You know that feeling when you’re heading to some incredibly famous spot and something unexpected steals your heart along the way? That’s exactly what happened to us with our beloved Lago di Misurina in the Dolomites Italy. Lukáš and I keep stumbling upon it whenever we’re driving towards the iconic peaks of Tre Cime. Every single time we tell ourselves we’ll just stop for a quick photo, and every single time we end up spending half the day here. ☺️
And honestly, it’s no wonder — this place is an absolute paradise, rightfully nicknamed the pearl of the Dolomites. While you certainly can’t get a pushchair up to Tre Cime or the turquoise waters of Lago di Sorapis, Lago di Misurina gave us the most relaxed family stroll of our entire trip.
So come along — I’ll show you everything we’ve explored around Misurina over the years, from a leisurely pushchair-friendly walk and a mysterious observatory to the hike up to the Cadini viewpoint that has absolutely taken Instagram by storm in recent years. I’ll also share tips on where to park and how to avoid astronomical fines. 😉
TL;DR
- Location & orientation: The lake sits at an altitude of 1,754 metres, just a 15-minute drive from the famous Cortina d’Ampezzo towards Tre Cime.
- Walk around the lake: The loop is 2.6 kilometres, almost completely flat, and takes under an hour — perfect with a pushchair or small children.
- Cadini di Misurina: A stunning group of rocky towers with an iconic viewpoint, reachable in roughly 30 to 45 minutes on foot.
- Health phenomenon: The air here is so clean and unique that the shores are home to the Istituto Pio XII, a one-of-a-kind sanatorium for children with asthma.
- Parking: The official Lago di Misurina car park costs around €5 for three hours, but it fills up fast in peak season.
- Drone ban: You’re inside a national park — flying a drone here can land you with a no-nonsense fine of up to €3,000.
What is Lago di Misurina and why you need to visit
When people think of the Dolomites mountains in Italy, they usually picture jagged peaks and gruelling climbs, but the area around Lago di Misurina offers a different, more tranquil experience. Be prepared for this place to win you over with its hauntingly beautiful atmosphere — especially when the lake’s surface mirrors the massive mountain ranges all around it.
The lake is surprisingly large and deep. It sits at a full 1,754 metres above sea level, so even in the height of summer it’s noticeably cooler than the valleys below. Compared to nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo, our favourite base in the region, it’s a fair bit chillier up here. But what fascinates me most about Misurina is its microclimate. The air is so uniquely clean and pure that people with respiratory conditions have been coming here for treatment since the last century. To this day, the Istituto Pio XII operates on the lakeshore — a globally unique high-altitude sanatorium for children suffering from asthma. Take a deep breath here and you can almost feel your lungs clearing out.
Cadini di Misurina: a viewpoint worth every step
Beyond the lake itself, there’s another huge draw to this area — the dramatic rock towers known as Cadini di Misurina. Just a few years ago, barely anyone outside of locals and die-hard mountaineers knew about this viewpoint. Then the photographers found it, and the rest is Instagram history.
It’s an incredibly dramatic vantage point on a narrow rocky ridge, with jagged peaks rising behind you. If you’re prone to vertigo, your knees will definitely wobble — but the view is absolutely worth it. From the lake, the hike up takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on how often you stop to soak in the scenery. We ended up carrying our little one, Jonášek, in an ergonomic carrier, because a pushchair simply won’t make it over the rocky terrain.
When to visit and how to get there
If you’re wondering what time of year to plan your trip, I have to say Misurina has charm all year round — even though the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. The road to the lake is straightforward and well signposted from multiple directions.
Getting there by car and bus
From Cortina d’Ampezzo, you’ll reach the lake in about 15 minutes along the scenic SR48 road — just be prepared for heavier traffic during the summer months. If you’d rather not drive, local transport works brilliantly: bus number 30 runs regularly from Cortina and drops you right at the Misurina-Lago stop. The main paid car park is right by the lake — expect to pay around €5 for three hours. If it’s full, you can drive a bit further along the road towards Tre Cime, where you’ll sometimes find free overflow spaces.
If you’re flying in from the UK, the nearest airports are Venice Marco Polo and Treviso. From there, hiring a car is by far the easiest way to explore the Dolomites. Several airlines including easyJet, British Airways, and Ryanair operate regular flights from London and other UK cities to Venice.
Which season to choose
Summer is obviously the most popular time, as you can tackle high-altitude hikes and enjoy the sunshine — though the tourist crowds can be exhausting. If you love colours and photography, come in October when the surrounding larches turn incredible shades of gold and orange. Winter, however, is a chapter all its own. Thanks to its altitude, the lake freezes completely and transforms into a vast natural ice rink. At the local Forte de Misurina club, you can even hire ice skates and glide beneath the Alpine peaks — a truly fairy-tale experience.
Where to stay near Lago di Misurina
Whenever we plan a trip to this part of the Dolomites, we always face the same dilemma: stay in a livelier town with restaurants and shops, or opt for the peace and quiet of the mountains? Both have their merits, and a lot depends on whether you’re travelling as a couple or, like us, with the whole family in tow.
If you want tranquillity, falling asleep under a blanket of stars and setting off on a morning hike without getting in the car, stay right by the lake. There are some lovely smaller hotels — for example, the historic Hotel Lavaredo, where the hospitality feels genuinely personal, or the family-run Hotel Sorapiss right on the shore. If you prefer more buzz — great restaurants and shops — I’d recommend making your base in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s only a 15-minute drive to the lake, and you’ll have hundreds of apartments and luxury hotels to choose from. A cheaper and very pleasant alternative is the little town of Auronzo di Cadore, nestled a bit further down in the valley. You can search and compare accommodation easily on Booking.com.
Lago di Misurina & Cadini: 10 things to see and do
There’s plenty around the lake and its immediate surroundings to make it worth extending your visit. Let’s dive into the best of what awaits you here — whether you love long treks or prefer soaking up the atmosphere with a good Italian coffee in hand.
1. Walk around the lake — pushchair-friendly
Our favourite activity is, surprisingly, the simplest one. The trail around the entire Lago di Misurina is about 2.6 kilometres long and runs mostly on flat ground. At a leisurely pace, it took us around 40 minutes — and Jonášek happily slept through almost the entire thing in his pushchair, while our dogs Kája and Baby enthusiastically sniffed every bush along the shore. It’s a beautifully maintained path, and the views of the Sorapis range from the opposite bank are simply breathtaking.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of benches perfect for a snack break. If you’ve got dogs like us, you’ll also appreciate that the path is largely lined with grass and trees, giving them room to run around and cool off in the shade.
2. The iconic Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
As I mentioned earlier, this is the view that practically everyone recognises from photos. The trail starts near Rifugio Auronzo and follows the ridge towards the sharp rocky spires. It’s not a particularly strenuous climb — about 30 to 45 minutes one way — but the path is rocky and exposed in places, so proper hiking boots are an absolute must.
I’d strongly recommend heading out either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon. During the summer season, literal queues form during the day as everyone waits for their turn to snap the perfect people-free photo.
3. The wooden jetty photo spot
As you walk along the promenade on the eastern shore, you’ll come across a small wooden jetty with little boats gently bobbing beside it. Early in the morning, before the wind picks up and ripples the surface, the lake perfectly mirrors the Sorapis range and the Cadini towers. This is exactly where those stunning postcard shots are taken.
For the best photo, though, you really need to get up early. By ten o’clock the tour buses start rolling in, and the magical morning calm quickly turns into a bustling promenade.
4. Cosmolab Misurina observatory
This was a massive surprise for us. Right by the lake, you’ll find a working astronomical observatory — the Cosmolab Misurina. Admission is around €8, and it’s a brilliant backup plan when the mountains throw bad weather at you — which, in the Dolomites, happens more often than you’d like. The local dark skies, free from light pollution, guarantee spectacular stargazing.
They sometimes hold evening sessions too, when viewing conditions are at their best. Make sure to check the opening times in advance though, as they frequently change depending on the season and lunar phases.
5. Winter ice skating on the frozen lake
If you’re visiting in winter, this is something you simply cannot miss. Part of the lake is officially maintained as the Pista Misurina — for around €8 to €10 you can hire skates and glide across the ice. Please stick to the designated rink area only, as the ice beyond it can be unstable — and a dip in freezing water is something nobody wants to deal with.
Make sure you wrap up properly, too. The mountains surrounding the lake often block the sun in winter, and temperatures plunge well below zero. A stop for hot chocolate or a bombardino at the nearest bar will sort you right out afterwards.
