They’re amazing, confusing, inviting, hard to get to and lack information all at the same time. I went through a lot of hassle to have a wicked Dolomites experience and I created this guide so you know exactly what to do!
I have a series of guides available HERE on Italy and various huts so make sure the check them out!
Quick SUmary
If you don’t want to sift through blog crap I totally get you. Here are the main points to know!
- Book in advance through email or whatsapp.
- Bring cash.
- Save weight on carrying a sleeping bag and just bring a liner.
- Be prepared to pay for water.
- Most don’t have showers.
- You’re going to have the sickest time ever!
Where are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are a mountainous region spanning 16,000 square kilometres (6,000 square miles) in Northern Italy on the border of Austria.
They are made up of 15 different massifs (groups of mountains), some reaching 3,300 metres in height!
What are the Dolomites Huts?
The huts are quite simply a place to stay in a mountainous region when hiking in the Dolomites.
There are over 1,000 huts and pretty much all offer a bed, dinner, breakfast and drinks if you want them. Most are shared dorm-style rooms however some also have private rooms.
HOW DOLOMITES HUTS WORK!
MAKE SURE YOU BOOK! Don’t be that person rocking up looking for a bed. It doesn’t work that way.
You book in advance and will most likely hear very little from the hut (this is normal). Your booking covers your bed, 3-course dinner and breakfast. This is called HALF BOARD.
You hike to your hut throughout the day and arrive in the afternoon to be shown your bed and asked for your dinner preference. Some have showers however most don’t.
COSTS
ALL THE HUTS WORK ON CASH!!! Make sure you bring some.
As of 2024, the going rate is 55-60 Euros. Some you can pay up to 65 Euros and for a private room it might be 5-20 euros extra depending on where you are.
Dinner and breakfast will be included in the price however drinks, showers and sometimes water will be extra. Keep in mind these places are in the middle of nowhere so it’s hard for them to get even water in.
How do I book in?
I mentioned it earlier but BOOK IN ADVANCE!
All huts will have some sort of a web presence, however online booking (the way most English speaking people know of) doesn’t exist.
You will need to email, message or call the venue to secure your spot however this is very easily done through whatsapp.
Food in the Dolomites
All bookings are served with a 3-course dinner and breakfast. Being so close to the Austrian border they are very heavily German-inspired with lots of sews and goulash. The first course will be bread or soup, the second pasta and the third some sort of a stew.
It is hearty mountain food, designed to replenish you from the day and keep you going. Eat up!
Is getting to the dolomites Huts Dangerous?
Most of the huts are very simple to get to. There are some very out there huts like the 2nd highest hut in Italy and if you decide to take a via Ferrata things get decisively more dangerous. However, be prepared to hike up and down inclines to get to your destination.
What Language is spoken in the Dolomites Huts?
The language varies depending on region, some parts of northern Italy used to be Austria before WW1 so even though you’re in Italy, they most likely speak German as well. You can generally tell by what language the menus are ranked in; Italian, German, English or German, or Italian, English.
Pretty much all huts will speak english, or enough to get buy. If you’re reading this, you’ll be fine.
What do I bring?
Here’s the generic kit list for the Dolomites:
Sleeping Bag Liner – The huts still provide blankets, but they don’t get washed so bring a liner.
Sleeping Bag – Not neccesary int he huts but if you don’t have a liner bring one.
Hiking Shoes – Most will do fine. I use Merrell’s.
Softshell pants – I use Arcteryx.
Base layers – Top and bottom. Only ever use Merino wool. It keeps you warm without overheating.
Sweat wicking top or fleece – It can get quite cold at the top.
Puffer jacket – Lightweight with a stuff sack. Most will be fine. No need to spend loads. This is a safety precaution.
Hard Shell Jacket – I use Arcteryx Beta.
Top RecomMendations
Now Full disclosure, I’ve only stayed in three and one of them I wouldn’t recommend. So here are the two I would!
Rifugio Capanna Piz Fassa
I have a whole post on this so feel free to check it out HERE.
Perched on top of Piz Boe, Rifugio Capanna Piz Fassa is Italy’s second-highest hut. It’s an easy walk to get to and offers one of the best sunrises in the Dolomites!!
Rifugio Re Alberto
Again, whole seperate post on it right HERE.
Positioned in a dramatic valley in the higher reaches of the Rosengarten area is Rifugio Re Alberto. A Fascinating outlook that resembles mars rather than Italy.
