There was an error with your log in
Check out Early bird options for best sellers here
Dolomites hiking hut to hut

Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Hiking Adventure: The Most Beautiful Rifugios In The Alps

8 days | Moderate to Challenging | 5.00
From $2,596 ()
Book a call

Eight days, a string of rifugios, and a trail that keeps one-upping itself. That’s the plan! This trip is all about the most beautiful rifugios in the Dolomites, the kind you usually only see in photos, perched high above valleys or tucked beneath towering peaks. We start in Bolzano and hike from hut to hut, linking iconic terrain while staying in these unforgettable spots along the way. Each day brings new landscapes, and each night lands us somewhere special, with hearty food, warm hospitality, and views that don’t fade when the sun goes down. This is hut-to-hut hiking at its best.

Adventure Highlights

  • Rifugios worth the hype: Enjoy incredible food, local wine, and great hospitality in some of the most unique rifugios in the Alps
  • Big names, bigger views: Experience Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi, Sassolungo, Rosengarten, and more
  • Earned comforts: Our big hikes are followed by great food and warm alpine stays
Duration
8 days
Season
August through September
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Standard, Comfort: Beautiful rifugios and a hotel
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging: Great fitness required, hiking up to 17 km (11.8 mi) & 7.5 hours per day, with up to 1,290 m (4,230 ft) of elevation gain
What's included
Guide, lodging, all meals, partial luggage transport, and more

The adventure, day by day

Over 8 days, we move from rifugio to rifugio, each one chosen for its exceptional setting, character, and views, linking together some of the most striking terrain in the Dolomites. The scenery keeps shifting, from wide alpine plateaus to steep passes and towering rock faces rising straight above us. The rhythm sets in fast: hike, arrive, eat well, rest, repeat. We spend one night in a hotel and the rest in rifugios, with hearty meals throughout. By the end, it does not feel like a trip, it feels like we have traveled through the actual heart of the Dolomites.

Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Bolzano aerial view

Upon arrival in Bolzano, you’ll check in to the hotel after 3pm, and then meet the group and the guide for an orientation meeting at 6pm. Then, we’ll sit down for our first dinner together and settle in before heading into the mountains tomorrow.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Bolzano
Meals: Dinner
Luggage transfer option: Yes, just a daypack to carry

Day 2: Funes Valley to Gampenalm Refuge
Hiking in the valley in the Dolomites

We start with a private transfer to Zannes in the Funes Valley, then begin our first proper hike over Passo Poma and Passo Bronsoi before descending to Gampenalm Refuge. It is a shorter day on paper, but a beautiful start, with our first real taste of Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking.

Accommodation: Gampenalm Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6.9 km (4.3 mi), about 3 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +750 m (+2,455 ft), -350 m (-1,150 ft)
Luggage transfer option: Yes, just a daypack to carry

Day 3: Around the Della Putia Group
Hiker in the Dolomites' sun

Today we tour the Aferer Geisler, hiking via the Kälbergarten, the Günther Messner Trail, and Putia Pass. It is a varied and spectacular day with longer mileage, bigger effort, and another memorable refuge finish.

Accommodation: Genova Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 15.6 km (9.7 mi), about 6 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,050 m (+3,445 ft), -800 m (-2,625 ft)
Luggage transfer option: Overnight pack to carry

Day 4: Genova to Gardenacia Refuge
Wildflowers in the Dolomites

We descend into the Lungiaru Valley in the heart of Ladin country, then climb back up over Puez Pass and cross a striking high-altitude stone landscape. The day ends at Gardenacia Refuge, set in an especially beautiful spot with exceptional views of the surrounding cliffs.

Accommodation: Gardenacia Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 17 km (11.8 mi), about 7.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,290 m (+4,230 ft), -1,540 m (-5,050 ft)
Luggage transfer option: Overnight pack to carry

Day 5: Gardenacia Refuge to Passo Sella
Val Gardena sunny hike

We cross the Puez plateau via Forcella de Gardenacia, descend toward the Vallunga canyon, then continue over more passes before dropping into Val Gardena. A short private transfer brings us to Passo Sella for the night.

Accommodation: Passo Sella/Alpes Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 14.5 km (9 mi), about 5.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +810 m (+2,655 ft), -1,360 m (-4,495 ft)
Luggage transfer option: Yes, just a daypack to carry

Day 6: Passo Sella to Alpes di Tires Refuge
Val Duron aerial view

This is one of the big Dolomites days, with a spectacular crossing of the Sassolungo massif through a high pass between Sassopiatto and Sassolungo. We descend toward Alpe di Siusi, then climb again to Alpes di Tires Refuge, perched high at the foot of the Denti di Terra Rossa.

