Hiking through the Lienz Dolomites is a magical way to experience Austria’s rugged beauty, with its dramatic peaks, tranquil alpine huts, and breath taking views.
In this article, I share details of our three day hut to hut hike, including where to start and where to stay, how to manage logistics, and what to expect along the trail. I also provide a Komoot route link and map so that you can easily plan your own adventure.
The Lienz Dolomites
The Lienz Dolomites, located in southern Austria near the Italian border, are a stunning mountain range known for their sharp limestone peaks, lush meadows, and picturesque alpine scenery. This area has a network of well-marked trails that cater to varying levels of experience. The region’s mountain huts are renowned for their warm hospitality, delicious Austrian cuisine, and cosy accommodations, making it an ideal choice for Austria hut hikes with kids.
The Lienz Dolomites are also home to unique flora and fauna – watch for edelweiss and marmots along the trails! The region’s accessibility from the charming town of Lienz makes it an excellent base for exploring these remarkable mountains.
Logistics: Planning your Lienz Dolomites hut to hut hike
Starting in Lienz
Our adventure began in Lienz, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Alps. Lienz is a lively town with plenty to offer families: I have a full blog post about Lienz here!
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We stayed at the Dolomitenhotel in Lienz. This was fine, and the staff were lovely and helpful, but it was quite expensive and a little noisy with the traffic. There is a nice variety of hotels and apartments in Lienz, so I’d probably stay somewhere else next time.
This hike was actually a side quest which we took whilst taking a break from cycling the Drau Cycle Path from Toblach in Italy to Villach in Austria. For more information on that adventure, read my blog post here. The two adventures can be easily combined!
Getting from Lienz to the start point
From Lienz, we took the convenient “Wanderbus” to the Dolomitenhütte, where we started our hike (we did not stay here). This shared hiking taxi service runs to the Dolomitenhütte a couple of mornings a week in the summer months and provides a stress-free way to reach the trailhead. If the Wanderbus schedule doesn’t align with your plans, taxis are easily arranged.
Accommodation
To book the two mountain huts, you need to contact each hut directly. Both have a contact or booking form on their website, and you’ll need to complete this, submit it, and wait for a reply. Your booking is not confirmed until you’ve received confirmation. As with all mountain huts, the earlier you book, the more chance you have of finding beds. Most huts open bookings in January for the upcoming summer season, some even earlier, so bear this in mind!
In terms of room choice, I much prefer the “Mehrbett-Zimmer” option, which means a smaller 4, 6 or 8 bed room (this depends on the hut) – you’re very likely to get a private room if you’re a family of 4+. These do fill up most quickly though. The dorm (“Matrazenlager”), which fills up less fast, often has dozens of beds in one room, and can be very noisy with snoring (read my post here about an unrestful night spent with adult friends in a mountain hut dorm elsewhere in Austria!)
A quick note: we didn’t stay at the Dolomitenhütte, where our hike began. While it’s a beautiful hut with stunning views, it has recently undergone a stylish renovation and is now quite pricey. That said, if you’re looking for a splurge, it does offer a couple of incredible rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that showcase the breath taking mountain scenery—an unforgettable experience if it fits your budget!
Karlsbaderhütte- Kerschbaumeralm
Daily distances on this 3 day / 2 night Austria hut hike with kids
The distances on this hike were relatively short – no more than 5 km per day – but don’t be deceived by the numbers! The terrain was fairly challenging, with a 700 metre elevation gain on the first day, an exhilarating climb over a mountain pass on the second, and a long downhill stretch on the third.
Despite the effort involved, and carrying their own backpacks, our kids, aged 9 and 11, handled it with ease. Each day, we arrived at our night’s accommodation with plenty of time to relax, savour the scenery, and unwind – perfect for avoiding over-tiredness. I recommend packing some lightweight games or a Kindle to make the most of this downtime!
Komoot Route
Day 1: Dolomitenhütte to Karlsbaderhütte
Our hike began at the Dolomitenhütte at 1,620 metres, where we set off on a well-marked trail. The path climbed steadily, with the elevation gain challenging but manageable for our party of six – me, my husband, our kids aged 9 and 11, and my fit parents in their mid-70s. As we ascended, the views expanded dramatically, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
We reached the Karlsbaderhütte at 2,260 metres in time for a late lunch, where we were greeted by a lively atmosphere of hikers and climbers. After a hearty meal, we spent the afternoon exploring the area around the hut, especially admiring the Laserzsee; the lake next to which the hut sits, and playing Yahtzee—a family favourite—before settling in for the night. The hut was busy and a little noisy, but the comfort of having our own private room made it a great start to the adventure.
Day 2: Karlsbaderhütte to Kerschbaumeralm
The second day was the most thrilling, taking us up and over the Kerschbaumer Törl (2,285 metres). From a distance, the path appeared daunting, as though we’d be scaling a sheer cliff. However, the reality was less intimidating, with the trail zigzagging steeply but safely to the pass. It was an exhilarating challenge, and a little exposed, so take that into account when planning. Reaching the top felt incredibly satisfying.
Descending to the Kerschbaumeralm, at 1902 metres, we were struck by its peaceful charm. This small, quiet hut offered a personal touch, with fewer guests and friendly service. The kids were thrilled to discover a zip wire, which provided hours of entertainment in the afternoon. They even made new friends with a Dutch family – although it turned out the kids had identical walking shoes which got accidentally mixed up! After a delicious dinner, we enjoyed a tranquil evening in the cosy hut.
Day 3: Kerschbaumeralm to Klammbrückl Car Park
Our final day began with a gentle descent towards the Klammbrückl car park. Despite the rain, spirits were high, and the route was straightforward, with lush forests and mountain streams accompanying us along the way.
From the Klammbrückl car park, at 1,092 metres, there are several options for returning to Lienz:
- Hike to Lienz: Walk all the way to Lienz – a longer trek (8 km from Klammbrückl to Lienz) with significant downhill sections, which can be tough on the knees.
- Taxi from Klammbrückl: With phone signal available at the car park, you can easily call a taxi.
- Walk to the Dolomitenhütte: If you’re feeling strong, hike from Klammbrückl to the Dolomitenhütte (a scenic route of 3.3km, but with 550 m of ascent) and catch the Wanderbus (if schedules align) or a taxi from there.
Is hiking in the Lienz Dolomites family-friendly?
Yes! This route combines adventure, natural beauty, and manageable challenges. Highlights for families include:
- Well-Marked Trails: Easy to navigate, even for first-time hikers.
- Comfortable Huts: Private room options and hearty meals make for enjoyable stays.
- Varied Terrain: A mix of exciting but manageable climbs and rewarding views.
Our Lienz Dolomites hike was a brilliant family experience. Whether you’re experienced hikers or new to hut-to-hut adventures, this region has something to offer everyone. Pack your boots, embrace the journey, and enjoy the magic of the mountains. If you’re looking at Austria hut hikes with kids, this route offers the perfect balance of adventure and family fun. If you have questions, feel free to get in touch! Happy hiking!
Check out my reel of this hike on Instagram here.
Tips for the Trip
- Pack Light: Hut to hut hiking means you only need essentials – the less you’re carrying, the happier you’ll be (especially true for kids)! Our kids carry their own backpacks, but for very little ones you might want to carry their gear. It’s good to get them used to the concept of carrying a bag though early on, even if it’s very light.
- Book Ahead: Reserve your spots in the mountain huts well in advance. (Most refuges for the summer season open bookings in January).
- Check the Weather: Summer is the best time for this hike, but conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
Further Reading
If you’ve not experienced a stay at a mountain hut (Hütte in German), read A beginner’s guide to mountain huts: Essential tips for first-timers, use my Komoot route to plan your journey, and if you’re new to Komoot, have a read of my Komoot for beginners article.
If you want to know how to combine this Austria hut hike with kids with other adventures, check out the following posts:
