If you want to enjoy an iconic Dolomites location without the crowds, this 3-day Seiser Alm hut to hut hike with kids is one of our most memorable adventures yet.
It might feel a bit overwhelming to plan a hut to hut hike in the Dolomites with kids, especially if you’re juggling logistics, changeable weather, and the usual family mix of enthusiasm and grumbles. But this multi day hike is the perfect mix of scenery, manageable trails, delicious food and fun places to stay.
The other bonus is that by getting further away from the main tourist spots under the power of your own two feet, the crowds disappear, and you have the remarkable views all to yourselves.
We took a cable car straight onto the plateau, patted wild Haflinger horses, hiked through fog and sunshine, and stayed in two welcoming mountain huts with private rooms and hearty meals. There was a sudden hailstorm (mildly terrifying), and yes, we ate far too much strudel before a steep climb (no regrets… well maybe some at the time!) – but that was all part of the fun.
This 3 day loop is a brilliant introduction to family hiking in the Dolomites. There are some proper climbs; it’s not a flat walk in the park, but they’re well within reach for reasonably active kids. And the rewards come thick and fast: panoramic views, ridge walks, delicious hut food, and the chance to settle into a comfy bed each night. In this post, I’ll share our full route, practical planning tips, what it costs, what to pack, and what to expect; so you can decide if this hike is right for your crew.
Are you new to hut to hut hiking in the Dolomites? Begin with my starter guide which will tell you best times to go, how to book huts, how much to budget, and suggest a choice of epic routes.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I may receive a small commission, which helps to support this blog (THANK YOU)! See my privacy policy for more information. This post was written (and rewritten!) by Bea – always honest and always based on real-life experience.
Why the Seiser Alm is a perfect choice for a family hut to hut hike
The Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi in Italian) is the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe, and it might just be one of the best spots for a hut to hut hike in Italy with kids.
Endless alpine meadows and peaks – one of the most beautiful stretches of the hike.
The trails are wide and mostly well-marked, there’s a good balance of challenge and ease, and it’s absolutely bursting with things that kids (and grown-ups) will actually enjoy; from panoramic cable cars to wildflower meadows, marmots and friendly Haflinger horses.
Access is very straightforward too. We based ourselves in Bolzano (lots more info here) and took the local 170 bus from the bus station (opposite the youth hostel) to the Seiseralmbahn (gondola). This is quite a winding drive, taking about 45 minutes, so take travel sickness precautions if you or your kids might need them (my kids definitely did)!
We then hopped on the Seiseralmbahn cable car, which took us up to the plateau without a long uphill slog (and with great views). The return journey is valid for 2 weeks, so buy a family return and put the pass somewhere safe!
From the the top, we hopped on the Panoramabahn chairlift (payment is separate from the cable car, pay at the chair lift entrance) which gave us a lovely head start for the walk ahead; which I recommend if you’re aiming to keep the mood buoyant early on.
Once you’re up, the scenery is instantly rewarding. The jagged peaks of the Dolomites loom over rolling green meadows, and every trail is a bit different, with ever changing views and plenty of quiet spots to take a break and soak it all in.
We stayed at two huts – Schlernhaus and Plattkoflhütte (Rifugio Sasso Piatto in Italian) – both of which had private rooms available and were welcoming for families. You don’t always get both of those things in mountain huts, so it’s worth booking early.
This route ticked so many boxes for us that I’d recommend it to any family looking to try a Dolomites hiking itinerary for families. It felt adventurous without being overwhelming; the huts were welcoming, the logistics straightforward, and the terrain just challenging enough to be satisfying without pushing the kids too far.
If you’re curious about hut to hut hiking, want to explore an iconic part of the Dolomites, but don’t want to leap straight into a huge alpine expedition, the Seiser Alm is a brilliant place to start.
It’s worth mentioning that the Seiser Alm does get busy – really busy – especially around the top of the gondola where day-trippers congregate. It’s a stunning spot, and of course as tourists ourselves I’m aware that we’re part of the problem too. But one of the great things about this route is that as soon as you commit to any climb or longer stretch, the crowds melt away almost instantly.
Once we left the main thoroughfare by the lifts, we barely saw anyone else until we reached the huts. If over tourism is on your mind (and it’s certainly on mine), picking a more active itinerary like this is one way to enjoy the Dolomites without adding quite so much to the crush.
🎥 Watch: Our 3-day hut to hut hike across the Seiser Alm in the Dolomites with kids — featuring gondolas, wild Haflinger horses, mountain huts, and one dramatic thunderstorm:
Our 3-day Seiser Alm hut to hut hike with kids
We hiked this route over three days in late July, travelling with friends from Australia (including their teenage twins) while I was solo parenting my two. The loop starts and ends at the Seiseralmbahn gondola and includes overnight stays at Schlernhaus and Plattkoflhütte — both of which offer private rooms, which made sleeping very comfortable.
Day 1 – Gondolas, wild horses and the climb to Schlernhaus
Key stats
🥾 Distance: approx. 7 km
⛰️ Elevation: ~630 m up, 200 m down
⏱️ Time: ~3 hours walking
🍽️ Food: The Alpenhotel Panorama Restaurant is right at the top of the Panorama chairlift at the start of your hike, and the Laurinhuette is about 10 minutes walk further on, while the Saltnerhütte (recommended!) appears after about 45 minutes.
We left Bolzano in the morning, hopping on the bus from the stop directly opposite the youth hostel. It took us straight to the Seiseralmbahn gondola, which carried us up into the alpine meadows without breaking a sweat. From there, we caught the Panoramabahn chairlift, giving us a lovely head start on elevation and saving energy for the bigger climb later.
The first part of the walk was easy; gently undulating trails across the alpine meadows, with sweeping views up to the base of the Sciliar plateau, also known as the Schlern Plateau, where our first hut was located. We took a long lunch at the Saltnerhütte, which served up such good food we slightly overdid it (delicious at the time, but a tactical error ahead of the climb…).
The trail to Schlernhaus is steep in places, and a bit of a slog after lunch, but manageable for reasonably fit and active kids. We took it slow and steady, took plenty of breaks (including to stroke some wild Haflinger horses that were unusually friendly, and to watch a couple of marmots), and the views on the final push were a great distraction. The hut sits right at the top of the plateau with panoramic views and feels gloriously remote. Annoyingly the cloud came down as we arrived so we didn’t get the full 360 degree view, but that really didn’t matter!
We’d booked simple private rooms well in advance, which made a huge difference for our group – everyone got a proper night’s sleep. Dinner was hearty and generous, and the hut had a warm, sociable feel without being too rowdy. Showers were token-operated and although there was a bit of a queue, they were absolutely worth it after the sweaty climb (not that my children availed themselves of that facility)!
Day 2 – Foggy ridges and a dramatic mountain storm
Key stats
🥾 Distance: approx. 12 km
⛰️ Elevation: ~460 m up, 590 m down
⏱️ Time: ~5 hours walking
🍽️ Food: The Tierserapl hut is perfectly located for lunch about half way. The food is brilliant and it’s the only hut on today’s route.
We woke to low cloud and fog; not raining, but very moody. It gave the landscape an eerie, otherworldly feel as we followed the ridge towards our planned lunch stop at the Tierserapl hut.
Visibility came and went, but the trail was easy to follow and well-marked throughout. The views to the Rosengarten group of mountains would have been spectacular in better weather. See our hut to hut hike in the Rosengarten here.
After a couple of hours we arrived at Tierseralpl hut, which was a perfect spot for lunch. It’s a lovely hut with big windows and a welcoming atmosphere, and the food was excellent. We’d planned a longer afternoon walk after lunch, along the ridge and around towards the Plattkoflhütte, where we were staying that night – and that’s when the weather turned.
We were quite high up when a huge storm rolled in right above us. It started with thunder and lightning, and progressed to huge marble sized hail stones. We crouched down next to the path, well below the ridge, with our rucksacks over our heads to protect us from the hail! It passed over quickly and we made it to the hut safely but it was definitely one of the more dramatic hikes I’ve done with kids. Everyone was soaked and a bit shaken, but the Plattkoflhütte was a brilliant place to land. Dry clothes, a hot meal, and a comfy bed worked wonders for morale.
