Bring cash. This hut-to-hut tour promises to deliver mouthwatering calorie intake in the evenings, offset by breathtaking scenery and a good calorie burn during the day. Looking for some Stateside adventure inspiration? And even if you're an old trekking hound, this book will prove an invaluable resource. The lonely trails through this beautiful mountain landscape are well-cared for and well-marked. Day Pack: REI 25L or 40L Trail Pack. This hut-to-hut tour promises to deliver mouthwatering calorie intake in the evenings, offset by breathtaking scenery and a good calorie burn during the day. (Adventure Travel) Austria. It works like Google Maps, but for hiking trails, allowing you to search for any hut. Well, i… Along the way are a multitude of comfortable mountain huts. The reservations generally weren’t binding, but it helps the wardens plan food and space. Hut to hut hiking in the Alps isn’t like traditional backpacking. Day-long hikes are great, but if you really want to get away from it all then we cannot recommend a hut to hut hiking trip enough. If you love both food and hiking, look no further. This is one of the hidden gems in the Alps. After spending four days and nights traversing ridge lines and climbing passes, I caught a train south across the border to hike a different style of mountain: Italy’s Dolomites. Depending on hiking experience, level of comfort required and specific request we'll plan the Hut to Hut according to your need. August is the peak month and the trails & huts are busy. The Best 19 Hikes in Europe Across the Alps . Hut to hut hikes are Instead, you’re staying in wonderful mountain hotels. Traverse some of the most majestic terrain the Alps have to offer. Self-guided adventures planned by local experts, We have over 3,300 kilometers of experience in the Alps, Alpenventures UNGUIDED is based near Munich, Germany. This 10-day hiking tour loops around the highest mountain the in Alps, Mont Blanc, which towers over the surrounding landscape at … The Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 may be the best known hut to hut hiking tours in the Alps, but there are hundreds of possibilities to choose from. Sleeping-sheets can be rented if you haven’t brought your own (we didn’t). Hut-to-hut hiking through the Alps is incredibly fun and doable for the average hiker. The weight is distributed perfectly. Length: 10 days. This popular guidebook by expert Kev Reynolds describes 100 walks focusing on the mountain huts of the Alps. During a recent summer, I took advantage of this opportunity, and spent eight nights in the Alps with nothing but a light daypack. The beauty of these routes is that you can hike for as many days as your knees can handle without descending from the mountains. Likely the most dramatic and scenic trek of the Alps, the challenging terrain and relentless ascents, reserve this trail for fit and experienced hikers with plenty of grit. (The New York Times) If you haven't experienced the enjoyment of hut-to-hut, then this is a must read. It’s also worth noting that many huts have drying rooms for your boots, socks, clothes etc, which can be super helpful after encountering unexpected weather. The hut is open to the public, but members of the club get steep discounts. GO Check out our Free Webcast - Hiking Hut to Hut in the Alps. Wild camping, or pitching your tent on the side of the trail, is officially prohibited, meaning that if you want to overnight in the backcountry, you have to stay in a hut. So, GO explore the Alps and experience all the charm for yourself. Travellers can now book remote mountain huts online, so we’ve sought out the best hut-to-hut hikes in Switzerland, covering a range of difficulties and durations.All are easily accessible from at least one major Swiss city and each affords priceless panoramic views from … It’s definitely possible to hike in June (at lower elevations), though you may encounter snow. The W-Trek in Torres del Paine National Park ignites all six-senses as you treat yourself to the most iconic views in Patagonia. Trailhead: … Best time for hiking in Slovenian mountains is from the end of June till the end of September. This 7 day linear route passes through some of the best-known mountains in Austria. Most of the huts only accept cash. The hut system varies slightly from country to country—Italy had more wine and espresso, natch—but some things are consistent: the provided hut slippers, summit sunsets, and the camaraderie in the evenings. This is the perfect combination of exploring on your own, yet having someone help you plan a trip which is otherwise quite complex to put together. The “pale mountains” offer unique experiences such as via ferrata, a climbing method utilizing iron hooks and rails installed by soldiers during World War I, as well as extraordinary displays of alpenglow, or enrosadira in the local dialect of Ladin. You don't need much, but even in summer, make sure you have layers in case temps drop. Our Best of Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut hiking tour can only be done when the mountain huts in the central Julian Alps are open. With charming huts, stunning vistas, and physical challenge, this hut to hut hiking tour has almost everything the Tour du Mont Blanc has, but without the crowds and expensive accommodation. ... Hut to hut hiking enthusiasts should consider trekking the celebrated Berlin High Trail or the Peter Habeler Route. Traverse some of the most majestic terrain the Alps have to offer, enjoying the famous villages of Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, and Murren along the way. When is the best time to do hut to hut hiking in Slovenia? Now that the snow is melting, and the temperatures are increasing, walkers from around the world descend on the Alps to try some of the best hikes in Europe. The Via Alpina is one of the most stunning long-distance trails in the world, but if you’re short on time and unable to take on the full 20-day hike, a shorter section of the trail makes for one of the most scenic hut-to-hut hikes in Switzerland. Nestled among the endless mountain peaks of Austria sit over 1,000 mountain huts, staffed by host families ready to receive hikers after long treks through the Alps. The Stubai valley is home to a classic “hut-to-hut” route known as the Stubaier Höhenweg (Stubai High Trail). The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is quickly gaining international notoriety and offers a more challenging and dramatic approach than the Inca Trail to the iconic Inca ruins. Try the schnapps! Many huts have their own flavors and it was a favorite toasting drink with hikers I met. For fit walkers looking for an adventure that is hugely rewarding in so many ways, a hut to hut trek is a must-do. Though oddly enough, I mainly used this to find my bed or the bathroom at night. You can still tack on desserts and drinks for extra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in the the Tyrolean Alps is known for its rugged beauty. Hut-to-hut hiking is a breathtaking way to experience the European Alps. In Austria, there are many hut-to-hut treks already identified, known as High Routes, or “Hohenweg”. Slovenia is essentially twisting your arm to stay in gorgeous alpine chalets, complete with flowery window boxes. You will stay in the best and smallest rooms available, but expect to share rooms with several people. The Alta Via 1 is Italy's highlight long-distance hiking trail and leads awe-struck hikers through the Dolomites from north to south. This 10-day hiking tour loops around the highest mountain the in Alps, Mont Blanc, which towers over the surrounding landscape at 4,808 meters above sea level. This trek is an extension of the shorter, and equally famous, W-Trek. Trekking Poles: If you're hiking days on end, these help save your knees. & Tm Off, A Guide to Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Austrian & Italian Alps, National Parks Inspired Activewear From Parks Project, Explore 2,700+ Vintage Outdoor Catalogs on 1 IG Account, A Prefab Cabin Designed to Protect Humans & Birds, Snow Peak x Toned Trout Fly Fishing Gear for Cool Kids, Explore Design and Nature at this Berkshires Retreat, A New, Old School Hiking Shoe for Daily Wear, https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/hut-to-hut-hiking-guide-austrian-italian-alps. (Note that many airlines do not allow trekking poles as carry-on luggage.). Unlike some guides to hiking in the Alps, [this book] gives the kind of advice and lore that mountain walkers can appreciate. The trails are well marked and easy to follow thanks to being worn in over thousands of years. Wool Socks and Merino Baselayer: Absolute necessities for hiking and really any extended travel in general. 