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The Dolomites are a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors, with their rugged peaks and colorful alpine meadows. One spot you shouldn't miss is Cinque Torri (5 Torri) - an epic rock formation with stunning panoramic views, a fascinating World War I history, and plenty of hiking options in the spring through autumn months.

Fun fact: my first visit to this incredible spot was a complete accident. I stumbled upon the access road to Rifugio Cinque Torri (detailed below) on a late summer evening, and decided to drive up without knowing exactly what was at the top. Turns out, it was the perfect spontaneous decision! I spent a good hour hiking around the top, and soaking in the sunset views at 5 Torri with no one else in sight. Bellissimo.

Planning a trip to Cinque Torri during your time in the Dolomites? I’ve got you covered! This guide has everything you need to know, from the 3 best ways to reach the top, to what to see and do once you’re up there. Plus, I’ve included a few essential tips to help you make the most of your visit. Ready to explore? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Introduction
A Brief History of Cinque Torri
Where is Cinque Torri?
How to Get to Cinque Torri (3 Best Ways)
What to See & Do at Cinque Torri
Where to Stay Near Cinque Torri
Cinque Torri Webcam
FAQ
Final Thoughts

A Brief History of Cinque Torri (5 Torri)

Cinque Torri, or "Five Towers" in Italian, is exactly what it sounds like - a stunning cluster of towering limestone pillars. While the name says five, if you look closely, you'll spot a bunch of smaller spires scattered around too. These epic formations are sure to spark your imagination.

But there’s more to Cinque Torri than just its jaw-dropping beauty. It’s absolutely packed with history. During World War I, this area was a frontline where Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces faced off. Today, you can explore its open-air museum with well-preserved trenches, bunkers, and signs that bring its history to life.

Where is Cinque Torri?

Cinque Torri is tucked away in Italy's gorgeous Dolomites, between Passo Giau and Falzarego Pass, just a stone’s throw from the famous mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s the perfect spot for a little half day trip from Cortina!

Directions from Cortina d'Ampezzo

Distance: 13 km (25 min by car)
Follow the SR48 toward the Falzarego Pass, then turn off at the Bai de Dones parking lot, where you’ll find the main chairlift to Cinque Torri.

Directions from Bolzano

Distance: 120 km (2 hours by car)
Take the A22 highway north, then follow the scenic SS242 through Val Gardena, you'll drive through Passo Gardena, and finally take part of Passo Falzarego towards Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Map of Cinque Torri

Here's a quick visual of where Cinque Torri sits within the Dolomites, so that you can plan your itinerary accordingly.

Click on each pin for more information!

How to Get to Cinque Torri (3 Best Ways)

1. By Chairlift to Rifugio Scoiattoli

The easiest and most popular way to reach Cinque Torri is via the Cinque Torri chairlift, starting from the Bai de Dones parking lot (13 km from Cortina d’Ampezzo). Click here for the exact location.

Chairlift Info:

Opening Dates: Open from early June to early October for the summer hiking season
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price: €18 for a one-way adult ticket, €24 for round-trip
Facilities: Ample free parking is available at Bai de Dones

The chairlift will quickly whisk you up to Rifugio Scoiattoli at 2,255 meters in altitude, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks. From there, you’re just minutes away from the trails, such as the Cinque Torri loop hike and various World War I historic markers.

2. By Car (or Seasonal Shuttle) Up to Rifugio 5 Torri

For those who prefer driving, you can actually take your car (or hop on the August shuttle bus) from Falzarego Pass to the Rifugio 5 Torri! This is a little-known secret, and one that I stumbled upon accidentally during my first visit to Cinque Torri.

From Cortina d'Ampezzo, follow the signs for Falzarego Pass and drive along the SR48 for roughly 7 miles (11 km). Keep an eye out for this small road on the left that leads directly to the Rifugio 5 Torri.

During the summer months, this road is open to all traffic, but in August, it’s closed from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Don’t worry though - during this time, a paid shuttle service is available for €8 per person, each way.

The drive up to Rifugio 5 Torri is straightforward, yet very steep and winding. The first five minutes of the road are gravel, and the remainder is fully paved, making it easily accessible even in a standard two-wheel drive car. Once you reach the Rifugio Cinque Torri, park your car outside of the rifugio's gate in one of the roadside dirt parking spaces.

From here, you can easily hike to the Rifugio Scoiattoli and the top viewpoints of Cinque Torri in under 20 minutes by following path no. 439.

Pro Tip: Arrive early! The limited parking spots can fill up quickly, often before 9:00 AM. Or, if you've booked an overnight stay at the Rifugio Cinque Torri, you can use their private car park at the top.

3. By Hiking

For the adventurous travelers, hiking all the way up to Cinque Torri is always an option, especially since you can get to the top for sunrise or sunset this way (when the chairlift and the drivable road are both not open).

The trail from Bai de Dones to Rifugio Scoiattoli is approximately 4.5 miles (loop trail) with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet.
The route is considered moderately challenging, and the trailhead (and trail end) is located right beside the chairlift station, making it super easy to find.

For full trail details, head over to AllTrails.

Quick note: I would personally recommend choosing one of the other two methods of reaching the Cinque Torri (chairlift or drive up) before opting for this hiking trail, only because the most spectacular views are right at the top. Make the most of your time by getting to the top faster!

What to See & Do at Cinque Torri

When you get to the top of Cinque Torri, there’s plenty to do and see! Whether it’s hiking around the towers or enjoying some delicious food at the mountain huts, here is a full list of what to check out:

1. Hike the Cinque Torri Loop at the Top

The Cinque Torri loop trail ("Giro Cinque Torri") is a 1.3 mile route that circles the rock formations, offering incredible views and access to historic WWI sites.

Trailhead: Start the loop at either Rifugio Cinque Torri (if you've driven up or hiked up) or Rifugio Scoiattoli (if you've taken the chairlift up).
Trail Details: Packed gravel paths, roughly 400 feet of elevation gain, easy-moderate difficulty.

2. Explore the WWI Museum

Scattered throughout the landscape you'll find the World War I open-air museum. Learn about the area’s dramatic past while walking through restored trenches and tunnels.

There are four different routes (ranging from 20 min to 2 hours of walking) available, or you can simply walk aimlessly through the landscape! My personal favorite method of exploring. More details can be found here: WWI Museum.

3. Enjoy Scenic Viewpoints

Capture stunning photos of 5 Torri and the surrounding Dolomite peaks! Sunrise and sunset offer absolutely magical lighting, especially for photography lovers.

4. Refuel at Rifugio Scoiattoli or Rifugio 5 Torri

Treat your taste buds to some traditional cuisine at one of the mountain huts near Cinque Torri. At Rifugio Scoiattoli (right at the top of the chairlift), you'll find an incredible menu with classic alpine dishes, homemade pasta, and even an extensive drinks list.

Where to Stay Near Cinque Torri

For those wishing to extend their exploration, there are several excellent accommodations nearby:

Rifugio Scoiattoli or Rifugio 5 Torri (both at the top of Cinque Torri) - For an authentic alpine stay.
Cortina d’Ampezzo hotels - You'll find a large variety of boutique and luxury hotels in this popular nearby town.

Cinque Torri Webcam

Before heading out, check the live conditions via the Cinque Torri Webcam from Rifugio Scoiattoli here: Cinque Torri Webcam.

FAQ

Best Season to Visit Cinque Torri?

The best time is from June to October when the trails and the 5 Torri chairlift are open and accessible.

What equipment should I bring?

Wear sturdy hiking boots, bring weather-appropriate clothing (a lightweight jacket is always a good idea), and don’t forget your camera for the panoramic views!

What are the Cinque Torri cable car opening hours?

The cable car (5 Torri chairlift from Bai de Dones) to Cinque Torri operates for the summer peak season from early June to early October, aligning with the best hiking months! Daily opening hours start at 9:00 AM, with the last ride down at around 5:00 PM. Check the official site for any updates before your visit.

How difficult are the hiking trails around Cinque Torri?

The trails at the top of Cinque Torri are generally easy to moderate, but you can also find some that are more difficult (i.e. nearby via ferratas). Short answer: the trails vary in difficulty! You won't struggle to find a trail to suit any experience level.

Final Thoughts

Ready to explore Cinque Torri? Use this guide to spark some ideas, plan your route, and dive into an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Dolomites!

Whether you're hiking among its unique rock formations, diving into the area's unique WWI history, or soaking in the breathtaking mountain views, this spot is a must-see on any Dolomites itinerary.

Looking for more Italian Alps travel inspiration? Check out these must-visit locations next: Lago di Braies, the Passo Gardena scenic drive, and the iconic Seceda ridgeline.

Buon viaggio!
Have a nice trip!

More Northern Italy planning guides:

How To Visit The Seceda Ridgeline in the Dolomites
How to Visit Passo Gardena: Everything You Need to Know
How to Visit Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

How to Spend 24 Hours in Venice, Italy
How to Get to Venice from Marco Polo Airport
10 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Venice, Italy
How to Get a Gondola Ride in Venice

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How to Get to Cinque Torri in the Dolomites (3 Best Ways + Map)

How to Get to Cinque Torri in the Dolomites (3 Best Ways + Map)