This hut had very snazzy and comfortable private rooms, which again made things easier for our group. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, with plenty of walkers to chat to (mostly about being caught out in the storm!). The staff were helpful, they served great warming hot chocolate, and dinner was excellent; just the sort of thing you want after a slightly hair-raising afternoon in the mountains.
Day 3 – Blue skies, sweeping views, and the descent back to Bolzano
Key stats
🥾 Distance: approx. 11 km
⛰️ Elevation: ~220 m up, 670 m down
⏱️ Time: ~3.5 hours walking
🍽️ Food: Lots of options on this stretch! The Murmeltierhütte (Marmot hut) is a tiny place near the start of the hike – it’s worth stopping for a coffee as it is a really lovely traditional hut. We stopped for lunch at the Saltner Schwaige (Baita Saltner in Italian), well located for lunch after about 2 hours of hiking. There were other lunch options in the village of Saltria, and then more as you near the busy area at the top of the gondola.
The final day dawned bright and clear – exactly the kind of weather we’d hoped for the whole trip. After the previous day’s storm, it felt like a reward. We took our time over breakfast, packed up, and set off along the traversing path with incredible views across the Seiser Alm. This part of the route is wide open and utterly stunning, with sweeping panoramas in every direction.
The trail gently descended across meadows and open pastures, and spirits were high. We stopped for lunch at the Saltner Schwaige, which had a laid-back, family-friendly vibe and excellent food (though we did pace ourselves this time…). From there, it was a gentle uphill walk to the top station of the Seiseralmbahn, where we caught the gondola back down to the valley.
Once at the bottom, it was an easy bus ride back to Bolzano – the stop is right by the gondola station – and we were back at the youth hostel by late afternoon, with time for a shower and a celebratory pizza.
Aside from misjudging the weather window on day two, everything went pretty smoothly — and even the storm turned out to be a highlight (at least according to the kids, who now claim it was the best bit of the whole trip 🤪).
Planning your own Seiser Alm hut to hut hike with kids
If you’re tempted to try this route yourself, here’s everything I’d want to know in advance — especially if you’re planning with kids in tow.
Our route on Komoot
Trail difficulty and navigation
We did the route with kids aged 10 to 15 and everyone managed well; though the climb to Schlernhaus after lunch on Day 1 was definitely a challenge. It’s steep and a bit relentless, but nothing technical, and the path is clear the whole way.
Even if you’re confident using Komoot or another GPS mapping platform, I’d still recommend carrying a paper map just in case. This is the map you should buy: Val Gardena Alpe di Siusi (05): 1:25000 Signposting was excellent throughout, and we had no trouble staying on track — even when the weather wasn’t great.
How to book the huts
We stayed at Schlernhaus (also known as Rifugio Bolzano) and Plattkoflhütte (Rifugio Sasso Piatto). Both had private rooms available when booked early, which made a huge difference for sleep and general family sanity. You can book both huts directly via their websites, which are fairly easy to navigate. If you need to, use Google Translate to double-check booking terms.
- Schlernhaus website: https://www.schlernhaus.it/. Book online HERE
- Plattkoflhütte website: https://www.plattkofel.com/. Book online HERE
Most huts open for bookings from January onwards, though some open earlier, and popular dates (especially school holidays) fill quickly. I’d suggest checking opening dates in autumn and setting a reminder — especially if you’re aiming for July or August.
Bring a sleeping bag liner for each person — most huts provide duvets but not sheets, and they often require a liner for hygiene reasons. Towels aren’t usually provided either, so pack a lightweight one.
What to pack for a 3-day family hike in the Dolomites
Pack light but smart. You’ll be carrying everything for the three days — so every gram counts, especially when kids are carrying their own gear. Here’s the basics we brought:
- Sleeping bag liners, extra small travel towels
- Layers: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof jacket
- Decent footwear (worn in!)
- Small power bank (plugs are limited in huts)
- Snacks, playing cards, lightweight games or audiobook for downtime
- Waterproof rucksack cover + dry bags (very useful in our storm…)
Huts provide food and drink, so no need to carry cooking gear. Most sell packed lunches if you order the night before — worth doing if you want flexibility on where to stop, although on this hike, we ate at huts en route, which were well spaced for lunch breaks.
