Lake Sorapis — Attraction in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Here you go — a fresh (26 August 2025) and useful review!

First of all, I read a lot of reviews here and they were helpful, but to get the full picture you need to combine them.

Parking: it’s going to be a nightmare if you’re planning to go in the morning. There aren’t that many spots in general. So, we decided to go at 13:30, as that’s about the time when the first hikers start coming back. And bingo — there were 3 parking spots available right away!

The trail: the second problem with this hike is that it’s quite narrow and often overcrowded. But if you go around 2 pm, you’ll be much more pleased. At that time, there aren’t that many hikers heading up to the lake. You’ll only meet people on their way back, which is much easier — no one is pushing you.

The last stretch: about 2 km before the lake you’ll need to brace yourself for a steep elevation. More importantly, there are a few stressful sections that can feel a bit dangerous. In my opinion, it’s manageable, but if you’re afraid of heights you might find both the way up and the way down really stressful.

Weather warning: this is the most important tip — check the forecast for the day of your hike! When we started our way back, it began to rain and didn’t stop until morning. In a matter of seconds, it became very unpleasant and much more dangerous. The rocks get extremely slippery when wet. Take it slow — you’ll get down eventually, cold and soaked, but safe.

P.S. The views are absolutely stunning along the way and especially at the lake. And here’s a bonus: if you start around 2 pm, there will be almost no people, so you’ll be able to take amazing pictures without anyone in...

The hike (route 215) to Lago di Sorapis is not just about the final destination because the hike itself is just as beautiful. The first few kilometers of the hike you walk in a forest with tall trees on a fairly flat path. After this the climb starts and your fitness is put to the test. Every now and then you will have to take a break to catch your breath and drink a sip of water. You will be treated to beautiful views along the way. The way there is mainly hiking up and on the way back you walk down. You come across a few stretches where the path gets a little more exciting. Especially for people with a fear of heights it can be exciting because the abyss is deep in some places. Don't worry because there is an iron cable that you can hold on to. You always walk on a clear path, the route is indicated by white-red stripes on the trees or stones and a number of stairs have been built on the steeper parts. After about 2 to 2.5 hours you will arrive at the beautiful Lago di Sorapis. Don't just hang around at the arrival point, but walk a bit to the right. Here it is a bit quieter and you have a great view of the lake and the mountains. About 100 meters before you arrive at the lake you will find a mountain hut on the left called Rifugio Vandelli. Depending on your condition, it can be quite a tough hike, but we're a family with 2 young kids and not a very good condition and we loved it too. Also older people...

It's a wonder of nature. You have to walk around two hours to the lake. Free parking spaces are available below the cottage (rifugio) and around. But, come early in the morning because the lake is a hot spot. Is seems like all the tourists in Dolomites go there. So, there is a thick line of hikers you have to follow or ask in Italian permesso or mi scusi (ask if you can pass forward) and overtake the line. The path is all the way more or less wide and quite good (there are some clumsy stairs and at some part is also a wire to help passing by at some more airy but easy spaces). Hiking boots are recommended. There was a lot of kids and children, but I have to admit, more of them were bored and unhappy by the long and steepy walk, some of them cried ... I felt pity for them, maybe is not the best thing for kids who are unfamiliar with hiking in the mountains. The same I can tell for many dogs and older people which have problems with walking and height. Come on guys. Do something more suitable for your ability. I am sorry that I am so arrogant, but it is not safe and it was clear that they were suffering and not enjoying at all. Lake Sorapis in the end is high reward, is like in heaven. But, there are crowds of people. Bathing in the lake is not allowed. There is also a cottage with good food and drink where you can gain your...