Lago di Sorapis, also known as Lake Sorapis, is a stunning turquoise glacial lake located in the Dolomites near Cortina d'Ampezzo. Situated 1,900m above sea level, Lago di Sorapis is one of the top day hikes in the Dolomites! The blue waters of Lago di Sorapis is a see-it-to-believe blue, it’s hard not to fall in love with this spot.

💪Moderate hike

The hike to the lake can be done as an out-and-back trail or as a loop, offering different perspectives and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

⭐️Top Tip: Due to the lake’s popularity and accessibility, it can get very crowded during the day. The best time to start your hike is before 8.30am, I do not recommend hiking this trail in the dark, the steep incline and slippy rocks make it dangerous without daylight.

📝Things to know

Open : June-Oct

The trail is well-marked but this is not an easy hike. I would definitely say it is moderate! You hike uphill for most of the trail, there are metal cables and ladders to help with those narrow parts and rock scrambling is involved.

🚗The Passo de Troci trailhead is located just 15mins drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. You will find plenty of street parking at the trailhead , but there is no official car park, most hikers will park on the roadside!

🚎The 030 and 031 bus runs 4 times a day from Cortina to the trailhead at 1805m Passo Tre Croci. Check seasonal times at the information centre in Cortina.

For those looking for an extra challenge and even more panoramic views, the loop hike includes a tough uphill climb over Forcella Marcuoira. Overall, Lago di Sorapis is a must-visit spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable adventure in the Dolomites.

🍰Rifugio Vandelli : There is one rifugio on the Lago di Sorapis hike, the Rifugio Vandelli. Located at the junction of 4 mountain trails, Rifugio Vandelli is a popular spot for hiking in the Dolomites. I recommend their cakes , they were a delicious treat after the hike.

The rifugio is near the lake but it doesn’t actually face it, so I would recommend bringing your own picnic lunch to have at the lake. Don’t forget to take all your rubbish with you.