If we had to choose just one place in the Dolomites that you absolutely must see — one of those WOW-effect spots — it would be Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or the Three Peaks. Monumental, jagged, towering giants listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — they’ve been drawing in hikers and climbers from around the world for years. And the best part? You can hike around them on a stunning loop trail that’s totally doable with kids.
O tym przeczytasz
Why is it worth it?
Just look at the photos — Tre Cime is one of those hikes where the sense of awe never fades. The only other place in Europe where Mario and I felt something similar was in the Rainbow Mountains of Iceland, where we trekked for days with backpacks. Like in Iceland, the scenery here shifts every few hundred meters — one moment you’re staring up at vertical rock faces, the next you’re looking down into vast valleys, alpine meadows, or over stark, stony passes. Add in cozy mountain huts with great food, wild mountain goats on the cliffs, and historic WWI bunkers carved into the rock, and it’s easy to see why this place is unforgettable.
How to get to Tre Cime in the Dolomites?
That depends on where you’re coming from and what you’re driving. The starting point of the Tre Cime loop is at Rifugio Auronzo, a fairly large mountain hut at 2,320 m above sea level. You reach it via a toll road from Misurina.
Driving up (as of 2025) costs €40 per passenger car or €60 per campervan, including parking for the day. You can stay overnight in the lot, but you’ll be charged for a second day when you leave. The road is paved and in good condition, but it’s very winding and narrow in parts. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus from Misurina or Cortina d’Ampezzo — they run regularly in season.
Important: If you’re planning to park there (especially in a campervan), check availability ahead of time — especially in peak season (July–August). Visit the Auronzo di Cadore website a few weeks in advance to book your spot — fill out the form and reserve your place.
Even though we went in early June, just before the high season, we couldn’t get a parking spot. So, as we often do, we came up with an alternative (something we always try to teach our kids — there’s always another way, you just have to get creative!).
Our alternative: 7 km bike ride to the Rifugio Auronzo
Since we couldn’t park at the trailhead by the hut, we decided to bike up instead. We left our car 7 km below at the Lago di Antorno parking lot and cycled up to Rifugio Auronzo with the kids. Both hikers and cyclists can enter the area without paying the vehicle toll.
Is the route tough? It’s the same road cars use, so you have to be cautious, especially on the turns. The entire road climbs steadily (except for one brief downhill just before Misurina), so it’s quite a challenge on regular bikes — unless you’re a road cycling enthusiast and actually want to suffer on those epic ascents!
Luckily, we brought our e-bikes from Poland. Mario and I rode trekking e-bikes from Riese & Müller (he has the Charger4, I have the Charger4 MIXTE), and the kids rode Eco Bike Youth e-bikes from the Polish brand Eco Bike. Our 6-year-old Basia doesn’t have an e-bike yet (obviously), so we attached a tow rope from her Woom 4 Explore to Mario’s bike. The climb to Tre Cime turned out to be a real joy! The descent, however, was much more technical — steep grades and tight curves require caution.
The Tre Cime Loop – Practical Info
- Distance: approx. 10 km
- Hiking time: 4–5 hours with kids (including breaks for food, snacks, snowball fights, etc.)
- Elevation gain: around 400 m – there are a few steep and tiring sections
- Kid age tips: our 6-year-old hiked 3/4 of the trail on her own, then napped in the carrier (for those wondering — it’s the Preschool model from Polish brand Tula, perfect for older kiddos). Our 9-year-old Janek and 11-year-old Mania completed the hike with no problem.
- The trail is very well marked — you’re unlikely to get lost. We recommend starting the loop clockwise, to get the best views (assuming the mountain decides to show itself!). When we left the hut and set off, everything was shrouded in fog and we could hardly see the peaks. But about two hours later, as we reached the pass near Rifugio Locatelli — with breathtaking views of Tre Cime on one side and the Piani lakes on the other — the sun broke through, the fog lifted, and the whole scene turned into a fairytale. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful mountain landscape in Europe (okay, maybe except for the Rainbow Mountains, but the Dolomites are in a league of their own!).
Fun facts about Tre Cime and the Dolomites
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo are three massive peaks: Cima Piccola (Small Peak), Cima Grande (Great Peak – 2,999 m), and Cima Ovest (Western Peak). Their vertical rock faces are a dream for climbers around the globe (mine too, someday!).
- In 2009, the Dolomites were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — described as “one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world”. It’s hard to disagree!
- During World War I, the front line ran through this area. Near Rifugio Locatelli, you can explore bunkers carved into the rock and remnants of old fortifications.
Tre Cime in the Dolomites with kids – is it worth it?
Absolutely YES! It’s one of those trails that never feels boring — not for kids, not for adults. The changing scenery, frequent rest stops, safe paths, and the feeling of hiking in the heart of the Dolomites make this an experience that stays in your heart forever.
That said, remember this is alpine terrain — here’s what to pack:
- Layered clothing: We packed everything from down jackets to warm fleeces. The weather changed on us multiple times — thick fog and cold, then rain and wind, then blazing sun… and back again. We ended up hiking in t-shirts at one point — and then putting our hoodies back on 15 minutes later! What outdoor clothes do we recommend? Always Columbia, our trusted blog partner. Special shoutout to their Reign No Shine™ jackets (I have the turquoise one, Mario the black), Chill River™ UV-protection hoodies for the kids (I’m wearing our oldest child’s size L in some photos; Basia wears XS), and the unbeatable Konos™ TRS OutDry™ waterproof hiking shoes, which have taken us on more trails than we can count!
- Water, snacks, and food: We always bring freeze-dried meals from the Polish brand Lyofood, plus a portable stove and gas canister. A hot meal saves the day — especially with kids.
- Hats and sunscreen – the sun at altitude can be fierce
- Headlamp – if you want to explore the bunkers and tunnels
- Pocket knife, whistle – handy just in case
After the hike…
Take a break by one of the nearby lakes — Lago di Misurina or Lago di Antorno, where we stopped. You can grab pizza or pasta with a mountain view or simply relax on the grass. There’s also a great playground for kids. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Dolomite adventure.
The Tre Cime loop was one of the most beautiful hikes we’ve done as a family (and we’ve done quite a few!) — not just because of the picture-perfect views, but because of the shared experience. Tre Cime is truly awe-inspiring — no matter your age. If you’re looking for a family adventure in the Dolomites, this loop is an absolute must-do!
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