Fanes Plateau to Rifugio Lavarella: into the Kingdom of the Fanes

The Fanes plateau is one of the most captivating environments in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, dotted with small lakes and steeped in the legends of the Kingdom of the Fanes.

From the valley floor at Pederü you climb to Rifugi Lavarella and Fanes, the perfect base for exploring the surrounding lakes and high plateaux.

How to get there — Pederü (1.548 m)

You start from Rifugio Pederü (1,548 m), at the head of Val dai Tamersc above San Vigilio di Marebbe. The road that climbs to it is a toll road and ends in the large car park in front of the hut of the same name. From here begins the steep military road up to the plateau: those who want to save elevation gain can go up with the jeep or shuttle service linking Pederü to the high-altitude huts, free for guests in South Tyrol holding the Guest Card. In high season the car park fills up quickly, so a morning arrival shields you from nasty surprises.

The trailhead is in the San Vigilio di Marebbe e Fanes area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.

Stage by stage

When to go & weather

The best period runs from June to October, when the plateau is clear of snow, the Lavarella and Fanes huts are open and the little lakes such as the Lé de Limo are at their best. June brings the greenest pastures, while late September tints the grass with warm tones and brings fewer crowds. Summer is the busiest period, also helped by the passage of Alta Via 1 hikers. As this is a long trek in the heart of the nature park, it is worth setting off early to have enough time and avoid the afternoon thunderstorms; at altitude, even in summer, the air stays cool.

Recommended gear

• Trekking boots with a good sole, because the full loop exceeds 15 km
• Telescopic poles, which help on the steep initial climb from Val dai Tamersc
• A rucksack with plenty of water and lunch, or a budget to stop at a hut
• Layered clothing and a waterproof shell — the weather turns quickly on the plateau
• Hat, glasses and sun cream for the long, shadeless open stretches
• A map or GPS track, useful because the plateau is vast and the trails interweave

Useful tips

• Consider the jeep or shuttle from Pederü if you would rather spend your energy exploring the plateau than on the military climb
• Devote time to the loop of the Fanes lakes and the Lé de Limo: they are the scenic heart of the trip and keep the Ladin legends of the Kingdom of the Fanes
• The Lavarella is one of the highest huts in the Dolomites, complete with a brewery: a stop here is almost a ritual
• Fill your bottles right from the start, because the real refreshment points are concentrated at altitude
• Respect the rules of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park by keeping to the waymarked trails

Huts and rest points

• Rifugio Lavarella (2050 m) — Rifugio sull'altopiano di Fanes, celebre per il birrificio più alto d'Europa. Details →