Cadini di Misurina: The Viral Dolomites Viewpoint That’s Not Worth Your Time

You’ve made your way through the breathtaking Dolomites, excited for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot. You expect a remote, peaceful moment — only to find that Cadini di Misurina, a short and relatively easy hike, is anything but quiet. The reality? Long lines, crowded trails, and a tourist hotspot that feels more like a theme park than an alpine escape.

There’s a 40-minute line just to stand on a single rock. Drones buzz overhead. Impatient tourists shove past you. A group of girls takes forever to perfect their selfies, snapping a hundred photos while others wait.

Nature? Ruined.

And here’s the kicker: it wasn’t always like this.

Before social media, Cadini di Misurina was a quiet, rugged escape. This beautiful lookout point is dubbed the “Mordor Lookout” and is nestled near Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The jagged Cadini peaks were a hidden gem for hikers. But around 2020, viral Instagram and TikTok posts turned this once-serene spot into a crowded, chaotic tourist trap.

I went to see it for myself during a trip in June (I was staying near Lago di Misurina, gearing up for the Alta Via 1 and 2 treks) — and honestly? I wish I hadn’t. It might sound dramatic, but I’m being truthful.

Read on to see why I think you should skip this hike and go elsewhere – and to discover some alternative hiking recommendations that will give you the Dolomites experience you’re looking for.

My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy through my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I use and trust. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Have you checked out my other Dolomites Blog Posts?⬇️

• A First Timers Guide to the Dolomites
• The Best Hotels In The Dolomites
• The Best Travel & Hiking Apps for Exploring the Dolomites
• Lago Di Sorapis Hiking Guide: Passo Tre Croci to Sorapiss

The Harsh Reality: Why This Hike Isn’t Worth It

Overcrowding at Its Worst

Even before I set foot on the trail, a local hotel manager in Misurina cautioned me about Cadini di Misurina’s popularity. He told me the site was suffering from overcrowding and irresponsible tourism. According to him, the municipality hadn’t imposed any limits on access, and visitors were treating the site poorly. His advice? “Check it out quickly and then get out” rather than linger and be disappointed.

Still, curiosity got the better of me. Early one drizzly June morning, I decided to see this famous “Mordor Lookout” for myself. I took the shuttle bus up to Rifugio Auronzo, figuring that the bad weather would deter the crowds. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

When I arrived, I was shocked to find the trail teeming with tourists despite the rain. A long line of hikers snaked up the ridge, each person waiting (for nearly 40 minutes) to take the same overdone photo on the narrow outcrop. The crowd wasn’t just hardcore trekkers either – I saw people in all sorts of attire, including a few wearing flowing, frilly dresses paired with hiking boots, determined to get their perfect shot in spite of the mud and drizzle.

It felt surreal. One group of girls took over ten minutes trying to capture the ultimate selfie on the prime rock perch. When a man walked up for his turn, they actually yelled at him to wait. Nature is for everyone, yet the atmosphere felt more like a theme park queue than a tranquil alpine moment.

Meanwhile, drones hovered overhead non-stop, adding a constant buzz to the commotion. I counted at least three drones in the sky at once, their operators vying for epic aerial shots of the dramatic Cadini peaks. At one point, an experienced drone pilot shouted for others to bring their drones down to avoid accidents, yet some ignored the warning. Even as the rain started to fall more steadily, nobody budged – visitors simply pulled on ponchos or opened umbrellas and kept swarming the lookout as if nothing could interrupt their photo mission.

To top it off, I witnessed a couple turn the crowded vista into the backdrop for a marriage proposal. They had a drone filming their big moment, circling them for a good 20 minutes. Sweet for them, perhaps, but this meant the already slow-moving line came to a standstill while everyone craned to watch (or record) the spectacle. It was a romantic scene turned roadblock, adding even more congestion and noise to an already chaotic environment.

This was the epitome of overtourism in the Dolomites — so many people crammed into one fragile spot, all chasing the same Instagram shot. It became painfully clear that the lack of any real crowd control or regulation had allowed things to spiral out of hand. The hotel manager’s gripe about the authorities rang true: there were no rangers, no permits, no timed entry system to limit the influx.How Social Media Changed Everything

In the early 2020s, Instagram and TikTok turned Cadini di Misurina into an internet sensation. Viral videos and posts showcasing the dramatic peaks—especially the famous rocky outcrop overlooking the valley—spread like wildfire.

By 2023, the problem had become so severe that local authorities considered closing the area or implementing strict visitor limits. In 2025, they officially introduced a reservation system and a €40 fee to control the crowds.

Keep your eyes peeled on this site to make reservations for the bus from Toblach/Dobbacio

Strada delle Tre Cime: entrance fee 40 euros with reservation as per Resolution of the Municipality of Auronzo.

