Complete Guide to Hiking the beautiful Lago di Sorapis, Dolomites

The only way to get to Lago di Sorapis is to hike. But what a hike it is. The turquoise lake nestled under imposing mountains is accessible by narrow ledges on stunning paths. Here’s what you need to know.

Set on a remote ledge, backed by the towering 3,200-metre Mount Sorapis, the turquoise lake of Lago di Sorapis is a stunning destination. Its beauty rivalling the famous Lago di Braies.

However, whereas Lago di Braies is packed with visitors, far fewer make the journey to Lago di Sorapis. That is because to get here, you have to hike.

The hike to the lake takes about 2 hours and requires some legwork, but the reward is a pristine lake with far fewer crowds.

The trail to the lake includes a forest path, a few narrow ledges and some metal stairways. But it’s very achievable for anyone with a decent level of fitness.

The easiest option is to return the way you came, which we have called the Lago di Sorapis Return Hike in this guide.

However, there is an alternate route back, which climbs over the Forcella Marcoira saddle.

This trail is much more challenging, with a very rocky descent, and should only be undertaken in good conditions by more experienced hikers.

This route is called the Lago di Sorapis Circuit and is one of our favourite hikes in the Dolomites.

In this post, we cover instructions for both routes. Here is all you need to know.

HOW TO GET TO THE LAKE SORAPIS HIKE

The hike to Lago di Sorapis begins from the car park at Passo Tre Croci, which is 10 kilometres from Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of our favourite hiking destinations in the Alps.

BY CAR 

It’s a short drive (20 minutes) from Cortina to Passo Tre Croci. There is free parking by the side of the road or in a small car park outside an old hotel near the start of the trail.

Look for signs of Lake Sorapis. In peak season, the parking spaces can fill up fast, so arrive early to successfully snare a parking spot.

BY BUS 

The 030 and 031 bus runs 4 times a day from Cortina to the trailhead at 1805m Passo Tre Croci. Check seasonal times at the information centre in Cortina.

LAGO DI SORAPIS RETURN HIKE

Distance – 11.5 km | Duration – 4 hours | Elevation – 430 m | Difficulty – Medium

PASSO TRE CROCI TO LAGO DI SORAPIS

From Passo Tre Croci, the route to the lake is via Path 215. It is clearly marked from the road (see our map) and easy to follow. It is 5.7 km long and takes about 2 hours.

The walk begins gently, cutting through a pine forest. The peaks of Monte Cristallo and Piz Popena emerge through the foliage.

Before long, the trees clear, and views open up to a panorama, including the unmistakable form of Tre Cime standing in the hazy distance.

After an hour or so, the path ascends a metal walkway and crosses a narrow ledge of rock where a cable has been provided as a handrail.

Although the path is narrow (1 meter), it’s wide enough to feel safe, and the handrail means that only people with a very strong fear of heights would have a problem.

Having navigated the ledge, the hard work then begins. The path steepens, but not for too long and soon reaches the lake.

LOOP AROUND LAGO DI SORAPIS

The best views of the area are as you arrive.

An impenetrable wall of rugged rock surrounds the tranquil turquoise waters. Sit on the rocks, open your snacks, and soak it all in.

You could easily sit there all day, but it is well worth making a loop of the lake. The far end has a different type of vegetation, and on the walk back, you are tucked under the mighty walls of the mountains.

The loop around the lake is 1.7 km and takes about 40 minutes

RETURN TO PASSO TRE CROCI

By far, the easiest way to get back is to return the way you came. Follow Path 215 back over the narrow ledge, metal walkway, and forest trail to Passo Tre Croci.

Walking downhill is usually quicker, so the 11.5 km there-and-back-hike should take a little under 4 hours (add 40 minutes for the lake loop).

LAGO DI SORAPIS CIRCUIT

Distance – 13.2 km | Duration – 5 hours | Elevation – 800 m | Difficulty – Challenging

While the Lago di Sorapis Return Hike is an out and back walk. The Lago di Sorapis Circuit heads back to Passo Tre Croci via a high mountain pass over the Forcella Marcoira saddle.

This is a much more challenging trail and should only be undertaken in good conditions by experienced hikers.

To take this route, leave the lake heading back the way you came along Path 215. After about 10 minutes, turn left on Path 216.

The narrow trail now climbs steeply. Ascending 400 metres in about 1 hour is a tedious slog requiring scrambling and hands in a few places.

Take in the views over Tre Cime and then follow the trail as it crosses the scree slopes of Cime del Laudo to reach the fine viewpoint of Cime di Marcoira.

A short, tricky section with a few switchbacks and a secured handrail descends a rocky wall from here. After navigating an exposed ledge, it drops into a basin and crosses to the Forcella Marcoira saddle (2,307m).

At the saddle, be careful not to take Path 223, which runs southwest along the ridge, but instead, continue on Path 216  as it drops precipitously down a scree slope.

This is the hardest part of the walk. The route can be unclear, and loose rock can make it tricky. The rewards are fine views over the Cristallo Group.

The path now cuts across scree, and shortly, you come to a junction. Turn right on Path 213 and head through a mix of meadow and forest back to Passo Tre Croci.

This route is not to be undertaken lightly; it can have snow on it well into the summer, but it is an amazing day in the mountains.

