Three-day hut-to-hut trekking in the Dolomites
Hut-to-hut trekking in the Dolomites is a truly unforgettable experience. Last year, I set out on a three-day hut-to-hut trek across the Dolomites' spectacular Puez Odle nature park. The park is home to a network of mountain huts that offer hikers a comfortable place to stay and rest while exploring the stunning landscapes of the Dolomites.
The Dolomites offered some of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever captured, and today, I want to share my journey and some useful tips for those planning a similar trek.
Day 1: Hello, Dolomites!
I started my journey to the Dolomites from Venice. I took a train from Venice to Waidbruck Lajen and a bus to Ortisei, a small town in South Tyrol. My first hut where I would start my trek was a cable car ride and a short hike away from Ortisei.
Once I arrived in Ortisei, I bought a one-way cable car ticket to Resciesa. You can also hike this route up, but after 5 hours of travelling from Venice, I was rather knackered. So, I took a short hike for about 25 minutes and arrived at the Resciesa hut. Stepping off the cable car, the Dolomites immediately greeted me with beautiful views. Despite being rather cloudy, the light changed into shades of blue as the evening approached.
Day 2: To the Firenze Hut
After a serene night at the Resciesa hut, I got up early to catch the sunrise in the Dolomites. It was such a dream come true.
After a quick coffee and a brekkie at the hut, I headed to the next checkpoint: the Firenze hut. However, this was no easy hike.
The path I chose, which promised a balanced hike, turned out to be a bit of a beast with its fair share of ups and downs - it turns out Google Maps isn't the most reliable hiking partner. The trek took 9 hours, including a lunch and rain break.
Despite the obstacles, every corner of the trail offered a new, beautiful scene waiting to be captured. I arrived at Firenze Hut just before sunset and enjoyed the views of the magnificent Geisler peaks.
Day 3: The Climb to Puez
Described by some as easy, the trek from Firenze to Puez was anything but that for me. It involved two hours of continuous climbing, some parts so steep that chains were needed to navigate the rocky terrain, especially at Forcella de Ciampac, a sheer wall of rocks and loose stones with no hiking trail.
After two hours of scrambling upwards, praying that the weather stays sunny and dry—otherwise, all those stones will wipe you off the face of Earth— I realized the only way to continue on the trail is to climb around 8-9 massive rocks on top of each other and hope that those chains will keep me alive.
It was the most challenging hike I’ve ever done, But the pain was worth the gain. The final hour meandered through a peaceful valley leading to Puez Hutte, making it worth all the blood, sweat, and tears.
The Puez Hut can only be reached on foot. Nestled at 2,475 meters, I wrapped up my trek in this cosy spot.
Choosing the half-board option here was a win - the three-course dinner and breakfast were top-notch and great value at €74 (cheaper with an Alpine club card).
This is a heads—up that there is no Wi-Fi or phone signal here, so prepare to unplug and soak in the peace.
Day 4: The finale, down to Corvara
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast at Puez Hutte, it was time to go down. I didn’t really have a plan after this hut, and to be fair, I kept my itinerary quite flexible as you never know how the weather pans out.
The nearest village was Corvara in Badia, which is located at 1,568 m above sea level. I booked a spa hotel there and started hiking to the village. It was a glorious day; the sun was shining, and I had numerous coffee stops to enjoy all the views I could.
I arrived in the village by lunchtime and spent the rest of the day enjoying beautiful mountain views and relaxing in a spa. It was a great way to end my little adventure.
Tips for trekking in the Dolomites
Be prepared for the weather - even in the summer, evenings can get chilly, so pack a fleece!
Trekking poles and a hat are essential, as most trails are open and exposed.
Budget-wise - each hut stay might cost around €80, and cash is a king up there.
Where I Stayed:
Night 1: Resciesa Hut - rifugioresciesa.com
Night 2: Firenze Hut - rifugiofirenze.com
Night 3: Puez Hutte - rifugiopuez.it
Night 4: Hotel Garni Gran Fanes - hotelgranfanes.com
This hut-to-hut trek through the Dolomites was not just a physical challenge but a journey through some of nature's most stunning scenery. Each step brought new sights, challenges, and moments to cherish.
I hope you enjoyed my Dolomites shots. If you have any questions about this trek, leave me a comment below.