Sexten Dolomites, Italy: 8 Best Hikes + Map

The Sexten Dolomites (Dolomiti di Sesto in Italian, Sextener Dolomiten in German) is a mountain range in South Tyrol and Belluno in northeastern Italy.

This Dolomites range is bounded by Val Pusteria/Pustertal in the north, Val di Sesto/Sexten Valley in the northeast/east, Val d’Ansiei in the south, and by Val di Landro/Höhlensteintal in the west. 

The main focal point of the range is Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen, which are three obelisk-shaped peaks – long-regarded as the symbol of the Dolomites. Ringed by the beautiful Cadini di Misurina and Monte Paterno/Paternkofel, these three solitary peaks stand amidst the most striking pinnacles and ridge-lines of the Dolomites. 

Full of history and wonder, the Sexten Dolomites are one of the most beloved hiking and via ferrata climbing destinations in Italy. Whether you hike here for a day, or several weeks, this gorgeous region will leave a lasting impression.

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Sexten Dolomites Hiking Map

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8 Best Hikes in the Sexten Dolomites

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1. Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Hike

The hike around Torre dei Scarperi (Schwabenalpenkopf in German) is one of the most outstanding day hikes in the Dolomites.

This Sexten day hike starts in Val Campo di Dentro/Innerfeldtal, a side valley of Sesto/Sexten Valley. It connects Rifugio Tre Scarperi/Drei Schuster Hütte with Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte. 

From the Antoniusstein Car Park in Val Campo di Dentro, the trail leads through the valley and then ascends around the western flank of Monte Mattina/Morgenkopf to reach the narrow Passo Grande dei Rondoi saddle. 

After a short secured scramble, the path crosses the grassy Schwaben Alm and wraps around the southeastern shoulder of Torre dei Scarperi/Schwabenalpenkopf. 

To detour to Rifugio Locatelli, skirt the Torre di Toblin/Toblinger Noten and Sasso di Sesto/Sextener Stein. 

With views of the jagged Rocca dei Baranic/Haunold, trail 105 descends along the eastern flank of Monte Mattina/Morgenkopf (trail 105) back down to Val Campo di Dentro.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Antoniusstein Car Park in Val Campo di Dentro

Distance | 16.7 km lollipop-circuit

Time Needed | 6:20 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 1157 meters

Difficulty | Moderately Difficult

Learn More: Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Hike

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2. Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike

The Cadini di Misurina mountains are located in the municipality of Auronzo di Cadore in the Italian province of Belluno in Veneto. They form the southernmost mountain group of the Sexten range.

Though these mountains are striking from multiple angles, there’s one vantage point that upstages all others. Nicknamed the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint and sometimes referred to as the Towers of Mordor, the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint brings you face-to-face with the northern side of the Cadini di Misurina peaks. 

The fastest way to get to the Cadini di Misurina photo spot is by driving, or taking the bus, to Rifugio Auronzo via the Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road.

From the Auronzo hut, it’s a 30-40 minute walk to the famous viewpoint. This short hike can easily be combined with the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit trail in a single day.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Rifugio Auronzo

Distance | 3.9 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 1:30 hours

Difficulty | Easy

Elevation Gain/Loss: 144 meters

Learn More: Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike

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3. Pratti di Croda Rossa (Rotwandwiesen) Meadows to Passo Monte Croce (Kreuzbergpass) mountain pass

The Prati di Croda Rossa (Rotwandwiesen in German) meadows lie at the foot of the Croda Rossa di Sesto/Sextener Rotwand mountain in the northern Sesto/Sexten Dolomites. 

This scenic, family-friendly destination is accessible by cableway from Sesto Moso/Sexten Moos, adjacent to the Bad Moos Dolomites Spa Resort. The Croda Rossa cable car operates between mid-June and mid-October.

You can view the summer schedule and operating times on the dreizinnen website. Parking is free at the cableway valley station. Exact Location: Google Maps.

