Cinque Torri Hike – Reach the Summit of Mount Nuvolau and Take Photos of Five Stone Towers
Way before humans ever existed, the Earth was doing its own miracles with building technology, creating towers out of rock. Torre Grande, Torre Seconda, Terza Torre, Quarta Torre, and Quinta Torre formations are a focus point for many hikers and photographers on the 10.5km Cinque Torri route, which leads to the summit of Mount Nuvolau. Now, easier than ever, you can be a part of this adventure, too.
Paul Grohmann, an alpinist and co-founder of the Austrian Alpine Club, was already enthusiastic about the unique views around the Cinque Torri in the 19th century: “A sea of mountains lies before us and it would be quite futile to try to enumerate or describe them. Only the camera could partially reproduce the impression.”
The extraordinary Cinque Torri rock formations are only one of the many scenic highlights of this itinerary. Especially around the Nuvolau peak you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Dolomites.
Also worth seeing is the open-air museum with trenches and alpine positions from the First World War. Those who are less good on foot can also reach the Cinque Torri comfortably by lift or shorten the tour by lift and bus to the Falzarego Pass.
Route description: this is how your amazing Cinque Torri adventure looks like on a map
The tour starts at the parking lot/stop Falzarego Pass (2105m). Trail no. 441 starts directly behind the café. First, the route leads over a meadow ridge near a lift station. Continuing on path 441, you enter rockier terrain.
You cross a stream and climb much steeper to Forcella Averau (2435m). Behind the prominent saddle, a wide view opens up and the destination Mount Novolau and ist hut (Rifugio Nuvolau) is already visible.
The path crosses a scree slope and leads to Rifugio Averau (2413m). To reach the summit of Mount Nuvolau (2574m) continue along path 438 (difficult hike). Return to the Rifugio Averau and follow path no. 439 downhill across meadows and cart tracks to Rifugio Scoiattoli (2255m).
From here you can go around the Cinque Torri or go back briefly and follow path 440 at the junction to the right. Crossing first rocky terrain and later woods you reach the pass road, here take the path to the left to Rifugio Col Gallina. After another 15 minutes you reach the starting point again.
Photo tips for hiking on Cinque Torri that will make your Instagram pop
The Cinque Torri is the most famous spot on this wonderful tour, but certainly not the only photogenic one. At the latest from Forcella Averau with the wide views to Mount Civetta (Monte Civetta), Mount Pelmo (Monte Pelmo) and many other massive Dolomite peaks, landscape photographers can’t stop raving (your own private photo workshops).
Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.
Information about your Cinque Torri trip
Getting there by public transport: Train to Brunico, continue with bus 460 to La Villa/Stern, from there with bus 465 to Falzarego Pass.
Getting there by car: Via Brunico, Badia and San Cassiano and Valparola Pass to Falzerego Pass. Alternatively from Cortina d’Ampezzo to the Falzarego Pass, parking directly at the starting point.
Start/finish: Falzarego Pass (2102m), 46.518760, 12.009610
Distance: 10,5km
Duration: 4h
Ascent/descent: 600m/600m
Highest point/lowest point: 2540m/1974m
Hike difficulty level: medium
Special features: Partial overnight accommodation in mountain huts, some via ferratas in the immediate vicinity (e.g. Monte Averau).
Meals: Falzarego Pass, Rifugio Averau, Rifugio Nuvolau, Rifugio Scoiattoli, Rifugio Col Gallina.
Other tips: Rifugio Laguzuoi can also be reached by gondola from the Falzarego Pass and offers equally great photo and overnight opportunities.
Contact: www.dolomiti.org
The most beautiful photo spots and hikes in the Dolomites – experience this hiking tour and 29 other exceptional trips in the Dolomites now.
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Hi, i am Marius, i love exploring the mountains and nature. Friends say, i know the mountains better than most locals, but actually i get lost all the time while photographing ;). Read more about the Mountain Moments Team.
