Cinque Torri Loop & WWI Open Air Museum
The Cinque Torri (Five Towers) is one of the most recognizable geological formations in the Ampezzo Dolomites, consisting of five distinct limestone pillars rising from a field of fractured boulders. The area serves as a world-class rock climbing destination. This 8.3 km5.2 mi loop offers a dense concentration of history and geology, making it an essential day trip for those staying in Cortina d'Ampezzo or near the Falzarego Pass.
Table of Contents
Map of Cinque Torri
Located in the heart of the Cortina Dolomites, Cinque Torri sits between the Passo Falzarego and the Passo Giau. The towers are part of the Averau and Nuvolau group. The terrain is characterized by massive fallen limestone blocks and high alpine meadows.
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- Ascent
- 345 m 1,132 ft
- Descent
- 345 m 1,132 ft
- Highest point
- 2,398 m 7,867 ft
- Lowest point
- 2,134 m 7,001 ft
Which Trail Experience Should You Choose?
Option #1: The WWI History & Towers Loop (The Classic)
- The Goal: To visit the open-air World War I museum and circle the base of the towering rock pillars.
- The Route Data:
- Start/End: Rifugio Scoiattoli (Top of the chairlift)
- How to get to the start: Take the Cinque Torri chairlift from Bai de Dones.
- Sequence: Great War museum circuit -> Base of Torre Grande -> back to the chairlift.
- The Reality: This is more of an educational walk than a strenuous hike. You will spend more time reading the information plaques than actually trekking. It is perfect for families and history buffs.
Option #2: The Triple Hut Traverse (Extended Loop)
- The Goal: To gain more elevation and see the towers from a higher vantage point while visiting Rifugio Nuvolau.
- The Route Data:
- Start/End: Bai de Dones
- How to get to the start: Reach the Cinque Torri chairlift base at Bai de Dones.
- Sequence: Rifugio Scoiattoli -> Rifugio Averau -> ridge trail to Rifugio Nuvolau -> descent.
- The Reality: This version adds the climb to Rifugio Nuvolau, at 2,575 m8,448 ft, whose history goes back to 1883. The hut announces an expected opening from 20 June to 20 September 2027, according to its website. The route requires technical focus as it involves walking on tilted limestone slabs that are slippery when wet. Beginners should be aware of the drop-offs surrounding the hut.
How to Get To Cinque Torri
The primary access point is Bai de Dones, on the road between Cortina d'Ampezzo and Passo Falzarego.
The Cinque Torri Chairlift
The most common way to reach the plateau is the chairlift. In 2026 it ran from 6 June to 11 October (weather or snow permitting), from 09:00 to 17:00. An adult round trip cost 27.50 EUR$32 outside August and 30 EUR$35 in August (one way 20.50 EUR$24 and 22.50 EUR$26). Timetables and fares are published by the lift operator; check them before you go.
Driving and Parking
To drive, head for the chairlift bottom station at Bai de Dones. According to the lift operator, the road to Rifugio Cinque Torri is closed 24 hours a day from 16 June to 11 October; a paid shuttle is then activated, available on site at Cianzopè. In the tourist season, public transport services (Dolomiti Bus, Cortina Express) serve the area, per the operator's access page.
When Should You Visit & How to Check Conditions?
The Best Season
According to the lift operator, Rifugio Cinque Torri is open in summer only, from mid-June to the end of September. For photographers, the light at sunset (Enrosadira) is the most beautiful on the limestone.
How to Check the Weather
Conditions at altitude can change within minutes. Check the Cinque Torri webcam before departing Cortina.
What Essentials Must Be in Your Pack?
Footwear
The Recommendation: While the main loop is gravel, there is uneven rock and loose scree. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, especially for the limestone slabs on the way to Nuvolau.
Sun Protection
The Invisible Threat: The plateau is entirely exposed with zero shade. The white limestone reflects the light. Bring sunscreen and a hat, even if the air feels cool.
Clothing Strategy
Always carry a windproof shell. Even on a sunny day, the gap between the towers can be windy and make it feel much colder.
Hydration & Hut Logistics
Cash is King: Carry cash for food and drink at the huts.
The WWI Open Air Museum
According to the lift operator, soldiers lived at the Cinque Torri between 1915 and 1917. The site is now home to a World War I museum, presented on the museum page.
Practical Info
We organize the logistics so you can focus on the trail. Get in touch with our experts today.