However, you can forgo the cableway and start the hike further up Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal valley, close to Hotel Dolomitenhof. There’s a paid parking lot at the Fischleinboden hut. Exact Location: Google Maps.

The parking machine only accepts cash in the form of coins and 5 EUR or 10 EUR bills.

Just across from the Fischleinboden parking lot, there’s a trail that leads into the forest. Follow trail 124 and then trail 153 up to Prati di Croda Rossa/Rotwandwiesen. The ascent takes 1:10 hours.

From the Croda Rossa/Rotwand meadows, we recommend hiking along trail 15/15a, at the base of the Sesto/Sexten mountains, all the way to Passo Monte Croce/Kreuzbergpass mountain pass. 

This point-to-point hike offers a lot of variation in a short period of time. You’ll hike through pockets of forest as well as across meadows and mountain slopes.

From Passo Monte Croce/Kreuzbergpass, you can hop on bus line 446 back to Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal. 

Though this trail is generally straightforward, it’s easy to end up following trails 19 and 18 to the pass, as opposed to trail 15, from the Pratti di Croda Rossa meadows. We don’t recommend trail 18, because it’s a forest road, popular among e-bikers. Trail 15 is a hiking path and far more scenic and enjoyable. 

That being said, when you arrive at Pratti di Croda Rossa, the best views of the meadows are along trail 19. So, you may want to walk along trail 19 for 10 minutes, before backtracking and locating trail 15.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte Parking Lot, Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal

Distance | 9.1 km point-to-point

Time Needed | 4 hours

Elevation Gain | 613 m

Elevation Loss | 431 m

Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

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4. Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal Valley Trail

Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal is a gorgeous side valley of Valle di Sesto/Sextental, famous for its view of the Sesto/Sexten Sundial. 

Many excursions into the Sexten mountains begin in Val Fiscalina, however the valley itself is a wonderful destination for leisurely walking.

We highly recommend starting at the Bad Moos Dolomites Spa Resort, next to the Croda Rossa/Rotwand cable car valley station. If you drive further up the valley to Rifugio Piano Fiscalino/Fischleinbodenhütte (1454 m), you’ll miss out on the most delightful larch forest path. 

Alternatively, you can start this hike directly in the town of Sesto/Sexten. Read our Val Fiscalina guide for trail details.

Starting at the Croda Rossa/Rotwand cable car parking lot, cross the street and locate the bridge over the Rio Fiscalino/Fischleinbach stream. 

Turn left and follow this path (Trail 102) to Rifugio Piano Fiscalino/Fischleinbodenhütte (30 minutes). 

Walk through the parking lot towards Hotel Dolomitenhof and then continue up the valley along the vibrant meadow. 

Straight ahead, the giant Cima Uno/Einserkofel (2698 m), Crode Fiscaline/Oberbachernspitzen (2677 m), Croda dei Toni/Zwölferkofel (3094 m), and Cima Undici/Elferkofel (3092 m) tower above the meadow. Directly east, you’ll see Punta Tre Scarperi/Dreischusterspitze (3145 m) – the highest peak in the Sexten Dolomites –  Forcella dei Sassi/Steinalpenscharte (2678 m), and Monte Casella/Gsellknoten (2870 m). 

After 10 minutes, the trail divides. Take the left trail and follow the river bed to Rifugio Fondo Valle/Talschlusshütte (1548 m), a mountain hut at the head of the valley (20 minutes). 

The valley trail terminates here. 

In the next section, we’ll explain how you can extend this hike all the way to Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Bad Moos Dolomites Spa Resort / Croda Rossa/Rotwand cable car valley station

Distance | 8.4 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 2 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 174 meters

Difficulty | Easy 

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5. Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal to Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte Hike

One of the most scenic approaches to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen is from Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal. 

Starting at the Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte paid car park, follow the valley path for about 30 minutes to Rifugio Fondo Valle/Talschlusshütte (1548 m).

From the hut, continue on trail 102 in the direction of Rifugio A. Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte, signed 2:40 hours.

