Auronzo di Cadore and the Dolomites
Auronzo di Cadore and the incredible Dolomites around it are the place where you will leave you heart.
When you arrive to Auronzo town the first sight is a turquoise lake surrounded by marvelous mountains…you’ll never forget it.
Auronzo: the best things to do in 4 days
Auronzo is famous for the several outdoor activities that you can do in the area and the breathtaking panoramas. The area is the ideal place for trekking, over 200 kilometers of marked routes, relaxing walks, challenging trails and via ferrata.
Here below our suggestions for a summer holiday:
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop (three peaks of Lavaredo)-walking tour
- Misurina Lake- Col del Varda- Malga Maraia -walking tour
- Monte Piana historical site and Malga Popena-walking tour
- Fun Bob – monorail
- Tre Cime Bike Trail- e bike tour
Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop (three peaks of Lavaredo)-walking tour
The three peaks of Lavaredo are the symbol of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To admire the famous north faces you must take the easy path that in about one hour’s walk leads from the Auronzo Refuge to Forcella di Lavaredo and from there it is possible to enjoy the three peaks. It is an easy/medium hike and probably always a little bit crowded but I can tell you that it worth it!
During the Summer season it is possible to reach the beginning of the loop by car and there is a toll parking. You must be at the parking early in the morning as the lots fill up very quickly.
The cost for 1-day parking:
car €30,00
motorcycle €20
caravan €45
Misurina Lake- Col del Varda- Malga Maraia -walking tour
Another walking tour, that is extremely pleasant, is the one that start from the beautiful Misurina Lake, one of the best-known locations in the Mountains of Venice. Take your time at the lake for enjoying the silence of the early morning and to fill your eyes and heart with the beauty of the reflections of nature in the water. From the lake go up to Col del Varda (2,106 m) with the historic chairlift which in about ten minutes leads to a breathtaking panoramic terrace. From there you can have a view on the lake and on some of the most famous Venetian mountains: the Cristallo, the Cadini, the Sorapis and the Tofane. To reach Malga Maraia, the goal of this interesting Dolomites itinerary, you pass through fir and larch woods, pastures, clearings, and glimpses of pure beauty. After about two hours of walking you arrive at the alpine hut, which can also be reached by car (which obviously should be avoided). Waiting for you, cheeses and cured meats, Auronzana potato gnocchi with melted butter and ricotta, Cadore potatoes and yogurt with fresh strawberries!
This alpine hut is in a unique location with a spectacular view on the Marmarole Mountains.
Col del Varda Chairlift prices:
One way 8.50€
Round trip 14.50€
Monte Piana historical site and Malga Popena -walking tour
The First World War left deep marks and wounds in the Auronzo Misurina area. The Austro-Italian front line passed right on the crests of the mountains that surround the valley: trenches, walkways and remains are still visible, especially in Monte Piana. Here you can hike by your own following the easy paths or you can enjoy the tour with an expert guide that can take you back in time to revive the history of these mountains.
There are places that touch you because they are extraordinarily beautiful for the views and landscapes but at the same time they also leave you with unique emotions and sensations… this is one of them.
How to reach Monte Piana :
from Auronzo take the SR 48 up to Misurina following the road that leads to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Instead of continuing towards the three Dolomite peaks, turn left and park near the Genzianella restaurant.
You will find a toll parking lot (fee €2).
After parking the car (1756 m altitude), to get to Monte Piana (2305 m), there are two possibilities:
1- take the path that leads to Monte Piana, which can be reached in about one hour and a half hike, along a panoramic road.
2- Shuttle bus service (fee of € 13 per person round trip) by Jeep that goes up to the A. Bosi Refuge, at mt. 2205. The ticket must be kept carefully because it has to be given back to the driver for the return journey.
While driving back to Misurina you can stop at Malga Popena, an alpine hut restored in 2019, where you can have a great meal! Quality and farm to table products are the base for delicious local dishes, served by young and active waiters.
Fun Bob – monorail
Open from June to September, the Fun Bob, is one of the most important and appreciated tourist attraction of Auronzo during the Summertime. The rail starts just beside the Taiarezze-Malon upper ski lift station at an altitude of 1361 metres above sea level. Once you are on the bob all you need to do is to push the lever forward and have fun!
This is the longest monorail of the world with its 3 km of curves along the slopes used for downhill skiing in winter.
Be careful not to dab the bob in front of you because it is very dangerous!
Prices:
Adult ski lift + fun bob €12
Adult fun bob €7
Child ski lift + fun bob €8
Child fun bob €6
Tre Cime Bike Trail- e bike tour
Auronzo is connected with Misurina with a great 30km bike trail. The first 15km are very easy and can be done also by kids. Bikes can be rented directly in many hotels or by other companies like goactiverent .
The landscapes along the trail are so beautiful that you would go on forever.