Direct contact with local Dolomites experts
Nearest pass
Passo Falzarego
Passo Falzarego, on the Great Dolomites Road above Cortina, is the gateway to the Lagazuoi. How to get there by bus or car, what you can do on foot or by cable car, and what remains of the 1915-1917 front.
Passo Giau
Passo Giau links Cortina d'Ampezzo and Selva di Cadore. How to reach it by summer bus from Cortina, what starts from the pass on foot, from the Ra Gusela via ferrata to Rifugio Nuvolau, and when to go.
Huts on the route
Berghotel Passo Giau
A year-round mountain hotel right at the top of the scenic Passo Giau, offering comfortable rooms and sweeping 360-degree views of the Ampezzo Dolomites.
Rifugio Nuvolau
The oldest mountain refuge in the Dolomites, built in 1883 atop Monte Nuvolau, commanding a legendary 360-degree panorama of peaks from Marmolada to Tofane.
Rifugio Scoiattoli
Named after Cortina's famous climbing club, this refuge commands a front-row seat to the Cinque Torri towers and serves as a key stop on the Alta Via 1.
Rifugio 5 Torri
A cosy refuge tucked beneath the iconic Cinque Torri pillars, offering a quieter alternative to the busier huts in the area and direct access to climbing routes.
Hiking base
Tours including this hike
Dolomites Self-Guided Hiking around Cortina
A 7-day hotel-based hiking holiday around Cortina d'Ampezzo. Five day walks to Cinque Torri, the Tofane massif, Lake Sorapis and the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit.
Grande Traverse of the Dolomites - Bolzano to Cortina
A 10-day self-guided traverse from Bolzano to Cortina crossing the Rosengarten, Alpe di Siusi, Puez-Odle plateau, Lagazuoi and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo - all with refuge half-board throughout.
Guided Alta Via 1
Seven days on the classic Alta Via 1 from Falzarego Pass to Passo Duran. Cinque Torri, Croda da Lago, Mont Pelmo, and the Civetta massif with an EU-certified guide and full board throughout.
Guided Dolomites - Women Only
A seven-day women-only guided hiking week around Cortina d'Ampezzo, led by a female EU-certified guide. Cinque Torri, Tre Cime, Lake Sorapis, and the Tofane massif - hotel-based with all transfers.
Explore More Treks
Alpe di Siusi
Experience the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow. The Panorama Traverse offers a gentle yet spectacular circuit through emerald pastures, framed by the anvil-shaped Sciliar and the towering spires of the Sassolungo. Perfect for photographers and families alike.
Alta Via 1
The definitive multi-day journey across the heart of the Dolomites. Spanning 118 km73.3 mi of rugged limestone terrain, this classic trek takes you from the emerald waters of Lago di Braies to the historic streets of Belluno, staying in world-class mountain huts along the way.
Lagazuoi
The walking loop from Armentarola via the Forcella Lagazuoi, the lake and Rifugio Scotoni, or the Passo Falzarego cable car and the descent through the Great War tunnel.
Lago di Braies
Visit the most famous lake in the Italian Dolomites. This guide covers the essential shoreline loop, the easy hike to Malga Foresta, and the 2027 parking and shuttle regulations.
Lago di Sorapis
A glacial turquoise lake hidden beneath the Sorapis massif near Cortina d'Ampezzo. The trail from Passo Tre Croci crosses cable-aided rock traverses to reach one of the most photographed spots in the Dolomites.
Adolf Munkel Trail
A loop from the Zannes car park, in Val di Funes, along the Adolf Munkel Trail in the Puez-Odle park: the long version, the short version, and how to park or come by bus.
Sass de Putia Loop
The full Sass de Putia loop via the Passo delle Erbe, in the north of the Puez-Odle park: the climb to the Forcella, the huts on the east side, the short version and access by car or bus.
Seceda Ridgeline
Walk the most iconic ridgeline in the Dolomites, along the spine of the Odle above Val Gardena. Choose a short loop from the gondola (4 km2.5 mi) or a full-day circuit via Monte Pic da Cristauta (12.8 km8 mi), facing the Geisler spires.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
Circle the most iconic monoliths in the Alps. This essential day hike brings you face-to-face with the dramatic north faces of the Three Peaks, traversing high-altitude scree fields in the heart of the Sesto Dolomites.
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