2.5 days hut to hut hiking with kids around the Drei Zinnen (Tre Cime di Lavaredo)

When it comes to introducing young children to the joys of hut to hut hiking, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen in German) Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage area ticks all the right boxes.

With manageable distances, minimal elevation gain, and a string of welcoming mountain huts (or rifugi), this three day hut to hut hiking with kids itinerary is the perfect first hut to hut adventure for families with children.

My kids (9 and 11) loved every minute of it (almost – I mean we can’t ask for miracles), from the jaw-dropping scenery to the cosy mountain huts with their hearty food and friendly atmosphere. I would recommend this hike for smaller children too – it’s really very do-able; the first day is super short and you can take your time over the second and third days.

Our Komoot Route

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 Toblach (Dobbiaco) or Rifugio Lavaredo (Lavaredo 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!).

Staying in Toblach (Dobbiaco)

Our family set off from Toblach (Dobbiaco in Italian), a lovely alpine village in Italy’s South Tyrol, where we’d based ourselves for the start of the Drau Cycle Path, which would be our next adventure. In Toblach we stayed in the wonderful youth hostel (the private dorms are perfect for families) which is housed in an incredibly grand building near the train station. It turns out it used to be a grand hotel where the European aristocracy and moneyed nobility chose to have their summer rendezvous, opened in 1878.

We were able to store our excess luggage securely at the youth hostel, so we could travel as lightweight as possible during this hike!

A large, grand building with a red roof set against a backdrop of lush green forest and jagged mountain peaks under a cloudy sky. A large tree frames the top of the image.

As an aside – we got to Toblach on an easy local train from Innsbruck in Austria, having arrived in Innsbruck on the overnight train from Amsterdam (via the Eurostar from London). This was a great way to start our adventure – read more here.

Public Transport to Auronzohütte

You don’t need a car at all for this trip! Your adventure begins with a scenic bus ride from Toblach (Dobbiaco) to the Auronzohütte. Right outside the train station in Toblach, you’ll find the small bus station. There are a number of useful publicly run shuttle buses from Toblach in the summer season.

Take the 444 to the Auronzohütte (Rifugio Auronzo); it departs regularly throughout the day and takes 45 – 60 minutes.

This convenient starting point spares you a long uphill slog, making it ideal for families with little legs. The bus journey itself is exciting, winding its way up to the hut with stunning views of the Tre Cime (Drei Zinnen) peaks looming ever closer. For those prone to car sickness, take travel sick medication in advance.

Day 1: Auronzohütte to Lavaredo Hütte

From the Auronzohütte (Rifugio Auronzo) at 2,333 metres, it’s just a gentle 30-minute flat walk to the Lavaredo Hütte (Rifugio Lavaredo) at 2,344 metres. The path is wide and easy, perfect for kids to stretch their legs and take in the mountain air.

Be warned: the path may be busy! The easy accessibility of this area of the Dolomites does mean that the area close to the bus stop and car park are heavily trafficked by day trippers! Don’t worry. They all depart in the evening, leaving you and your fellow hut mates to the stunning views.

The Lavaredo Hütte is a delightful spot to spend the night, with snug bunk rooms and hearty food. We explored the area around the hut, marvelled at the views and played some games before a great three course dinner (offered as part of the half board stay). We then headed to our own private 4 bed dorm for a good nights’ sleep.

  • A mountain lodge perched on a grassy ridge surrounded by rugged cliffs, with distant peaks rising under a dramatic sky filled with thick, white clouds. The scene highlights the serene beauty and isolation of the alpine environment.
  • Two hikers walk along a rocky trail surrounded by grassy patches and scattered stones, leading toward towering jagged rock formations under a bright blue sky. The hikers wear backpacks, with one appearing to be an adult and the other a child, emphasizing a shared outdoor adventure in a dramatic alpine landscape.
  • A close-up view of a mountain hut with a wooden facade and red shutters, situated on a rocky pathway. People are gathered outside, with a dramatic backdrop of towering, craggy peaks partially obscured by misty clouds.
  • A stunning view of jagged mountain peaks bathed in warm, golden light against a clear blue sky. The foreground features patches of green grass and scattered rocks, adding to the rugged charm of the alpine scenery.

Day 2 morning: Lavaredo Hütte to Büllelejochhütte

Start your day with a good breakfast and then set out for the rewarding hike to the Büllelejochhütte (Rifugio Pian di Cengia) at 2,528 metres.

The trail winds past the Lago (lake) di Cengia and then climbs gently uphill, offering postcard-perfect views of rugged peaks and alpine meadows. There’s a final push to the refuge which involves a bit of easy and fun scrambling.

This hut is one of the smallest in the region, and its cosy atmosphere is a highlight. We stopped here for a well-deserved lunch – don’t miss their homemade dumplings (knödel)!

It is possible to stay the night here, but it only has space for 15 hikers in one dormitory room, so it’s not ideal with kids and is often fully booked.

