Holidays in Drei Zinnen

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo stand dramatically above alpine meadows like three natural cathedrals of rock. These peaks are the symbol of the region and among the most famous mountains in the Dolomites – standing there with those towering rock formations in front of you, it’s hard not to feel tiny in the best possible way. 
 
Visiting in the summer means you'll have loads of hiking routes to choose from. Some are gentle walks through wildflower meadows, while others climb into the heart of the mountains, like the Rienz Valley to the Locatelli Hut – the view of the Three Peaks suddenly opens up in front of you like a grand reveal. 
 
The little villages of Sesto, San Candido, Dobbiaco, Villabassa and Braies each offer their own mix of culture, nature and local traditions, giving you plenty to explore beyond just the mountains. Follow peaceful walks through UNESCO-listed landscapes. Tuck into South Tyrolean cuisine in a mountain hut (rifugi). Or simply relax while taking in the views. Essentially, the Drei Zinnen region offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity for a summer holiday in the Dolomites. 

Walking is at the heart of an active holiday in Drei Zinnen, but for those who want to cover more ground, mountain biking is another fantastic way to explore the region. Thrilling trails weave through forests and valleys, connecting traditional mountain huts where you can stop for lunch with views across the peaks.
 
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, the Dolomites are famous for their via ferrata routes – protected climbing paths that let you scale the rock faces while safely clipped onto steel cables. Even as a beginner, joining a guided route is the best way to experience the mountains from a completely different perspective.
 
For anyone who loves fresh mountain air, stunning landscapes and days spent exploring the outdoors, Drei Zinnen is the kind of place that makes an active holiday feel effortless – and leaves you already planning your next adventure before you’ve even left.

Travelling to the Drei Zinnen region with your family is the perfect way to combine adventure, nature and relaxed mountain moments together. And one of the best places to start is the beautiful Lago di Braies. Walking around the lake is a gentle, immersive activity for families, and the wooden rowing boats drifting across the water make it feel like something lifted straight from a fairytale.
 
Another fantastic family destination is the Monte Baranci Adventure Mountain, just above the village of San Candido. Here you’ll find family-friendly hiking paths, play areas and one of the most exciting attractions in the region – the 'FunBob' Monte Baranci, an exciting summer toboggan ride that winds down the mountain.
 
The wide meadows of the Plätzwiese Plateau are made for easygoing adventures. High in the mountains, this peaceful plateau offers straightforward walking trails, picnic spots and sweeping Dolomites views in every direction. It’s the kind of place where children can run freely across the open landscape while parents enjoy the calm atmosphere (and maybe a relaxing drink or two… we won't tell!) 

The Drei Zinnen region has a well-connected network of lifts, buses and scenic routes that make exploring the Dolomites simple and enjoyable. Whether you’re heading up into the mountains for a hike or travelling between the villages, getting around in summer is easy and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.

Lifts and cable cars

Several lifts operate in summer, giving quick access to high alpine trails, panoramic viewpoints and family attractions.

One of the most popular is the lift system at Monte Baranci, just above San Candido. The cable car takes you up the mountain where you’ll find hiking trails, play areas and the famous 'FunBob' summer toboggan run.

In Sesto, the Helmjet Cable Car carries you from the valley up to the Helm mountain, opening up a wide network of walking paths and spectacular viewpoints across the Dolomites.

Nearby, the Croda Rossa Cable Car also runs during the summer months, providing access to high-altitude hiking routes and mountain huts in the Sesto Dolomites.

These lift connections make it easy to reach higher elevations without a long climb, allowing visitors to enjoy more of the mountain landscape.

Public buses

The region has an excellent summer bus network connecting the main villages of Dobbiaco, San Candido, Sesto, Villabassa and Braies.

Regular buses run through the valleys and up to popular hiking areas, making it easy to reach starting points for walks without needing a car. In the busy summer months, shuttle buses also operate to well-known natural attractions such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Braies.

Cycling and walking routes

Another great way to explore the region is by bike. The popular Drava Cycle Path starts in San Candido and runs gently downhill into Austria, making it a fun and scenic route for families.

Many of the villages are also connected by walking trails and quiet valley paths, meaning you can easily travel between places while enjoying the landscapes along the way.

Regional trains

Local trains also connect the main villages in the region, with stations in Dobbiaco, San Candido and Villabassa. These routes provide convenient connections for travelling through the Puster Valley and linking with other destinations in South Tyrol.