Awe-inspiring peaks, sparkling lakes and quaint valleys – it is these iconic features that make the Three Peaks Dolomites a perfect hiking destination. Right at the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site and around the area’s famous landmark, the Three Peaks, nature lovers and sports enthusiasts can choose from a wide variety of hut-to-hut trekking tours, circular hikes and challenging high routes. Whether it is an easy hike from the emerald-green shores of Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee to the sun-drenched Malga Foresta/Grünwaldalm, a steeper ascent from the Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese plateau to the panoramic Picco de Vallandro/Dürrenstein, or an ambitious multi-day tour along the Dobbiaco high route with its unparalleled views of the Three Peaks – the choice of routes is sure to suite all skills and abilities.

The natural beauty found in and around the holiday resorts of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags turns hiking in the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites into an unforgettable experience. A true place of magic, for example, is the Prato Piazza high altitude plateau near Braies. Far away from any traffic this gem captures visitors with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. It is also the starting point for several hikes at different levels. Families will enjoy the easy walk to Monte Specie/Strudelkopf at 2,307 meters. The summit cross, which is also known as “homecomer’s cross”, offers rewarding vistas of Tofane, Monte Cristallo and the Three Peaks. Those who are not afraid of heights take the road to Picco de Vallandro at Prato Piazza for the three-hour challenging climb that opens up great panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. On the plateau itself the Prato Piazza Mountain Inn and the Rifugio Vallandro serve a variety of regional fare for hungry hikers.

Well-trained endurance athletes are able to test their physical fitness along the Dobbiaco high route where the Dolomites and the High Tauern mountain range seem close enough to touch. Alternatively, the tour may be extended to two days including an overnight at the Rifugio Bonner. This provides visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful mountains from hut to hut, including the Steinbergalm hut and the Malga S. Silvestro hut/Silvesteralm.

A nature experience for the more slow-paced is the easy walk over the wide gravel road framed by lovely pastures leading from the legendary lake Lago di Braies to the Malga Foresta at an altitude of 1,580 meters. Gourmets will enjoy the hut’s delicious menu of the day featuring local and Italian specialties, served on the beautiful sundeck. Another easy, yet none the less scenic route originates in historic San Candido. It takes hikers to the Rifugio Tre Scarperi/Dreischusterhütte and boasts great views of the impressive Sesto Dolomites that stretch through the Val Campo di Dentro/Innerfeldtal. The area is part of the Three Peaks Nature Park and offers an unspoilt haven of peace and tranquility second to none. The Tre Scarperi hut operates from June through early October and also offers guest accommodation.

For further information on activities and accommodation in the Three Peaks Dolomites website.