  • Two hikers walk along a rocky trail near a small reflective pond surrounded by grass and boulders, with jagged mountain peaks rising dramatically in the distance. A wooden trail sign stands by the path, and the bright blue sky enhances the scenic alpine setting.
  • Two kids hut to hut hiking in the Dolomites sit on a grassy hill overlooking a vast, mountainous landscape. The sky is partly cloudy, and the scene includes rugged peaks and lush, green valleys. They are dressed casually, with hats and jackets.
  • Two people are climbing a steep rocky terrain, wearing backpacks. One wears a colorful striped outfit and cap, while the other is dressed in neutral tones. The background shows rugged rock formations. The scene suggests a challenging outdoor hike.
  • A mountain hut with a wooden exterior and red and white shutters sits under a cloudy sky. People in outdoor gear are seated at picnic tables in front, enjoying the scenic setting. Stone walls and alpine terrain surround the area.

Day 2 afternoon: Büllelejochhütte to the Drei Zinnen Hütte

After lunch, the path continues to the iconic Drei Zinnen Hütte (Rifugio Locatelli) at 2,405 metres. This stretch ascends gently along rocky paths with occasional scree sections.

The terrain is varied, with a mix of narrow trails cutting across rocky slopes and broader paths where you can soak in the views including turquoise alpine lakes. There are a few slightly exposed sections, but these are not at all technical or intimidating.

The highlight is the approach to the Drei Zinnen (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) themselves. These three colossal rock towers rise dramatically from the plateau and the view is wonderful as you near the Drei Zinnen Hütte.

The trail here becomes busier again – and the Drei Zinnen Hütte is a large refuge. It feels a bit more impersonal than smaller huts, and the dinner service is more of a production line, but the staff are welcoming and the menu offers some delicious local dishes.

The window of our private room was the perfect spot to watch the sunset, with the dramatic peaks glowing golden in the evening light, and although the refuge was a bit noisier than other huts we’ve stayed in due to its large size, we all slept well.

  • A family hiking along a rocky trail in the Dolomites, with a shimmering alpine lake and jagged peaks in the background. This photo highlights the adventurous spirit of a hut hike in the Dolomites with kids, surrounded by breath taking landscapes.
  • A stunning sunset view of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks in the Dolomites, with the moon visible in the sky and soft orange and pink clouds stretching across the horizon. The rugged terrain and grassy patches create a dramatic backdrop for a hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites with kids.

Day 3: Drei Zinnen Hütte to Auronzohütte via Langalm

On your final day, follow a picturesque trail through alpine meadows dotted with grazing cows, their cowbells creating a iconic alpine soundtrack, as you head back to the Auronzohütte.

This trail loops around the base of the Tre Cime, providing fresh perspectives on these famous peaks. The walk is mostly flat or gently downhill, making it an easy and enjoyable finish to your adventure.

The Langalm, at 2,283 metres, also known as “Long-Olbe” in the South Tyrolean dialect, is a charming alpine hut and a wonderful spot for a lunch break, with rustic charm and fantastic views. The hut prides itself on offering regional, natural, and delicious dishes, combining selected local ingredients to reflect the authentic flavours of South Tyrol.

The Langalm does not provide sleeping accommodations, so bear this in mind when planning your itinerary. From here, it’s not too far back to the Auronzohütte, where you can hop on the 444 bus back to Toblach.

  • Two hikers, one adult and one child, walk along a rocky trail in the Dolomites with a scenic backdrop of towering peaks and a white alpine hut labeled "C.A.I. Scz. di Padova" in the distance. The clear blue sky and lush green surroundings highlight the beauty of a hut to hut hike in the Dolomites with kids.
  • A child wearing colorful striped pants and a backpack trekking through a rugged landscape in the Dolomites, with the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo rising dramatically against the clear blue sky. This captures the unique beauty and excitement of a hut to hut hike with kids in the Dolomites.
  • A man and child enjoying a hearty meal outdoors at a wooden picnic table during a hut to hut hike in the Dolomites. The plate features local delicacies like cured meats, cheese, and bread, with majestic mountain scenery in the background.
  • A rustic alpine hut perched on a grassy hillside with a dirt path leading to its entrance. Bright blue skies and rocky mountain peaks frame the background, highlighting the serene beauty of the Dolomites.

Why This Is Perfect for Families

This hut-to-hut hike is ideal for families new to alpine hut to hut hiking. Here’s why:

  • Short distances: Each day involves just 2-3 hours of walking, with plenty of time for breaks. (Bring some games, reading material or audiobooks for downtime!)
  • Minimal elevation gain: The trails are gentle and accessible for younger children, yet still offer breath taking views and an exhilarating sense of being immersed in the high altitude, wild beauty of the mountains.
  • Welcoming huts: The rifugi along the route are family-friendly, offering comfortable stays, private rooms, and delicious meals with plenty of choice.
  • Spectacular scenery: The Tre Cime region is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Dolomites, providing endless “wow” moments for kids and adults alike.

Check out my reel of this hike on Instagram here.

Tips for the Trip

  1. 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.
  2. Book Ahead: Mountain huts in the Tre Cime region are popular, so reserve your spots well in advance. (Most refuges for the summer season open bookings in January). Because the Tre Cime are so iconic, the refuges in this region are not cheap – be prepared.
  3. Check the Weather: Summer is the best time for this hike, but conditions can change quickly in the mountains. We were there in August and when we arrived at the Auronzohütte off the bus from Toblach, we immediately had to put on almost all the clothes we’d brought – it was freezing up there! The kids were very happy with this as their backpacks were suddenly pretty much empty.
Find your complete packing list for hut hiking here

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.

If you want to know how to combine this ride with other adventures, check out the following:

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.

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