If you need to kit your kids out before you head out on this hike, have a read of The Best Kids Hiking Gear (Tested on the Trail!), which breaks down everything my own kids wear on our hut hikes (which doesn’t break the bank)!
How much does a Seiser Alm hike cost for families?
One of the big questions I always get is: how much does a trip like this actually cost? And the answer is… it’s not cheap, especially if you choose to eat a full meal in a hut at lunch (as opposed to getting a packed lunch). But compared to some more polished family holidays, it’s surprisingly reasonable — especially when you factor in the food, the views, and the sense of adventure.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what we spent per person, per day:
- Hut accommodation with half board (dinner + breakfast): ~€95 per adult per night, 10 – 20% reduction for kids
- Lunch for four at a mountain hut: ~ €25 per person
- Gondola + chairlift: ~€30 total per adult, less for kids
- Extras: €2-3 for showers, €3–5 for drinks, €1–2 tourist tax per night
So for a family of four, you’re looking at roughly £750 – £1,000 total for the 3-day hike — depending on ages, how much your kids eat, and whether you add in extras like hut lunches or post-hike drinks.
We also paid for two nights at the Bolzano youth hostel before and after the hike, which cost around £30 per person including breakfast, plus bus fares; which were €5 per person each way and easy to buy using the südtirolmobil app.
Compared to a city break or resort holiday, you’re not saving loads – but what you get in return is completely different: fresh air, epic views, confident kids, and a proper sense of adventure. It feels like better value, because it’s such a memorable shared experience.
It’s worth mentioning here that the Dolomites are having an “in moment” and therefore do command a premium. If you’re looking to spend a little less, I highly recommend heading over the border to Austria, where the hiking is just as fabulous and the prices tend to be lower!
Why it’s a summer-only adventure
This route is very much a summer-only hike. Both Schlernhaus and Plattkoflhütte only open seasonally -usually from mid-June to late September – and even within that window, snow can hang around longer than you’d expect.
By late September, early snowfalls can make certain sections slippery or completely impassable. In spring and early summer, trails can be waterlogged or blocked by lingering snow, and most importantly, the huts simply aren’t open yet.
If you’re planning a trip, check the hut websites for their exact opening and closing dates; they tend to post updates in early autumn for the following summer.
Weather in the Dolomites changes fast, so even in peak season, it’s worth having a flexible attitude and checking forecasts right up until the day you start walking.
Getting to Bolzano and where to stay
One of the reasons this hike works so well is that Bolzano is incredibly easy to reach, and makes a brilliant base before and after the trip. We flew direct from London Gatwick to Bolzano with SkyAlps, which runs small propeller planes and lands just minutes from the city centre. It’s definitely worth checking out.
Alternatively you could fly to Verona, Innsbruck or even Milan; public transport is easy from all three locations, though you’d need to give yourself some time for that.
Bolzano is well connected by train to the rest of Europe, so if you have the time, the most exciting way is to arrive by train. Check Rail Europe for timetables and routes.
We stayed at the Youth Hostel Bolzano, which is clean, family-friendly, and ideally located (not an ad – we’ve sayed there multiple times now)! The 170 bus to the Seiseralmbahn gondola leaves from directly opposite, and it’s easy to get back the same way once you finish the hike.
Here are a few other recommendations for family-friendly hotels in Bolzano:
- Parkhotel Mondschein: Located in the heart of Bolzano, Parkhotel Mondschein offers a serene garden and outdoor swimming pool, great breakfasts, an on-site restaurant, and a wellness area. It’s super convenient for exploring the city. A suite will fit two adults and two kids.
- Life Apartment & City Bike: Situated within a short walk of Bolzano’s historic centre, Life Apartment & City Bike is a large stylish self catering apartment, offering free bikes and mountain view. There’s a double bed and two sofa beds to accommodate a family.
- Hotel Regina: Just 200 meters from Bolzano’s city centre and near the railway and bus station, Hotel Regina is a good value hotel offering great family rooms with bunk beds for the kids, a good breakfast and friendly staff.
