Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles
I’d hiked out of Madonna di Campiglio in 2009. Loved it.
The Dolomites are one of our top 10 hiking regions of the world..
Mid-June 2023 I returned, wanting — this time — to do some of the famed via ferrata routes there.
Sadly, the cablecars going up high had not started yet. In fact, Madonna di Campiglio doesn’t really get going 100% for summer hiking until the end of June.
Instead, I did the most popular lower level day hike as it was the best available the one day I ended up staying.
I followed this route recommended on AllTrails:
5 Laghi: Ritort – Lambin – Gelato – Serodoli – Nambino
(AKA Giro dei cinque laghi)
This shorter (less expensive) Spinale cable car was running up from town. You loop 5 lakes in about 4-5 hours.
- 11.91 km
- 795 m elevation gain
- starts at Mountain station 5 lakes 2065 m
- medium difficulty due to rocky footing
LAKES !
When the sun comes out, it’s lovely and warm in the Dolomites.
BUT both times I’ve hiked here, I’ve had afternoon rain almost every day — and sometimes lightning storms. Be prepared for bad weather.
I actually opted to hike all the way down past a sixth lake ( Nambino) — but would recommend the cable car both ways instead.
The hike was better than expected. A good workout with the next lake to look forward to around every corner.
