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Lago Limides, Monte Nuvolau and Cinque Torri Circuit

Starting from Col Gallina, this loop links Lago di Limides, Monte Nuvolau, and the iconic Cinque Torri — an impressive rock formation overlooking the Cortina d'Ampezzo valley and a World War I open-air museum. From Nuvolau's summit (2,574 m), the panorama takes in the greatest massifs of the Dolomites: Tofane, Sorapiss, Pelmo, Civetta, and Marmolada.

This complete and varied loop has no technical difficulty and ranks among the most beautiful hikes in the area. Lago di Limides, Nuvolau's summit, and the Cinque Torri attract large crowds during peak season, but the sections in between remain surprisingly quiet.

Remarks

Parking: There is a large, free parking lot at Col Gallina, below Passo Falzarego. As is the case everywhere in the Dolomites, the lot fills up quickly during peak season, so arriving before 8 a.m. is recommended.

Possible extension: Ascend Monte Averau (2,648 m) via an easy via ferrata from Rifugio Averau. Special equipment is required. The out-and-back takes about 1 hr 30 min, for one of the most impressive panoramas in the Dolomites, in my opinion.

Food and drink: There are three mountain huts along the route: Averau, Nuvolau, and Scoiattoli. The Scoiattoli and Averau huts are accessible by chairlift, so they are very busy during peak season. Rifugio Nuvolau is higher and more isolated. It is also popular, but it retains a more authentic character and has an exceptional view. It's the best choice for a lunch break.

Description and difficulties of the hike

From the Col Gallina parking lot, follow trail no. 419 south toward Lago di Limides and Rifugio Averau. The trail gradually climbs through a sparse forest of pines and larches and emerges at the lake after about thirty minutes. On a calm day, the lake's waters offer magnificent reflections of Tofana di Rozes on one side and Monte Averau on the other.

Past the lake, the route switches to trail no. 441, and the ascent continues up grassy slopes and through a rocky gully toward Forcella Averau (2,435 m). From the pass, the trail rounds Monte Averau along its northern flank through scree and beneath an impressive vertical cliff face. Next, you will reach Rifugio Averau. Then, you will branch off onto Trail No. 439 for the final ascent to the summit of Monte Nuvolau. There, you will find the oldest refuge in the Dolomites, which was built in 1883. The 360° panorama from there is exceptional.

The descent begins on Trail No. 439 to Rifugio Scoiattoli, the gateway to the Cinque Torri. The Tour of the Five Towers (Giro delle Cinque Torri) passes through an open-air museum dedicated to World War I. Restored trenches, shelters, and observation posts bear witness to the battles between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces from 1915 to 1917. From there, Trail No. 440 begins a long descent northwest to a large meadow. Cross the meadow diagonally to reach Trail No. 424, which leads gently back to Col Gallina along the road.

What you'll love

The comprehensive loop featuring a photogenic high-altitude lake, a 2,574-meter peak, three mountain huts, and the historic Cinque Torri site.
The reflection of the Tofana di Rozes and Monte Averau in Lago di Limides, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites.
The 360° panorama from Nuvolau, one of the most spectacular in the Cortina region.
Rifugio Nuvolau, the oldest mountain hut in the Dolomites, perched on the edge of a cliff.
The open-air museum of the Cinque Torri, where you can explore restored trenches and shelters at the foot of the impressive towers.