Lago di Misurina is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the entire Dolomites.
In this guide, we’ll look at how to get there, what to hike, what to do in summer and winter, the best viewpoints for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and when to time your visit to avoid the worst of the crowds.
All about Lago di Misurina
Lago di Misurina sits at 1,754 metres above sea level in the Province of Belluno, Veneto, making it the highest and largest natural lake in the Cadore region.
Four major mountain groups frame the lake on all sides. Sorapiss is to the south, Monte Cristallo dominates the west, the Cadini di Misurina group fills the eastern horizon, and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo sits to the north.
The lake is part of the UNESCO Dolomites World Heritage Site, and the surrounding area falls within the Drei Zinnen / Tre Cime Nature Park.
How to get to Lake Misurina
The easiest way is by car via the SS51 di Alemagna. From Auronzo di Cadore, the road climbs through a series of hairpin bends in the forest before opening out to the lake.
From Cortina d’Ampezzo the drive takes around 25–30 minutes. Several paid car parks are located around the lakeshore. In summer, they fill fast; arriving before 9 am is a reliable way to get a spot.
There is a bus service during the summer months from both Cortina d’Ampezzo and Dobbiaco. In winter, the road is open year-round, but you’ll need snow chains or winter tyres.
Best hiking trails around the lake
The Lago di Misurina ring trail is the best starting point; it’s a flat, well-maintained loop of 2.7 km that takes about 45 minutes at an easy pace. It’s suitable for families, accessible with a pushchair on most sections, and you’ll have continuous views of all four mountain groups.
Here are the trails worth trekking:
- Lake Misurina ring trail — 2.7 km, flat, 45 minutes, suitable for all abilities
- Lago d’Antorno loop — 7 km round trip, moderate, leads to a smaller lake with excellent Tre Cime views, roughly 2.5 hours
- Cadini di Misurina via Route 120A — 7.4 km, moderate-difficult, 2.5 hours, reaches the famous “Flying Banana” viewpoint used in Avengers: Infinity War filming locations
- Monte Piana (2,324 m) — approximately 2 hours each way from the lake; a plateau with preserved WWI trenches, tunnels, and an open-air museum — genuinely worth the effort
- Torre del Diavolo loop — 10.7 km, difficult, significant elevation gain, for experienced hikers only
Winter and summer activities at Lago di Misurina
The lake works in two very different modes depending on the season, and both are genuinely worthwhile.
Summer (June to September) is when the lake is at its most accessible. Kayaking and paddle boating are available directly on the water. Fishing is permitted with a licence. Cafés and restaurants are open around the lake, and the Tre Cime toll road operates from approximately June to October. Cycling is popular throughout the area; the cycling routes across the Dolomites pass through some spectacular terrain around Misurina.
Winter (December to March) brings a completely different atmosphere. When temperatures stay below zero for extended periods, Lago di Misurina freezes over, and speed skating is a popular activity. Nearby Lago d’Antorno also freezes and has a managed skating rink with skate hire, open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, with torchlight skating in the evenings.
Viewing the Tre Cime di Lavaredo from the lake
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are arguably the most photographed peaks in the entire Dolomites, and Lago di Misurina is where most people get their first proper look at them. One of the most reproduced images in alpine photography for good reason.
If you want to go closer, the Tre Cime toll road starts just above the lake and climbs approximately 7 km to Rifugio Auronzo at 2,320 metres. This is the trailhead for the classic Tre Cime circuit, a loop of about 9.5 km that takes 3 to 4 hours and passes through Rifugio Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli.
If you’d rather earn the views on foot, the trail via Monte Campedelle (the full loop from Lago di Misurina to Rifugio Tre Cime) covers 15.4 miles with 4,586 ft of elevation gain and takes 9.5 to 10.5 hours.
Best time of year to visit
In our opinion, every season is unique. What matters is what your expectations are for your holiday.
- June: alpine flowers in bloom, Tre Cime road opens, fewer crowds than July and August. Some higher trails may still have snow patches. Good compromise.
- July and August: peak season. Warmest temperatures, everything open, maximum crowds. Car parks fill before 9 am. If you’re visiting in this window, arrive early or take the bus.
- September: arguably the best month. Crowds thin, temperatures remain pleasant, the larch trees start turning gold, and the light is excellent for photography. The Tre Cime road stays open until October.
- October: autumn colours are at their peak. Noticeably quieter. Some facilities start reducing hours. Tre Cime road closes, typically by the end of October.
- December to March: winter conditions, frozen lake possible, cross-country skiing and ice skating at Lago d’Antorno. A very different experience from summer. Check road conditions before travelling.
Must-do checklist for your visit
- Walk the full lake circuit (2.7 km) at dawn for the best reflections
- Drive or take the bus up the Tre Cime toll road to Rifugio Auronzo (open June–October)
- Walk the Tre Cime circuit from Rifugio Auronzo (9.5 km, 3–4 hours)
- Hike up to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint via Route 120A if you want the elevated perspective
- Visit Monte Piana for the WWI history and panoramic views over Val di Landro
- In winter, skate at Lago d’Antorno under torchlight in the evenings
- Stop at one of the lakeshore cafés — there are several around the perimeter
Book your trip to the Dolomites and visit Lago di Misurina
Lago di Misurina is a location many might not visit, but should add it to their itinerary.
If you’re exploring the wider Cadore region, it is a great stop along the way.
D4U offers holiday rentals across the Dolomites, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Cadore valleys, and Alpago, placing you within easy reach of Lago di Misurina and the wider network of trails, ski areas, and mountain roads that make this region so special.
Browse our properties and find your base for exploring the Dolomites.
