Climbing Torre di Toblin near Tre Cime
Torre di Toblin rises above the mountain landscape near Tre Cime di Lavaredo and is one of the more challenging summits in this part of the Dolomites. At 2,617 metres, the rocky tower stands above Rifugio Locatelli, with Laghi dei Piani and surrounding mountain peaks visible along the route.
I reached the area from Rifugio Auronzo, following the trail towards Rifugio Locatelli before continuing towards Torre di Toblin. The easier walking sections gradually give way to stneeeeeper terrain, and eventually to the historic Via Ferrata delle Scalette.
The character of the hike changes completely once the climbing begins. Seventeen iron ladders lead through narrow rock chimneys and steep sections, making this a much more demanding route than the popular walking trails around Tre Cime.
Mountain also has a strong connection with the history of World War I. Old military paths, tunnels and climbing routes can still be found among the rocks, adding another interesting part to the experience.
Hiking Experience
I started my hike at Rifugio Auronzo and followed the trail towards Rifugio Locatelli. The walk took me around 1.5 to 2 hours, with beautiful views of Tre Cime and the surrounding mountains along the way. After reaching the area around Rifugio Locatelli, I continued towards Torre di Toblin and prepared for the more demanding part of the route.
The Via Ferrata delle Scalette was where the hike became much more serious. I climbed 17 iron ladders through narrow rock chimneys, with steep rock walls rising on both sides. The higher I climbed, the more exposed the route felt, so I took my time and concentrated on every section.
Climbing the ladders was one of the most memorable parts of my day. It was very different from the easier trail I had followed earlier, and being surrounded by rock on both sides made the climb feel even more impressive.
After completing the steep sections, I eventually reached the summit of Torre di Toblin at 2,617 metres. Standing on top was a great reward after the climb. I had a wide view across the Dolomites, with Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Monte Paterno and Laghi dei Piani visible from above.
I spent some time at the summit enjoying the views and taking photos before starting my descent. The Feldkurat Hosp Steig was steep and had plenty of loose gravel, so I was careful with every step.
The descent required just as much attention as the climb, but after getting through the technical sections I could relax again as I returned towards Rifugio Locatelli. From there, I continued along the wider mountain paths back towards Rifugio Auronzo.
For me, reaching Torre di Toblin was one of the highlights of my time around Tre Cime. The combination of climbing, exposed rock sections and the views from the summit made this a completely different experience from a normal mountain hike.
Parking and Access
Access to Rifugio Auronzo by car requires paid parking and road access. The parking fee and access conditions can change, so check the current information before your hike.
During the busy summer season, access to the road and parking area can be restricted or subject to specific arrangements. Check the latest information before travelling to Tre Cime.
Official parking information: Auronzo.info
Views Around Torre di Toblin
The summit of Torre di Toblin provides some of the best mountain views along this route.
From the top, the enormous northern faces of Tre Cime di Lavaredo rise across the surrounding landscape. Their steep limestone walls make the three peaks look even more impressive from this higher viewpoint.
Below the mountain, Laghi dei Piani add small areas of turquoise colour to the otherwise rocky landscape. Monte Paterno stands nearby with its sharp ridges and dramatic rock formations.
The surrounding area also contains numerous remains from World War I, including old military paths, tunnels and climbing routes. These historic features can still be seen throughout the mountains and provide an interesting connection between the landscape and its past.
The combination of steep limestone walls, alpine lakes and high mountain ridges makes the entire route visually impressive from beginning to end.
Hike Details
• Starting point: Rifugio Auronzo, Dolomites, Italy
• Parking: Paid parking is available at Rifugio Auronzo.
• GPS Coordinates: 46.61250, 12.29610
• Starting elevation: 2,333 m
• Destination: Torre di Toblin Summit, 2,617 m
• Route: Via Forcella Lavaredo (Trail 101) to Rifugio Locatelli, then Via Ferrata delle Scalette (Trail 105) and Feldkurat Hosp Steig
• Distance: 11.6 km total loop
• Elevation gain: 571 m with cumulative ups and downs
• Hiking time: Approximately 5 h 30 min total loop
• Difficulty: Difficult / Technical via ferrata route
• Route type: Circular loop route
• Summit: Summit route reaching the top of Torre di Toblin
• Scenery: Vertical limestone walls, alpine lakes, WWI historic ladders and panoramic mountain valleys
• Water: Bring enough water for the entire route, especially on warm summer days
• Safety: Full via ferrata equipment, including a harness, via ferrata lanyard and climbing helmet, is essential for the technical sections.
Hiking Tips
Torre di Toblin should only be attempted by hikers who are comfortable with exposed via ferrata terrain and vertical climbing.
• Wear proper mountain footwear
• Use a complete via ferrata set
• Wear a climbing helmet
• Check the weather before starting
• Carry enough water and food
• Start early enough to allow plenty of time
• Keep both hands available when climbing
• Take extra care on loose gravel during the descent
• Do not attempt the route in poor weather
• Check current conditions of the via ferrata before starting
The 17 iron ladders on the Via Ferrata delle Scalette are one of the defining features of the climb. Although the ladders provide direct access through the steep rock sections, the exposure and vertical terrain make this considerably more demanding than the easier trails around Tre Cime.
The descent also deserves attention. Loose stones and steep sections on the Feldkurat Hosp Steig can make going down more difficult than expected.
Weather Conditions
Mountain weather can change quickly around Tre Cime and the higher Dolomites.
Clear conditions in the morning can change into fog, rain, strong wind or thunderstorms during the day. Wet rock can make the ladders and exposed sections significantly more difficult and dangerous.
Because Torre di Toblin involves technical climbing and exposed terrain, always check the mountain forecast before starting. If thunderstorms or poor visibility are expected, it is better to postpone the route.
Best Time to Visit
The best period for climbing Torre di Toblin is generally during the warmer months when the higher mountain routes are free of snow and ice.
The exact opening period can vary depending on snow conditions. Early and late in the season, snow can remain around the higher sections and make the via ferrata considerably more difficult.
During summer, starting early in the morning is useful because the area around Tre Cime can become busy and mountain weather can deteriorate later in the day.
Always check the current condition of the via ferrata before setting out.
Photography
Torre di Toblin offers fantastic opportunities for mountain photography. From summit, there are wide views towards Tre Cime di Lavaredo, with limestone towers and rocky ridges filling surrounding landscape.
Via Ferrata delle Scalette is also interesting for photography, especially around historic iron ladders and narrow rock chimneys. These sections give a good impression of how steep and rugged route really is.
From summit, Tre Cime, Monte Paterno and Laghi dei Piani create an impressive combination of mountains, rock walls and alpine scenery. For me, these views were among most memorable photographic moments of hike.
Final Thoughts
Climbing Torre di Toblin was one of the most demanding experiences in the Tre Cime area. The route combines a beautiful approach through the Dolomites with steep technical climbing, historic World War I routes and an impressive summit panorama.
The Via Ferrata delle Scalette is the defining part of the climb. The 17 iron ladders through the narrow rock chimneys make this route very different from the easier hiking paths around Tre Cime.
Reaching the 2,617-metre summit makes the effort worthwhile. From the top, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Monte Paterno and Laghi dei Piani create an incredible mountain panorama.
For me, Torre di Toblin was not simply another viewpoint in the Dolomites. It was a challenging mountain experience that combined history, climbing and some unforgettable scenery. The route requires proper preparation and equipment, but for experienced via ferrata hikers, it can be one of the most memorable adventures around Tre Cime.
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