Auronzo di Cadore
Auronzo di Cadore è il comune più esteso della provincia di Belluno e il punto di accesso più diretto a una delle icone assolute d...
Aktualisiert am 11 Juli 2026
Die Geschichte
Die Geschichte von Auronzo di Cadore
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, an icon of the Dolomites
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are probably the most recognisable image of the Dolomites worldwide: three towers of dolomite rock cutting sharply against the sky, on the border between Belluno and Bolzano provinces. From Auronzo di Cadore runs the Bruno Carati toll road, climbing to about 2,320 metres, to Rifugio Auronzo, the starting point for the loop trail around the Tre Cime, one of the most walked and most photographed routes in the eastern Alps. The trail, of moderate difficulty and suitable for hikers with a basic level of fitness, also passes Rifugio Locatelli and offers panoramic views over Lake Misurina and the Sesto Dolomites. It is an experience worth planning carefully, avoiding the midday hours in summer months when traffic toward the refuge can cause significant queues.
Lake Santa Caterina, the heart of Auronzo's summer
Lake Santa Caterina, an artificial reservoir created in 1932 by damming the Ansiei stream, is today the focal point of Auronzo di Cadore's summer life. Its shores, largely walkable or cyclable, host equipped beaches, playgrounds, a small marina for light boating, and several refreshment spots, in a setting unusual for a Dolomite valley: a swimmable lake at over 800 metres altitude, with water reaching acceptable bathing temperatures in the warmer months. The town's old centre and some more modern neighbourhoods look out onto the basin, and the lakeside promenade is probably the easiest way to get a sense of Auronzo's scale and atmosphere.
Skiing and winter sports in the Cadore area
In winter Auronzo di Cadore offers a modestly sized ski area, with runs served by lifts on Monte Agudo, suited mainly to families and intermediate skiers looking for a quieter, cheaper alternative to the large resorts of Cortina d'Ampezzo or Alta Badia, both reachable in under an hour by car. The area also lends itself to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the Ansiei valley, with trails winding through conifer woods and snow-covered clearings. It is not the right destination for anyone chasing the mileage of a major ski area, but it works well for a relaxed winter stay, perhaps combined with a visit to Cortina.
Cadore, the land of Titian and Alpine history
Auronzo di Cadore lies at the heart of Cadore, the historic Dolomite region that was the birthplace of Titian Vecellio, in nearby Pieve di Cadore, and which still carries deep traces of the First World War, fought along many of the ridges and passes surrounding the valley. Several via ferrata routes and historic trails retrace positions, trenches and paths carved into the rock between 1915 and 1918, offering an experience that combines hiking with historical memory. Cadore is also one of the historic birthplaces of Italy's eyewear industry, born in these very valleys and still present today, though more concentrated further down the valley than Auronzo.
Hiking and via ferratas beyond the Tre Cime
Beyond the Tre Cime loop, Auronzo's territory offers an extensive network of trails within the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park and the surrounding areas, with routes for every level: from easy walks around Lake Santa Caterina to more demanding via ferratas toward the peaks encircling the Ansiei valley. Rifugio Auronzo itself, besides being the starting point for the Tre Cime, is a base for hikes toward Rifugio Lavaredo and other less-trodden routes that let visitors get away from the busier crowds while staying within the same mountain area and the same quality of scenery.
Experiences not to miss
- Walk the loop trail around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo starting from Rifugio Auronzo
- Take a walk or a swim at Lake Santa Caterina
- Ski or snowshoe in the Monte Agudo ski area
- Follow the historic First World War trails along the surrounding ridges
- Visit Titian's birthplace in nearby Pieve di Cadore
- Tackle a via ferrata toward the peaks ringing the Ansiei valley
- Enjoy the view over the Sesto Dolomites from Rifugio Locatelli
Sehenswert
Sehenswertes in Auronzo di Cadore
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Routen in Auronzo di Cadore
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