Experience mountain views on a Dolomites Trekking Tour
The Dolomites Trekking Tour in Refugios is an incredible adventure that showcases the natural beauty of northern Italy and the dolomites region. Explore famous peaks, picturesque alpine valleys and some of the best scenery the Alps have to offer on this 10-day self-guided trekking tour in the Dolomites.
Beginning with the three pinnacles of Tre Cime, each day of this Dolomites trekking tour offers new wonders to behold and amazing experiences to be had. The Haute Route Trek will take you up to stunning overlooks, down through scenic valleys, and along the shores of quiet alpine lakes. You will be amazed at the diversity of the landscape as it continually impresses you at each stage of this 10-day self-guided trekking tour.
Along the way, you will encounter the Italian and German cultures of the Tyrolean region of the Alps, as you enjoy warm hospitality and delicious local food while staying in mountain huts and hotels. This trekking tour in the Dolomites is an unforgettable adventure that will be sure not to disappoint!
What Time of Year to Trek the Dolomites
When considering what time of year is best to trek the Dolomites, the answer is July through mid-September. During this window is when hikers will experience the most favourable weather and trail conditions, as the snow will have largely melted by late-June. With that being said, the summer season is also the busiest time, so you will need to plan accordingly if you are looking to book accommodations in the area.
Why Trek in the Dolomites
If you are pondering the question of why trek in the Dolomites, the answer is simple: you should trek in the Dolomites because it is a breathtaking travel destination, no matter the time of year! Dramatic mountain peaks, serene alpine valleys, and charming European villages all make trekking in the Dolomites an incredible experience that you won’t soon forget!
What is a Refugio
Confused and wondering exactly what is a refugio? When translated into English refugio means refuge, and the term is often seen as being interchangeable with mountain huts. While images of hostels may come to mind, refugios are more like a guesthouse with the purpose of serving trekkers in remote areas. If you are planning on trekking in the Dolomites, you will certainly become acquainted with all that refugios have to offer!
Which towns are closest to the Dolomites Trekking Tour in Refugios?
Many travellers want to know which towns are closest to the Dolomites Trekking Tour in Refugios, as the route is situated in the remote mountains of Northern Italy. Here are three towns that you will find nearby on the Dolomites Trekking Tour in Refugios:
Bolzano
Bolzano is often referred to as the gateway to the Dolomites, and is the largest and capital city of South Tyrol - a province in the north of Italy. The city is situated at a point where the three valleys of Sarntal, Eisacktal, and Adige all converge, making it a great base from which to explore the surrounding area. Prior to World War 1, Bolzano and the surrounding territory of South Tyrol were actually a part of Austria, before falling under Italian control.
Brixen
Brixen is a charming town that is situated in the Italian province of South Tyrol. It is one of the oldest towns in the region, being first mentioned way back in 901 CE. Located near the border with Austria and surrounded by mountainous terrain, Brixen is best known as a ski resort town.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a small town in Northern Italy that has a population of around 6,000 people. It is situated within an alpine valley along the Boite River, and is well known as both a summer and winter tourism destination - drawing a particularly large amount of tourists for the winter ski season. The main economic focus of Cortina d’Ampezzo is tourism, and the population of the town swells to approximately 40,000 people during the winter months.
Highlights of the Dolomites Trekking Tour in Refugios
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Dolomites Haute Route Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Meet in Bressanone
Make your way to Bressanone (Brixen), Italy. When you check in to your hotel, you will receive a travel pack containing all the information you need for your tour.
Overnight Location: 3-Star hotel in Bressanone
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Trek to Tre Cime and stay at Locatelli Hut
At 9:00 AM, a taxi will meet you at your hotel and take you to Val Camp di Dentro, where you will begin your trek in the Dolomites. The day begins with an easy, pleasant walk to the Dreischusterhütte Hut. From here, you will truly enter the heart of the Dolomite mountains. Your hike continues to the renowned Tre Cime, beneath the legendary Torre di Toblin. A well-known via ferrata from World War I can be found here. Leave your backpack at the Locatelli Hut and feel free to explore this incredible area. Spend the night at Locatelli Hut, which is one of the oldest huts in the Dolomites. Built in 1883 but renovated more recently, this mountain hut is in the perfect location for Tre Cime adventures, such as an optional guided via ferrata climbing tour. Book this tour in advance, either on Paterno or Torre di Toblin.
Overnight Location: Locatelli Hut
Distance: 12 km / 4 hours hiking. 950 m elevation gain, 100 m elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Trek to Prato Piazza Hut
As you leave the Locatelli Hut behind you, take in one final view of the stunning north faces of Tre Cime. Continue your trek westward along an easy path that leads you down through the Val Ribon. Hike to the bottom of this valley, then follow the trail uphill again to the Strudelkopfsattel Pass (2,200 m / 7,218 ft) in the shadow of Monte Specie. Finish the day by hiking down through lovely Dolomite pastures in the Pratopiazza Valley. Spend a cozy night resting at the Prato Piazza Hut.
Overnight Location: Prato Piazza Hut
Distance: 16 km / 6 hours hiking. 800 m elevation gain, 1,200 m elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Trek to Lago di Braies
Cross the lovely Prato Piazza meadow and continue hiking toward Croda Rossa (3,146 m / 10,322 ft), which is also called Hohe Gaisl in German. This exciting trail involves trekking along a via ferrata (chains), though people prone to vertigo should consider bypassing this route via the trail that leads to Ponticello. After this, another pleasant path leads you through beautiful alpine pastures to reach the Cavallo Pass (2,287 m / 7,503 ft). From the pass, hike down to the breathtaking Lake Braies (Lago di Braies) where you will spend the night in this magical location.
Overnight Location: Hotel Lago di Braies
Distance: 12 km / 5.5 hours hiking. 500 m elevation gain, 1,000 m elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 Trek to Malga Ra Stua
Today’s hike takes you along the opposite side of this clear, alpine lake and along the western side of Croda del Becco. When you reach the Forcella di Riciogogn (2,331 m / 7,648 ft), you will enter an “altitude rock desert”. Continue until you reach a small, traditional mountain hut called Biella, which is an excellent place to stop and eat lunch. After lunch, your trail descends into the valley and pass the lovely Gran de Foses Lake. Hike to the valley bottom and find your charming accommodations for the night: the Malga Ra Stua mountain hut.
Overnight Location: Malga Ra Stua Hut
Distance: 14 km / 6 hours hiking. 1,000 m elevation gain, 800 m elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Trek to Fanes
Hike along a historic trail that was built by Austrians during the first World War until you reach the Fodara Vedla Hut. Your trail then continues on to Pederu and Alta Via Dolomiti #1. End the day with a trek through the Fanes Valley until you come to the renowned open pastures of Fanes. Here, you’ll spend the night in the Üćia de Fanes mountain hut, and enjoy their warm hospitality and wonderful local cuisine.
Overnight Location: Fanes Hut
Distance: 11 km / 4 hours hiking. 850 m elevation gain, 500 m elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 Trek to Gardenaccia Hut
During today’s unusual hike across the Fanes high plateau (altipiano), try to imagine how it looked thousands of years ago when this tableland was an island surrounded by a lagoon. As you cross the plateau, keep your eyes open for fossils from this era. When you have reached Medesc Pass, the trail takes a downward turn toward Alta Badia. Initially, the trail has a very steep grade, but it becomes gentler as it meanders through the forest. A final push on this long day will bring you to the Gardenaccia Hut (2,050 m / 6,726 ft) where you will enjoy a comfortable night’s rest and fantastic views of the Fanes high plateau and Marmolada mountain. Marmolada, at 3,343 m (10,968 ft), is the tallest peak in the Dolomites. This is a long day, and the final stretch up to Gardenaccia Hut can be shortened by taking a chairlift.
Overnight Location: Gardenaccia Hut
Distance: 14.5 km / 7 hours hiking. 1,200 m elevation gain, 1,200 m elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Trek over Passo Sella to Friedrich August Hut
Begin with a short trek up to the Gardenaccia Pass (2,543 m / 8,343 ft). Then follow a pleasant trail to the Puez Hut, where you will find fantastic views of Marmolada and the surrounding peaks. Leaving the hut, the path winds steeply down into the San Silvestro Valley, where peaceful, lovely alpine pastures await you. Follow the trail through this serene valley until you reach Wolkenstein Village and the San Silvestro Church. From here, a bus will take you to the renowned Passo Sella. Spend the night in the nearby Friedrich August Hut.
Overnight Location: Friedrich August Hut
Distance: 15 km / 5.5 hours hiking. 650 m elevation gain, 1,000 m elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 Trek over Passo di Fassa to Alpe Di Tires Hut
Follow the Friedrich August Trail along a long stretch of balcony to the Passo di Fassa, then continue west, climbing up to the Val Duron Valley. At the beginning of the famous Rosengarten Range, you will find your accommodations for the night: the Alpe Di Tires Hut.
Overnight Location: Alpe di Tires Hut
Distance: 12 km / 4 hours hiking. 700 m elevation gain, 500 m elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 Trek to Nova Levante and transfer to Bolzano
End your trekking tour today with another incredible hike in the Dolomites. You will start from the Alpe Di Tires Hut and hike through the Rosengarten Range. This amazing “Rose garden” massif gets its name from the pink tint in the rock, caused by the mineral dolomite. Hike to the Passo Principe Hut, a fantastic sight as it is built into the rock. Continue along the trail on a gentle descent to the Vajolet Hut. From here you have a choice. You can either take a shorter but much more challenging trail which leads to the Coronelle Pass, where there is also a hut. Alternatively, a longer, easier trail will take you to Paolina Hut. However you conclude your trek, ride a lift down to the Nova Levante Valley, where you can find a bus transfer to Bolzano.
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: 9-13 km / 5.5 hours hiking. 1,000 m elevation gain, 1,100 m elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast
Self-Guided Dolomites Trekking Tour
Pricing for this self-guided Dolomites trekking Tour, staying in hotels and mountain huts, depends on the number of guests in your group. Please note that this tour can also be arranged with a guide (please enquire about the pricing).
Enjoy a private, self-guided tour for just your group, prices below are per person:
- Self-guided group of 2: $2,795 USD per person
- Self-guided group of 3: $2,350 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 4: $2,025 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 5: $1,950 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 6: $1,875 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 7+: on request
Accommodation on the Dolomites Haute Route Trekking Tour
Accommodations on this tour are primarily in mountain huts and occasionally hotels. Mountain huts typically offer dormitory style rooms. You will stay in the best and smallest rooms available, but expect to share rooms with several people. Facilities such as showers and toilets are also shared and are typically outside of the room.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms on this tour are not available.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Bressanone
This stunning place is the oldest town in Tyrol. Nestled among the Dolomites and near a river confluence, you’ll wonder if you stumbled into a postcard.
Locatelli Hut ★
Wake up to majestic views of Tre Cime out the window of this popular mountain refuge. The Locatelli Hut offers a cozy atmosphere and incredible food, but in the end, it’s all about that view.
Prato Piazza Hut ★
Breathtaking mountain views and excellent cuisine await you at this popular mountain hut. Its proximity to the Austrian border lends it a more German flavor, which is reflected in the architecture, food, language, and culture of the Prato Piazza.
Hotel Lago di Braies ★
The only hotel located directly on the shores of the stunning alpine lake Lago di Braies, this hotel offers unforgettable views of the Dolomites, reflected in one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps.
