Rifugio Vandelli mountain hut hike

The rifugio Vandelli mountain hut and the nearby Sorapis lake can be reached not only from Passo Tre Croci, but also in a scenic hike from Federavecchia below Misurina.

Route description rifugio Vandelli mountain hut Sorapis lake

The hike to the rifugio Vandelli mountain hut and lake Sorapis begins at the hikers' parking lot next to the Hotel Cristallo in Federavecchia.

Always following path number 217 in the direction of Sorapis lake (Lago di Sorapis), the initially wide trail leads through rocky pastures and sparse beech woods of the Valbona.

After a quarter of an hour of level hiking, the trail turns into a gravel path that branches off to the right. It winds steadily up the steep, partly rocky slopes, where colorful mountain flowers such as the devil's claw, the columbine or the deep blue gentian thrive. On the way, not only do beautiful views of the surrounding Dolomites open up, but you also get quite close to the gushing Sorapis waterfall.

After almost two hours of steady hiking, the path branches off on the left side of the path to the nearby rifugio Vandelli mountain hut. In front of the backdrop of the steeply towering Cima di Valbona, it invites you from mid-June to mid-September (2022) to enjoy a stop.

The path leading straight ahead, however, leads straight to the rock face enclosed Sorapis lake. This turquoise jewel of the Dolomites has a unique charm that captivates thousands of hikers and photographers every year. Its unique turquoise blue, shimmering milky or clear depending on the season, is incidentally due to its high lime content.

A narrow path leads around lake Sorapis, offering ever-changing views of its fairy-tale waters and the Sorapis mountain group towering behind them.

For the way back from Sorapis lake, the already known ascent path is recommended.

Notes hike rifugio Vandelli mountain hut and Sorapis lake

The steep, partly rocky slopes require good footwear and a certain degree of surefootedness and experience in mountainous terrain. Especially for the steeply sloping way back, hiking poles are recommended.

Facts about the rifugio Vandelli mountain hut and Sorapis lake

The name Sorapis is derived from the lower waterfall: the water of Sorapis lake flows underground to a large rock step, from which it falls down to the valley in a rushing waterfall. In the local ladin language "Pis" means waterfall and "sora" means above. Therefore "Sora el Pis" simply means "above the waterfall".

Meanwhile, the name Vandelli mountain hut goes back to the CAI president Adolfo Vandelli: he had the current moutain hut rebuilt in 1966, after its two predecessors were destroyed by avalanches and fire.

Infos Rifugio Vandelli mountain hut hike

• Duration:03:30 h
• Length:9.2 km
• Height gain:625 m

• Min. elevation:1327 m
• Max. elevation:1926 m