- Hotel Post Gries: This family-run hotel is situated on the historic Piazza Gries and offers great, squeaky clean family rooms. You can walk to the town centre and Bolzano’s archaeological museum, home to Ötzi the iceman in 15 minutes.
If you’re building a longer trip around this route — or just want tips for exploring the city — here’s my full post on Bolzano with kids, including where to stay, eat, and what to see.
Final thoughts: a proper family adventure with views, great food and a bit of weather drama
This hike had everything I want from a family adventure: big views, friendly huts, just enough challenge, and a bit of drama to keep things interesting. It was manageable but memorable, and the kids came away tired, proud, and probably looking forward to a good stint of screen time!
If you’re considering a Seiser Alm hut to hut hike with kids, I’d absolutely recommend it. Plan ahead, pace the climbs, and don’t eat too much lunch before a steep section!! The route offers a brilliant mix of comfort and adventure, and for families wanting a taste of multi-day hiking in the Dolomites, it’s a fantastic place to start.
Tried & tested gear for our hut hikes
Over the years we’ve worked out which bits of kit really make hut to hut hiking easier for us and for the kids. Here are the exact things we actually use and would recommend packing. For much more detail, read my full guide to the best kids’ hiking gear here.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission, which helps to support this blog! Views are always my own. See my privacy policy for more information.
Kids’ hiking backpack
We rate the Decathlon 28 litre kids’ hiking backpack and the Decathlon 40+10 litre kids’ backpacks:
👉Decathlon MH500 28L Kids’ Hiking Backpack (kids up to around 10 to 12)
👉Decathlon Quechua MH500 40+10L Kids’ Backpack (for bigger kids who need a bit more structure for heavier loads)
Kids’ hiking shoes
Comfortable, supportive shoes make a huge difference. These Salomon Kids’ Hiking Waterproof shoes have been a winner for our kids.
👉 Kids’ Salomon waterproof hiking shoes
Small trekking towel
Huts usually have shared bathrooms and don’t provide towels. These trek towels are light, compact, and dry fast overnight.
👉 Microfibre towel
Sleeping bag liner
Most mountain huts require one. Silk packs down smaller and lighter than cotton and is warmer.
👉 Silk sleeping bag liner
Kids’ trekking trousers
Zip-offs for warm days, and a soft shell pair or leggings for cooler weather.
👉 Zip-offs (unisex)
👉Softshell (boys’ fit)
👉Softshell (girls’ fit)
Lightweight headtorch
Essential for finding the loo at night! We use this super lightweight rechargeable one
👉 Rechargeable, lightweight headtorch
Further Reading
Start here:
- Hut to Hut Hiking with Kids | Real Advice & Best Routes in the Alps
- Join my free Facebook group Hut to Hut Hiking with Kids (Europe) and ask me questions, share routes, tips, and experiences, and become confident planning hut hikes with your kids.
Other Dolomites hut to hut hikes for families:
- A Perfect First Hut to Hut Hike in the Dolomites with Kids
- Dolomites hut hiking with kids: 3 nights through the Rosengarten
Hut to hut hikes in Austria with kids:
- Beginner hut to hut hike in Austria: A family-friendly route in Carinthia
- Austria hut hikes with kids: A family adventure in the Lienz Dolomites
- Family Friendly Hut to Hut Hiking Near Salzburg: A Three-Day Alpine Adventure
Spain – Hut to hut hiking in Mallorca with kids:
Gear and Packing for hut to hut hikes
- The Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids: Perfect for Hut to Hut Hiking and Great for Family Travel Too
- Complete Packing List for Hut Hiking Adventures in the Alps
- 10 Best Family Travel Games for Lightweight Adventures
- Tried & Tested Review: Quechua MH500 40+10L Kids Hiking Backpack
Tips for Hut to Hut Hiking
- A beginner’s guide to mountain huts: Essential tips for first-timers
- What to Expect in Austrian Mountain Huts
- Komoot for beginners: Why I love it for our adventures
- When to Book Mountain Huts (So You’re Not Left Without a Bed on Your Hut to Hut Hike!)
- How to Get Kids Fit for Hiking Mountains (Without Overhauling Your Life)