The path ascends very gently to another intersection with a painted signboard, identifying all the significant peaks and side valleys of the immediate surroundings. Head right.

For the next 2 hours, you’ll steadily ascend Valle Sasso Vecchio/Altensteintal valley between the Einserkofel/Cima Uno (2698 m) and Crode Fiscaline/Oberbachernspitzen (2677 m) peaks (on your left) and the Punte Sasso Vecchio/Altensteinspitzen and Crodon di San Candido/Innichriedlknoten (2891 m) peaks (on your right).

There’s very little shade along this trail and the stone path reflects the sun like snow. Bring sun protection (hat, sun lotion, and Cat 4 sunglasses like these Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses).

After an hour, the trail levels out next to the Altensteinerbach stream. The flat walking is a nice respite, but it doesn’t last long.

As you gain elevation, the Monte Paterno/Paternkofel (2476 m) and Croda dei Piani/Bödenknoten (2712 m) dominate your view. 

The high-alpine landscape is defined by rugged, sculpturesque peaks, dwarf pine, and solitary larch. 

The final stretch to the Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte mountain hut is remarkably easy. You’ll walk across meadows, passing above the Laghi dei Piani/Bödenseen lakes, towards the impressive Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen peaks.

Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte directly faces the northern sides of the Three Peaks, making it the ultimate finale to this wonderful day hike. Grab lunch here and savor one of the most cherished vistas in the Dolomites. The hut is open from late June until late September. For exact dates, consult the Rifugio Locatelli website.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte car park

Distance | 13.7 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 5-6 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 956 meters

Difficulty | Moderate. This trail is not a technically difficult trail, but you need to be acclimated and fit. 

Tip | Energetic hikers can return to Val Fiscalina via Val Fiscalina Alta/Bacherntal valley, passing Rifugio Pian di Cengia/Büllelejochhütte and Zsigmondyhütte along the way. This is a stellar lollipop-circuit hike, but it’s very long. The 18 km hike takes around 7 hours without breaks.

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6. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail

The Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal ascent route to Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen may be the most scenic route, but it’s not the fastest. 

A far easier way to approach these peaks is by driving the toll road all the way up to Rifugio Auronzo on the Belluno-side. This toll road is usually open from late May/early June until end of October, depending on snow conditions.

Rifugio Auronzo is situated on the southern side of Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen with heart-achingly-beautiful views of the northern Cadini di Misurina group. 

From the parking lot at Rifugio Auronzo, you can follow the circuit trail clockwise or counterclockwise around the Three Peaks. We recommend hiking clockwise, heading to Langalm first.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Rifugio Auronzo 

Distance | 9.7 km circuit

Time Needed | 4 hours 

Elevation Gain/Loss | 430 meters

Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

Trail Guide: Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Hike

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7. Sentiero Bonacossa Trail: Northern Circuit

Sentiero Alberto Bonacossa is an exhilarating hiking trail that runs through the dramatic Cadini di Misurina mountain group. The trail unfolds almost cinematically, as you conquer secured passages, narrow ledges, and steep rocky valleys. 

We hiked the northern Sentiero Bonacossa route from Rifugio Auronzo to Rifugio Fonda Savio, and looped back to our starting point via Lake Antorno and Trail 101.

Given the ruggedness of the terrain, we highly recommend wearing a climbing helmet for this trail.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Rifugio Auronzo or Lake Antorno

Distance | 12.5 km circuit

Time Needed | 6 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss: 869 meters

Difficulty | Difficult

Learn More: Sentiero Bonacossa North Trail

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8. Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen 3 Day Hut-to-Hut Hike

If you want to combine the Val Fiscalina ascent route with the circuit trail around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you can link these trails with an overnight in a mountain hut(s). You’ll also get to stay in the highest and one of the loveliest refuges in the Sexten Dolomites: Rifugio Pian di Cengia/Büllelejochhütte. 

