Italy is known worldwide as the cradle of art and humanistic civilization. But beyond the cities, there is so much more to discover. Italian natural landscapes, with their variety and vivid colors, are masterpieces crafted by nature itself. There is a lake that, because of its color, can truly be called the hidden gem of the Dolomites: Sorapis Lake (or Sorapiss). If you have a hike planned, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the wonderful Sorapis Lake Trail and discover this alpine jewel! Where Sorapis Lake Is Located
In Veneto, just a short distance from the tourist bustle of
Cortina d’Ampezzo , lies the Sorapis Group, one of the main mountain ranges of the Belluno Dolomites. At its feet, surrounded by a chain of mountains at 1923 meters above sea level, is Sorapis Lake. Just a step from the sky,, the Sorapis Group unfolds, one of the main mountain ranges of the Belluno Dolomites. At its feet, surrounded by the mountain chain at 1923 meters above sea level, lies Lake Sorapiss. Just a step away from the sky, then, , which attracts more and more tourists every year, not only trekking enthusiasts.The reason is simple.
The trail leading to the lake is full of adventurous moments , as we will see later. The place it climbs through is simply magnificent and words are not enough to describe it. Crossing the woods, you can admire in the distance the cliffs of Cadini di Misurina, Monte Cristallo, Popena, and Cima Auronzo, as well as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (, as we will see later. The place where it climbs is simply magnificent and adjectives are not enough to describe it. Crossing the woods, you can admire in the distance the cliffs of the Cadini di Misurina, Mount Cristallo, Popena, and Cima Auronzo, as well as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (). Once you arrive, you can let your gaze wander over the surrounding mountains. The highest, at over 3205 meters, is Punta Sorapiss, but all around rise Croda Marcora, the Cime di Marcoira, and Punta Nera, while). Meanwhile, once you reach your destination, you can let your gaze run over the surrounding mountains. The highest, at over 3205 meters tall, is Punta Sorapiss, but all around rise Croda Marcora, the Cime di Marcoira, and Punta Nera, while Like all mountain lakes, Sorapis changes its face throughout the year, but it’s worth visiting in any season.
In summer, its waters are more brilliant than ever . This particular turquoise shade is due to deposits of dust from the glacier of the same name. In winter, the water appears murkier with more whitish hues, but with the snowy panorama all around, it remains a spectacle not to be missed.. This particular turquoise shade is due to deposits of dust from the glacier of the same name. In winter, however, the water appears murkier with more whitish hues, but with the snowy panorama all around, it is still a spectacle not to be missed.
flow underground to the El Pis waterfall , a Ladin term derived frompisc , meaning to pee, generally used to indicate waterfalls. From here comes the name Sorapis, literally “sora el Piss,” meaning above the El Pis waterfall. The waterfall’s waters are a magnificent sight in winter, as they freeze enough to allow ice climbing.The Hike Along the Sorapis Lake Trail
To reach Sorapis Lake, there are
several safe and well-marked routes . Here, we recommend two, with different levels of difficulty.Both start from Passo Tre Croci which can be easily reached from either Auronzo di Cadore or the center of Cortina, by car (there is a parking lot at the pass) or by DolomitiBus heading towards Misurina-Tre Cime di Lavaredo , with a stop at Tre Croci.It’s a very popular route, so we recommend starting early both to find parking and to enjoy your trip more. Also,
the hike is quite demanding and the trails are, despite being well maintained, mountain paths , so don’t forget to wear comfortable clothes and hiking boots! The hikes are mainly recommended in good weather, as some sections can freeze and become slippery and dangerous for less experienced hikers in winter. However, winter is also the best time for activities like, so don’t forget to wear comfortable clothes and hiking boots! The hikes are mainly recommended in the warmer seasons, as in winter some sections can freeze and become slippery, thus dangerous for less experienced hikers. However, winter is also the best time for activities like (don’t know what that is? Discover it with us!). The Trail Along Passo Tre Croci
The first route we suggest is trail no. 215, known as the Passo Tre Croci trail.
It’s a very scenic route offering a great variety of views, climbing through woods and opening up to the many beautiful peaks of the Ampezzo Dolomites. The hike lasts about two hours and is suitable for everyone, but it is still quite demanding and at times thrilling. It includes numerous ascents and descents throughout and some equipped but very exposed sections. It is a very evocative route offering a great variety of panoramas, climbing through woods and opening up to views of many beautiful peaks of the Ampezzo Dolomites. The hike lasts about two hours and is suitable for everyone, but it is still quite demanding and at times thrilling. Once you start from the pass, you initially walk a flat landscape for about an hour leading to the most challenging part of the trail. From here, you gain altitude, climbing metal ladders and reaching a steep rock section that you cross along a path equipped with metal cables.
Once you leave the pass, you initially cross a flat landscape for about an hour leading to the most challenging part of the trail. From here you gain altitude, climbing metal ladders and reaching Rifugio Vandelli.
, a stunning location in an excellent position. It’s built on the northern side of the Sorapis range, right where the namesake waterfall emerges and plunges down. Here you can rest while enjoying local delicacies and admire the lake from above, surrounded by the natural amphitheater of the mountains, a splendid location in an excellent position. It is built on the northern slope of the Sorapis range, right where the waterfall of the same name emerges to plunge downward. From here you can rest while tasting local delights and Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige in the distance. Just a few steps from the refuge, the trail continues towards our goal: the pastel blue lake! For the return, you can simply retrace your steps back to the starting point along trail no. 215. Loop Route Along Forcella Marcoira
The second trail we suggest is
no. 213, recommended for more experienced hikers
, as it is very long (about three hours) and strenuous. The views, however, will reward all your effort and allow you to take unique souvenir photos of the area! It’s called a loop route because it brings you back to the starting point,making a complete circuit around the lake
, without retracing the same path you took to get there. This way, you’ll explore the area better and along the way you’ll also spot Misurina Lake and the Ciadin del Loudo peaks. This trail also starts from Passo Tre Croci andcrosses the Marcoira Pass
from which it takes its name. From here, you reach the Tardeiba ridge and take trail 216 along the Conca di Loudo. This is a very challenging section due to its elevation gain and must be almost climbed. Then you continue towards Rifugio Vandelli and begin a very steep descent to reach the lake. If you enjoyed this itinerary, Italy boasts some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe, from the largest and best-known Lake Garda to the more hidden but equally beloved Lake Braies. Take a look at our blog to discover Meeters’ trips and nature hikes like the one along the Sorapis Lake trail. then begin a very steep descent to reach the lake.
If you enjoyed this itinerary, Italy boasts some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe, from the largest and best-known Lake Garda to the more hidden but equally beloved Lake Braies. Take a look at our blog to discover Meeters’ trips and nature hikes like the one along the Sorapis lake trail.