In the east of South Tyrol you can find the Dolomite region Three Peaks, the high valley of the Dolomites. The white dolomite and the green of the meadows are characteristic of the landscape. The Three Peaks are among the most famous peaks in the Alpine region.
Fast Fact
The Three Peaks are particularly beautiful when the famous “alpenglow” sets in after sunset!
UNESCO World Natural Heritage
The Three Peaks are the landmark of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site Dolomites. They are part of the Sesto Dolomites in South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria. The Three Peaks Nature Park of the same name is the fourth largest of South Tyrol’s seven nature parks.
The Three Peaks are each almost three-thousand-metre peaks: the Great Peak in the middle is 2,999m high, the Western Peak 2,973m high and the Small Peak 2,857m high. The Three Peaks mountain range is one of the most popular climbing areas in the Alps and a tourist attraction.
The Dolomites and the Three Peaks have been the setting for many myths and legends for centuries. The rocky giants that majestically tower over the surrounding Dolomite mountains have inspired people’s imagination since time immemorial. In 1869, Paul Grohmann, Franz Innerkofler and Peter Salcher succeeded in making the first ascent of the Great Peak, soon followed by the first ascent of the Western Peak and the Small Peak.
The hike around the Three Peaks
The hike offers a fantastic mountain panorama along the entire route and runs on well-maintained paths without any major differences in altitude. Along the way you can hear marmots whistling and watch cows grazing.
The circular trail is the ideal mountain tour for children and also for less experienced hikers.
In addition to this small, easier hike, there are many others that differ not only in their route, but also in their degree of difficulty and length.
The circumnavigation at a glance
Hiking route: Trail no. 101 from the Auronzo Hut to the Lavaredo Hut, continuing over the Paternsattel to the Dreizinnen Hut. From there trail no. 105 via the Rienzboden to the Langalm and back to the Auronzo hut.
Height difference: 280m
Hiking time: approx. 4 hours
Distance: approx. 8.5km
Mountains: Sesto Dolomites
Our tips for the Three Peaks hike
- As with any hike, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes.
- As the weather can change quickly in the mountains, weatherproof clothing is required – ideally onion look!
- The hike is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
- Don’t forget sun cream! At this altitude in the mountains, you can quickly get sunburnt!
