Cinque Torri Day Hike

Cinque Torri, or Five Towers in English, is a uniquely shaped rock formation in the Nuvolau group, one of the best-known landmarks of the Dolomites. Due to numerous tectonic vicissitudes and its supple basement, this monolithic mountain was fractured into pieces that we can’t stop admiring nowadays. Today, the towers are a point of attraction for hikers, photographers and climbers.

Cinque Torri is easily reachable from Cortina d’Ampezzo which is the base camp location for this day hike. Beyond Cinque Torri, another highlight of the hike is the 2,575 meter high Monte Nuvolau summit. Thanks to its exposed position, Monte Nuvolau offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area with the groups of Marmolada, Pale di San Martino and Civetta. Monte Nuvolau hosts a small mountain hut with the same name. The hut was built in gratitude by the baron Richard vom Meerheimb after a miraculous recovery from an incurable disease in this area. Originally, the hut was named “Sachsendankhütte” (“dank” means gratitude). During the First World War it was destroyed. When restored after the war, it received its current name. Locals call it the eagle's nest for its position on the top of the summit.

It is worth mentioning that the Nuvolau group has a historical significance as one of the First World War sites. This area was a frontline between the Italian and Austrian-Hungarian forces. The preserved fortifications have recently been restored and are open to visitors.

There are several route options for this day hike ranging from 4 hours to 8 hours of walking. Normally, we plan this hike to start at the Passo Falzarego pass where you meet your guide. Other starting and meeting locations are possible too depending on what you’d like to see and how much time you have for the hike. For an optional lunch and rest, there are several mountain huts in the area.