Dolomites Traverse Trek Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour in Northern Italy - 8 Days – Italy

Hike across the heart of the Northern Dolomites on this spectacular 8-day east-to-west traverse, linking the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo with the alpine valleys of Val Gardena. This hut-to-hut trek passes through three protected natural parks and multiple UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, showcasing the very best of the Italian Alps.

Each day reveals a striking mix of scenery — soaring limestone towers, high rocky plateaus, deep forests, and lush alpine meadows — as you follow historic mountain paths through some of Europe’s most dramatic terrain. An overnight stay near the base of the legendary Tre Cime is one of the highlights of the journey.

With luggage transfers (if included) on select days and a mix of comfortable hotels and authentic mountain huts, this Dolomites trekking tour offers a true alpine adventure!

Trip Highlights

Traverse the Northern Dolomites from east to west, from Tre Cime to Val Gardena
Overnight stay near Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of Europe’s most iconic mountain landscapes
Hike through three natural parks and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Diverse scenery: limestone towers, alpine plateaus, forests, and high mountain passes
Hut-to-hut hiking with a mix of mountain huts and comfortable hotels
Luggage transfers on select days so you can hike with a light pack (if added)
Well-marked trails through some of the best trekking terrain in Italy

Difficulty & Hiking Style

Hiking Level: 4 (Moderate to Challenging)
This trek is designed for experienced, active hikers who are comfortable with sustained mountain walking.

Average: ~6 hours of hiking per day
Elevation gain: 700–1,000 m (2,300–3,300 ft) per day
Distance: 15–18 km (9–11 miles) per day
Trails are well marked, but include long ascents, descents, and high-alpine terrain

Early season note (June): Snow may remain on higher passes, making some days more demanding and better suited to confident hikers.

Arrival & Departure Logistics

Arrival location: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
You should plan to arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo in time for your first overnight stay.
Departure location: Bressanone (Brixen), Italy
The trip ends in Bressanone, where you can connect easily by train to Innsbruck, Verona, Venice, or Munich.

Private transfers are included from:

Cortina d’Ampezzo → trailhead (Day 2)
End of hike → Bressanone (Day 7)

Best Time to Go

Mid-June to Mid-September

July to early September offers the best trail conditions
June is quieter but may include lingering snow on higher routes
September brings cooler temperatures, fewer hikers, and beautiful alpine colors

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in the Dolomites | Cortina d’Ampezzo

Arrive in the stylish alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, surrounded by towering limestone peaks and elegant Tyrolean architecture. After checking into your hotel, take time to stroll through the charming pedestrian streets, enjoy a coffee or aperitivo on a sunny terrace, and soak in the relaxed mountain atmosphere.

This is the perfect place to unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead in one of the Dolomites’ most iconic mountain resorts.

Overnight: Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Meals: Not included

Day 2 – Cortina d’Ampezzo to Tre Cime via Campo di Dentro

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you up to Auronzo Hut, where your hike begins beneath the soaring limestone towers of Tre Cime di Lavaredo — one of the most recognizable mountain landmarks in Europe.

The trail starts on gentle terrain before leading you along the base of Tre Cime’s dramatic south faces toward Lake Lavaredo. From here, you’ll circle Mount Paterno, crossing the wide alpine terraces of Pian del Cengia and the scenic Cengia Pass, with sweeping views across jagged peaks and high mountain valleys.

The route then loops back toward the historic Locatelli Hut, spectacularly positioned beneath the north faces of Tre Cime. After dropping your pack, you’ll have time to take a short walk to explore the towers up close or visit nearby viewpoints such as Torre di Toblin.

Note: The Locatelli Hut is not accessible by vehicle. You will carry a small overnight pack with essentials for this night and the following day.

Distance: 10 km (6.5 miles)
Elevation: +950 m (3,117 ft) | –100 m (328 ft)
Hiking time: ~4 hours
Overnight: Mountain hut near Tre Cime
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included | Lunch not included

Day 3 – Tre Cime to Pratopiazza via Wild Alpine Valleys

Leaving the Locatelli Hut, enjoy your final dramatic views of the north faces of the Tre Cime before heading west into the remote Rinbon Valley. The trail winds through wild, untouched landscapes as you descend into the Rientztal and Val di Ladro, where dense pine forests create a peaceful alpine atmosphere.

From the valley floor, the route begins a steady climb toward the Strudelkopfsattel Pass (2,200 m). As you crest the pass, a beautiful hanging valley opens ahead — the Pratopiazza Plateau, one of the most serene high-alpine landscapes in the Dolomites. The Pratopiazza Hut sits perched above the valley, offering sweeping views and a true sense of mountain solitude.

Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Elevation: +900 m (2,953 ft) | –1,300 m (4,265 ft)
Hiking time: ~7 hours
Overnight: Mountain hut (Pratopiazza)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included | Lunch not included

Day 4 – Pratopiazza to Biella Hut beneath Croda Rossa

Today’s route moves deeper into high alpine terrain. Leaving Pratopiazza, you cross gentle meadows and forested slopes before the scenery becomes more dramatic beneath the towering walls of Croda Rossa (3,146 m). Imposing limestone towers rise on both sides as the trail climbs steadily toward the Gaiselleite Pass (2,260 m) — an airy yet non-technical crossing with stunning panoramic views.

After descending to Casa Cavallo, you make one final climb over the Sora Forno Pass before reaching the spectacularly located Biella Hut (2,327 m). Nestled beneath Croda del Becco, this remote refuge offers one of the most breathtaking overnight settings of the trek.

Note: The Biella Hut is not accessible by vehicle. You will carry a small overnight pack with essentials for this night and the following day.

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Elevation: +800 m (2,625 ft) | –400 m (1,312 ft)
Hiking time: ~6 hours
Overnight: Mountain hut (Biella Hut)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included | Lunch not included

Day 5 – Biella Hut to Lavarella Hut through Fanes Natural Park

Leaving the Biella Hut, the trail heads south toward the shimmering waters of Lake Fosses and the beautiful Piccolo Valley, deep inside the Fanes–Sennes–Braies Nature Park. This is one of the most colorful sections of the trek, where wide alpine meadows explode with wildflowers beneath towering limestone peaks.

After wandering through this idyllic landscape, you descend into the Scuro Valley before climbing again toward Lake Fodara and its welcoming mountain hut. From here, the route follows the classic trail of the Fanes Valley, crossing open highland terrain before tracing the wild Rio San Vigilio stream up to the Fanes Alpine Pasture, where the Lavarella Hut awaits in a stunning mountain setting.

Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Elevation: +1,000 m (3,280 ft) | –1,300 m (4,265 ft)
Hiking time: ~7 hours
Overnight: Mountain hut (Lavarella / Fanes area)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included | Lunch not included

Day 6 – Fanes to Gardenacia Hut via the Medesc Pass

Today delivers a true high-alpine experience. Heading east from the Fanes pastures, you climb a quiet mountain valley toward the dramatic rock walls of Piz de Lavarella (3,055 m / 10,023 ft), reaching the rugged Forcella de Medesc Pass.

From the pass, a scenic descent leads down toward the picturesque village of La Villa (Stern), nestled in the heart of Alta Badia. After passing through the valley, the route climbs once more through slopes dotted with larch trees to reach the beautifully positioned Gardenacia Hut, perched high above the surrounding valleys.

Distance: 14.5 km (9 miles)
Elevation: +1,200 m (3,937 ft) | –1,200 m (3,937 ft)
Hiking time: ~7 hours
Overnight: Mountain hut (Gardenacia)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included | Lunch not included

Day 7 – Gardenacia Hut to Bressanone via Puez Pass

The final hiking day begins with a short climb from the Gardenacia Hut to the Gardenacia Pass (2,543 m / 8,343 ft), where sweeping views open across the rugged peaks of the Dolomites. From here, a beautiful high-level traverse leads toward the Puez Hut, offering panoramic views of the Marmolada and surrounding limestone massifs.

