Laghi dei Piani near Tre Cime

Laghi dei Piani, also known as Bödenseen, are beautiful alpine lakes in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy and an important stop on the route near Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the most iconic mountain groups in the region. Situated at approximately 2,405 metres above sea level, the lakes are located right behind Rifugio Locatelli (Drei-Zinnen-Hütte), surrounded by impressive alpine scenery, and provide a beautiful place to take a break during a mountain hike.

The area around the trail offers peaceful mountain surroundings and impressive views of the high peaks. The trail gradually leaves the lower valleys behind and leads deeper into the high-mountain landscape.

From the lakes, the route offers viewpoints towards the higher parts of the Dolomites and the impressive faces of Monte Paterno. The landscape becomes increasingly rocky as the elevation increases, creating a very different atmosphere from the lower sections of the hike.

Hiking Experience

Reaching the area around Laghi dei Piani and continuing past the lakes below Monte Paterno was one of the memorable parts of my hike in the Dolomites. It took me about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours of steady walking from the starting point at Rifugio Auronzo to reach Rifugio Locatelli and the lakes. Arriving at this section was an incredible moment, as it was the first time the two alpine lakes appeared right in front of me with the massive rock walls reflecting in the water.

After spending some time taking photos at the shore, I continued along the trail toward the water. The trail continued through the open mountain landscape, with the surrounding rock walls and peaks becoming more impressive as I approached the lakes.

Arriving at Laghi dei Piani gave me a good opportunity to slow down, take a proper break, and enjoy the mountain surroundings. After spending most of the hike on the trail, it was a great feeling to sit down for a while and simply enjoy the scenery.

I especially liked the atmosphere around the broad mountain paths. The landscape opens up around the lakes, with wide views of the surrounding Dolomites and mountains like Monte Paterno rising in almost every direction. After spending most of the hike walking, it was a great place to stop, take some photos and enjoy the views.

From Laghi dei Piani, hikers can return toward Rifugio Auronzo or continue into the more demanding terrain around Monte Paterno, including nearby via ferrata routes. I found it useful to take my time at the lakes rather than rushing ahead, especially because there was still a beautiful walk back.

For me, Laghi dei Piani was more than just another point along the trail. It was a place where I could rest, take some photos, look back at the landscape I had already crossed, and prepare myself for the return section.

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. Reservations may also be required during the busy season.

Official parking information: Auronzo.info

Views Around the Mountain Lakes

The area surrounding Laghi dei Piani offers beautiful high-mountain scenery in the heart of the Dolomites. The open alpine landscape provides views of surrounding peaks, rocky slopes, and deep mountain valleys.

The view from the lakes is particularly impressive because of the combination of the historic mountain hut nearby, the clear alpine water below, and the dramatic vertical peaks of Monte Paterno and Tre Cime dominating the skyline.

As you look closely at the cliffs behind the lakes, the landscape also reveals old military paths and rugged caves from World War I. These features add another interesting historical element to the mountain scenery.

👉 Recommended hiking shoes  

👉 Best daypack for hiking  

👉 Essential hiking hydration

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: Laghi dei Piani (2,405 m)
• Route: Via Forcella Lavaredo (Trail 101)
• Distance: 5.2 km one way
• Elevation gain: 130 m (with minor ups and downs)
• Hiking time: 2 h 00 min one way
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate marked mountain trail
• Route type: Out-and-back route (or part of the full loop)
• Summit: Non-summit route, passing below the main peaks
• Scenery: Alpine lakes, Dolomite limestone walls, wide gravel scree, and panoramic valleys
• Water: Bring enough water for the hike, especially on hot summer days
• Safety: Good sturdy footwear is recommended for the rocky paths

Hiking Tips

For a comfortable hike to Laghi dei Piani:

• Wear proper hiking shoes
• Carry enough water
• Bring food and snacks
• Take regular breaks
• Maintain a steady pace
• Check the weather before starting
• Allow enough time for the complete hike
• Check the current access and parking arrangements at Rifugio Auronzo before your hike, especially during the busy summer season

The paths are generally wide and easy to follow, but loose gravel near the steeper slopes requires good footing and concentration. Even though the route does not involve technical climbing, the high-altitude environment means that conditions can change quickly.

Weather Conditions

Mountain weather can change quickly around the Tre Cime massif and the higher Dolomites. Conditions can be completely different at higher elevations compared with the valleys below.

Fog, strong wind, sudden rain, low temperatures, and reduced visibility can occur even when the weather is sunny lower down. Always check the mountain weather forecast before starting and be prepared for changing conditions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Laghi dei Piani and hike from Rifugio Auronzo is generally during the warmer months when the access road is open and the trails are clear.

Outside the main summer season, snow and ice can remain in the higher mountains. Current trail, road, parking, and weather conditions should always be checked before starting.

During the busiest summer period, it is also worth checking the current access arrangements for Rifugio Auronzo in advance.

Photography

Laghi dei Piani is an excellent place for mountain photography. The open alpine landscape provides wide views of the surrounding peaks, while the lakes add a classic alpine atmosphere to the scenery.

The combination of the massive vertical towers, the reflections in the water, and the historic rock windows creates beautiful photographic opportunities along the route.

For me, the most memorable photographs were around Forcella Lavaredo and Laghi dei Piani, where the scale of the surrounding mountains becomes especially impressive.

Final Thoughts

Laghi dei Piani was one of the places that stood out during my hike towards Tre Cime. Surrounded by high peaks, the lakes have a great mountain atmosphere and are a beautiful place to stop for a break and take in the surroundings.

For me, reaching the lakes also felt like an important part of the journey. From here, the character of the hike changes as the trail offers options to return via a full loop or continue into more demanding terrain.

I was happy to take my time at Laghi dei Piani instead of simply passing through. Sitting by the mountain lakes, looking towards Tre Cime and Monte Paterno, and taking in the surrounding Dolomites made this one of the most memorable moments of my hike in the region.