6 Gear Essentials for Hut Hiking in the Alps: Sleeping Bag Liner: as described above. Which route to take, what the mountain huts in Slovenia are like, what to pack, what the weather is like, where can I get a good hiking map of the Julian Alps, and more. Both of these are well made and include rain covers. Most are 3- and 4-star hotels. Rustic rooms with various numbers of beds are on the top two floors. They are required for all the huts so that they don’t have to wash their bedding every night (most just have a warm blanket, a small pillow and the mattress). One hut with particularly nice clogs took a 5€ deposit, but most just had an assortment of well-used footwear by the door. Reservations are not required, and foot traffic varies by season, but it's usually a good idea. Planning an enjoyable hut-to-hut hiking trip in the Julian Alps can be quite a challenge. These huts are visited in early July by Michelin-star chefs from around the world, who prepare specialties with local ingredients for the guests. Hiking is a national pastime for Slovenians, which has led to an extensive and well-kept trail system. Key resources, practical tips, and wise advice to touring Austria's classic Stubai High Trail system, home to over 1000 family-run huts. With walks in France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Slovenia, there are routes to suit every taste - from gentle and undemanding to long and tough, as well as all varieties of difficulty in between. Needless to say, hut hiking is not a good idea during this moment. The Stubai range is the next-door neighbor to the Zillertal. Book now : mtsobek.com. Rather than reserving your own spot for dinner, the hosts generally arranged tables, grouping together individual travelers so that no one eats alone. Price: From $5,995 per person. At Alpenventures UNGUIDED, our specialty is seeking out the lesser-known tours that only the locals know. However, by mid-summer they can get very busy. Animals in the Alps. Named for its shape on a map, hikers are treated to views of the famous towers at Mirador Torres, Glacier Grey and Mirador Britanico. Hiking hut-to-hut is common and it’s wise to book ahead if you’re walking in a popular area or during high season. Absent of huts and civilization, this backpacking tour offers an authentic Patagonian experience at a fraction of the price. Situated in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy, the Ortler ski traverse boasts … Plus they fold up to easily fit in your pack when not in use. As to the itinerary choice, you certainly know that there are more than 100'000 (one hundred thousand) kms of well signmarked alpine hiking trails. The “Best around Cortina” Hut Trek samples the best high-level trails along the Dolomites High Route #1 through the Sennes, Fanes and Averau / Nuvolau Range for 4 days, then a mid-trip break in Cortina followed by a traverse of the Sexten / Sesto Dolomites including the famous “Drei Zinnen / … The best choice is to write us an email with all your needs and requirements for your Hut to Hut Dolomites Discover and we'll propose you the best itinerary possible. The Tour du Mont Blanc offers some of … Beginning among the shadows of the Mont Blanc Massif, and ending in the presence of The Matterhorn, this route impresses throughout each stage of the tour. Don't let the term "hut" fool you—this incredible system of mountain lodges serve hearty food, often have showers, and provide a range of shared dorms and private rooms. The Guttenberghaus. Inns tend to be more comfortable and akin to B&Bs. Travelling from hut to hut, enables complete immersion in the mountains. We offer the classic tours as well. Zillertal High Route. Nestled in a dramatic corner of the French Alps, snug against the Swiss border, and hours away from the hustle and bustle in the Mont Blanc region, this hut to hut hike in the French Alps delivers all the beauty, nature, and charm that your heart may desire. AlpsHiker – Best Hut-to-Hut Hikes in the European Alps – France, Italy, and Switzerland » About. On each day you can enjoy the high trails or reach a summit without the need to return to the valleys for food and shelter. This includes your bed as well as breakfast and dinner. If you love both food and hiking, look no further. The best months to hike in the Austrian Alps are July, August, and September. A playground for outdoor enthusiasts, the Alps attract visitors year-round. Joining the Alpine Club gives you a rad membership card (sent via Royal Air Mail), discounts on almost all huts (outside of Austria as well; the clubs have reciprocal benefits), priority if the hut is filling up, and finally, insurance for mountain rescue (thankfully, something I did not experience). So, read on, make a plan, and hike later. Hiking in the Alps doesn’t take you to nature so much as places you right in the midst of it. Hut to hut hiking is extremely popular in Austria whereas the huts in Switzerland are not mountain hotels (like in Austria, Germany and some parts of Italy) but rather basic accommodation for alpinists. Accommodation on the 7-day Dolomites Hut to Hut Hiking Tour. The weight is distributed perfectly. Hiking in the Alps means enjoying all the mountain huts have to offer, including warm meals and cozy beds. The comfortable trails, friendly