7-day hut to hut, van supported hike in the Dolomites
7-day hut to hut, van supported hike in the Dolomites
THE DOLOMITES TREK
On Day 1, we’ll gather in dazzling Venice before whisking off to the heart of the Dolomites. Our home base will be a charming cozy 4-star gem — in the alpine village of San Candido also called Innichen in German. We’ll arrive with plenty of time to stretch our legs, wander the storybook streets, and maybe toast the adventure ahead with a perfectly chilled Aperol Spritz before dinner.
Our Dolomites Trek kicks off at the trailhead above the sparkling Lago di Braies in the Puster Valley, the starting point of the legendary 86-mile Alta Via 1. From there, we’ll hike through the dramatic Belluneser Dolomites and onward into the stunning Ampezzaner range, all leading up to our final iconic climb to Tre Cime / Drei Zinnen. This striking trio of peaks — once the site of intense WWI battles — still hides remnants of history among the rocks. After soaking in the views we’ll head back to San Candido for a well-earned final night in the mountains.
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Day 1
After breakfast we begin with a gentle warm-up stroll along the shimmering shores of Lago di Braies. Then it’s time to start climbing toward Sora al Forn–Scharte, where the trail opens up onto the wide, breathtaking Sennes plateau. A short downhill brings us to the welcoming Seekofel Hut, and from there we wander on to the delightfully cozy Sennes Hut for a well-deserved lunch.
Refueled and recharged, we tackle a steep descent down to Pederü — a bit of a leg burner, but worth every step. From Pederü, our trusty 4x4 taxi sweeps us away to the beautiful, peaceful Fanes Hut, where relaxation awaits and mountain vibes are at their best.
Day 2
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Today’s adventure takes us on a full-day trek to the mighty Heiligkreuzkofel (2,907 m / 9,537 ft). This peak serves up a wonderfully varied, scenic, and satisfyingly challenging hike across the sweeping Fanes Plateau. The trail can get a bit narrow here and there, but it’s well-marked and worry-free — no dizzying drop-offs, just pure alpine delight.
From the summit, the world opens up in a jaw-dropping panorama. The western slope plunges dramatically, and the iconic Marmolada stands proud in the distance, rising from the plateau like a showpiece set on a platter of pure mountain magic. The final push to the top is steep and sprinkled with loose rock, adding just the right dose of excitement. We’ll descend the same way we came, savoring the views all over again, but this time traveling in the opposite direction, before settling in for another cozy night at the Fanes Hut.
Day 3
Day 4
Today we set out from the Fanes Hut for a rewarding hike to Col Bechei Dessora—a route filled with dramatic peaks, quiet alpine lakes, and the chance to spot local wildlife. Generally rated moderate to challenging, this trail offers a wonderfully immersive mountain experience, and because it’s lesser-known, we’ll likely have much of the landscape to ourselves.
From Rifugio Fanes, we make our way up to Passo Limo—also known as Limo Joch in German and Ju de Limo in Ladin, one of South Tyrol’s official languages. This scenic pass links the Fanes Piccolo and Fanes Grande valleys and sits within the expansive Fanes-Sennes-Braies National Park.
A short distance beyond the pass, the trail leads us along the tranquil shores of Lago di Limo, a small but striking alpine lake. From here, we continue toward Col Bechei Dessora, where we can explore the atmospheric remnants of a WWI encampment. As we approach the summit, the path becomes steeper and more technical, but the effort is well rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
Because this is an out-and-back route, we return along the same trail—giving us another chance to enjoy the stunning scenery from a fresh perspective.
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The day begins with a climb to the Limojoch, where the landscape opens wide across the beautiful Fanes Plateau. As we venture toward Passo di Lago, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, and before long we can see Lago Lagazuoi shimmering far below. After a steep but rewarding descent, we reach the lakeshore—an idyllic spot for a lunch break.
After lunch our journey continues upward over Forcella Lagazuoi, a route that leads us through an area rich in World War I history. The mountains here are dotted with old encampments, bunkers, barbed wire, trenches, and rusted everyday objects that once served soldiers stationed high in these rugged peaks. Eventually we reach the summit of Little Lagazuoi, where sweeping views stretch in every direction.
After taking time to admire the panorama we begin our descent through the dramatic tunnels carved by Italian troops during WWI. The passage is steep, dark, and lined with countless steps, offering a vivid sense of the hardship endured by those who built it. Helmets and headlamps make the journey safe, and for those who prefer not to venture underground, a cable car provides an easy descent to Passo Falzarego.
After the descent through the tunnel a shuttle brings us to our lodging in the charming village of San Candido. We can wander its streets, relax with an Aperol Spritz at a village cafe and soak up the distinctive atmosphere of Tyrolean culture—an enjoyable and relaxing end to a full and memorable day.
Day 5
Day 6
After waking up in the charming village of San Candido a short stroll brings us to the cable car that whisks us up to the Haunold Hut. From there, we hike toward Haunold Kopf, soaking in the alpine air before descending into the stunning Innerfeldtal Valley and making our way to the Dreischusterhütte. If the weather plays along, this is the moment we’ll catch our very first glimpse of the legendary Tre Cime—always a thrill!
The trail to the Dreischusterhütte is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the entire San Candido/Innichen area, and it’s easy to see why. The towering Sexten Dolomites rise dramatically above the valley, creating a backdrop straight out of a postcard. This whole area lies within the Drei Zinnen Nature Park, so expect peaceful forests, sweeping meadows, and that quiet magic only untouched alpine landscapes can deliver.
Our destination, the Dreischusterhütte mountain hut, offers a warm welcome at the end of a hike that’s pleasantly easy, with no tricky sections—just pure enjoyment and big mountain beauty.
Our final ascent carries us through the picture-perfect Innerfeldtal Valley, winding steadily upward to the Drei Zinnen Hütte. From here, we’re treated to a jaw-dropping panorama of the immense north faces of the legendary Drei Zinnen (aka Tre Cime). Words hardly do justice to the views leading up to the hut—“spectacular” barely scratches the surface.
After savoring a well-earned lunch with a backdrop straight from a dream, we continue for about an hour to the Auronzo Hut. The stretch of trail from Auronzo to our shuttle point is, without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful I’ve ever walked—every turn feels like stepping into a postcard come to life.
San Candido welcomes us back for our final night. With time to wander the charming old village, sip a drink in the piazza, and soak in the alpine glow before dinner, it’s the perfect ending to our unforgettable journey through the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.
Day 7
We arrive in San Candido by late afternoon—an ideal moment to catch an evening train should your journey continue beyond the Dolomites. Alternatively, linger a little longer: spend the night in San Candido, enjoy a leisurely morning, and savor breakfast before exploring the village or departing at your own pace. For those wishing to return to Venice, TerraTreks can arrange shuttle transportation upon request, and the town’s conveniently situated train station makes onward travel effortless.
From San Candido, a range of enriching excursions awaits. A train ride to Bolzano offers the chance to visit the renowned Iceman, Ötzi, while a day trip to Lago di Carezza reveals an alpine jewel whose vivid colors are steeped in local legend. You may also venture into the Rosengarten region for further mountain beauty or relax in the tranquil surroundings of the Cyprianerhof Dolomit Resort, our highly recommended refuge in the Rosengarten. Regular train connections to Innsbruck and Venice place the wider region within easy reach.
Though it seems impossible that seven days could pass so swiftly, such is the nature of a truly memorable journey—one that leaves you already dreaming of the next.