6. Escape the crowds at Lago d’Antorno
When the summer crowds at Misurina get a bit much, Lukáš and I have a secret tip. We drive a few minutes further along the road towards Tre Cime and stop at the tiny Lago d’Antorno. It’s surrounded by dense forest, far fewer people come here, and the view of Tre Cime is arguably even more poetic than from below.
A simple wooden boardwalk and gravel path loop around the little lake. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic away from the main hustle, and the reflections of the peaks on the still water make for incredible photographs.
7. Cable car up to Rifugio Col de Varda
A chairlift runs right from the lake and whisks you up in minutes to Rifugio Col de Varda. If you don’t fancy a steep uphill walk, it’s the perfect way to get gorgeous panoramic views of the entire lake from above. The food at the rifugio is fantastic too — we always treat ourselves to something sweet up there.
The ride up only takes a few minutes, but the vista it reveals is something you simply won’t get from the water’s edge. And if you’ve got a bit of energy to spare, I’d recommend walking back down — it’s a lovely, gentle stroll through a pine forest.
8. Hike up to Forcella Misurina
For those of you craving a bigger challenge beyond a flat lakeside stroll, a steeper trail leads from the Col de Varda hut up to the Forcella Misurina saddle. This one is aimed at more experienced hikers — the path is loose and quite steep — but once you scramble to the top, you’ll find yourself in utter peace, far from all the tourists.
Don’t forget to pack trekking poles — they’ll save your knees big time on the descent through the loose terrain. Your reward will be panoramas shared with only a handful of fellow enthusiasts.
9. The Istituto Pio XII sanatorium
Although it’s a medical facility and you can’t go inside, the enormous yellow sanatorium building is impossible to miss — and its story is well worth knowing. The sight of this vast structure on the shores of an Alpine lake is genuinely fascinating and gives you goosebumps.
What particularly intrigues us is that it was originally established under the patronage of the world-famous Padre Pio — the combination of an Alpine sanatorium and a place of pilgrimage has something almost mystical about it. Apparently, the unique climate helps children breathe so much better that families from across Italy return several times a year.
10. Launchpad for Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Misurina serves as the unofficial base camp for a trip to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The bus stop here is the main departure point for buses number 30 and 31, which take you up the steep toll road. If you’d rather not pay the hefty toll for a private car, leaving it down at Misurina and hopping on the bus is by far the smartest option.
In peak season, expect the bus to be pretty busy, so it pays to arrive at the stop with time to spare. Tickets can usually be bought via an app or directly from the driver.
Where to eat and what to try
After a hike, we’re always absolutely ravenous — and in the Dolomites, that’s a wonderful problem to have. The local Italian cuisine carries a subtle Austrian influence, and the result is nothing short of genius. We usually rely on mountain huts, which may look unassuming but cook with brilliant local ingredients.
Our top tip is the aforementioned Rifugio Col de Varda, reachable by chairlift. They make utterly divine casunziei — traditional ravioli filled with beetroot, sprinkled with poppy seeds, and drenched in an obscene amount of melted butter. A bit further along the route towards Tre Cime, you’ll find the renowned Lavaredo hut. If you prefer a more conventional sit-down meal by the lake, the restaurant at Hotel Misurina delivers excellent Italian cooking. And as a sweet finale after your lap of the lake, don’t skip proper Italian gelato from one of the many stands along the promenade.
Practical tips and rules to keep in mind
Nature in the Dolomites is fragile and protected, and because hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the area each year, the Italian authorities have introduced some fairly strict rules. Here are a few things that might catch you off guard.
Lots of people ask about swimming, because the sight of crystal-clear water on a hot summer’s day is seriously tempting. Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you — swimming in the lake is officially banned. And honestly, the water is so cold that you probably wouldn’t fancy getting in voluntarily anyway. Dogs can dip their paws and cool down at the water’s edge, but humans should stay out.
Now for a genuinely important warning for photographers. Since you’re within a nature park, there’s a strict ban on flying drones. If you’re caught filming aerial footage here, you face a crushing fine of up to €3,000 — and local park rangers apparently enforce it very seriously. Before heading out from your hotel, I’d definitely recommend checking the current weather by searching for “Lago di Misurina webcam live” or “webcam Lago di Misurina.” Mountains are unpredictable, and sunshine in Cortina doesn’t mean a storm isn’t brewing at the lake.