FACILITIES AT LAGO DI SORAPIS – RIFUGIO VANDELLI

There is one rifugio on the Lago di Sorapis hike, the humble Rifugio Vandelli.

Located a 2-3 minute walk from the junction of 4 mountain trails, Rifugio Vandelli is a popular spot for hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites.

You can have lunch at the Rifugio during the summer months. However, while the rifugio is near the lake, it doesn’t face it, so we recommend bringing your picnic lunch to the lake.

Don’t forget to take all your rubbish with you.

There are no other facilities on the Lago di Sorapis hike.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE TO LAGO DI SORAPIS?

The Lago di Sorapis Return hike is 11.5 km and takes just under 4 hours with 460 metres of ascent and descent. Add 40 minutes if you plan to walk around the lake.

The Lago di Sorapis Circuit is 13.2 km and takes about 5 hours with 800 metres of ascent and descent.

Whichever route you choose, allow an extra hour to take breaks and soak up the scenery. A leisurely picnic at the lake is a great idea, and there are numerous photo opportunities along the way.

Sections	Distance	Duration
Passo Tre Croci to Lago di Sorapis	5.7 kilometres	2 hours
Stroll around the lake	1.1 kilometres	40 minutes
Ascent to Forcella Marcoira	3.7 kilometres	1 hour 30 minutes
Forcella Marcoira to Passo Tre Croci	3.5 kilometres	1 hour 30 minutes

MAP – HIKING TO LAGO DI SORAPIS

The paths on the return hike are well-signed and very clear.

Navigation is trickier on the circuit, and the cloud can come in quickly, so take a map. A handy book to take with you is Shorter Walks in the Dolomites which has good maps and details of this and other great walks in the area.

WHERE TO STAY TO HIKE LAGO DI SORAPIS

The best place to stay to do the Lago di Sorapis hike is Cortina, which is 10 kilometres from Passo Tre Croci where the hike begins.

It’s a charming town with a good range of facilities and public transport connections. You can read more in our Cortina d’Ampezzo guide.

Parking in town is not that easy. So it’s a good idea to select centrally located accommodation with parking so you can easily walk into town in the evening.

The other option is to stay in Dobbiaco, which has a little less going on than Cortina. However, you may find more affordable options, especially during peak season. Dobbiaco is around 30 minutes drive to Passo Tre Croci.

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BEST TIME TO HIKE THE LAGO DI SORAPIS CIRCUIT

The hiking season in the Dolomites roughly runs from late May to October, depending on the weather conditions and the height of the walks you want to undertake.

The best weather is in the summer months, but it is also the busiest time.

Another consideration is that cable cars and rifugios in the region are only open from mid-June to the end of September / early October.

We recommend hiking to Sorapis Lake in early July. The snow should have gone by then, the crowds will be a bit lower, and the rifugio will be running.

If you head there in late summer or early autumn, there is a risk that the lake will have no water in it. The views are great at all times of the day, but make sure you leave early enough so you don’t have to rush.

WHAT TO TAKE ON THE HIKE

01 – The complete Lago di Sorapis circuit is reasonably long and the ascent and descent from the pass requires some scrambling. So for this one, we suggest proper hiking boots (we use something like these). If you walk to the lake and back, trainers with a decent grip will be good enough.

02 – Hiking poles can also help to bypass some of the strain from your legs to your arms. We don’t use them, but a lot of other hikers are big fans.

03 – Weather conditions on the walk can change dramatically, and rain is common in the afternoon. Make sure you take a waterproof and some warm clothes. The walk is not in the shade, so bring sunblock and a hat on hot days.

04 – Rifugio Vandelli provides an ideal spot to recharge. However, keep in mind that they don’t open until late June. If you’re doing the Sorapis Lake hike earlier, you’ll need to take your own lunch.

05 – Make sure you take snacks to re-energise and plenty of water, either in a water filter bottle or a hydration bag like this one.

06 – All the routes are well marked, but make sure you have a good idea of where you are going. Ideally, take a physical map or download the map from this guide.

07 – To collect shots of those turquoise lakes, we highly recommend investing in good quality ND Filters, they’ll really make your images pop. To use the filters, you’ll need a decent tripod, the Ultralight Sirui is the best we’ve come across.

TRAVELLING TO THE DOLOMITES

The Dolomites is a large mountain range in northeastern Italy. As a popular location for both skiing and summer hiking, there are plenty of good options for getting to the Dolomites. 

By Air – The Dolomites is serviced by several international airports. Venice and Innsbruck are closest to Cortina.

By Train – The only convenient train station in the Dolomites is at Bolzano. Trenitalia (Italian), ÕBB (Austrian) and DB (German) train services arrive in Bolzano. Check train times on thetrainline.com.

For more detailed information, read our first-timers guide to visiting the Dolomites.

MORE DOLOMITES GUIDES

• Read our first-timer guide for visiting the Dolomites with practical information.
• Try one of our favourite hikes in the Dolomites.
• Where to stay in the Dolomites has our pick of the best areas.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most popular places to base yourself in the Dolomites.
• Find out what’s good to do around Val Gardena.
• Read about more bautiful places to visit in the Italian Alps.
• How to visit Lago di Braies covers all the information you need to know.
• Read our complete guide to hiking Tre Cime – the best hike in the Dolomites.