This was the very first hut-to-hut hike we ever did and it’s a perfect introduction to multi-day hiking in the Alps. Here’s our 3-day Tre Cime trekking guide.

Day 1 | Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte car park – Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte (6.8 km, 3:10 hrs)

Day 2 | Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte – Rifugio Lavaredo – Rifugio Auronzo – Langalm – Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte – Rifugio Pian di Cengia/Büllelejochhütte (12.6 km, 6 hours)

Day 3 | Rifugio Pian di Cengia/Büllelejochhütte – Rifugio Zsigmondy Comici/Zsigmondy Hütte – Rifugio Piano Fiscalina/Fischleinbodenhütte car park (7.9 km, 3 hours)

Fit and experienced hikers can condense this into 2 days, by completing the loop trail around the three peaks on Day 1.

Here’s how we integrated this route into a 7-day Dolomites road trip itinerary. 

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Where to Stay in the Sexten Dolomites 

The Sexten Dolomites are located in both South Tyrol and Belluno. For exploring the Northern Sexten Dolomites, we recommend staying in Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal: San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Sesto/Sexten, Braies/Prags, or Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal.

For exploring the southern Sexten range, we recommend staying near Lake Misurina, Lake Antorno, or Cortina d’Ampezzo.

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Sesto / Sexten

Sesto/Sexten is a village in Sesto/Sexten Valley, a side valley of Val Pusteria/Pustertal.

Sesto Valley is wedged between the Northern Sesto/Sexten Dolomites and the Carnic Alps. From Sesto, you’re well-positioned to explore Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal and Val Campo di Dentro/Innerfeldtal, two valleys which lead into the heart of Tre Cime Nature Park. 

Budget | B&B Grüne Laterne – Lanterna Verde is a traditional, alpine guesthouse with an on-site restaurant.

Midrange | Hotel Schoenblick is a lovely 3-star hotel with sparkling clean rooms and apartments facing the Sesto Sundial. Breakfast is included and half board is optional. 3 nights minimum stay requirement in high season. 

Midrange | Hotel Royal is a 3-star-superior hotel with alpine-modern rooms and apartments in Sesto. Stay here for the hospitality, dreamy mountain views, and fantastic breakfast buffet. 

Luxury | Hotel Alpenblick is an exceptional hotel in Sesto with a standout gourmet kitchen, committed to sustainability. Ingredients are sourced regionally and from their very own Alpenblick farm. Breakfast, a 5-course dinner, and an afternoon snack (3 pm – 5 pm) are included in the room rate. Beyond the culinary appeal, Hotel Alpenblick is a super friendly and welcoming accommodation with a spa and pool. 5 nights minimum stay requirement. 

5-star Luxury | Hotel Monika – MY WELLBEING HOTEL DOLOMITES enjoys a splendid setting on the edge of a meadow with views of the Sexten Dolomites. The hotel spa dazzles with its sky infinity outdoor pool, indoor pool, five saunas, and relaxation zones. You can schedule massages and other treatments as well. Book half board to savor the full experience. 

Look for accommodation in Sesto. 

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Val Fiscalina / Fischleintal

Val Fiscalina/Fischlential is a gorgeous side valley of Sesto/Sexten Valley. It’s also one of the most popular trailheads in the northern Sexten Dolomites. Luckily there are two excellent accommodation in Val Fiscalina you can choose from: Bad Moos and Dolomitenhof.

Spa Hotel | Bad Moos Dolomites Spa Resort is located at the entrance of Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal in the Sesto/Sexten hamlet of Moso/Moos. The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring both the Sexten Dolomites and the Carnic Alps.

Boasting a 2500 m2 wellness area and its own sulphur source, this Sexten wellness hotel offers guests the greatest gift of all: relaxation. The extensive sauna complex lures you in with its cavernous, candlelit sulphur grotto, cold sulphur plunge pool (6.1°C), Kneipp trail, and multiple saunas. 