Accommodation: Alpes di Tires Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 15.3 km (9.5 mi), about 6 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,200 m (+3,940 ft), -1,070 m (-3,510 ft)
Luggage transfer option: Overnight pack to carry

Day 7: Crossing Rosengarten
Rosengarten trail in the Dolomites

We cross the Rosengarten massif, one of the most spectacular sections of the whole trip, passing through a landscape of towers, needles, cliffs, and high mountain drama. There is also an optional supplement via Passo Santner for those wanting extra walking.

Accommodation: Stella Alpina Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 7.7 km (4.8 mi), about 3.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +430 m (+1,410 ft), -900 m (-2,957 ft)
Optional extra hiking: 3.2 km (2 mi), 2 to 2.5 hours
Optional extra elevation gain/loss: 400 m (1,310 ft)
Luggage transfer option: Yes, just a daypack to carry

Day 8: Rosengarten to Passo Costalunga and return to Bolzano
Bolzano cathedral

Our final stage takes us to Passo Costalunga, facing the Latemar massif, through forests and alpine pastures. Before reaching the pass, we cross Passo delle Zigolade, then take a private transfer back to Bolzano where the trip ends.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 9.7 km (6 mi), about 4 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +700 m (+2,295 ft), -920 m (-3,020 ft)
Luggage transfer option: Yes, just a daypack to carry

Adventure Architect
Let’s build something unique. Design your own adventure from the ground up and let us handle the rest.
Start Designing

Photo gallery

Lodging & food

Adventure, packed to go

Adventure brochure
Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.
Download now

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)
P
Philippe

A varied itinerary giving a good overview of the Dolomites with Pascale, who was perfect as a guide and in a large group where each person contributed to the good atmosphere of the group. A great time in wonderful natural surroundings.

N
Nadine

Beautiful and challenging crossing, grandiose and breathtaking scenery, guide (Pascale) adorable and appreciated by all, cheerful and friendly company from the 1st to the last day: without a doubt, one of the best treks I’ve ever had the chance to do.

J
Jean

Very satisfying. Magnificent scenery. Good group, good guide. Pleasant accommodations. We got to the end despite a greater difference in altitude than we had expected…

5.00(3 reviews)
P
Philippe

A varied itinerary giving a good overview of the Dolomites with Pascale, who was perfect as a guide and in a large group where each person contributed to the good atmosphere of the group. A great time in wonderful natural surroundings.

N
Nadine

Beautiful and challenging crossing, grandiose and breathtaking scenery, guide (Pascale) adorable and appreciated by all, cheerful and friendly company from the 1st to the last day: without a doubt, one of the best treks I’ve ever had the chance to do.

J
Jean

Very satisfying. Magnificent scenery. Good group, good guide. Pleasant accommodations. We got to the end despite a greater difference in altitude than we had expected…

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, EU-certified hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 8-day hiking the Dolomites hut to hut tour (7 hiking days)
      • Accommodation for 6 nights in rifugios and 1 night in a hotel
      • All meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches, 7 dinners
      • Ground transfers as indicated in the itinerary
      • Luggage transfers as indicated in the itinerary (on days 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8)
      • Showers in the rifugios
      • Tourist taxes

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

      • Single occupancy room (for 1 night in a hotel in Bolzano on Day 1)
      • Extra night(s) in Bolzano in a 3-star hotel — please leave a note at checkout if interested

    Not included:

      • Flights
      • Airport transfers
      • Drinks
      • Luggage transportation on nights not provided (as indicated in the itinerary)
      • Personal expenses
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • This hiking the Dolomites hut to hut tour is best suited for active hikers with great fitness levels. We’ll be on the trail for 3.5 to 7.5 hours each day, with daily elevation gains ranging from 430 to 1,290 m (1,410 to 4,230 ft), including a couple of bigger days with over 1,200 m (3,940 ft) of ascent. 

    The route includes several high mountain passes and takes us up to elevations of around 2,681 meters (8,795 ft). You don’t need technical skills, but you should be comfortable with sustained climbs, long days, and hiking on varied alpine terrain.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Dolomites hiking tours here!

  • Luggage is handled with a two-bag system: one main bag and one daypack. Your main bag is transferred between select stages and will be waiting for you when luggage transport is included, with a strict limit of one piece per person up to 15 kg (33 lbs).

