Lago di Misurina Viewpoint and Easy Loop Hike, Dolomiti, Italy.

The Lago di Misurina, also called Misurinasee, is a beautiful Alpine lake, and it is well known for its viewpoint of the Istituto Pius XII, the building reflecting on the shores of the lake. However, the landscape around the lake is worth a stop in itself

Lago di Misurina

Located at an altitude of 1,754 m, the lake is easily accessible. The viewpoint of the photo spot of the lake is a short walk from the parking areas around the lake. For those who want to spend more time at this beautiful alpine lake in the Dolomites, there is also a trail that encircles the lake. It’s possible to complete the loop hike around Lake Misurin in less than an hour.

Apart from the classic view of the former sanatorium, the lake also offers a good view of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Le Tre Cime above Misurina Lake

Table of Contents

Overview of the Lago di Misurina Viewpoint Hike & Map

The

Here is the map of this short loop hike around the Lake. You can download the GPX file for free from the activity below, should you wish to do so.

How to get to Lago di Misurina and Parking

The Misurina Lake is conveniently located along road SP 49, and it’s a location you can easily visit along with a trip to Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo or Lago d’Antorno.

• Driving Directions: From Cortina d’Ampezzo that the road to Passo delle Tre Croci, and Keep driving on ropad SP 49 toward Le TreCime di Lavardo/Misuriona for About half an hour. You’ll see the lake on your right, before the turn to Lago d’Antorno and Le Tre Cime. From Dobbiaco take Road SP 51 toward Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and drive past the turn to Lago d’Antorno. You’ll find the lake on your left within five more minutes of driving.
• Parking: There are two main parking areas around the lake, all paid. The closest one is right in front of the “Albergo Misurina“. This is also the closest parking area to the photo spot. There are three more parking areas on the way to Cortina, right by the lake.
• Public Transport: Bus 50/51 runs between Auronzo and Cortina and stops at Lago di Misurina. Details on the Dolomiti bus website.

The Lago di Misurina Loop Trail

The trail is an easy, well-maintained loop around the lake. It does not present any challenges, and it is suitable for all skill levels. There are also a few benches around the lake where you can just sit and enjoy the views.

From the Parking area next to the main viewpoint, I did the trail clockwise. I passed by the viewpoint first, and then I kept following the road around the lake until it turned into a dirt trail. It still is a well maintained trail so it does not require boots.

On the opposite side, the trail goes through a wooded area, but the views open up here and there, revealing the steep dolomitic mountains around the lake. The trail then passes by the former sanatorium to close the loop around the lake along the main road, where a wooded boardwalk leads back toward the parking area.

If you wish, you can also rent a boat in the summer and paddle through the lake.

Le Tre Cime above Misurina Lake, view from the former Sanatorium.

Lago di Misurina Viewpoint Photos and Photography Tips

The Lago di Misurina viewpoint is a spot that can be visited quickly as a quick photo stop, like Lago d’Antorno. With this place being so photogenic, any time of the day works to catch a good photo. The only downside is that the viewpoint is somewhat limited and does not offer many compositional opportunities.

However, if the weather cooperates, it is a good spot to visit both for sunrise and for sunset. As the viewpoint faces south, the mountains behind the former sanatorium will catch the warm light of the first or last sun of the day. Even better if that is combined with a windless day, they can catch some epic reflections. I haven’t been lucky enough to witness that myself yet, so hopefully in the future.

However, try to catch the view of le Tre Cime from the opposite side of the lake. The view can be quite spectacular, especially in the morning.

Le Tre Cime above Misurina Lake

Lastly, you’d want to use a lens on the long range. All the photos here were taken using a 24-70mm lens, and even at 24mm it felt somewhat too wide. So anything wider will probably make the landscape too small.

Where to stay

There are a few hotels around Lago di Misurina. These are good options if you want to stay in the mountains and explore more around the area, like le Tre Cime or Cadini di Misurina.

Alternatively, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a great base to explore even more locations and do more Hikes in this corner of the Dolomites.

Additional Resources

• View my main page on Hiking in Italy.
• Nearby, Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago d’Antorno.