Beyond the wellness area, we were delighted by the rich breakfast buffet, energetic staff, relaxed dining atmosphere, and our very gorgeous room.

Luxury | The historic Hotel Dolomitenhof is located in the middle of Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal at the Fischleinbodenhütte trailhead.

With unobstructed mountain views, Hotel Dolomitenhof is without a question one of the most perfectly situated hotels in the Dolomites. The outdoor pool and encircling lawn, peppered with lounge chairs, overlook the northern face of the Sexten Sundial. 

Retreat indoors, and you’ll be treated to a modern sauna area (“Badehaus Bergsteiger”) comprising 4 beautiful saunas, a cold plunge pool, showers, and a relaxation room. 

During your stay, you can also look forward to gourmet multi-course dinners, which highlight the rich flavors of the region.

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Lake Antorno 

If you want to deeply explore the southern Sesto/Sexten Dolomites, we recommend staying near Lake Antorno or Lake Misurina. From Lago d’Antorno, it’s a mere 10 minute drive to Rifugio Auronzo. 

Midrange | Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno is situated along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo panoramic road, directly across from Lake Antorno. With its unbeatable location, you can embark on a variety of hikes directly from the hotel’s doorstep: Rifugio Fonda Savio, Rifugio Auronzo, Monte Piana. As a guest, you’ll love the views of the Cadini di Misurina peaks, the cozy rooms, and the on-site à la carte restaurant. Breakfast is included. 

Look for accommodation near Lake Misurina.

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Cortina d’Ampezzo 

Ringed by the Ampezzo Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo boasts a central and stunning location in the Ampezzo Valley in Veneto. You can stay here for a few days or for several weeks and never run out of things to see and do. Check out our Cortina d’Ampezzo hiking guide.

You can hike to the beautiful lakes of Lago Federa and Lago di Sorapis. You can explore the Tofane group along the Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail and the Croda da Lago chain along the Croda da Lago Circuit Trail. 

Budget | Hotel Meuble Oasi is a guesthouse set in the town center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, walking distance to the pedestrian zone and bus station. Book this 2-star hotel for the unbeatable price, location, spotless rooms, and on-site parking. 

Midrange | Baita Fraina is a charming B&B with six rooms with balconies, 3km from Cortina’s town center (5 minute drive). This guesthouse is also home to a Michelin recommended à la carte restaurant, which serves regional cuisine. Stay here for the mountain views, the affordability, and the food.

Midrange | Hotel Villa Alpina is a centrally-located 3-star-superior hotel housed in a historic villa. Rooms are comfortable and feature parquet floors and alpine furnishings. The room rate includes breakfast and outdoor parking. 

Midrange | Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel with 24 thematic rooms and a bar in the very center of Cortina. Guests are treated to free on-site parking and an excellent breakfast. 

Top Choice – Luxury | Camina Suite & Spa is a 4-star boutique hotel, 1 km north of Cortina’ town center. This intimate hotel with 12 rooms offers alpine-style suites with comfy beds and ample closet space. Rooms are equipped with nespresso machines, air-conditioning, and soundproofing. We loved the high-quality breakfast and complimentary spa (3 saunas, relaxation zone, and showers). Read our Camina Suite & Spa hotel review. 

Top Choice – Luxury | HOTEL de LËN is a fresh-faced luxury hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo’s town center. Interiors blend natural and sustainable materials with fine furnishings to create a relaxing, yet refined atmosphere. The hotel restaurant showcases local Ampezzo flavors in unique and exciting ways. We loved the charming, enthusiastic staff, the rooftop spa (1 complimentary hour), and communal areas (living room, cocktail bar, and restaurant). Breakfast is included in the room rate. Parking is off-site and an extra charge. Read our Hotel de Len review.

Look for accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

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More Alta Pusteria Travel and Hiking Guides

Braies/Prags Dolomites:

• Prato Piazza
• Lago di Braies
• Gaisl High Trail
• Hochalpenkopf
• Monte Specie