The Cinque Torri loop mixes landscape and history. It rings the cluster of spires that Cortina's climbers love and crosses the open-air Great War museum, with its restored trenches and gun emplacements.
It is an easy, panoramic route, ideal for families, with Rifugio Scoiattoli and Rifugio Nuvolau close by.
How to get there — Rifugio Scoiattoli / Bain de Dones (2.255 m)
You start from the Bai de Dones area, at about 1,890 m, in the Cinque Torri district near Cortina d'Ampezzo. From Cortina drive up the Passo Falzarego road to the turning for Bai de Dones, where there is a paid car park at the foot of the chairlift. From the station, a chairlift with closed cabins carries you up to Rifugio Scoiattoli, at the foot of the spires, in a few minutes, so you skip the climb on foot. If you would rather walk up, you can reach the hut on the trail with a little extra climbing.
The trailhead is in the Cortina d'Ampezzo area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.
Stage by stage
1. Up to Rifugio Scoiattoli
Reach Rifugio Scoiattoli, by chairlift or on foot, at the base of the Cinque Torri.
2. Loop through the trenches
Walk through the open-air Great War museum among the historic military positions, closing the loop around the rock towers.
When to go & weather
June to October is the ideal period, with the chairlift running and the open-air Great War museum walkable without snow. It is an easy (E) and short loop, perfect on any fine summer day, though it gets rather crowded in the middle of the day in August. September and early October bring golden autumn light on the Tofane and fewer people among the trenches. The climbing is modest, but you are still above 2,200 m, so bring a warm layer and check the forecast for afternoon thunderstorms.
Recommended gear
- Comfortable trekking shoes with a sole that grips on the stony trails
- A light windproof jacket for the altitude
- Water and snacks, even though the huts are close by
- Hat, sunglasses and sun cream
- Camera for the spires and the Great War walkways
Useful tips
- Follow trail 439 through the trenches and positions of the Great War. Take time to read them, not just photograph the spires
- Take the chairlift up and walk down, or the other way round, depending on your energy
- Extend the loop by climbing towards Rifugio Averau and the Nuvolau for a 360° view
- Treat yourself to a stop at Rifugio Scoiattoli, with the view dropping straight onto the Cinque Torri
- A great route for families. The trench theme grabs the kids too
- Count on about 530 m of climbing if you decide to walk up and down without the chairlift
Huts and rest points
- Rifugio Nuvolau (2575 m) — Il più vecchio delle Dolomiti, appollaiato su una cima sopra le Cinque Torri. Details →
Frequently asked questions
Are the Cinque Torri suitable for children?
Yes. The loop is short and easy, and you can ride up on the chairlift. The open-air First World War museum is a big hit with younger children too.
What can you see at the Cinque Torri open-air museum?
You walk through restored trenches, communication paths and First World War positions, marked by panels in several languages along path 439. It is a proper open-air museum that ties together history and the Dolomite landscape.
Can you do the Cinque Torri loop without the chairlift?
Yes, you can reach Rifugio Scoiattoli on foot from the Bai de Dones car park, which adds some climbing to the day. The chairlift is still the easiest option for families and for anyone who wants to save their legs.
Are the Cinque Torri good for climbing?
Yes, the towers are a historic rock climbing spot much loved by Cortina climbers, but climbing them takes gear and experience. The walking loop, on the other hand, goes around the towers with no technical difficulty at all.