Hike to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint, and two more Viewpoints, Dolomiti, Italy

The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of the most scenic in the Dolomites.

While nowadays it’s well-known for it main viewpoint and Drone shots, it is an extremely beautiful area on its own, also part of the UNESCO Natural Heritage Site as part of the Northern Dolomites.

Cadini means a “Cirque” or deep valley. The Cadini were shaped into their current form by the activity of glaciers and erosion, which left behind narrow, deep valleys, surrounded by steep, jagged peaks. At its highest point, the Cadini are 2,839m high.

The hike to the Cadini viewpoint is quite easy, and the Cadini di Misurina are easily reachable from Rifugio Auronzo, like Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo. And, beyond the same shot everyone takes, there are a few more viewpoints worth exploring in terms of both landscape photography and panoramic views.

Hiker on the ridge to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

Table of Contents

Overview of the Cadini di Misurina Hike & Viewpoints Map

The hike to the Cadini di Misurina is a rather easy hike, with some moderately exposed sections. The elevation gain is is modest too. Do note that the hike details below referr to the Hike to Cadini di Misurina and the two additional Viewpoints I will mention below.

If you want to hike directly to the Cadini di Misurina and back, the hike is about 3.7KM. So while the additional viewpoints don’t really add much distance, they do provide some very nice additional views.

Here is the map of this short hike to the various viewpoints around the Cadini di Misurina. You can download the GPX file for free from the activity linked below, should you wish to do so.

How to get to Cadini di Misurina and Parking

To get to the Cadini di Misurina, you essentially have to follow the same directions to get to Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Actually, you can easily include both on the same hike if you want to.

• Driving Directions: From Cortina, follow directions to Passo delle Tre Croci and then to Misurina. From Misurina, continue toward Lago d’Antorno until you reach the Toll Booth, which gives you access to the road that leads to Rifugio Auronzo. Likewise, from Dobbiaco, follow directions to Misurina, then again to Lago d’Antorno.
• Parking: Do note that since 2025, you have to book your parking spot in advance if you want to park at Rifugio Auronzo. More details here. Otherwise, you can park by Lago D’Antorno (mostly paid, too) or in that area and start the hike from there.
• Public Transport: A bus service stops in the parking area near Rifugio Auronzo. More info here. The shuttle service is only available from the end of May until the end of October.

The Cadini di Misurina Hiking Trail

From the parking area below Rifugio Auronzo, you can initially follow the same trail that leads to Rifugio Locatelli, to immediately turn right and away from le Tre Cime, to follow a large gravel road that leads in the opposite direction.

The trail continues to follow a ridge toward the Cadini di Misurina, while the views open up on the valley below, called Val d’Ansiei. It’s already a spectacular view, with layers upon layers of mountains as far as the eye can see.

From this viewpoint you can see how the mountains gradually becomes steeper and more jagged from the father away ones to the other ones closer to the viewpoint.

View of Val d’Ansieii from the hiking trail to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

The trail continues with the spectacular view of the valley on the right, while gradually the views open up toward the Cadini di Misurina. the viewpoint on the narrow ridge that overlooks Cadini di Misurina is hidden from view and it appears only once you’ve almost reached it.

This is also the best spot to take the “classic” photo of the viewpoint with the spectacular, jagged Cadini di Misurina in the background.

The trail continues on the side of the mountain, and it ultimately leads to the narrow, moderately exposed ridge that appears on every photo. the ridge really is rathe narrow so there is enough space for 1-2 people at a time.

Additional Cadini di Misurina Viewpoints

From the main viewpoint, while most people turn back, you can actually take visit two more viewpoints.

One is right next to the main viewpoint. However, one of them requires crossing an exposed section on a narrow, gravel path, Even though there is a cable to help yourself with, it’s very exposed, and an almost vertical drop into the valley below.

Additional viewpoint – on the left, you can see another hiker on top of the main viewpoint.

While the trail continues further from there, you won’t get any better views of the Cadini from this second viewpoint. However, you can head back and up the side of the mountain to a third viewpoint above the main one. it’s all in the GPX file I provided above, so oyu can just follow that to get there.

This third viewpoint was my personal favorite, as it provides better views of the whole area and is nowhere near as crowded as the main one. Last but not least, you have some pretty good views of le Tre Cime too, when hiking back!

The third viewpoint, above the main one, which can be seen below.

Cadini di Misurina Photos and Photography Tips

The take the photo of the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, you’d actually have to take it from the trail, before reaching the actual viewpoint. You can’t miss it. You’ll see it when you get there. When you see the viewpoint lining up with the highest point in the Cadini di Misurina, that’s the spot. It’s a rather narrow window, as if you move a bit further or a bit back, then the viewpoint and the peak won’t like up as good, compositionally speaking.

In terms of lenses, a wide-medium lens will be enough. All the photos in this post were taken with a 24-70mm full-frame lens, for reference. A popular choice is to do this with a drone, but actually, this is a protected area and flying drones would require a permit.

Beyond the usual viewpoint, it was actually fun shooting other hikers taking the turn on the narrow ridge. As i mentioned above in the trail description, you’d have to cross a rather exposed area, so this spot may not be suitable for everyone.

The other additional viewpoint, above the classic one, also offers great views of the whole Cadini range, and this spot would actually be my first choice.

It’s easy to find a foreground (they ground you are standing on), easy to find a middle ground (the area around the “classic” viewpoint) , and likewise easy to find the background (nothing less than the Cadini di Misurina themselves :))

Lastly a note on timing. In the morning, be there early. You will likely find a queue, and if you’re unlucky, you will find people staying on the ridge for 20-30 minutes at a time. I did not find a queue when I arrived in the early AM, but it started forming as soon as I left the main viewpoint. There already were 5-6 people queuing up at 9 am in June, and I can’t imagine later in the day. Or, even worse, later in the day in July or August.

So if you want to avoid the crowds at Cadini di Misurina, early morning is your best bet. Additionally you can get some good sidelight from the rising sun or the morning golden hour.

Where to stay

If you want to stay in the area for a sunrise or sunset hike, you can choose Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Locatelli/Drei Zinnen Hutte, or Rifugio Lavaredo. Keep in mind that each is open only in the summer months. That usually means from the 20/21 of June. If you want to stay there, you’d need to book well in advance.

Other options include staying at Lago d’Antorno, another great spot for some photos, or Misurina.

If you are looking for a base to explore more of this area of the Dolomites, I’d recommend staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Additional Resources

• Here’s the main page on Hiking in Italy for more hikes and scenic spots in Italy.
• If you are driving from Cortina, you may want to plan a stop at Lago d’Antorno and Lago di Misurina to view these two famous sports too. You can also visit the Cadini di Misurina viewpoints from there.