Visiting the Three Peaks (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) when the toll road is closed
All good things come to an end, or maybe not : visiting the Tre Cime area when the toll road is closed
The Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen) are among the most iconic landmarks of the Dolomites. Many visitors reach them by driving up the paid toll road to Rifugio Auronzo, but this route isn’t always available (for example, it’s closed outside the summer season, usually from the end of October, depending on weather conditions). This article explains how that road works, offers sustainable alternatives, and describes a scenic hike starting from Lake Antorno which is ideal when the road is closed or if you prefer to avoid driving altogether.
The Toll Road to Rifugio Auronzo parking in the Tre Cime area: What You Need to Know
- What it is & when it’s open
The toll road (Strada Panoramica delle Tre Cime) leads up to Rifugio Auronzo (another article about this here), close to the base of the Three Peaks. It usually opens in late spring and closes in autumn (depending on snow, weather, and maintenance).
Outside those months, access by car is prohibited. - Costs and restrictions
- There is a fee (toll) to drive up.
- In recent years, there are controls on the number of vehicles allowed and reservation is required since 2025 season
- Why it may be closed or restricted
- Seasonal closures (snow, risk of avalanches)
- Road works
- Environmental regulation to reduce traffic
- Vehicle quotas or reservation systems (to limit congestion and preserve nature)
- When the road is open: using it
- If you can drive (or take a shuttle), you save a lot of time and energy.
- From Rifugio Auronzo you can start the classic loop around the Three Peaks (trail 101 + 105) which is relatively easy to moderate and offers breathtaking views.
However, for many travelers, the toll road isn’t available (off-season) or they wish to reduce their carbon footprint so what are the alternatives?
Sustainable & Alternative Options
1. Shuttle / Bus Services
From towns like Dobbiaco (Toblach) or Cortina, shuttle buses operate during the high season, connecting to Rifugio Auronzo (or as close as possible). Using public transport reduces traffic and is more eco-friendly.
Snowmobile access to Rifugio Auronzo
During winter it is possible to reach the Rifugio Auronzo starting from the valley (locality Lago Antorno / Misurina) via organised snowmobile rides. The ascent along a snowy, mountain-road track of about 5-6 km takes around 20 minutes and ends at the rifugio at ~ 2330 m above sea level. From there, you can return by sled (“slittino”), on foot or by snowmobile descent (see more info in the WilDolomites free demo map below).
2. Park Lower & Walk Up
Instead of driving all the way, you can park in lower valleys (or at Lake Antorno) and hike up. This is ideal when the toll road is closed, or if you simply prefer to be on foot.
3. Multi-day Hut-to-Hut Treks
For those who enjoy trekking, there are longer routes that approach the Three Peaks from different valleys (e.g. via Val Fiscalina), passing by multiple mountain huts. This lets you experience the Dolomites at a gentler pace and avoid the rush. Huts also close down, at least for a few weeks around the end of October/November.
4. Seasonal Planning / Timing
Visiting in shoulder seasons (just when roads open or before they close) might reduce crowds. Also check local mobility plans: some areas restrict private vehicle access during peak hours or days to preserve environment.
A still from the video opening of the post.
Recommended Hike: From Lake Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo (one way or loop of the Tre Cime)
General info & what to expect
This hike is a beautiful alternative when the toll road is closed or simply for those wanting a more immersive mountain experience.
It passes through alpine landscapes, meadows, and gradually gains elevation toward the Three Peaks area.
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water, comfortable but sturdy shoes, and rain or heavier gear in case the weather changes. When temperatures get low or with snow conditions, remember to pack ice hiking crampons and be sure to be in a fit state for this kind of hike.
Start at Lake Antorno
Park (or approach by foot) near Lago Antorno (which is a beautiful destination around October/November time to enjoy foliage, discover more with the wilDolomites map). From there, take the trail toward Rifugio Auronzo.
Ascent through forest and alpine meadows
Path 101 winds upward with moderate slope. Along the way you’ll pass scenic viewpoints perhaps over Misurina and the surroundings.
Final stretch to Rifugio Auronzo
The last part may involve steeper segments and rocky terrain. But reaching Rifugio Auronzo gives you great views and acts as a launch point for the Tre Cime loop or to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.
(Optional) Loop around the Tre Cime
From Rifugio Auronzo, you can do the classic Giro delle Tre Cime (loop) via trail 101 / 105, passing Rifugio Lavaredo, Forcella Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli, and returning via Malga Langalm or the valley trail. The full loop is about 8.8 km with around 550 m ascent/descent and typically takes ~4 hours.
Return path
You can return via the same ascent route (back the way you came) or complete the loop and end back at your starting point.
Difficulty / Time
- Moderate for people with reasonable fitness
- Expect 3–5 hours for the whole hike (depending on route taken and rest stops)
- Some sections are steeper; choose your pace
- Not recommended in bad weather or with heavy snow cover
Other well-known Trails to the Three Peaks / Tre Cime area
Trail 119
This trail begins near the toll booth of the Tre Cime road and allows hikers to reach the Three Peaks entirely on foot. It eventually reconnects with the paved road, offering an alternative to driving.
Trail 108A
Starting from Malga Rin Bianco, a mountain hut located only a few hundred meters below the toll gate, this route climbs towards the Three Peaks and passes through the Forcella Col di Mezzo (Col di Mezzo saddle), a scenic mountain pass.
Other Routes
There are many other spectacular hiking trails leading into the Tre Cime Natural Park, starting from towns and valleys such as Auronzo, Misurina, Dobbiaco (Toblach), and Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal). These longer itineraries are ideal for those who want to explore the Dolomites at a slower pace and discover the dramatic alpine scenery without relying on cars.
Good to Know
The Tre Cime toll road remains accessible to walkers and cyclists even outside the official opening season, when it is closed to motor vehicles. This makes it a great option for quiet hikes or bike tours in spring and autumn, when the landscape is peaceful and less crowded.