    You’ll carry a small backpack with your personal belongings for the day, except for nights 3, 4, and 6, when you will need to carry your necessary overnight belongings.

      • Day 2 and Day 3: You will find all your luggage at the refuge
      • Day 4: You carry a minimum of belongings for the night
      • Day 5: You will find all your luggage at the refuge
      • Day 6: You carry a minimum of belongings for the night
      • Day 7: You will find all your luggage at the refuge
      • Day 8: You will find all your luggage at the Passo Costa Lunga
  • The following items are required for this Dolomites hut-to-hut tour unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed. Luggage transfers have a limit of 33lbs/15kg—please stick to this as extra items are not easily stored by the team.

    Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option—it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.

    Clothing:

      • Hiking boots/shoes — waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in
      • Hiking socks — one pair for every day or two days of the trip (hiking/sport specific padded socks, no cotton please)
      • Sun hat — wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
      • Warm hat & gloves — lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
      • Hiking shirts — non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts
      • Warm top — mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
      • Insulating jacket — down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
      • Hiking pants & shorts — nylon pants and shorts, zip-offs or leggings
      • Base layer/long underwear — 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
      • Rain gear — waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon (for the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear)
      • Casual clothing & footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

    Gear:

      • Backpack — a 30–45 liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking
      • Personal luggage — small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack
      • Hydration system — 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
      • Trekking poles — telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain (strongly recommended)
      • Headlamp — preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries
      • Picnic/lunch kit — knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
      • Phone, charger, power bank
      • Waterproof travel case or pouch — used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
      • Sunglasses, sunscreen, & lip balm
      • First aid kit
      • Personal toilet paper kit — toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes
      • Toiletries
      • Contact lenses & glasses
      • Prescription medication — with emergency back-up supply
      • Cash in local currency

    First aid kit suggestions:

    Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

    Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:

      • Medications — brands of choice; all medications should be prescribed or approved by a doctor prior to use
      • Prescription drugs — any required prescriptions with backup doses (kept in carry-on luggage)
      • Epinephrine — multiple doses recommended if severe allergies are present, with doctor prescription
      • Pain relief — ibuprofen, aspirin, non-aspirin (e.g., Tylenol)
      • Antihistamine — diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl)
      • Non-drowsy allergy relief — loratadine (e.g., Claritin)
      • Antacid/heartburn relief — bismuth (e.g., Pepto-Bismol), antacid tablets
      • Anti-diarrheal — loperamide hydrochloride (e.g., Imodium)
      • Cold/flu medicine
      • Electrolyte replacement/drink mix
      • Creams — antibiotic ointment, anti-itch (hydrocortisone), arnica
      • Eye problems: dry/itchy — eye drops
      • Feminine hygiene — tampons, pads
      • Wound care — assorted bandages, antiseptic swabs
      • Blister kit
      • Sun protection — sunscreen, SPF lip balm
      • Various items — athletic tape/“KT tape,” nail clippers, tweezers, small bottle of hand sanitizer, sewing kit (for clothing/button repairs), disposable surgical gloves (1–2 pairs)

    Optional items:

      • Face masks — 2–3 recommended
      • Travel power adapter — electric power voltage in Italy is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F & L type
      • Support braces — joint braces if currently needed or from past injuries (e.g., knee, ankle, elbow)
      • Sleep mask & ear plugs
      • Bug repellent
      • Quick drying towel or bandana(s)
      • Swimsuit

    Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this hiking the Dolomites hut to hut tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. 
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.

    A hiking the Dolomites hut to hut tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hiking the Dolomites hut to hut tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The price for this hiking the Dolomites hut to hut tour is based on shared dormitories for 6 nights, while 1 night is spent at a hotel in a twin-share room.

    A single occupancy room cannot be arranged for your nights at rifugios, but it’s possible for the one hotel night, on Day 1. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

  • The starting point of your hiking the Dolomites hut to hut tour is Bolzano. To get there, most people fly into Verona Airport (VRN), Innsbruck Airport (INN), or Venice Airport (VCE). From there, you can take a train, a bus, or rent a car to reach Bolzano.

    You will meet your guide at the hotel in Bolzano on Day 1. Check-in is available after 3 pm.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
Have more questions?
Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.
Book a call

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.
Talk to an Adventure Planner
From $2,596 ()
Get free trip Brochure

Check your inbox.

Schedule a call with our adventure experts and let us help planning your dream adventure.

Book a call

Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • NZD - NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar