Day trip destination
Three Peaks: Symbol of the Dolomites
The Three Peaks are some of the most spectacular and famous rock formations in the Dolomites. It is with good reason that they have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.
Their north faces look in the direction of South Tyrol, while their south faces towards Belluno: the Three Peaks form the border between the two provinces, and a fiercely-contested front between Italy and the Habsburg Empire once ran here while war was being waged in the mountains during the First World War. Today, these majestic giants stand at the heart of one of the best-loved hiking areas in South Tyrol and do justice to their nickname, the 'emblem of the Dolomites', in every respect.
Around the World Heritage Site
The area around the Three Peaks comprises countless hiking paths of varying degrees of difficulty. Some of them are only recommended to experienced mountaineers, but others are suitable for those with less hiking experience. The latter includes a summer walk that is very popular with holidaymakers, which goes around the enormous mountain obelisks. Starting point is Auronzohütte refuge, which is located at 3,330 metres above sea level on the southern side of the mountains and may be reached by means of a toll road. The path leads past Lavaredohütte refuge to Paternsattel coll at 2,454 metres above sea level.
Fiery mountain glow
This elevation offers excellent views of the vertical north faces of the Three Peaks, which drop down 500 metres, as well as the surrounding mountains, such as the Schwalbenkofel, Rautkofel and Paternkofel. Just after sunrise and shortly before sunset, the Sexten Dolomites, notably the Drei Zinnen peaks, stage a breathtaking spectacle in the form of a magical play of colour that gradually extends across the whole mountain.
At the next fork in the paths, hikers can either go to Drei Zinnen Hütte refuge or carry on their way: the path leads to Lange Alpe mountain pasture hut and to Lange Alpe lake, before the circular walk ends after going past the 'Westliche Zinne', or western peak, in the direction of Auronzohütte refuge.
Climbing paradise and family idyll
Three Peaks Nature Park provides lots of alternatives for both extreme sports fans and families keen on hiking: experienced climbers can put their skills to the test on the various climbing routes on the 'Große', 'Westliche' or even the difficult 'Kleine' peak. The 'Normalweg' path over the north face of the 'Große Zinne' peak is especially popular. Besides this, the three monumental rocks have a number of paragliders hovering around them on fine summer days and they are a destination for lots of ski tourers in winter.
For families with children, on the other hand, there are plenty of hiking routes in the surrounding area, allowing the Sexten Dolomites to be explored on safe and less taxing paths. The above-mentioned route around the Three Peaks should present no problems to children with a modicum of walking experience.
Three Peaks
Further information
Parking places are available.
How to reach Toblach/Dobbiaco: https://www.drei-zinnen.info/en/dobbiaco/dobbiaco/contact-and-service/arrival-mobility.html
From Toblach in southern direction to Misurina and further on to the Auronzo hut under the Three Peaks.
Accessible by public transport. The timetables are available on www.sii.bz.it.
Point of departure: Rif. Auronzo hut (2,320 m)
Who has never dreamt of climbing the top of the Cima Grande? Despite its popularity and the low grade of difficulty, the Three Peaks are never really crowded – probably because of the fact that orientating as well as finding the route can be rather challenging.
Requirements: good physical condition, a sure foot and no fear of heights.
Topos and more informations you will find here. (only in german)
Only walkable if the current weather conditions are good. For further information contact a mountain guide office.
Who has never dreamt of climbing the top of the Cima Grande? Despite its popularity and the low grade of difficulty, the Three Peaks are never really crowded – probably because of the fact that orientating as well as finding the route can be rather challenging.
The Three Peaks are the symbol of the Alta Pusteria: They belong to the most famous mountains of the Dolomites and the best known climbing destinations in the world.