After reaching the hut, the trail descends steadily into the peaceful San Silvestro Valley, where alpine pastures and grazing meadows replace the rocky high-mountain terrain. You pass the charming San Silvestro Church before arriving in the mountain village of Wolkenstein, where your trek officially ends.

A private transfer then brings you to Bressanone (Brixen) for a comfortable final night in town.

Distance: 15 km (9.5 miles)
Elevation: +600 m (1,968 ft) | –1,150 m (3,770 ft)
Hiking time: ~5.5 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Bressanone
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch & dinner not included

Day 8 – Departure from Bressanone

After a final breakfast, your Dolomites Traverse comes to an end. Enjoy time to wander through the charming streets of Bressanone, with its pastel-colored buildings, historic cathedral, and lively cafés, before continuing your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast included

Additional Trip Info

Accommodation as described: a mix of

Hotels: private room with private bathroom
Mountain huts: shared dorm-style rooms and shared bathrooms

Optional bag transport (if selected): available on most days except Day 2, Day 4, and Day 6

Meals

7 breakfasts: Day 2 through Day 8
5 dinners: Day 2 through Day 6 (not included in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bressanone)

Private transfers

Cortina d’Ampezzo → start of hike (Day 2)
End of hike → Bressanone (Day 7)

Roadbook package for groups of 2–4 people (roadbook + map + reservation vouchers)

Mobile app access with GPS guidance

24/7 English-speaking emergency phone support

Pack lunches: typically €10–€15 per lunch (varies by location)
Paid showers in huts that charge a fee
Public transportation and chairlifts during the tour
Airport transfers (Available on request)
Luggage transfers (Available on request)
International Flights
Travel Insurance - We recommend Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Italy

Dolomites Traverse Trek Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour in Northern Italy - 8 Days

A Classic Hut-to-Hut Trek Across the Northern Dolomites

Dolomites Traverse Trek Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour in Northern Italy - 8 Days

A Classic Hut-to-Hut Trek Across the Northern Dolomites

Trip Highlights

Difficulty & Hiking Style

Arrival & Departure Logistics

Best Time to Go

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in the Dolomites | Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 2 – Cortina d’Ampezzo to Tre Cime via Campo di Dentro

Day 3 – Tre Cime to Pratopiazza via Wild Alpine Valleys

Day 4 – Pratopiazza to Biella Hut beneath Croda Rossa

Day 5 – Biella Hut to Lavarella Hut through Fanes Natural Park

Day 6 – Fanes to Gardenacia Hut via the Medesc Pass

Day 7 – Gardenacia Hut to Bressanone via Puez Pass

Day 8 – Departure from Bressanone

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Italy

Dolomites Traverse Trek Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour in Northern Italy - 8 Days

A Classic Hut-to-Hut Trek Across the Northern Dolomites

Dolomites Traverse Trek Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour in Northern Italy - 8 Days

A Classic Hut-to-Hut Trek Across the Northern Dolomites

Trip Highlights

Difficulty & Hiking Style

Arrival & Departure Logistics

Best Time to Go

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in the Dolomites | Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 2 – Cortina d’Ampezzo to Tre Cime via Campo di Dentro

Day 3 – Tre Cime to Pratopiazza via Wild Alpine Valleys

Day 4 – Pratopiazza to Biella Hut beneath Croda Rossa

Day 5 – Biella Hut to Lavarella Hut through Fanes Natural Park

Day 6 – Fanes to Gardenacia Hut via the Medesc Pass

Day 7 – Gardenacia Hut to Bressanone via Puez Pass

Day 8 – Departure from Bressanone

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

Related Trips

Dolomite High Route (Alta Via 1) - 9 Days

Tour du Mont Blanc – 7-Day Self-Guided Hike (Private Hotel Rooms)

Tour du Mont Blanc – 8-Day Self-Guided Trek (Mountain Huts)

Related Blog Posts

Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.