A mountain hut on the shores of Lago di Sorapis, the destination of the iconic turquoise-lake hike.
Rifugio Vandelli sits at roughly 1,928 metres on the shores of Lago di Sorapis, the glacially formed lake famous for its distinctive milky turquoise colour. Nestled beneath the walls of the Sorapis Group, close to the spire known as the Dito di Dio, it offers a setting with few rivals among the Ampezzano Dolomites and has become one of the favourite subjects for photographers. Built in 1890, the hut marks the endpoint of one of the most popular hikes in the Cortina area, winding through scree slopes, rock faces and the clear waters of the lake, which lies just a hundred metres away.
It is reached on foot from Passo Tre Croci along trail 215, a scenic route that winds through forest but includes some exposed sections equipped with fixed ropes, requiring a steady step. The kitchen offers traditional mountain dishes, ideal for a break by the lake. With just under forty beds in dormitories sleeping six to eight, the hut allows you to stay overnight and experience Lago di Sorapis in its quieter hours, when the daytime hikers have left and the lake returns to its natural silence.
Services & info
Trails passing through Rifugio Vandelli
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Rifugio Vandelli?
It is reached on foot from Passo Tre Croci along trail 215, a scenic route that includes some exposed sections equipped with fixed ropes, which should be negotiated with care.
Can I stay overnight at Rifugio Vandelli?
Yes, it has just under forty beds in dormitories. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy Lago di Sorapis in its quieter hours, far from the midday crowds.
Is the trail to Rifugio Vandelli difficult?
The route is not particularly strenuous, but it has exposed sections equipped with metal cables: a steady step and a head for heights are required, and it is not recommended with very young children.