Malga Ra Stua Hut ★
The Malga Ra Stua Hut welcomes you to a comfortable stay in this little corner of paradise. It is popular with locals and travelers alike, and with good reason.
Fanes Hut ★
Fanes Hut (Refugio Fanes) offers guests traditional Tyrolean architecture in a beautiful location with a higher standard than most mountain huts.
Gardenaccia Hut ★
Historic but comfortably renovated, guests of the Gardenaccia Hut describe their stay as magical. It is surrounded by pastures and forests with majestic mountain views.
Friedrich August Hut ★
The Friedrich August Hut offers a comfortable night’s rest and great food in a cozy atmosphere, but what really makes this hut special is the location. Breathtaking views await you here!
Alpe di Tires Hut ★
This comfortable and friendly mountain hut has spectacular views, especially from the dining room where guests can expect generous portions and delicious meals.
What’s included in the Dolomites Haute Route Trek Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts and 8 dinners. Dinner in Bressanone on day 1 is not included. Lunches can be purchased at your own expense from grocery stores or mountain huts to be eaten along the trail.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights included as described above.
Baggage Transfers
Your bags will be transported between accommodations by vehicle, so that while hiking you need only carry what you need during the day. Note that this service is not available on days 2 and 7 as these accommodations (Locatelli and Gardenaccia) cannot be reached by car. You are in charge of any personal transfers.
Also Included
- The Roadbook, as well as maps and reservation vouchers, for a 4-person group
- Access to a mobile app that includes GPS guidance
- 24/7 Emergency Hotline
Not included
- Showers at mountain huts
- Drinks, tips, and other personal expenses
- Travel insurance for trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, or other assistance
- Tickets to any attractions
- Public transportation and optional chairlifts during the tour:
- Optional Via Ferrata climb up “Paterno” or “Torre di Toblin” (day 2)
- Optional chairlift to Gardenaccia Hut (day 7)
- Shuttle bus (25 min) from Wolkenstein to Passo Sella (day 8)
- Shuttle bus (20-40 min) from Nova Levante to Bolzano (day 10)
Optional extras
- Daily packed lunch (days 3-9)
- Via Ferrata climb (day 2): Climb up “Paterno” or “Torre di Toblin” including English-speaking guide and technical gear.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolomites Trekking Tour in Refugios
Allibert Trekking is a Tour Operator based in the French Alps, specializing in incredible trips for the active outdoor enthusiast. They cater to your specific wants to create an unforgettable adventure.
Allibert Trekking specializes in mountain sports adventures throughout the European Alps (France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria). From the Dolomites to the Mediterranean coast, they create and organize hiking, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing, and multi-sport trips throughout the Alps.
With 45 years of experience, Allibert offers both exceptional “ready-made” trip itineraries and customizable plans to make sure your experience is everything you want it to be.
Allibert places great importance on sustainable travel. Because of this, they focus on creating trips that make as little an impact as possible on the natural environment. Ethics, respect, and responsibility represent the cornerstones of their commitment to responsible tourism.
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Originally from the Southern French Alps, Julien has been playing in the mountains since childhood. He loves backcountry skiing and mountaineering, long hikes, trail running, mountaineering, and rock climbing. Julien loves to share his passion for travelling and the mountains, and genuinely enjoys coming up with new ways to explore his favourite places in the Alps with visitors.
- Q: What is your favourite trip you’ve taken and why?
- A: Bernese Oberland is one of the few places in the Alps that surprised me. The landscape and views are amazing. Hiking under the 1000m cliff wall of the famous Eiger Northface and along the U-style valley of Lauterbrunnen is a fantastic experience.
- Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should have?
- A: It's very hard to choose as there are so many things to see and do. But I would suggest visiting the quiet, wild southern Alps.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that visitors absolutely have to try?
- A: The Savoyard fondue, which tastes even better than the original one from Switzerland!
- Q: What is the most challenging adventure you've ever taken on?
- A: Ski touring in the Armenian mountains.