Cinque Torri Loop Hike in the Dolomites
The Cinque Torri is a lesser-known but beautiful hike near Cortina d’Ampezzo, so you can’t miss it on your Dolomites Itinerary. This is an easy hike where you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views and visit the open-air museum of WW1. The Cinque Torri is also one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Dolomites.
This ultimate guide to the Cinque Torri includes the best time to visit, the chairlift prices, what to expect on the trek, and practical information.
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Cinque Torri Hike Details
Hike Distance: 2 km
Duration: 45 minutes
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Ascent: ↑ 110 m
Descent: ↓ 110 m
Where is Cinque Torri?
It is located in the Dolomites, 16 km from Cortina d’Ampezzo, which can be reached in 30 minutes. From Cortina d’Ampezzo drive on the SR48 towards Pocol, then turn left to Baita Bai de Dones.
How to Get to Cinque Torri & Parking
Cinque Torri is located at 2366 m above sea level. The quickest way to reach the Cinque Torri is to get from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Baita Bai de Dones in about 30 minutes by car. After arrival, you can park for free. The cable car station is a short walk from the car park, from where you can reach the top in about 6 minutes.
Alternatively, instead of using the cable car, you can hike up the trail that runs underneath the chairlift. The trail is steep and takes about 1 hour with an ascent of 366 meters, and the views along the way are not great.
Read our → Ultimate Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary
When to Hike to Cinque Torri
The best time to visit Cinque Torri is from early June to mid-October. August is usually the busiest month in the Dolomites. If you want to avoid crowds and high prices, you should visit during the low season.
In winter, you can’t do the 5 Torri hike. Because the chairlift does not operate, and the hiking trail leading up is probably completely covered in snow.
In the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable. So pack warm clothes, suitable hiking shoes, and a raincoat.
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Before you visit, check the weather forecast and the mountain webcam.
See also → Best Hikes in the Dolomites
Cinque Torri Cable Car Ticket Price & Timetables
The 5 Torri chairlift operates from 1 June to 6 October 2024, daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. The last descent is at 4:30 PM. Opening times may vary due to weather and snow conditions, so check the cable car schedules before you go.
The Cinque Torri chairlift ticket costs 24 EUR return and 18 EUR one-way for adults. For children (8-15 years old), the return ticket costs 14.5 EUR, and a single trip costs 11 EUR. Children under 8 years are free of charge.
Recommended post → Passo Giau Cinque Torri Loop
Cinque Torri Loop Hike
This is one of the easiest and best hikes in the Dolomites. Cinque Torri, or Five Towers, is a spectacular rock formation in the Italian Dolomites. During World War I, the Italian army established its artillery headquarters in Cinque Torri. The unique view allowed them to prevent an Austrian counterattack.
Starting point: Rifugio Scoiattoli (2255 m).
The cable car is the easiest and fastest way to get to the Rifugio Scoiattoli. When you arrive at the Rifugio Scoiattoli, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the stunning rock formations of the Cinque Torri. Next to the mountain hut, you will find an information map with the hiking routes and historical sites marked. There are toilets at the mountain hut, so use them before you start your trek.
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! Travel insurance is the best way to avoid extra expenses due to unexpected accidents, cancellations, delays, loss of personal items, and emergencies.
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Hungariandreamers readers get a 5% discount on Heymondo.
You can start the hike in either direction. However, we recommend that you follow the Cinque Torri loop hike clockwise. During the trek, you can visit the impressive open-air museum of the First World War.
The trails lead to the defensive trenches, war shelters, and the various command posts with a fantastic panoramic view. Take time to explore and read the information boards. Along the trail, there are steeper sections and rocky paths.
In our opinion, the hike was easy to complete, with only a few moderate sections.
There are different hiking trails in the Cinque Torri, most of which are simple and easy to follow. After hiking around the Cinque Torri, you can continue your trek to Rifugio Averau and Passo Giau.
What to Pack for Hiking
- Small backpack
- Light raincoat
- Hiking shoes or boots & socks
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera gear
- Extra water
- Snacks
- Personal medication
- Local money
- Trekking poles
Cinque Torri Hike Map
The Cinque Torri Loop hiking trail is only 2 km long and takes 45 minutes.
Where to Stay near Cinque Torri
For the best experience, stay in a mountain hut at Rifugio Scoiattoli or Rifugio 5 Torri. Alternatively, stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Luxury: Faloria Mountain Spa Resort
- Mid-Range: Radisson Residences Savoia Palace
- Budget: B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina
We hope you found our guide to the Cinque Torri hike useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway