Dolomites Hut-To-Hut Hiking: Amazing Trails & Tips [2026]

The Dolomites took my breath away… and ever since, I’ve been dreaming about my time there, as I spent over 2 weeks, 8 hours every single day just hiking around and reflecting on my life. I fell in love with them so much that 5 months later, I’ve moved to the Dolomites and I’m now writing this article for you from my apartment here.

I keep doing multiple hut-to-hut hiking trails in the Dolomites every summer, as I love exploring and researching these wonderful mountains.

So, I’ve created this guide based on my experience for you to enjoy the highlights of the Dolomites’ hut-to-hut hiking as well!

8 Best Hut-To-Hut Hiking Trails In The Dolomites

Here are some of the best hut-to-hut hiking tracks in the Dolomites that you can follow.

Honestly, wherever you go, the scenery is out of this world, rifugios await you with cosiness and delicious food, and epic sunsets and sunrises enhance the entire experience.

So, choose some of these trails, based on your location, or whatever seems the most appealing to you:

NOTE: I’ve selected multiday hut-to-hut hikes that don’t require via ferrata crossings (so no equipment). I usually hike solo and try to avoid these – it’s possible in every section, even if there is via ferrata sometimes. So, if you’re like me and would like to skip via ferratas, these trails are especially for you.

1. Alta Via 1
2. Alta Via 2
3. Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Traverse
4. Alpe Di Siusi Circuit
5. Traverse Via Piz Boe
6. Rosengarden Traverse
7. 5 Torri & Lagazuoi Traverse
8. Pale Di San Martino Traverse

👉 LET ME GUIDE YOU IN THE DOLOMITES: Are you visiting the Dolomites and would like me to accompany you? Hire me as your personal guide – I can take you to the most beautiful mountain excursions, places and mountain huts, e-biking in Alpe di Siusi, without you having to hustle and figure out the logistics. Contact me: [email protected] Or book this 1-on-1 travel chat (consultation) with me and I’ll help you plan.

Dolomites Hut-To-Hut Hiking Map

Here is a full map with all the stops for each traverse/hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites from my list for you.

Enjoy!

1. Alta Via 1

Alta Via is perhaps the most popular hut-to-hut hiking trail in the Dolomites. I hiked the entire trail, and it’s 100% worth it. I was a bit afraid it would be crowded and lose its charm, but let me tell you – the crowds spread out, and it felt authentic.

The hike starts at Lago di Braies (Lake Braies) in Val Pusteria, and ends at La Pissa close to the town of Belluno in the Veneto region.

Plan to spend about 8 to 10 days hiking the entire trail. You’ll sleep in some of the most amazing rifugios, enjoy stunning views, and just have fun days crossing the entire Dolomites’ range.

2. Alta Via 2

Overall, there are 8 Alta Vias in the Dolomites, which are wild. And one of the most beautiful is definitely Alta Via 2, but also one of the most challenging ones.

Some sections already require some level of fitness and experienced hikers, as you tackle via ferratas on the way (some equipment needed), but you can pass by them.

It starts in Bressanone/Brixen and Val di Funes, as you’re crossing the Puez Odle Mountains, then you pass through the iconic Sella Group, summiting the top of Biz Boe (my favorite mountain in the Dolomites), passing by Marmolada (the highest mountain in the Dolomites), and finish in the San Martino area.

When you hike from Rifugio Puez to the top of Piz Boe, there is a serious Via Ferrata Cesare Piazzetta, but you can skip it. Instead, take a bus from Passo Gardena via Passo Sella to Passo Pordoi and hike from there via Sass Pordoi to the top of Piz Boe.

It’s one of the most challenging multiday hikes with over 200 km/125 miles to conquer.

3. Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Traverse

Another, very friendly, no via ferrata multiday hike starts in Sexten, the northern side of the Dolomites.

You’ll walk the first day via Val Fiscalina, passing through some stunning scenery. The first night, sleep at Rifugio Pian di Cengia. From there, enjoy walking on the rocky mountains as the views of the famous Tre Cime open up in front of you.

Stay overnight (2nd night) at Rifugio Antonio Locatelli (Drei Zinnen Hütte), where you’ll enjoy the best views of 3 Cime di Lavaredo from your room.

Then, finish the hike following the famous loop towards 3 Cime until you reach Rifugio Auronzo, from which you can take a bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

I also highly recommend hiking to the famous Cadini di Missurina viewing point, before you leave the area.

👉 READ ALSO: Dolomites In Summer: Best Things To Do & Itineraries

4. Alpe Di Siusi Circuit

Alpe di Siusi – one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites that can’t be missing on your itinerary, even if you make other hikes from this list. They’re the highest alpine meadows in Europe, stretching above Val Gardena, with stunning views of Sassolungo peaks.

Exploring the area on foot is absolutely magical. I recommend starting your hike in Ortisei and hiking to Mont Seuc (or you can take the red cable car). From there, follow the panorama trail until you reach ICARO Hotel and head down to Compatsch.

From Compatsch, you’ll follow the hike via Alnehotel Panorama until you reach Schlernhaus, which is your destination for the first night.

On the second day, you’ll enjoy traversing alongside the mountain peaks and Alpe di Siusi, while the scenery constantly changes, until you reach Rifugio Alpe di Tires. Have lunch there and unwind.

I also recommend making a slight detour here and hiking for about 15 minutes to Forcella Denti di Terrarossa. These are some of the most beautiful views in the Dolomites, so don’t miss them.

Then from Rifugio Alpe di Tires, keep following the pathway via Passo Duron, until you reach Rifugio Sasso Piatto, which will be your hut for the second night.

After, you can hike down to Saltria and return to Compatsch and Ortisei to finish the hike, or keep hiking alongside Sassolungo to Passo Sella (amazing hike), too.

5. Traverse Via Piz Boe

If you want to extend your hike for even longer from Rifugio Sasso Piatto, this is a section to add.

You can either start in Rifugio Sasso Piatto and hike around Sassolungo peaks (take it left via Rifugio Comici or right via Rifugio Friedrich August) until you reach Passo Sella. From there, take a bus to Passo Pordoi.

Hike (or take a gondola) from Passo Pordoi to Sass Pordoi and get blown away by other spectacular views. Then follow the trail until you reach the top of Piz Boe – Rifugio Capanna Piz Fassa, where you’ll sleep for the night. That’s one of the best hikes in the Dolomites overall.

I highly recommend waking up for the sunrise. I guarantee it’s going to be the most beautiful you’ve ever seen.

From there, you’ll hike via Rifugio Franz Kostner until you reach Passo di Campolongo. Then make the last section uphill to reach Rifugio Cherz, your destination for the day.

On the last day, hike via Cima Störes until you reach Armentola in Alta Badia, where you’ll finish the hike.

👉 READ ALSO: Dolomites Itinerary: 5 Unforgettable Days In The Italian Alps

6. Rosengarden Traverse

The iconic Rosengarden Traverse is one of the least famous of them all, so expect fewer crowds and authenticity.

You’ll start in a town called Carrezza. It’s easy to reach Carezza from Bolzano by bus. From there, take another bus to the starting point of the hike, which is Paolina Chairlift.

It only takes 2-3 days to complete – some areas here also involve via ferratas, but as I told you, this article is dedicated to hikers who want to avoid via ferratas; it’s possible to do so on this trail.

On the first day, as you hike from Carezza via Passo Delle Coronelle, you can sleep at Rifugio Vajolet or Rifugio Re Alberto 1°, overlooking the famous Vajolet Towers.

On the second day, get ready to enjoy a beautiful traverse via Passo Principe and its rifugio, where you can have lunch, and hike until you reach Rifugio Alpe di Tires, which will be your destination for the night.

You’ll end the hike in Alpe di Siusi (Compatsch), which is the highest alpine plateau in Europe, where I’d recommend staying for a couple of nights to unwind and reflect on your trip.

7. 5 Torri & Lagazuoi Traverse

5 Torri is one of my favorite areas in the Dolomites, as it’s closely linked to the history. These places were part of serious battles between the Austrian and Italian troops during World War I. You’ll not only enjoy beautiful views, but also get to walk through the trenches and tunnels that remained here.

I recommend starting your hike in Armentola (Alta Badia region), and from there, hike to Rifugio Scotoni. Then continue to Rifugio Lagazuoi, where you can stay overnight. After, walk through the tunnels of Lagazuoi until you reach Passo Falzarego.

From there, start ascending again to the 5 Torri area. Once you’re at Rifugio Scoiattoli, you can make a loop around the 5 peaks and learn more about the history. It’s pretty cool.

Then ascend via Rifugio Averau and stay overnight at Rifugio Nuvolau. It offers some of the most stunning sunrises in the Dolomites.

From there, you can either head back to Passo Falzarego and end your trip in Cortina d’Ampezzo or continue to Passo Giau and head to Cortina from there.

8. Pale Di San Martino Traverse

The Pale di San Martino traverse crosses one of the most surreal landscapes in the Dolomites, where vast limestone plateaus, silent trails, and remote rifugios make you feel like you’re walking through another world. It’s a less crowded area, so head here if you expect more quietness.

Start your hike in San Martino di Castrozza and hike to Rifugio Rosetta on the first day, as you enjoy the wilderness of this plateau. You might spot some animals and wild flowers, making it a unique section.

On the second day, hike from Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali, where you can sleep for the night. Finish your hike in Val Canali.

BONUS: 19 Best Hikes In The Dolomites

I’ve also written a separate article about the best hikes in the Dolomites. These only take 1 day and are usually based around 1 area.

So, if you prefer staying for multiple nights in the same location and enjoying some day hikes, get some inspiration for amazing hikes by clicking on the image below:

Practical Tips For Dolomites’ Hut-To-Hut Hiking

To help you plan your hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites, I have many tips for you to make it easier for you. So, here is all you need to know before you set off on this epic adventure.

Best Time To Go Hut To Hut Hiking In The Dolomites

Late June/early July or the first 2 weeks of September are the best times to go hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites. Late June is especially the most beautiful as the meadows are full of flowers, and everything around is super lush green and amazing.

And it’s also a bit less crowded than the other weeks in the summer.

Temperatures range around 20°C/68°F, depending on how high you are, both of these times.

What To Pack For Hut-To-Hut Hiking In The Dolomites

Pack into a 40 – 50L backpack and take about 3-4 T-Shirts, 1 shorts, 2 light long-sleeve shirts, 1 warmer sweater, 1 light waterproof jacket, 1 pair of hiking pants, some type of pyjama to sleep at the rifugios (or just extra clean clothes to sleep), flipflops to shower (optional), 1 pair of hiking boots, 1 pair of sneakers, and that’s it.

Sunglasses with sunscreen, and you’re good to go.

You can also take some snacks like muesli bars, protein bars, and a bottle of water that you can always fill on the way.

How To Book The Mountain Huts (Rifugios) In The Dolomites?

Most mountain huts (rifugios) have their own websites and booking platforms – so you can book a room online. It shows you availability, and you can book it directly through the online platform.

It’s the best and easiest thing to do – you’ll usually pay a deposit of about 30 to 50% and the rest on the spot. The rate always includes breakfast and dinner (half-board) + a bed to sleep on.

Some rifugios don’t have a website or an online booking platform (but that’s rather rare). In this case, you can email them or call them directly and request a room.

NOTE: Many rifugios, especially on the famous hut-to-hut trails like Alta Via 1, sell out fast, at least 6 months in advance. So, if you plan to go hiking in the summer, start booking in early January. If the specific rifugios are not available, don’t worry – there are usually a few rifugios in the area, so pivot and stay in a nearby one.

In case the rifugios are not available anymore, you might risk it, still go hiking, and hope that once you arrive, somebody didn’t come or cancelled – in this case, they’ll give you a bed to sleep on. Overall, I found it was always possible to hike it even without reservations, but it’s definitely better to have the reservations.

If you need help with booking the rifugios or know which ones are the best to stay at (or how to pivot if your chosen ones aren’t available), write me an email: [email protected]. And I’ll be happy to help you.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites, so check my answers below:

What Is The Easiest Hut-To-Hut Hike In The Dolomites?

Alta Via 1 is the easiest hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites, which is official and takes about 8 to 10 days to complete. You can also cut it into smaller sections and enjoy a few days of the Alta Via 1, not covering the entire trail.

How Much Does It Cost To Hike From Hut To Hut In The Dolomites?

Plan to spend about $170 per day to hike the hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites. That includes an overnight stay at the rifugios (mountain huts), where breakfast and dinner are always included + additional drinks and having lunch on the way.

What Is The Most Iconic Hike In The Dolomites?

The hike to Piz Boe is, in my opinion, the most iconic hike in the entire Dolomites. It takes you to one of the highest mountains there, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll start in Sass Pordoi mountain and then hike for about 2.5 hours to the top of Piz Boe.

Can A Beginner Hike The Dolomites?

Yes, a beginner can easily hike the Dolomites. Just choose easier routes like the Alta Via 1 or other easier hikes around 5 Torri and Val Gardena. It’s going to be a perfect start.

And I guarantee you, once you hike in the Dolomites, you’ll fall in love with hiking and will never go back to your old self :D. It’s that breathtaking.

WRAP-UP: Dolomites Hut-To-Hut Hiking

This is your ultimate guide to the Dolomites’ hut-to-hut hiking experience. I hope you enjoy every single second of it. It was truly an experience of a lifetime for me to hike these breathtaking mountains. So soak it up as much as you can and don’t rush. Enjoy the stillness of nature and sleeping at these rifugios.

If you need help planning your hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites, contact me at [email protected]. I’ll be happy to create a customized travel itinerary for you. Or book this 1-on-1 travel chat with me if you have many questions and want me to help you plan in real time.

Happy Dolomites’ Trekking!

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