hut staff, and marmots seen along the way all add to the experience. You’ll never feel like the pack is weighing you down, or working against you. We choose historic hotels that transport our guests back to the 19 th century. AlpsHiker – Best Hut-to-Hut Hikes in the European Alps – France, Italy, and Switzerland. This 4-day hut-to-hut hike across the Kamnik Alps is for hikers who crave something challenging and altogether adventurous. Accommodations on this self-guided Dolomites Hut to Hut Hiking Tour are primarily in mountain huts and occasionally hotels. Stephen Dagley is a Boston-based graphic designer and creative director with particular interest in photography, espresso, and going up and down mountains. This is the classic Swiss experience. Mountain Range: Julian Alps. Ortler Ski Traverse. In addition to staying at charming mountain huts and inns, this route offers some of the best views Switzerland has to offer. The Osprey Kyte 36 (for women) and the Osprey Kestrel 38 (for men) are the best hut-to-hut hiking backpacks on the market. We'll also send you on your way with a comprehensive personalized eGuidebook and an app for navigation on your smart phone. Thanks to these huts, high-altitude hikers no longer have to descend into the valleys at night, seeking shelter. Triglav National Park Traverse, Julian Alps. Please be mindful and observe local restrictions, stock up on supplies and fuel close to home, wash your hands, WEAR A MASK, and practice social distancing with locals. Headlamp: An essential for any trip, really. Consider hut-to-hut hiking a chance to treat yourself. We aren't quite sure why this tour has not yet been discovered by the masses, but we appreciate that part of its charm. Reserve huts ahead of time. This route is famous, and for very good reason. I went in late June, and some of the huts were pretty quiet. Outdoor Active: A great resource to see the trails between any two points and for assessing rough estimates of hiking time. Most have 25 … Trekking and Hiking Hut to Hut is a magical experience and we offer the best hikes in Chile, Peru, Switzerland, France, Austria and Italy. While the Bernese Overland region tends to be full of tourists, this route highlights the backcountry of the Bernese Overland and guides hikers quickly away from the hustle and bustle of the trains and gondolas. Although you can piece together any hike you want by researching the trails between huts, for a first visit, undertaking a known route with plenty of online materials may be your best bet. This is the classic Swiss experience. Nestled in a dramatic corner of the French Alps, snug against the Swiss border, and hours away from the hustle and bustle in the Mont Blanc region, this hut to hut hike delivers all the beauty, nature, and charm that your heart may desire. But you will need a sleeping bag liner—essentially a sheet sewed together like a sleeping bag. Peak Design Capture Clip: If you're hiking with a camera, this is a game changer. Before/after this period you can encounter snow on the trails in high Alps and there’s a higher chance of rain. Research the prices ahead of time and bring enough cash to cover all your huts (keeping in mind beer and desserts are extra). The hut-to-hut hike on the Alta Via 1 (AV1) is one of eight roughly parallel Alta Via routes through the Dolomites in Northern Italy. *2020 UPDATE: Traveling during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic increases your risk and the risk of those around you. Looking back, the trails and the vistas are as memorable as the fellow hikers with whom I shared schnitzel and schnapps with at the end of each day. Most huts are situated between 2,000–3,000 meters: below the summits but very much above the rest of the world. European high level trekking at its best. The history of mountain refuge networks in the Alps—particularly in Italy and France —makes this a classic destination for hut hiking, and no peak here is more iconic to trekkers than the range’s tallest: Mont Blanc. Walk the Complete Tour du Mont Blanc, through France, Italy and Switzerland staying in a mix of mountain huts and hotels. And always pack rain/wind shell too. Nor do they have to carry their own food or bedding. Check out our guide to Summiting Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S. Field Mag® is a registered trademark with U.S. Pat. Stunning mountain views on the first couple days at high altitude in the Andes will leave hikers breathless for more than one reason. They usually open in the last week of June and remain open until late September. The Tour du Mont Blanc, or TMB as it is also called, is the most famous hut-to-hut hiking tour in