For a Dolomites hiking adventure with kids that combines breath taking mountain scenery with accessible hiking, a hut to hut journey through the Rosengarten in Northern Italy’s Dolomites could be just the ticket. Our family, including our two kids (ages 10 and 12), recently took on this incredible trek, and it was a wonderful mix of adventure, nature, and family time.

With well-marked trails and cosy alpine huts, this hike is manageable for kids and offers an unforgettable experience for all.

3 night Dolomites hut hiking with kids: Through the Rosengarten | Komoot Collection

A quick note about South Tyrol

South Tyrol (Südtirol in German and Alto Adige in Italian) is a fascinating region in northern Italy that adds a unique cultural layer to any Dolomites hut hiking adventure with kids. Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, South Tyrol was annexed by Italy after World War I in 1919. This blend of history has left the region with a bilingual heritage (trilingual in some areas with Ladin speakers), where most places have both German and Italian names – such as Bolzano (Bozen) or Rifugio Vajolet (Vajolet Hütte).

This cultural mix is part of what makes South Tyrol such a unique destination for Dolomites hut hiking with kids. The dual-language signage and traditions showcase the harmonious blend of German and Italian influences, enriching the experience of exploring the stunning mountain scenery.

I have tried to use both the German and Italian names for locations, but in general I use the one that the people there prefer to use (which usually depends on whether a location is majority German or Italian speaking, or whether a hut is owned and run by Italian or German speakers!).

How to get to the Rosengarten: Start your journey in Bolzano

We arrived in Bolzano by bike, having cycled the Adige Cycle Path from the border with Austria. It’s easy to get here by train too from cities like Innsbruck and Milan. Read more about train travel here.

For the best things to do in Bolzano with kids, read my blog post here!

Our journey began in the charming mountain village of St Zyprian (San Cipriano) which is 40 minute direct bus ride from Bolzano. Check the timetable for bus 185 here. Using public transport was easy, affordable, and added to the sense of adventure from the start. There’s also a car park here if you’re in your own vehicle.

The adventure begins with a ride on the Cabrio cable car – which features a “roof terrace” from which you can experience open-air mountain views! Arriving at the Frommeralm, you can then take the König Laurin cable car to the underground mountain station at the Rifugio Fronza alle Coronelle (Kölner Hütte) where our high-alpine journey through the Rosengarten officially began.

You can buy a lift ticket at the valley station in St Zyprian; at the time of writing both lifts were covered by a “One way Rosengarten” ticket. As two adults and two under 16s, we were able to avail of a good value family ticket.  This starting point allowed us to skip a steep initial ascent, conserving energy for the rest of our trek and giving us more time to enjoy the scenery.

Dolomites hiking day one: Panoramic views, cable cars, and Rifugio Roda di Vael

After taking in the panoramic views, we hit the trail towards our first overnight stop. The hike was scenic but very manageable, and the kids were thrilled by the towering peaks and the sweeping views.

The path was fun, taking us round rock formations, past the Paolina Hütte (where we stopped for an obligatory Kaiserschmarrn), past a giant eagle statue and finally to our hut for the night, the Rifugio Roda di Vael (Rotwand Hütte), where we enjoyed a hearty Italian dinner, sharing a table with a Dutch family with similar aged kids.

At sunset, we admired the Dolomites’ unique rock formations bathed in warm pink hues, and then cosied up in the four bed family room which we’d booked months earlier. A better option for families than the hut’s dormitory rooms, which although friendly, can be a little noisy! Read our beginners’ guide to mountain huts here for more information!

  • Two children and their dad hiking along a rocky trail in the Dolomites, each carrying backpacks, under dramatic grey clouds. The trail is surrounded by wildflowers and leads through alpine terrain with mountain peaks in the distance.
  • A child in a red shirt studying a detailed topographic map of the Dolomites while planning a hiking route. The map is spread out on a wooden table, showing mountainous terrain with trails and elevation lines.
  • A rustic alpine hut in the Dolomites surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and lush greenery. Hikers are seated outside the hut, enjoying the view under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Craggy rock formations and green slopes in the Dolomites under a cloudy sky. In the distance, mountain peaks are bathed in soft pink light, creating a dramatic and serene alpine scene.

Dolomites hiking day two: Exploring scenic trails and meeting marmots

The next morning, we set off for our next leg of the journey that added a bit of challenge while remaining manageable for our family. The hike included some moderate elevation changes, but the well-marked paths and incredible views made it feel like a scenic playground for the kids. There were plenty of rest stops along the way, including spots for snacks and lots of photo opportunities.

By the afternoon, after a final strenuous ascent, we reached our next hut, the Rifugio Vajolet (Vajolet Hütte), which had a dramatic setting amid the Rosengarten peaks.

We took time to explore the area around the hut, spending some time watching a marmot family playing at dusk, and enjoying the peaceful alpine landscape. We also enjoyed the chance to connect with fellow hikers from around the world. A hearty dinner and a good night’s sleep had us ready to continue our adventure.

