Lake Sorapis Hiking Guide: How to Visit Lago di Sorapis in the Dolomites

Lake Sorapis in the Italian Dolomites is one of the most beautiful alpine gems in Northern Italy. In the last decade, it has become very popular thanks to social media, and today it is one of the most photographed lakes in Italy.

Just to give you a quick idea of the place: Lago di Sorapis is a small milky-blue lake surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. It’s incredibly photogenic, which is why so many hikers and photographers come here. The lake is located in the eastern Dolomites, close to Misurina and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Its unique turquoise color comes from fine rock powder carried down from the nearby Sorapis Glacier. Depending on the light and season, the water sometimes looks more greenish, but most of the time it is a magical shade of blue. Around the lake rises the Sorapis mountain group, including famous peaks like Punta Sorapis, and right by the lake you’ll spot one of the area’s most iconic rock formations: the Dito di Dio (or “God’s Finger”), which you’ll see in many photos.

The lake is getting more and more popular each year, and thousands of hikers take on the trail. It’s one of the most exciting hikes in the Dolomites, but even if you are an experienced hiker, it’s best to prepare in advance. That’s why I wrote this complete guide: to share all the details and practical tips from my own visits, so your hike to Lake Sorapis will be as enjoyable as possible.

First, I’ll give you a quick overview with the most important facts. After that, we’ll go step by step through everything you need to know about the hike and the lake itself.

So, let’s dive into the details and discover everything you should know about Lago di Sorapis:

After the overview, let’s look at the most frequently asked questions about Lago di Sorapis:

Is Lake Sorapis in the Dolomites worth the hike?

To be honest, the hike to Lake Sorapis is quite long and, in my opinion, also challenging.

That’s why I only recommend visiting the lake if you are ready for this level of difficulty and can handle the conditions. If you have any mobility limits, even small ones, or if the weather looks uncertain on the day of your hike, it’s better not to take the risk.

But if you are healthy, fit, the weather is good, and you don’t mind tougher hikes, then Lake Sorapis is an amazing destination in the Dolomites.

So yes, visiting Lake Sorapis is absolutely worth it, but make sure to think carefully in advance if you can complete the hike all the way to the lake.

Best time to visit Lake Sorapis

The best time for the Lago di Sorapis hike is from June to the end of September.

In terms of weather, July and August are the best months: daytime temperatures are pleasant for hiking, there is usually less rain compared to other months, and it gets dark later.

However, weather in the Dolomites can be very unpredictable. Always check the forecast carefully before starting your hike. Keep in mind that conditions can change quickly even during the day, and rain showers are often sudden in this region.

As for the time of day, I recommend starting the hike as early as possible, ideally in the morning, but no later than 12 pm. This way you’ll have enough time to complete the several-hour trail and also enjoy spending time at the lake.

From late autumn to early summer, hiking to the lake is not recommended at all, as the trail can be very dangerous due to snow.

How to get to Lake Sorapis

Getting to Lake Sorapis is not easy. It’s important to know that the lake can only be reached on foot or by helicopter. And even though the hike is not very long and is marked as moderate, you should still prepare well.

The most popular and still the relatively easiest trail is Trail 215, which starts from Passo Tre Croci and leads to the lake. This is the route I’ll show you in detail, as we’ve also taken this trail several times ourselves.

Parking for the Lake Sorapis hike

You can park at the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina if you are a hotel guest. Many people park there without permission, but I wouldn’t risk it. There are also parking spots along the SR48 road near the trailhead, and on Google Maps you’ll find another option marked as Sorapis–Trail No. 215.

Hiking to Lake Sorapis: Trail info

The trail to Lake Sorapis is about 6.5–7 km one way. It doesn’t sound too long, but because of the terrain, I would say the hike is quite demanding.

The altitude difference between the starting point and the lake is only about 130 meters, but during the hike you will climb and descend more than 400 meters in total. This means there are many uphills and downhills along the way. Some parts of the trail are also tricky because of the rocky terrain, and during peak hours the crowds make it even harder to move.

How long does it take to reach Lake Sorapis?

Going up, plan for about 2–4 hours. On our last visit, it took us around 3 hours with breaks. There are many steep sections where you’ll need to stop and rest, and during the day the crowds often slow you down even more. This makes the hike feel much longer on the way up.

The way back down is a bit easier. Count on about 2–2.5 hours. You can move faster downhill, especially with good gear, but if you’re already tired, you’ll probably need more breaks here too.

What sections of the trail should you expect?

Let me show you in detail what kind of trail sections you can expect on the way to the lake:

The first part of the trail goes through a forest on easy terrain. You might even think: “Did I really need to prepare so much for this?”

But soon the harder sections begin. The path gets narrower, then you have to cross small streams, rocky slopes, and other obstacles. At one point there is even a rock wall to climb – I stopped there myself to take a break and get ready for it. 😄

The best reward along the way is the stunning views, for example towards Misurina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Later, there are also stairways on the trail, and sometimes they even shake a little under your feet.

In the second half of the hike, you’ll walk along rock ledges with steep cliffs at your side. There are rocky parts to scramble over and more obstacles to cross.