Final tips and tricks (not just for the Dolomites)
A few practical things that save Lukáš and me plenty of stress (and money) before every trip to Italy:
Finding flights from the UK
The most convenient airports for the Dolomites are Venice Marco Polo and Treviso. Airlines like easyJet, British Airways, and Ryanair all operate regular flights from various UK airports. We like comparing routes and fares on Kiwi to find the best deals.
Hiring a car on arrival
If you fly in, getting around the Dolomites without a car is tricky — especially for reaching the lakes and smaller viewpoints. Lukáš and I have had consistently good experiences with RentalCars, which we use pretty much everywhere around the world.
Don’t forget proper travel insurance
Italian hospitals and mountain rescue services can be seriously expensive, especially if you take a tumble on the rocky path to the Cadini viewpoint. We swear by SafetyWing, which we’ve reviewed in detail. Even though your EHIC or GHIC card provides some cover in the EU, a dedicated travel insurance policy gives you much better peace of mind for adventure activities.
Data and internet
Since Brexit, UK mobile users no longer benefit from free EU roaming on most plans, so data charges in Italy can add up fast. If you want reliable connectivity — even in the mountains — have a look at our guide to using an eSIM from Holafly.
What to wear in the mountains
While the path around the lake is flat, you’ll definitely need sturdy footwear for the Cadini viewpoint hike. Check out our guide on choosing the right hiking boots so you don’t end up suffering in trainers.
Where else to go in the Dolomites
Northern Italy is the kind of place you could return to for a decade straight and still not see everything. If you’ve already ticked off Lago di Misurina, make sure you don’t miss our other favourite spots in the area.
Straight up the road from the lake you’ll reach the three iconic pinnacles — our favourite Tre Cime di Lavaredo trek. If you’re looking for a base with incredible atmosphere for further adventures, check out our guide to Cortina d’Ampezzo. If you love jaw-dropping lakes with impossibly turquoise water, don’t forget to add the more challenging hike to Lago di Sorapis to your itinerary. And for a comprehensive overview of the best the entire region has to offer, I’d recommend reading our big article on what to do and see in the Dolomites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Můžu se v Lago di Misurina vykoupat?
Ačkoliv spousta turistů vyhledává výraz lago di misurina swimming, musím vás zklamat. Koupání v jezeře je z důvodu ochrany přírody zakázáno a hlavně je voda po celý rok velmi studená, takže by to stejně nebyl příjemný zážitek.
Kolik stojí parkování u jezera a kde nejlépe zastavit?
Oficiální lago di misurina parking najdete přímo u jezera a připravte si drobné nebo platební kartu. Běžná sazba se pohybuje okolo 5 EUR za tři hodiny stání. V létě doporučuji dorazit co nejdříve ráno, parkoviště se velmi rychle plní.
Je trasa k vyhlídce Cadini di Misurina náročná?
Nejedná se o extrémní výstup, ale počítejte s kamenitým terénem a mírně exponovanými úseky, na které potřebujete pevnou obuv. Cesta od chaty Auronzo vám k vyhlídce zabere zhruba 30 až 45 minut jedním směrem.
Kde najdu aktuální informace o počasí před výletem?
Před jakýmkoli výletem do hor důrazně doporučuji ověřit aktuální situaci. Stačí si vyhledat lago di misurina webcam nebo se podívat na nějaký live stream z oblasti, počasí v Dolomitech se totiž může změnit během pár minut z úplného sluníčka do silné bouřky.
Zvládneme výlet k jezeru s dětským kočárkem?
Ano, pro rodiny s malými dětmi je to naprosto ideální destinace. Okruh kolem jezera měří 2,6 kilometru a vede převážně po rovině na zpevněném a udržovaném povrchu, takže ho zvládnete i s běžným městským kočárkem.
Můžu si u jezera polétat s dronem?
Rozhodně ne, na celém území platí přísný zákaz létání s drony. Pokud vás místní správa parku přistihne, vystavujete se riziku astronomické pokuty, která se může vyšplhat až k částce 3000 EUR.
Dá se tu v zimě bruslit na ledě?
Ano, je to jedna z nejoblíbenějších zimních aktivit. Jakmile jezero dostatečně zamrzne, otevírá se zde udržovaná dráha Pista Misurina, kde si za zhruba 8 až 10 EUR můžete půjčit brusle a projet se po přírodním ledě pod štíty Dolomit.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