  • Hikers walk along a rocky trail surrounded by lush green hills and towering mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Alpine scenery with sharp peaks and grassy meadows fills the landscape, creating a breath taking view.
  • A child stands on a hiking trail, wearing a backpack and colorful shorts. They face a scenic view of green, forested mountains under a blue sky with fluffy clouds. A rocky cliff and trees frame the left and right sides of the path.
  • A boy wearing sunglasses and a jacket is sitting at an outdoor table with a plate of food. They are in a mountainous area with green hills and a clear blue sky in the background. Red flowers decorate the railing beside the table.
  • A cozy wooden cabin room with bunk beds. A window reveals a view of distant mountains under a blue sky. The room has a small wooden nightstand, bags, and clothes on the floor, with a warm, rustic ambiance.

Dolomites hiking day three: Dramatic high passes and a magical mountain rifugio (hut)

Day three was one of the most memorable parts of the hike as we trekked to our third nights’ accommodation. This section of the trail was the most dramatic, as we climbed over the Grasleitenpass, where the scenery made us feel as if we were on the moon. As we descended the path offered short sections secured by hand rail cables that required a little more focus but added to the excitement for our kids.

The route was well within our skill level, though (and for transparency, my husband does not like exposed paths; but he was fine with this!), and we felt a wonderful sense of accomplishment as we approached the Grasleitenhütte (Rifugio Bergamo) in the late afternoon.

This hut was a highlight of the trip, both for its welcoming traditional atmosphere – the hut is cheerfully owned and run by multiple generations of the same family – and its history, as well as its setting in a quieter, more secluded area of the Rosengarten, perched overlooking a deep gorge, giving it a peaceful, almost magical feel. The hammocks in the garden were the cherry on top!

  • A group of hikers traverses a rocky mountain landscape with towering cliffs and misty clouds above. The path leads through a valley surrounded by steep, rugged peaks. The sky is overcast, adding a dramatic feel to the scene.
  • Three hikers traverse a narrow, rocky mountain path with safety cables, surrounded by steep cliffs and lush greenery. A small building is visible in the distance. The sky is cloudy, adding drama to the alpine landscape.
  • People enjoy dining at an outdoor restaurant set in a mountainous landscape during sunset. Sunlight bathes the area, casting golden hues on the rocky terrain and the seated guests. The sky is partly cloudy with mountains silhouetted in the background.
  • A cozy wooden room in a mountain hut, featuring four simple single beds with checkered beige bedding. Red and white checkered curtains frame a small window, letting in natural light. This is the sort of private room families can book on a hut to hut hike with kids.

Final descent: From alpine peaks to lush valleys

On our final morning, we began our descent back to the valley and the road and bus stop. The hike down was a wonderful walk, showcasing a beautiful transition in vegetation as we descended in altitude. Each step revealed new layers of flora, from alpine wildflowers to lush forest greenery, giving us a final glimpse of the Dolomites’ diverse landscapes.

As we descended to the valley, we visited the Nature Park House, a surprisingly good little free museum with information about native plants and wildlife, and a huge water powered sawmill, which we got to see in action. We ate a slap up lunch at a wonderful restaurant right next door. Then, we hopped on a public bus back to Bolzano, savouring the memories and feeling proud of our family’s accomplishment.

  • A hiker, carrying a child in a backpack, walks on a narrow mountain trail with steep cliffs and lush green valleys. The scene features a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, highlighting the rugged landscape.
  • Two children on a family hut to hut hike sitting on a grassy slope in a forest, wearing casual summer clothes and caps. They are looking up at the trees, surrounded by lush greenery and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
  • A clear mountain stream flows over rocks through a forested valley. Tall evergreen trees line the banks, and steep cliffs rise in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The scene is bright and serene.
  • Three hikers, including two children and one adult, walk along a gravel path bordered by wildflowers, heading towards a dramatic mountain range under a sunny sky. The adult carries a large backpack, while the children wear colorful outfits with smaller backpacks. In the distance, lush green fields and jagged Dolomite peaks rise against fluffy white clouds.

Tips for families: Make the most of Dolomites hiking with kids

The Rosengarten hut to hut hike was an ideal family trip, offering a balanced mix of challenge, natural beauty, and comfort. Each hut served meals suitable for all ages, and the well-maintained trails made the journey manageable even for children. Our kids loved the experience of hiking from one hut to the next, played with other children and hung out in hammocks at the huts, and just generally enjoyed being immersed in nature.

Find your complete packing list for hut hiking here

Why the Rosengarten is perfect for families new to hut hiking

Is this Dolomites hut to hut route right for your family? Absolutely! With accessible trails, cosy huts, and unforgettable scenery, the Rosengarten is a fantastic destination for families. If you’ve not experienced a stay at a mountain hut (rifugio in Italian, or 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.

Why not combine this adventure with 3 days cycling the Adige Cycle path and a few nights in Bolzano? You could even take the train south from Bolzano to the Italian Lakes and Venice, like we did!

Bea Searle is the creator of Wild Bee Outdoors. Having lived in Austria as a kid, she fell in love with the mountains early on. Passionate about sustainable train travel and outdoor adventures with her family, Bea shares local insights, detailed routes, and plenty of tips for hut to hut hiking and multi-day cycling trips in the European Alps and beyond; along with ideas for worthwhile detours to make every journey unforgettable. Her goal? To inspire you to embrace the mountains, dodge the tourist traps, and explore with confidence.

You might also like these posts: