Begin at the turquoise waters of Lago di Braies and spend the next seven days exploring the Italian Dolomites on foot, following a circuit through high mountain passes, alpine meadows and some of the most recognizable limestone peaks in Europe.

This self-guided Dolomites hut-to-hut trek connects the Fanes Plateau, Lagazuoi, Cinque Torri and Tre Cime di Lavaredo, taking you from one mountain refuge to the next.

Each day brings a different landscape. Climb above Lago di Braies toward the open pastures of Sennes, cross the broad alpine terrain of Fanes, walk beneath the rock towers of Cinque Torri, and reach the enormous limestone walls of Tre Cime. Your final hiking day brings you back to Lago di Braies, completing the circuit.

The experience extends beyond the trails. Evenings are spent in traditional mountain refuges, where hikers gather for dinner before settling in for the night. Wake up surrounded by mountains, enjoy breakfast, and step back onto the trail.

You'll travel independently using detailed route information and GPS navigation through our travel app. Several hiking days offer alternative routes, allowing you to choose between more direct paths and longer mountain crossings.

This is a genuine hut-to-hut hiking experience. You'll encounter rocky trails, sustained climbs and descents, and occasional exposed sections. Accommodation is a mix of mountain refuge dormitories and rooms, and you'll carry your belongings unless you arrange optional luggage transportation.

For experienced hikers who want to spend a week immersed in the Dolomites rather than returning to town each evening, this route offers a rewarding journey through the mountains.

Trip Highlights

• Begin and finish at Lago di Braies, surrounded by the steep limestone peaks of the northern Dolomites.
• Cross the Fanes Plateau, walking through broad alpine pastures, mountain passes and traditional refuge country.
• Hike beneath Cinque Torri, five enormous rock towers rising above the surrounding landscape.
• Experience Tre Cime di Lavaredo, including views of the three peaks' towering northern faces.
• Stay in mountain refuges, sharing evenings and meals with fellow hikers surrounded by the Dolomites.
• Choose between alternative hiking routes, with options for different distances, elevation gains and terrain.
• Travel independently, following detailed route notes and GPS navigation without a guided group's schedule.

Is This Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Trek Right for You?

This trip is designed for hikers who want to experience the Dolomites as a continuous mountain journey.

You'll spend six days hiking between accommodations, with most days involving approximately 3–7 hours on the trail. Expect sustained climbs, long descents, rocky mountain paths and elevations reaching approximately 8,430 feet.

Some days involve more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Previous experience with multi-day hiking and good physical fitness are strongly recommended.

The standard itinerary avoids via ferrata routes, but certain trail variations include short exposed sections. You should be comfortable navigating mountain terrain independently.

Accommodation is primarily in traditional mountain refuges, where rooms and dormitories may be shared with other hikers. This is part of the hut-to-hut experience rather than a hotel-based vacation.

You'll carry your own belongings between accommodations unless optional luggage transportation is arranged. We recommend packing carefully and keeping your pack as light as possible.

This trip is particularly well suited to couples, friends and small groups who enjoy independent hiking and want the flexibility to choose their own pace.

A good fit if you want: a self-guided Dolomites circuit, mountain refuge stays, substantial hiking days, flexible route options and the experience of traveling through the mountains on foot.