to the cable cars

The icon of the Dolomites – a UNESCO highlight

Hikers on a rocky viewpoint below the 3 Zinnen peaks in the Dolomites.

Experience the Three Peaks in the Dolomites – UNESCO World Heritage

The Three Peaks in the Dolomites are among Europe’s most famous mountain formations and one of the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The striking peaks – the Great Peak, the Western Peak and the Little Peak – shape the Dolomites like hardly any other natural wonder.

Thanks to their impressive north faces, the Three Peaks are especially renowned among mountaineers around the world.

Whether you are planning a hike, looking for spectacular photo spots or simply want to stand in awe: the Three Peaks are an absolute must for every visitor to the Dolomites. Here you will find all the key information on how to get there, parking, hikes and tips for your visit.

3 Zinnen peaks above a rocky alpine basin under a clear sky. | © Kottersteger Manuel

How to get to the Three Peaks

On foot

Experiencing the Three Peaks on foot is the most authentic and impressive way to discover this icon of the Dolomites. Three beautiful approaches lead you into the fascinating mountain world around the Three Peaks: through the Rienza Valley from Landro, through the Innerfeldtal valley in Innichen and through the Fischleintal valley in Sexten.

The hiking trails lead through stunning alpine scenery and keep opening up new perspectives of the Three Peaks’s distinctive peaks. Depending on your starting point and chosen route, distance, elevation gain and difficulty will vary.

If you come on foot, the journey itself becomes part of the experience and lets you immerse yourself even more deeply in the unique nature of the Dolomites.

Discover the most beautiful walking routes to the Three Peaks
Sexten
Hike: Sextner Stein, Three Peaks
Distance 16,6 km
Activity time 6 h 25 min
Ascent 1.071 m
Descent 1.075 m
Status
open
Toblach
Summer hiking tour: View of the Three Peaks/Landro - Drei Zinnen Hütte/Rifugio Locatelli hut
Distance 7,8 km
Activity time 3 h 30 min
Ascent 973 m
Descent 27 m
Status
open
Innichen
Hike: Val Campo di Dentro/Innerfeldtal Valley - Three Peaks
Distance 12,5 km
Activity time 4 h 30 min
Ascent 1.223 m
Descent 85 m
Status
open
Sexten
Hike: The Three-hut-hike
Distance 17,9 km
Activity time 6 h 30 min
Ascent 1.233 m
Descent 1.233 m
Status
open
By bus & public transport

Alternatively, you can reach the Three Peaks comfortably with the line 444 shuttle from Dobbiaco (Toblach). The bus takes you directly to Rifugio Auronzo, the ideal starting point for hikes around the Three Peaks.

This option is especially recommended if you want to travel stress-free and avoid the search for parking. At the same time, using public transport is a sustainable alternative to driving and helps protect the Dolomites’ fragile natural environment.

Especially in high season, the shuttle bus offers a relaxed and reliable way to reach the Three Peaks.

By car

The easiest way to reach the Three peaks is via the toll panoramic road to Rifugio Auronzo. As the Three Peaks are located in a protected natural area, this access option is strictly limited.

    • Starting point: near Lake Misurina
    • Road: Three Peaks toll road
    • Destination: Rifugio Auronzo car park

Please note: access is seasonal usually from June to October and must be reserved online in advance.

 

Parking

The main car park is located directly at Rifugio Auronzo and can only be accessed with a prior online reservation.

Tip: Arrive early, in peak summer before 7 am, as the car park fills up quickly especially in summer.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Three Peaks in the Dolomites depends very much on what you would like to experience here. In general, the Three Peaks are an impressive destination all year round, but each season offers different conditions and experiences.

For hikers and nature lovers, the summer months from June to September are considered the ideal travel period. At this time, the trails around the Three Peaks are usually snow-free and easy to walk, so you can enjoy the famous circular hike and the many viewpoints without difficulty.

