Day 3 of AV4 descends into the bustling town of Misurina, a great place to restock on supplies or access services before heading back onto the trail for the second half of the trek. From here, another incredibly busy section of trail leads to one of the most spectacular lakes in the Dolomites, Lago di Sorapis. Although its shores are likely to be crowded by day-trippers, you’ll have this iconic location all to yourself in the early hours of the morning, yet another perk of hut-to-hut hiking!
This comprehensive guide to Day 3 of Alta Via 4 contains detailed section times, route recommendations, adventurous side trips, via ferrata, and heaps of insider tips— use it to plan your hike & then refer back on the trail so you always know what to expect!
For a complete Alta Via 4 planning guide, check out this post: COMING SOON
Alta Via 4: Day 3 overview
- Trail hours: 5.5hrs (save 1.5hrs by taking the bus from Misurina to Tre Croci)
- Distance: 15km
- Elevation gain & loss: 975m up & 1400m down
- Via Ferrata en route: Sentiero Attrezzato Alberto Bonacossa (one-way; 1B)
- Huts: Rifugio Vandelli
Rifugio Fonda Savio to Rifugio Col de Varda via Sentiero Attrezzato Alberto Bonacossa (1B; 1.75hrs)
Descend for a few minutes below Rifugio Fonda Savio before turning left onto path 117, following signs upwards to Rifugio Col de Varda. This is the second half of Sentiero Attrezzato Alberto Bonacossa, the easy via ferrata route you began yesterday from Rifugio Auronzo to Rifugio Fonda Savio.
Ascend for 30min to cross over windy Forcella del Diavolo and continue down with occasional cable protection to Ciadin della Neve before following signs onwards to Forcella di Misurina (reached in a 20min climb). From here, contour on a busy path down to the now-visible Rifugio Col de Varda.
These 2 pass crossings are the most significant ascents and descents of the day, and even so, not terribly challenging— once done, it’s smooth sailing all the way to Rifugio Vandelli!
Rifugio Col de Varda to Misurina (45min)
Although there is a cable car that runs for 350m from Rifugio Col de Varda to Misurina, the trail is quite pleasant and there’s really no reason to skip the short hike!
Allow 45min to descend from the rifugio to the shores of Lago Misurina on a wide path through the forest. This is the most civilisation you’ll find anywhere on AV4 and a good opportunity to stock up on additional trail snacks, cash, or even just a warm apple strudel.
*An alternative route exists from Rifugio Col de Varda to Albergo Cristallo on path 120 and onwards to Rifugio Vandelli on path 117. This can be a good option if you have no interest in going through town, but involves a fair bit of additional distance and elevation gain/loss, so will depend on your preference!
Misurina to Passo Tre Croci (bus)
The next stage of AV4 leads you from Misurina to Passo Tre Croci, and nearly everyone travels this section by bus to avoid 1.5hrs (6km) of walking along a busy road. Catch the Dolomiti bus from outside the Chalet Alpenrose and ride for 2 stops (ticket payable on board, 2€) to Passo Tre Croci.
Although I’d ordinarily advocate for completing the trek entirely on foot, this is one instance where transport is just far more pleasant. And the good news is that you can recoup all 6km (and more) by hiking into the rugged mountains behind Rifugio Vandelli later today!
Passo Tre Croci to Lago del Sorapis (1.5hrs)
From the bus stop at Passo Tre Croci, walk just a minute downhill to connect with Path 215 on your right. This is a wide, leisurely, and very popular route to Lago Sorapiss, so expect hordes of people.
The trail begins with about 40min of fairly flat walking, then climbs more steeply for the next 20min with occasional metal steps and cables (absolutely no need for gear).
The final 20min of the hike is on more level ground and meanders just a few metres beyond Rifugio Vandelli to Lago Sorapis, a milky-turquoise lake beneath the dramatic spire of Cima Sorapis.
Expect an obscene number of people to be crowded the shores around taking photos— this is one of the busiest places I saw in the Dolomites and it’s more than a little overwhelming. Therein lies the best reason to stay at Rifugio Vandelli, only a stone’s throw away: you can visit the lake in the quiet moments of the early morning for a much better experience!
Side trip: Forcella Sora la Cengia del Banco (3hrs)
If you’re keen to explore beyond the crowds at Lago Sorapis, hike as far as time allows towards Via Ferrata Francesco Berti along the Giro di Sorapis route for some wonderful scenery and serenity.
It takes just 10min from the hut to hike around the right side of the lake and connect with Trail 215, ascending with an increasing grade up the slippery scree slope just right of Cima Sorapis. This continues for about an hour, topping out briefly on flat limestone slabs before continuing upwards another 45min to the Forcella Sora la Cengia del Banco.
It’s unlikely you’ll have time to actually reach the via ferrata cables, which are still a distance beyond the Forcella, but this hike still delivers excellent scenery in the secluded glacial basin of Tondi di Sorapis and under the watchful shadow of Punta Nera.
Night 3: Rifugio Vandelli
Packed with day trippers in the afternoon, Rifugio Vandelli clears to a more comfortable bustle by evening. And what the hut lacks in rustic hospitality, it does make up for with proximity to Lago Sorapis (that early morning light is magic!) and absolutely amazing food— we were served pumpkin gnocchi in cheese sauce as a starter and it may have been my favourite course in any of the rifugi I’ve stayed in! Reserve Rifugio Vandelli by emailing rifugiovandelli@libero.it.
- Rooms: 28€ (small dorms); 60€ half board
- Food: A la carte (approx 15€ for lunch and 15-20€ for dinner), great food!
- Showers: no
- Connectivity: none
- Alpine club discount: -13.5€ room or -9€ half board
RIFUGIO GUIDE COMING SOON
Read more about Alta Via 4
- ALTA VIA 4 (DAY 0): SAN CANDIDO TO RIFUGIO TRE SCARPERI
- ALTA VIA 4 (DAY 1): RIFUGIO TRE SCARPERI TO LOCATELLI TRE CIME + VIA FERRATA TORRE DI TOBLIN & INNERKOFLER
- ALTA VIA 4 (DAY 2): RIFUGIO LOCATELLI TRE CIME TO RIFUGIO FONDA SAVIO + VIA FERRATA MERLONE
- ALTA VIA 4 (DAY 3): RIFUGIO FONDA SAVIO TO RIFUGIO VANDELLI
- ALTA VIA 4 (DAY 4): RIFUGIO VANDELLI TO RIFUGIO SAN MARCO + VIA FERRATA GIRO DE SORAPIS
- ALTA VIA 4 (DAYS 5 & 6): RIFUGIO SAN MARCO TO RIFUGIO ANTELAO TO PIEVE DI CADORE
- MORE COMING SOON
