from 1 July to 15 September, 9:00–16:00, you could only drive in with an online booking, by public transport, on foot or by bike. Check prags.bz before you go.

This trip is also in the free Roadcut trip planner: change the number of days and where you sleep each night, pick your vehicle to see the fuel cost, check the weather on the road, and open each day in Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze.