Discover the magic of the Italian Alps with an easy stroll around Lago di Misurina, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Dolomites". This accessible 2.65 km (1.65 miles) loop trail takes you on a scenic counterclockwise journey along the water’s edge, offering mirror-like reflections of towering alpine peaks at every turn. As you wander the flat, gravel path, you will pass iconic landmarks like the historic Istituto Pio XII di Misurina—renowned for its healing mountain air—and admire the alpine architecture of the Grand Hotel Misurina and Hotel Miralago. From the rustic charm of Quinz Locanda al Lago to views of the quaint village center, this hike offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty and alpine culture.
At the trailhead, visitors will first find north-facing views of the alpine peaks that comprise this sought-after area of the Dolomites, including Tre Cime di Lavaredo on clear days. Tre Cime di Lavaredo was our main focus for coming to Misurina, but due to the clouds, snow, and ice, we changed gears to instead explore the nearby lakes and we're glad we did! The hike around Lago di Misurina is an easy, beautiful way to enjoy the Italian Alps.
The trail leads south to reach the historic Istituto Pio XII before it curves north along the eastern side of Lake Misurina, passing through the forest along the lake's edge. On the eastern side of the trail, hikers will find more views of Lago di Misurina, the historic asthma institute, the neighboring village buildings to the west, and the towering alpine peaks of the Dolomites to the north and south, especially on clear days.
The Lake Misurina Trail continues northbound before reaching viewpoints of the water with Hotel Miralago and Quinz Locanda al Lago. Following the trail further, it starts to wrap around the northern end of Lake Misurina before it heads back south along the road. Despite a bit of road walking, the north side of the trail features beautiful views of the alpine mountains behind the historic Istituto Pio XII di Misurina (on clear days). The trail finally wraps up at the trailhead and parking lot for a short and easy 2.6 km (1.6 mile) loop hike around Lago di Misurina.
Walking the Pearl of the Dolomites: The Lago di Misurina Loop Trail
The Lake Misurina Trail starts pretty much anywhere publicly accessible along the edge of the water, but this route begins in the center of town on the west shore near Sport Hotel at the public parking lot. The trail leads in both north/south directions, but this route first heads south toward the historic asthma treatment center, Istituto Pio XII di Misurina.At the trailhead, visitors will first find north-facing views of the alpine peaks that comprise this sought-after area of the Dolomites, including Tre Cime di Lavaredo on clear days. Tre Cime di Lavaredo was our main focus for coming to Misurina, but due to the clouds, snow, and ice, we changed gears to instead explore the nearby lakes and we're glad we did! The hike around Lago di Misurina is an easy, beautiful way to enjoy the Italian Alps.
The trail leads south to reach the historic Istituto Pio XII before it curves north along the eastern side of Lake Misurina, passing through the forest along the lake's edge. On the eastern side of the trail, hikers will find more views of Lago di Misurina, the historic asthma institute, the neighboring village buildings to the west, and the towering alpine peaks of the Dolomites to the north and south, especially on clear days.
The Lake Misurina Trail continues northbound before reaching viewpoints of the water with Hotel Miralago and Quinz Locanda al Lago. Following the trail further, it starts to wrap around the northern end of Lake Misurina before it heads back south along the road. Despite a bit of road walking, the north side of the trail features beautiful views of the alpine mountains behind the historic Istituto Pio XII di Misurina (on clear days). The trail finally wraps up at the trailhead and parking lot for a short and easy 2.6 km (1.6 mile) loop hike around Lago di Misurina.
