The Dolomites, a mountain range in northern Italy, are home to some of the most breathtaking and varied hiking routes in Europe. Renowned for their soaring peaks, cute alpine cities, and stunning environmental prettiness, these mountains awe visitors who hike their trails. Dolomite hiking offers countless opportunities to dig deeper and explore nature. The most fulfilling way to discover these mountains is Dolomites hut to hut hiking, an ultra-local way to hike from one refuge to another, all while soaking up the sights unique to the area.

From multi-day treks to short and relaxed hikes, the Dolomites have a variety of hiking tours to offer. This guide will unpack some of the top hiking routes in the Dolomites, any of which can be done hut-to-hut, which we all know adds to the fun.

1. Alta Via 1: The Classic Trek

For anyone seeking a quintessential Dolomites experience, Alta Via 1 is a must. This classic trek runs 150 kilometers (93 miles) through the heart of the Dolomites, providing sweeping views of the region’s iconic peaks, such as the Marmolada, Civetta, and Tofane. As one of the most popular routes, it offers relatively easy terrain and magnificent views.

Route Overview:

Beginning at Lago di Braies, Alta Via 1 leads you south through rocky ridges, verdant valley, and peaceful alpine lakes. This trek traditionally spans 10 days and is divided up such that at the end of each stage, one arrives at a properly provisioned rifugio (mountain hut). These huts offer cozy lodgings, home-cooked meals, and the opportunity to meet other hikers.

Why It’s Perfect for Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

The infrastructure of refuges along Alta Via 1 makes it an ideal pick for Dolomites hut-to-hut hiking. The path is well-signed, and there are conveniently located refuges where hikers can spend the night, enjoying the comforts of a mountain hut. Not only does resting and refueling add a social aspect to the hike, but it also tracks back to the idea that you are doing something rewarding beyond the activity itself.

Best Time to Go:

Peak season for traveling the Alta Via 1 is mid-June to mid-September. At this time, the weather is mostly good for hiking, and the trail is relatively free of snow.

2. Alta Via 2: For the Experienced Hiker

For seekers of something slightly harder, Alta Via 2 offers a more difficult level of challenge. The 160-kilometer (100-mile) trail is characterized by rugged terrain and technical sections, making it best suited for experienced hikers. That route extends from the northern Dolomites near the Italian-Austrian border to the southernmost reaches of the Dolomites.

Route Overview:

Alta Via 2 takes 10-12 days to complete. This path comprises steep climber trails followed by narrow ridges that lead to passes often considered dramatic, and the trail is interspersed with sections requiring basic scrambling. Following the trail through remote areas, hikers can appreciate the solitude and wild beauty of the Dolomites. Along the way are mountain huts providing shelter and warmth after long hiking days.

Why It’s Perfect for Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

The Alta Via 2’s rugged trail and remote parts make for a demanding but very rewarding route. The huts that you pass along the way also serve as a critical respite station, offering comfort and sustenance to those pushing their envelopes. These havens provide an opportunity to rest, reflect, and replenish for the remaining pilgrimage. Alta Via 2 is the ideal blend of adventure and comfort with its well-equipped huts.

Best Time to Go:

Late June through early September is the best time for this route. Higher altitudes hang onto snow longer into the season, so make sure the trail is clear when you go.

3. Tre Cime di Lavaredo: One-Day Hike with Iconic Scenery

Not every hike in the Dolomites has to be multiday. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit is one of the Dolomites’ most famous short hikes and gives you views of three epic peaks famously associated with this range. This hike is ideal for a shorter outing while still packing in all the sense of the mountains.

Route Overview:

Length: 10 km (6 miles, loop trail); duration: 4-5 hours This hike is open year-round and is easily accessible to all levels of hikers. The alternative begins from Rifugio Auronzo and circles around the base of the Tre Cime, with stunning views of the surrounding Dolomites peaks, valleys, and meadows.

Why It’s Perfect for Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

The Tre Cime circuit is a day hike but easily fits into hut-to-hut itineraries. Nearby refuges like Rifugio Auronzo and Rifugio Locatelli create the ideal base for a multi-day Dolomites trek. But if you’re looking for a more leisurely experience, this shorter hike gives you a chance to explore the area before retreating to a cozy hut at the end of the day.

Best Time to Go:

The Tre Cime circuit is best hiked in the summer, between June and September. The trail is mostly snow-free and open to hikers during these months.

4. Cycling the Sella Circuit: A Road Loop Around the Sella Massif

The Sella Circuit is one of the most beautiful ways to explore the heart of the Dolomites. This route encircles the Sella Massif, one of the most iconic and imposing mountain groups in the area. The trail has different types of terrain with fantastic views of the surrounding peaks.

Route Overview:

This hike usually takes 4–5 days and is around 60 kilometers (37 miles). The route climbs multiple high-altitude passes, such as the iconic Passo Sella, while traversing the quaint valleys of Val Gardena and Val di Fassa. Rough and rewarding at once is the circuit, where hikers are treated to panoramic views of the Dolomites.

Why It’s Perfect for Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

The Sella Circuit offers numerous refuges, making for excellent hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites. These huts have been built at intervals for hikers to rest, warm up, and eat local food. Given the circuit’s mix of stiff features and handy havens, hikers can savor the splendor of the Sella Massif.

Best Time to Go:

The Sella Circuit is best enjoyed in the summer, particularly from mid-June through to September. The high-altitude portion will no longer be snow-covered, making the trek more enjoyable.

5. Wild and Wonderful: The More Difficult Dolomite High Route

For hikers wanting to kick things up a notch, the Dolomite High Route (Alta Via Dolomitica) is a more challenging yet immensely rewarding option. Weave these more recent climbs into a breakneck itinerary that takes in diverse terrains that range from civilian peaks to epiphanic valleys.

Route Overview:

The TRAIL crosses several groups of Dolomite mountains, therefore leading hikers through pristine wilderness. The trek can be done in 7 to 10 days, depending on the route and the speed of the hikers. The terrain is characterized by a wide range of altitudes with steep climbs and descents, narrow ridges, and elevated (alpine) meadows. Mountain huts along the way offer shelter and sustenance, which gives trekkers the ability to take on the tour in segments and also enjoy the comforts of traditional alpine lodgings.

Why It’s Great for Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

The Dolomite High Route is designed for hut-to-hut hiking. Between the well-placed refuges along the way, which give weary, blistered hikers respite from the arduous terrain, plus plentiful local fare that nourishes even the hardest of mountain-munchers, it felt like the trails were present but the presence was more in the shape of marathon beta-givers. Staying in these huts allows those adventuring to recharge and continue on the trail, making it a more enjoyable and accessible trip.

Best Time to Go:

Best Months To Hike The Dolomite High Route: Late June — September With the bottom of the route being tricky with early season snow, having the forecast clear is a critical step toward a successful hike.

Final Thoughts

There is perhaps no more colorful walking destination in Europe than the Dolomites. Whether you are hiking the classic Alta Via 1, going for a challenge on Alta Via 2, or doing a bite-sized loop around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Dolomites offer one of the most ruggedly stunning hiking experiences on Earth. A hike through the Dolomites between the mountain huts lets you experience these mountains bathed in both mountain hut comfort and mountain hut hospitality, a memory you will keep forever!

So fasten your seatbelt for some thrills and jump into the Dolomites with the confidence that you are about to discover one of the best hiking experiences on the planet.