If you need a break from the daily chaos and are looking for a little corner of paradise all to yourself, Lake Sorapis is the answer you’ve been searching for.
This hidden gem nestled in the Dolomites welcomes you with its mesmerizing turquoise color—so surreal it looks like it came straight out of a postcard. And the best part? This time of year, you won’t have to deal with tourist crowds.
Ready to discover this hidden paradise?
Trail details
📍 Departure: Passo Tre Croci (1,809 m)
⛰️ Arrival: Lake Sorapis (1,923 m)
⏱️ Travel time: About 4 hours (round trip)
📏 Lenght: 11.9 km (round trip)
〽️ Height difference: 193 m
🪧 Trail marker: CAI 215
👣 Difficulty: Medium
The Trail to Lake Sorapis
Where to Start
Once you reach Passo Tre Croci, you’ll find a large free parking area, which is the starting point for the hike to Lake Sorapis.
If you prefer using public transportation, you can catch the bus that connects Cortina to the pass. Check the official public transport website or contact the tourist office in Cortina or Dobbiaco for timetables and fares.
The Hike to Lake Sorapis
You haven’t even started yet, and the view already takes your breath away. Wherever you look, you’ll be surrounded by majestic mountain ranges framing your walk. It’s a place where even your eyes get a workout. 👀
The first few kilometers are easy: it’s practically a scenic stroll—perfect for relaxing and listening to birdsong.
The trail then begins to ascend, leaving the flat section behind and introducing stairs, narrow ledges, and passages that require more attention.
💭 Pro tip: Wear appropriate hiking shoes and keep your eyes open.
Once you reach Lake Sorapis, you can finally enjoy your well-earned reward. Nestled among the mountains, the lake is a natural jewel, with that incredible turquoise hue caused by suspended minerals carried in by glacial meltwater.
Just a few steps from the lake is Rifugio Vandelli. Although it’s closed during winter, we still recommend it for its spectacular view.
When it’s time to head back, simply follow the same trail you took to get there.
Get ready for a mix of emotions: easy, challenging, scenic, breathtaking… and a bit of sweat that, once you reach the top, will feel like the best memory of the day.
A Fun Fact: The Legend of Lake Sorapis 🧚🏻
Lake Sorapis is not only a feast for the eyes but also wrapped in legend.
It is said that Misurina, daughter of King Sorapis, was a spoiled and capricious child. After his wife’s death, the king adored her so much that he allowed her every whim.
One day, Misurina learned that a fairy lived on Mount Cristallo with a magical mirror capable of reading the thoughts of anyone who looked into it.
She wanted it more than anything and convinced her father to take her to the fairy. Moved by the king’s pleas, the fairy agreed—but at a price: the king would have to transform into a mountain to protect the fairy’s garden with his shadow.
Misurina, instead of being upset, was thrilled. But while she was admiring her new mirror, her father began to transform, and the girl lost her balance, falling into the void. Now a mountain, the king couldn’t save her and wept so much that he created the lake. The shattered mirror mixed with the water, giving it that signature turquoise color that still amazes every visitor.
Useful Tips 📝
- Be cautious if you suffer from vertigo: The trail includes exposed sections.
- Swimming is prohibited: You could face a fine of up to €500—better to admire it from a distance!
Thanks to @cerexia_, veneto360.land, and itineraritrekking.com for the photographs.