the Alps, known for its quaint villages and impressive views. For Americans, it’s probably easiest to join through the British chapter, which has an English application. Follow Stephen on Instagram here. Eating on the trail: The most economical way to eat is by opting for the Half Board (usually referred to as Half Pension or HP). Hut Slippers: Wearing boots inside is not cool—hut system etiquette dictates you remove your boots when inside. Hut Finder: This site will help you search for a specific hut or discover huts in different areas, and provides contact info and other details for each. Mini Tours - Short Hut to Hut Hiking Tours, © 2020 Alpenventures GmbH based in Ismaning, Germany, Data Collection, Retention and       Deletion Policy, Self-guided Trekking and Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Alps. Clip the camera to your backpack strap so it is positioned rigidly on your chest. Navigation Home Hiking tours Tour of mont blanc Dolomites alta via 1 Dolomites alta via 2 Tour of monte rosa Tour of the stelvio Tour of the oisans Berner oberland tour Hiker’s haute route Tour beaufortain Gran paradiso/vanoise Other great hiking tours Planning your trip About Contact. The AV1 is generally regarded as being the easiest of the routes, but don’t mistake that for being easy with 3,000-foot elevation gains and losses in a day being common. The range lies to the southeast of Innsbruck ... Stubai High Route. When looking at hut prices, look for the term mitglieder, which means “member,” signifying discounted prices for Alpine Club members. Pack a sleeping bag liner or “sheet sleeping bag.” Sleeping bags aren’t necessary, as all huts have individual beds or bunks. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland) Perhaps the most famous hut-to-hut hiking tour in Europe, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) takes hikers on a 170-kilometer odyssey around the base of the Mont Blanc massif. High alpine hiking experience is … It’s a set meal rather than ordering from the menu, but not any less enjoyable. The best piece of advice I can give is to join the Austrian Alpine Club (Österreichischer Alpenverein). Setting out from Innsbruck, Austria, I reached the mountain valley of Stubai easily by public transportation. Also, majority of the mountain huts are closed before/after this time. In addition to those iconic views on the W-Trek, the O-Trek offers a journey through the less-explored corner of the parked where more solitude awaits. Alpenwild features primarily independently owned, small hotels. LAKES BLED & BOHINJ Experience a 7-day Hut-to-hut hiking journey in the Julian Alps, the northwestern corner of Slovenia with the best features of the Triglav National Park, the Julian Alps and the Via Alpina Trail. Over 5000 miles of trails connect huts and villages throughout this part of the world. Day Pack: REI 25L or 40L Trail Pack. The Stubaier Höhenweg had its own website detailing each stage, for instance. The recipes stay at the huts throughout the season. Other Great Hiking Tours. The Las Horquetas Circuit in the Cerro Castillo region of Chilean Patagonia is considered to be the wild alternative to the heavily traveled W- and O-Treks. Mountain huts typically offer dormitory style rooms. The Guttenberghaus was built in 1914 and is part of the Austrian Alpine Club. Luckily, most every hut provides complementary “slippers,” which are often colorful Crocs (Pro Tip: act like a local and bring your own). Even lesser known than the Julian Alps, the Kamnik Alps are Central Europe’s best-kept secret. We'll bridge the language barrier for you and arrange your accommodations and transportation, saving you countless precious hours of time. In season (they're usually open from May or June until September or October, depending on snowfall) they can be hugely popular. The system of trails and huts is very well organized and allows you to hike for days on end with just a daypack of clothing and essential toiletries. It doesn't swing around and you don't have a strap digging into your shoulder. Both of these are well made and include rain covers. Hut to Hut Hike. The O-Trek in Torres del Paine National Park ignites all five senses as you treat yourself to the most iconic views in Patagonia. The Tour du Mont Blanc, or TMB as it is also called, is the most famous hut-to-hut hiking tour in the Alps, known for its quaint villages and impressive views. The first half of July and September generally see few fellow hikers. 5 of our favourite hut-to-hut hikes: Complete Tour du Mont Blanc walking holiday. I flew over with the REI's 25 liter pack alone, but I was pretty economical with the amount of clothing I brought.