Hiking Lago di Sorapis: The Most Gorgeous Lake in the Dolomites
While most people consider Lago di Braies to be the most beautiful lake in the world, we disagree. After going to Lago di Sorapis, we have decided it is definitely our favorite lake in the Dolomites, and in all of Italy.
The journey to get to Lago di Sorapis is not nearly as easy as the other lakes in the area, which is why we're here to share all the details for getting to this epic place.
In this guide we're going to share everything you need to know for experiencing Lago di Sorapis, from the best time to go, to how the journey will look step-by-step.
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📍 Where is Lago di Sorapis?
Lago di Sorapis is located in the Italian Dolomites, just outside of Cortina d'Ampezzo. It is under 9 km east of Cortina d'Ampezzo, and the drive is just under 15 minutes away.
Lago di Sorapis is located in the Dolomites, northern Italy.
How to Get to Lago di Sorapis
Now that you know where Lago di Sorapis is, let's show you exactly how to get there.
🚗 Can I Drive to Lake Sorapis?
The only way to get to Lago di Sorapis in the Dolomites is by hiking.
If you are driving, you can park your car right across from the start of the trailhead, which is marked on Google Maps as "Lago di Sorapis Hike Start Point", also known as Tre Croci. For a reference point, it is just past B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina.
The hike for Lago di Sorapis starts off the side of one of the main roads.
When you arrive you'll find a sign for the hiking trail, as well as a big green field with cows you'll be passing through.
Here is what the start of the trail will look like:
🚌 How to Get from Cortina to Lago di Sorapis
There is bus (#30) that goes from Cortina d'Ampezzo to the start of the trailheads of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina.
The trailhead for Lago di Sorapis starts right off the side of the road that goes there, so you can just request the driver to stop at the trailhead. It is about 15 minutes away from Cortina d'Ampezzo for reference.
⏳ How Long Does it Take to Hike Lago di Sorapis?
It takes around 2 hours to get to Lago di Sorapis, and a bit less (around an hour and 45 minutes) to hike down.
🥵 How Hard is the Hike to Lago di Sorapis?
The hike to Lago di Sorapis was definitely a bit demanding. There were areas that were very rocky, and an area where you have to avoid a small waterfall coming down so you don't get all wet.
Overall though, it certainly isn't an extremely difficult hike, and can be done by those in moderately good shape. It took us 2 hours to get there, and we were going at a pretty decent pace.
Despite being long, the hike is absolutely gorgeous, making it much less painful to do. The key is to go super early though, so you don't have a really crowded trail (there are parts that are a bit narrow).
The hike to Lago di Sorapis is very scenic, making it very enjoyable.
How Do I Hike to Lago di Sorapis?
Now that you know where the hike to Lago di Sorapis starts, here is what the entire hike will look like.
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As we showed above, the trail starts by going through a grass area, and the trail is very flat. The trail is pretty direct, and there is just one area that we got confused a bit (we were in the dark). This is where the trail forks.
If you go to the right there is a cave, and an area where it's clear a lot of people used the area to go to the bathroom. Make sure to stay left, and the trail will easily lead you.
This is where you will fork left.
You'll come across an area where there is a little waterfall, and you'll have to navigate around the water.
The views start to open, and you'll see gorgeous mountains and greenery in the back. After this the trail continues for a while slowly going up, and with some, but not a ton of uneven terrain.
The sun started to rise and we found ourselves in one of our favorite parts of the hike. The views start to open up, and we found ourselves above the clouds!
We even found a tiny cave where we were able to stop and get a cool perspective of the scenery around us.
The views with sunrise on the way to Lago di Sorapis in the Dolomites, Italy
At this point it starts to get a bit more narrow, and you'll find a few sets of stairs, as well as wire hand rails to assist you along the way. Always stay to the right, and watch your step.
There are several areas of stairs towards the end of the hike.
You'll finally reach an area where everything flattens out, and you'll see a whole bunch of signs. This means you are just a few minutes away! If you go to the left you'll head to the refuge and if you continue straight you'll be at the lake in just a few minutes!
When you reach these signs you are just a few minutes away.
🥾 Enjoying Lago di Sorapis in the Dolomites, Italy
You've made it to the lake! So now what? Here is what you can expect, and how to enjoy your time at Lago di Sorapis.
🏊🏼♀️ Can You Swim in Lago Sorapis?
Lago di Sorapis, (as well as the other famous lakes like Lago di Carezzo and Lago di Braies) are all off limits when it comes to swimming. This is because they are protected areas, and while there may not be anyone really regulating it, it is definitely prohibited.
While you can't swim, and there aren't boat rentals like Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis offers seriously stunning views, and is beautiful enough to simply enjoy walking around and taking in the different angles.
