Croda da Lago

Croda da Lago is a magnificent mountain range situated in the central Dolomites, Veneto, northern Italy, just east of the Giau Pass. It is renowned for its awe-inspiring views, peaceful lake, and diverse hiking trails, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. This guide offers essential tips for tourists, highlighting major attractions, useful information, and advice on planning a trip to Croda da Lago.

Hiking Trails and Tips

Trailheads

• Ponte di Rucurto: This starting point at higher elevation is preferred for its accessibility and shorter ascent.
• Ponte Pezie de Parú: An alternative lower trail that adds extra ascent but does not necessarily enhance the scenic experience.

Trail Route

• Clockwise Route: Begin from Ponte di Rucurto, follow path no. 437 through a forest, crossing Ru Formin on a picturesque wooden bridge. Continue on path no. 434 towards Lago Federa and Rifugio Palmieri, then ascend to Forcella Ambrizzola before descending back on path no. 435.
• Counter-Clockwise Route: For those who prefer steeper ascents and gentler descents, this option offers a more challenging start but a quicker return the next day for those staying overnight at Rifugio Palmieri.

Tips for Hikers

• Start Early: To avoid crowds and secure parking, begin your hike early in the morning.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water and consider using a Hydrapak 3-liter water bladder for easy access.
• Overnight Stay: For a more relaxed experience, consider staying overnight at Rifugio Palmieri. The hut offers 50 beds, hot showers, and an outdoor sauna. Prices are reasonable, especially with a recognized mountain club membership.

Things to See and Do

• Lago Federa: This serene lake offers stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains and is a great spot for photography. Some hikers even enjoy swimming in its tranquil waters.
• Rifugio Palmieri: This well-equipped refuge provides meals, drinks, and comfortable lodging. It’s a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
• Forcella Ambrizzola: The highest point on the trail, offering panoramic views of Monte Pelmo and the surrounding Dolomites.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for marmots, especially if taking the longer trail around the mountain.

Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires.

Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation.

During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp.

Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation.

Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.

More Info

Getting There

By Car: From Cortina d’Ampezzo, take the regional road no. 48 towards Passo Falzarego, then turn left onto provincial road no. 638 towards Passo Giau. The distance from Cortina to the trailhead is about 10 kilometers, and it takes approximately 15 minutes to drive. Parking is available at the Ponte di Rucurto trailhead, but it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.

By Bus: During the summer season (mid-June to September), buses run daily between Cortina and Passo Giau. For detailed schedules, check the Dolomiti Bus website or visit the visitor center in Cortina. Note that bus services are limited outside the peak season, so having your own transportation is recommended during these times.

Best Time to Visit

While Croda da Lago can be visited year-round, the best time to hike is from late spring to early autumn. October is particularly beautiful, as the surrounding larch valleys turn gold and orange, making it one of the best autumn day hikes in the Dolomites. Winter visits are only advisable for experienced hikers due to snow and icy conditions.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Prices: There are no entry fees for the trails, but if you plan to stay at Rifugio Palmieri, check their website for current prices and booking information.

What we propose

Emma Heidi

Customer Experience Manager

Take all the stress out of planning your trip!

With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs.

We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey.

We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients.

Discover our clients’ experiences here

 Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary.

 A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide.

 Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars.

 We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time.

 Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go.

Service cost: from only $420. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.

Want to know if it’s really worth it?

Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us.

Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection.

Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever.

Contact us via email

Chat with us on WhatsApp
Callback from the expert

How it works

• You are welcome
to contact us
• We discuss
your trip
• You fill out a special form
• We create
your itinerary
• You get it with all useful tips
• We are in touch with
you all the time