Disrespect for Nature

With fame comes irresponsible tourism, and Cadini di Misurina is a prime example. The hotel manager’s warnings about visitors mistreating the site were spot on. As I walked along the trail, I saw plastic bottles, snack wrappers, and tissues littering the ground. Some people waiting in line simply dropped their trash behind, assuming someone else would deal with it. Remember: If it doesn’t grow there, it doesn’t go there.

I also noticed hikers veering off-trail into the delicate alpine vegetation to get “creative” angles for their photos, trampling plants and causing further erosion. Without proper education on Leave No Trace principles, this problem is only getting worse.

A Stressful, Unenjoyable Experience

Beyond the crowds and environmental damage, the overall experience at Cadini di Misurina is far from peaceful. The short, scenic trail loses its charm when you’re surrounded by noise, stress, and pressure to get “the perfect photo.” If your goal is to escape into nature, this isn’t the place to do it — I certainly didn’t find any serenity there.

Better Alternatives: Where to Go Instead

If you don’t want to deal with the chaos (trust me, you don’t), consider skipping the main Cadini photo op altogether — there’s a quieter nearby ledge with wonderful views just behind you. While it doesn’t have the exact same dramatic outcrop, it’s a much more peaceful spot and still absolutely beautiful to experience.

My goal is to help curb overtourism in the Dolomites. These places are precious, and people actually live here. If we love these landscapes, we should take care of them and treat them with respect. In short, if a peaceful adventure is what you seek, the Dolomites have plenty of other places to explore. Looking for breathtaking alpine views without the crowds? Here are some incredible alternative hiking recommendations that offer a true Dolomites experience minus the masses:

If You Still Want to Visit Cadini di Misurina: A Responsible Traveler’s Guide

Cadini di Misurina is undoubtedly one of the Dolomites’ most spectacular viewpoints. With its dramatic jagged peaks and breathtaking backdrop, it’s no surprise this location exploded on social media. What was once a hidden gem has become a must-see destination virtually overnight, thanks to those viral posts on Instagram and TikTok. However, that fame has come with consequences — crowds, environmental degradation, and an overwhelming pressure to capture the perfect shot.

If you’re determined to visit Cadini di Misurina despite its drawbacks, here’s how to navigate the experience responsibly while helping to preserve the natural beauty of the Dolomites:

Timing Your Visit: The Key to Avoiding Overcrowding

One of the biggest challenges when visiting Cadini di Misurina is the sheer number of tourists. The best way to avoid the crowds is to arrive early — before 7 AM if possible. By getting to the viewpoint first thing in the morning, you’ll beat the rush and have a much more peaceful experience. (Parking and shuttle buses fill up quickly, so plan ahead and start your day early.)

Respecting Nature: Leave No Trace in the Dolomites

The Cadini di Misurina area is stunning, but it has become a victim of overtourism. Litter is a common issue, with discarded bottles, snack wrappers, and other trash left behind by thoughtless visitors. If you do go, make sure you pack out everything you bring. In fact, why not carry out a few extra pieces of trash that you see? Doing so helps keep this place beautiful (and earns you good karma with the mountain gods).

Also, resist the urge to stray off the marked trail in search of that “perfect” shot. Stepping on fragile alpine plants can cause lasting damage to the environment, which is already under strain from the huge volume of visitors. Stick to designated paths, and remember the golden rule: if it doesn’t grow there, it doesn’t go there. By respecting the environment in these ways, we can all help protect the Dolomites for future generations.

What to Expect at the Viewpoint

IIf you do make it to the Cadini di Misurina lookout, be mentally prepared for a busy experience. The famous outcrop often has a long queue of people waiting to recreate that iconic photo. Don’t expect a solitary, peaceful moment — expect crowds and plan accordingly. Keep your visit short and be considerate: take your pictures efficiently and then let others have their turn to soak in the view.

In addition to the crowds, be aware of drones frequently buzzing around. Their constant presence can disrupt the natural serenity of the mountains. If you’re planning to bring your own drone, please ensure you’re familiar with the local regulations and always prioritize safety over getting that epic shot. No photo or video is worth endangering others or wildlife.

Final Thoughts: Is Cadini di Misurina Worth It?

inal Thoughts: Is Cadini di Misurina Worth It?

For those who prioritize peaceful nature experiences, sustainable travel, and authentic adventure, Cadini di Misurina is simply not worth the effort.

The reality of the overcrowding, the environmental damage, and the overwhelming focus on social media aesthetics really detract from the natural beauty of this place. As spectacular as the landscape is, it’s hard to appreciate it amid the selfie-sticks, drones, and noise.

If you want to truly experience the magic of the Dolomites, my honest advice is to skip the Instagram hotspots and seek out lesser-known but equally stunning trails (like the alternative hikes mentioned above). Your experience — and the environment — will be better for it.

Would you still visit Cadini di Misurina, or do you prefer quieter trails? Let me know in the comments!