Lago di Sorapis can be enjoyed at all different angles.
You can walk to the right around to the other side, or you can simply hop on the rocks to take in the views and get some unbelievable pictures.
Drones are allowed here, so we definitely suggest bringing yours if you have one!
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Amenities at Lago di Sorapis
The trail to Lago di Sorapis doesn't have any amenities at all, so we definitely suggest using the bathroom beforehand, as it is a long hike.
Right next to the lake there is a refuge (Refugio Vandelli), where you can use the bathroom, have a meal, or even stay the night!
There is a refuge next to the lake where you can stay or have a meal.
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Lago di Sorapis Price & Timetable
Unlike many of the other places in the Dolomites, Lago di Sorapis is completely free of charge to visit. There is no entrance fee, toll to pay, or parking fee. The trail for Lago di Sorapis is open 24/7, so you can go any time.
It is important to note though, that although the trail is always open, it is not always safe. From October to May there may be snow, making it much more difficult and dangerous to hike.
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Safety at Lago di Sorapis
The trail to Lago di Sorapis isn't too challenging of a hike, but it does have some areas where you'll be walking along cliffs.
There is ample room to walk around, and a lot of areas have cables to hold onto. Just make sure to hold on to them along the way, and watch your step. Don't walk too close to the edge, as some areas simply drop off.
There are narrow areas, so make sure to watch your step and use the hand rails.
If there are any kind of emergencies, there is a helicopter pad for helicopters to come and rescue people in severe cases. It is located right near the refuge and the lake.
Other Things to Keep in Mind For Visiting Lago di Sorapis
Now that you know what to expect for the hike to Lago di Sorapis, we have just a few final details to share with you.
☀️ Weather Conditions at Lago di Sorapis
The weather in the Dolomites is so unpredictable! Because of this we suggest being prepared for all types of weather. One minute it might be hot and sunny, and the next it may start hailing, so bring layers, have waterproof gear, and give yourself extra time in case the weather starts to change.
We experienced a ton of clouds, which was incredible for the views, as well as for the lighting.
🌄 The Best Time to Hike to Lago di Sorapis
The absolute best time to see Lago di Sorapis is for sunrise. You'll have the place practically for yourselves, and the lighting is just stunning at this time. We had to wake up at 4:30 am to start hiking, but we were so happy we made the sacrifice to do so.
If you're not a fan of hiking in the dark (which is totally understandable), we would suggest hiking in the late afternoon the night before. You'll get to do the hike during golden hour, and arrive at sunset which is also beautiful.
You can then stay overnight at the refuge, and be right at the lake first thing in the morning. Another plus is you can get some astrophotography shots!
The best time to start hiking to Lago di Sorapis is before sunrise, or the night before.
🎒 How to Prepare for Lago di Sorapis
Here are a few things we suggest bringing on your hike to Lago di Sorapis in the Dolomites:
- A good pair of sneakers or hiking shoes
- Light jacket for the wind
- Poncho in case it rains
- Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it is insulated)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Wide Lens to capture the whole lake in one shot (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
- Telephoto Lens for shots of the mountains around while hiking (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
- Standard Lens for a range of shots (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
- Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for multiple shots from far away (We use the Rangepod Tripod)
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light with incredible image quality)
- Insta 360 X3 with the extra long selfie stick for drone-looking shots
- Sandwich or snacks
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Flashlight to hike in the dark
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🤔 Is Lago di Sorapis Worth Visiting?
While the other beautiful lakes in the Dolomites are a simple drive away, Lago di Sorapis takes a lot more effort. So you may be wondering- is Lago di Sorapis really worth visiting?
It's a 2 hour hike each way, but we can assure you that it is certainly worth it! It was honestly our favorite place in the Dolomites, and even the hike itself was enjoyable because of how beautiful and diverse it was.
Lago di Sorapis in the Dolomites is one of our favorite hikes in the world.
Tips for Hiking to Lago di Sorapis
- Go early to beat the crowds (2 hours before sunrise ideally).
- If you want to be there for sunrise but not hike in the dark, you can hike the night before and stay at the refuge.
- Bring a sandwich or snacks.
- Bring layers in case it gets cold.
- There is no camping allowed, so plan to stay nearby- the best area is Cortina d'Ampezzo.
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So are you ready to experience one of the most gorgeous lakes in Italy? We absolutely fell in love with Lago di Sorapis, and we're sure you will too.
Want to explore some of the other great activities in the Dolomites? We have guides for Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and Cadini di Misurina, as well as a full Dolomites guide we just published! While you're at it, make sure to sign up for our newsletter so that you can always stay in the know.
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