Autumn is also one of the most beautiful times to visit the Three Peaks. The Dolomites glow in intense colours, while at the same time there are fewer visitors on the trails. If you want to experience the Three Peaks in a quieter atmosphere, this season offers perfect conditions.

In winter, the Three Peaks reveal themselves in a stunning snowy landscape that is especially appealing for photographers and anyone looking for peace and quiet. However, access is limited, as the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo is closed. We also recommend checking the weather and avalanche report before planning a winter hike to the Three Peaks.

 

Tip: If it’s your first time visiting the Drei Zinnen, summer is the best season to go. If you’re after more peace and special light, autumn is also well worth it.

Dramatic 3 Zinnen peaks at sunrise above a rocky alpine valley. | © Kottersteger Manuel

Experience the Three Peaks differently

Would you like to experience the Three Peaks from a different perspective? Around this famous mountain massif, varied walking approaches, impressive hikes with spectacular views and special photo spots are waiting to show you the Dolomites’ iconic landmark in a whole new light. Get inspired and discover new ways to experience the Three Peaks actively, close to nature and away from the classic route.

Hikers near a wooden shelter with the 3 Zinnen peaks in the background

A hiking and climbing area full of history

One thing is certain: the Three Peaks are one of the most important climbing areas in the Dolomites. Historic first ascents have made the region famous around the world. To this day, the area offers climbing enthusiasts of every level a remarkable choice of legendary routes and new challenges within a compact setting.

The area around these three mighty rock towers is also a true paradise for hikers. Whether you choose an easy walk to the Three Peaks or a spectacular circular route, every step rewards you with an unforgettable mountain backdrop.

Below you will find a selection of our recommended hikes:

Sexten
Hike: The Three-hut-hike
Distance 17,9 km
Activity time 6 h 30 min
Ascent 1.233 m
Descent 1.233 m
Status
open
Toblach
Summer hiking tour: View of the Three Peaks/Landro - Drei Zinnen Hütte/Rifugio Locatelli hut
Distance 7,8 km
Activity time 3 h 30 min
Ascent 973 m
Descent 27 m
Status
open
© Alpinschule Sexten Drei Zinnen
Intermediate
Add to favourites
Sexten
Climbing tour: The Große Zinne Normal Route
Distance 1,9 km
Activity time 7 h 45 min
Ascent 750 m
Descent 750 m
Status
open
Three Peaks | © © Tourismusverein Toblach, Dobbiaco
Intermediate
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In the surrounding area
Climbing tour: Normal route on the Cima Ovest
Distance 0,9 km
Activity time 2 h 30 min
Ascent 570 m
Descent 0 m
Toblach
Summer-walk around the Drei Zinnen/Tre Cime (Three Peaks)
Distance 8,8 km
Activity time 4 h 00 min
Ascent 550 m
Descent 550 m
Status
open
© © Tourismusverein Toblach
Intermediate
Add to favourites
Toblach
Climbing tour: Normal route on the Cima Piccola
Distance 1,9 km
Activity time 2 h 45 min
Status
open

Current weather & webcams

Before you set off: check the weather and take a look at the live webcams.
Two hikers on a rocky mountain trail with the 3 Zinnen peaks and bright sun overhead.

Tips for your visit

  • 🕘 Start early to avoid the crowds and reserve your visit in advance.
  • 🥾 Wear sturdy shoes, even on easy trails
  • 🌦️ Check the weather – conditions can change quickly
  • 📸 Make the most of sunrise or sunset for photos
3 Zinnen peaks above a rocky alpine basin under a clear sky. | © Kottersteger Manuel
© Kottersteger Manuel / Quiet light at 3 Zinnen
Hikers on a rocky trail at sunrise with the 3 Zinnen peaks in the background.
Quiet mountain dawn
Two hikers on a rocky ridge with the 3 Zinnen peaks and a clear alpine panorama. | © Wisthaler Harald
© Wisthaler Harald / A quiet alpine outlook

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