Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike – Complete Guide (2026)

Before we went to the Dolomites, we had never heard of Cadini di Misurina. But if you look at photos of the Dolomite highlight Tre Cime di Lavaredo on Instagram, you’ll quite often see a viewpoint with a fantastic panorama on which the Tre Cime aren’t visible at all – instead you’re looking at the jagged peaks of the Cadini group. The first time we saw a photo like that, we were blown away and spent hours researching where exactly this viewpoint is and how to get there.

The viewpoint and the short hike to it used to be a genuine insider tip – that’s changed quite a bit through social media by now. In the late morning you’ll sometimes have to wait a little for your photo, early morning or late afternoon it’s still noticeably quieter. Compared to the crowds at Tre Cime itself, it’s still relaxed here – you definitely won’t have to queue like at the famous Trolltunga in Norway.

We want to save you the exhausting research and tell you everything you need to know to get that spectacular photo yourself.

If you have 2-3 weeks, check out our 3-week Italy road trip itinerary as well.

Last updated: July 2026

Hiking to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint

The Cadini Group at Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The very impressive Cadini di Misurina mountain range consists of peaks up to 2839 metres high and lies not far from Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Italian Dolomites. Just like Tre Cime, the Cadini group is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and is considered a paradise for climbers and, of course, for hikers and nature lovers too.

Hotel Recommendation

There aren’t many places to stay near Tre Cime, and even fewer affordable ones. Especially in high season you sometimes have to drive quite far to find a hotel under 100 Euro. We found a great place just across the border in Austria.

You heard that right: Austria! From the Auronzo hut it only took us 45 minutes to reach our accommodation, a lovingly furnished apartment with its own garden.

Ferienwohnung Bergmann in Außervillgraten Right in the small village of Außervillgraten, just across the Austrian border, you'll find the apartments run by the friendly Bergmann family. You get a large kitchen, a cozily furnished bedroom, and even access to a garden – which our dog Aaro absolutely loved. The Tre Cime are just under 45 minutes away, and the other highlights of the Dolomites aren't far either.

• Close to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• Nicely furnished apartment with everything you need
• Friendly host couple
• Dog-friendly

Ferienwohnung Bergmann | Check prices*

Reservation Required for the Auronzo Toll Road

Since 2025 you can no longer just drive up to the toll road: access to the Auronzo hut now requires a pre-booked online reservation via pass.auronzo.info – without one, you’ll be turned away at the toll gate. In 2026 the ticket costs €40 per car or €60 for a campervan, covering both the toll road and parking at the Auronzo hut for 12 hours. Reservations usually open about a month in advance and popular dates sell out weeks ahead, so plan early. Tip: if you want to skip the toll fee entirely, you can hike up to the Auronzo hut from Lake Antorno instead (see the alternative route below) – no reservation needed for that.

Getting to the Auronzo Hut by Bus

You don’t need a car to get here: DolomitiBus lines run from Lake Misurina and from Cortina d’Ampezzo to the Auronzo hut, and bus line 444 connects from Dobbiaco/Toblach. For full details, prices and timetables, check our Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking guide, since the way to the trailhead is identical for both hikes.

Starting Point of the Hike

Standing right in front of the Auronzo hut (where the Auronzo toll road also brings you to Tre Cime) with the hut behind you, the path to the left takes you on the loop hike around Tre Cime (if hiking counter-clockwise) – but you just walk straight ahead. The trail to Cadini di Misurina isn’t obvious at first glance, but it’s marked by a trail sign (path #117) right at the road.

The first hundred metres head downhill before climbing back up just as far (and a little further). You’ll walk towards a hill that still blocks the view of the Cadini group.

You now have two options to get around this hill: left or right. We recommend the right-hand path – the left one runs steeply along the slope and requires careful footing, as a wrong step could end badly. The right-hand path has no such risk and is easy to walk.

Caution: the path to the viewpoint runs along a narrow, exposed ridge in places. It’s not suitable if you’re afraid of heights, and you should postpone the hike in wet, icy or windy conditions – the ground gets slippery quickly.

The Famous Instagram Viewpoint Cadini di Misurina

Once you’re on the other side of the hill, you’re almost there – you can already spot the Cadini group and one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Dolomites. This is also the spot to stand as a photographer, to capture the best possible panorama. Thanks to its dramatic silhouette, the viewpoint is known in the community as the “Towers of Mordor” or the “Flying Banana” – you’ll understand why the moment you see it.

If you’ve got a bit more time left and no fear of heights: trail 117 continues for another 400 metres along the ridge to a second, smaller viewpoint with a slightly different angle on the Cadini group. Tip: this stretch is narrow and exposed too – only continue in dry conditions.

Once you’ve got enough photos, simply retrace your steps back to the Auronzo hut. From here you can start the actual Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, or head back to the car park.

Alternative Route Without the Toll Road: From Lake Antorno

If you’d rather skip the toll fee and the reservation requirement, you can start instead at the free car park by Lake Antorno. From there, trail 101 leads towards the Auronzo hut, until you switch onto trail 117 towards Forcella Longeres at the “Rio di Rinbianco” junction, which takes you to the viewpoint. At just under 10 km and around 3.5 hours (there & back), this option is noticeably longer and more demanding than the direct route from the Auronzo hut – but you save both the toll and the online reservation. Note: we haven’t hiked this particular route ourselves – these details come from official trail descriptions on-site, so double-check trail conditions and signage before you set off.

Tips for the Cadini di Misurina Hike

What’s the Best Time for the Cadini di Misurina Hike?

We started the hike early in the morning, around 8am, before heading off on the Tre Cime loop. It shouldn’t make much difference whether you hike here before or after Tre Cime. Back in June 2022, hardly anyone else was around – far fewer than at Tre Cime itself. As mentioned above, that’s changed since then, and mornings especially can now mean a short queue for photos. Early morning is still your best bet for some peace and quiet.

Can I Hike to the Viewpoint Without Doing the Tre Cime Hike?

In theory, yes, but it wouldn’t make much sense for a few reasons. First, one of the most famous hiking trails in the Dolomites is right next door, and you can walk it with barely any extra effort.

Second, getting here costs a fair amount of money: unless you walked up from Lake Antorno, you’ll have paid at least €40. So visiting just for this viewpoint really isn’t worth it on its own.

Where Does the Name “Cadini di Misurina” Come From?

“Cadini” comes from the Cadorino dialect and roughly translates to basins or high valleys – a nod to the labyrinth-like structure of the massif. “Misurina” refers to the nearby Lake Misurina. The highest peak of the group is Cima Cadin di San Lucano, at 2,839 metres.

Is the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Still an Insider Tip?

Not really, not anymore. Thanks to Instagram and co., the spot has become a lot more well-known, and on nice days, especially in the morning, you can expect a bit of a wait for your photo. Compared to Tre Cime itself, though, it’s still noticeably quieter.