The most famous viewpoint over the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, on the north face.
Rifugio Locatelli sits at roughly 2,405 metres on the northern side of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. In South Tyrol they call it Dreizinnenhütte, and it also carries the name of guide Sepp Innerkofler. Most people come for the view, and with good reason: from the terrace you look straight at the three towers, lined up side by side, glowing pink and orange at dawn and dusk. It is the photo everyone knows. The story starts in 1882, when innkeeper Karl Stemberger put up a small stone building for the Alpenverein section of the upper Val Pusteria. It was rebuilt after the First World War and handed to the CAI in 1923. Ponds, trenches and walkways still circle the hut, left over from the Dolomite front.
The usual way up is the circular trail from Rifugio Auronzo, scenic and not too hard. Want something tougher? Start lower down, from Val Fiscalina. With more than a hundred beds, this is one of the biggest and busiest huts around, mostly because everyone wants to wake up here for the sunrise on the north faces. The kitchen does solid South Tyrolean food, exactly what you want after the walk. If you plan to sleep over, book early. The dawn slots get taken months ahead.
You do not drive here: you walk in, and the starting point shapes the whole day. The easiest option is to leave the car at the Rifugio Auronzo square, at the top of the toll road from Misurina, then follow the circular trail across to the north faces. Alternatively you start lower down, from Val Fiscalina, where there are car parks near the valley floor: much more walking, but no toll or shuttle. Always check the current year for any bus fares and times. The good season runs roughly from early summer into autumn, snow permitting at either end. If you are after the sunrise over the Tre Cime, sleep up here: from the valley floor you cannot reach it before daylight.
Services & info
Trails passing through Rifugio Locatelli
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Rifugio Locatelli?
Most people walk in on the Tre Cime circuit trail from Rifugio Auronzo. You can also climb from lower down, from Val Fiscalina, but that route is much longer and harder.
Can I stay overnight at Rifugio Locatelli?
Yes. It is one of the larger huts in the area, with more than a hundred beds. It is also one of the most requested spots for the sunrise over the Tre Cime, so book well ahead or you will miss out.
Why is Rifugio Locatelli so famous?
Because from the terrace you look head-on at the north face of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. It is one of the best-known images in the Dolomites, and it is at its best in the light of dawn and dusk.
Where do I park for Rifugio Locatelli?
There is no car park at the hut, as you can only reach it on foot. The handiest choice is to leave the car at the Rifugio Auronzo square and walk from there. Those coming up from Val Fiscalina park near the valley floor instead and face a much longer route.
How far is the walk to Rifugio Locatelli?
From the Rifugio Auronzo square it is a scenic and fairly easy walk along the Tre Cime loop, roughly a couple of hours. From Val Fiscalina it is much longer and harder, with a good deal of climbing. Either way, plan your timings carefully if you want to be up here for sunrise.