The final section is easier, and soon you’ll reach the mountain hut and the lake itself. Signs will show you which way to go.

After hiking uphill for 2-4 hours, you will find the lake surrounded by these stunning mountain peaks.

On the way back you follow the same trail. It usually feels a bit easier, but trust me: most people arrive back at their car completely exhausted.

The Lake Sorapis hike is one of the most tiring in the Dolomites, but as you can see from the photos, it’s absolutely worth the challenge! It’s not only exciting and a great adrenaline rush, but it also boosts your confidence, builds your endurance, and takes you out of your comfort zone – the perfect way to escape daily life for an adventurous day in nature.

What to pack for the Lake Sorapis hike

You should pack well, because there are very few options for food or supplies along the trail or even at the lake.

Here’s what I recommend bringing:

• Proper hiking clothes: In summer it can feel hot while hiking, but in the forest or when the weather changes it can also be cold. Dress in layers and always bring a rain jacket.
• Comfortable hiking shoes: Choose shoes with good grip, and if possible, make sure they are waterproof.
• Hiking poles: Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Many people hike without them, but on the rocky and steep parts they are very useful. If it rains even a little or if the trail is muddy, the rocks get very slippery, and poles help a lot.
• Backpack: Pack food, plenty of water, a small first aid kit, and extra clothing. (You can’t buy anything on the way!)
• Phone: Download an offline map, since mobile signal is not everywhere. Start with a fully charged battery, and bring a power bank or spare phone if you can.
• Flashlight: If you return late in the day, a flashlight is a good idea, especially if your phone battery runs out.

What to expect at Lake Sorapis

Let’s take a look at some other common questions that may come up about Lake Sorapis:

Do you need to pay for parking or to visit the lake?

No, visiting Sorapis Lake is completely free. You don’t need to pay for parking, for using the trail, or for entering the lake area.

Is it worth hiking around the lake?

Lake Sorapis can be walked around – the loop is about 850 meters, and just like the hike to the lake, it’s only accessible on foot.

If you still have energy after the long hike up, I recommend hiking around the lake to enjoy the views from different angles.

However, the path on the eastern side of the lake is not easy.

A good option is to walk around the lake on the western side and also return the same way.

Photo tips

If you want the best photos of Lake Sorapis, here are some tips:

• The best light is during the day, when the lake’s color is the brightest. Sunrise and sunset are not necessarily the best times for photography here.
• Bring a wide-angle camera lens. The landscape is huge, and without it, it’s hard to capture both the lake and the mountains in one shot.
• The best outfit colors for photos here are orange, red, and white.
• The best photo spots are on the northeast side of the lake (close to the trail), where you get views towards the Dito di Dio rock. Another popular spot is on the eastern shore, where you can take photos from the rocks with Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the background.

These are just the basic photo tips, but honestly, the scenery speaks for itself. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to go home with breathtaking shots from Lake Sorapiss.

Is the area crowded?

Yes, the area around Lake Sorapis can get very crowded. It’s often difficult to take photos at the best viewpoints without other people in the frame, and the mountain hut is usually busy around lunchtime.

During peak hours, even the trail itself can feel overcrowded. On some of the more challenging sections, you may need to wait for hikers coming the other way. By early afternoon, the trail is usually crowded in both directions, which is why good timing is so important.

To avoid the largest crowds, try to go on a weekday, start your hike as early as possible in the morning, and plan your return for later in the afternoon. Another option is to stay overnight near the lake, so you can experience it in the early morning before most visitors arrive.

Where to eat near the lake

Along the hike to Lake Sorapis, there are only two places where you can sit down to eat: at the very beginning and at the very end of the trail.

• You can eat at the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina restaurant, which is a more elegant option located right at the trailhead.
• And near the lake, you’ll find Rifugio Vandelli, a mountain hut that offers accommodation, a restaurant open at lunchtime, and a small sandwich bar during the day.

However, food options close to the lake are very limited, and there are no places to eat along the trail itself.

That’s why I strongly recommend bringing enough food and water with you for the hike!

Can you swim in Lake Sorapis?

No, swimming or any kind of water activity is not allowed in Lake Sorapis. The area is highly protected for its natural value.

Also, the water stays very cold even in summer, so most people wouldn’t think about swimming here anyway.

Can you use a drone at the lake?

Technically, flying a drone around Lake Sorapis is not allowed, and there are signs that clearly show this. Since helicopters also use the landing spot next to Rifugio Vandelli, the airspace here is especially protected.

However, if you still decide to fly a drone – as many people do – you should be extremely careful and always follow Italian drone regulations.

My personal opinion: although we often use a drone when traveling, at Lake Sorapis we didn’t feel it was necessary. The viewpoints around the lake already offer the best views.

So this was my complete guide to Lake Sorapis, with all the key information you need to plan your hike. I also answered the most common questions about the lake and its surroundings, while sharing my own experiences.

I hope this article has inspired you to visit Lake Sorapis and helped you get a clear idea of what to expect.

If you want to see this breathtaking place for yourself, don’t wait too long! Plan your next trip to the Dolomites with Lake Sorapis as one of the highlights. Book one of the recommended hotels, explore my other Dolomites guides, and get ready to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Italy!