Dolomites Rifugio Guide: Mountain Huts, Booking, & Packing Tips for 2025

Dreaming of waking up to mountain views and a fresh Italian breakfast at 2,000 meters? Same. Every day I look back on my time at the mountain huts of the Dolomites fondly, literally waiting for the hiking season to open up again.

I loved my time trekking hut to hut through the Dolomites and now I want to prep YOU for what you can expect staying at a Rifugio in the Dolomites!

Whether you’re tackling the Alta Via 1 or simply hiking from one scenic trail to the next, staying in a rifugio is one of the most memorable parts of a Dolomites adventure.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect, how to book, and what to pack—plus share some personal tips from my hut-to-hut hikes in northern Italy.

What Is a Rifugio?

A rifugio (plural: rifugi) is a mountain hut that offers basic but comfortable accommodations for hikers in the Alps.

These aren’t campsites. Think warm beds, communal meals, and unforgettable views.

Key Features:

With over 400 rifugi scattered through the Dolomites, you’ll find everything from spartan shelters to welcoming inns with sunny terraces.

How to Book a Rifugio in the Dolomites

Booking your stay can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t speak Italian. But you’ve got options:

1. Book Directly

Visit the hut’s website or email/call. Confirm if meals are included. I recently wrote a guide for Solo Hiking Tre Cime Di Lavaredo, and I happened to look over Rifugio Locatelli’s website. Did you know they receive over 10,000 requests? So, as you can see, booking a Rifugio early is so important!

2. Use a Booking Platform

I used Bookatrekking for my Alta Via hikes. Super easy, especially for multi-hut trips.

3. Ask a Local Tourism Office

Or, if you’re a CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) member, enjoy discounts.

When to Book:

How will I know which rifugio to book at?

Deciding where to stay depends on your planned route. There are so many different routes.

It’s a good idea to spread out a map and plan thoroughly. If you’re trekking the AV1 or AV2, it’s wise to research which Rifugios meet your requirements.

That’s why I opted for a booking agency to handle my accommodations. Bookatrekking is a solid option; they offer budget-friendly choices that cater to your needs, and their customer service is commendable.

Rifugio Life 101: What It’s Really Like Inside These Mountain Huts

Embarking on a hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites is more than just a trek—it’s an immersion into alpine culture. Rifugi offers a unique blend of camaraderie, rustic charm, and breathtaking vistas. Here’s what you can anticipate during your stay:

Sleeping Arrangements

Most rifugi offer dorm-style rooms with bunk beds. Some also have:

• 4–6 person shared rooms
• Private rooms (book early!)

Pro Tip: Bring a sleeping bag liner and pillowcase—required at many huts.

Room Types at a Rifugio

There are typically three types of room options in rifugi:

Room Type	Description	Price Range (per person, half-board)
Dormitory	Large shared room with multiple bunk beds, often co-ed. Bring earplugs!	€45–65
Shared Room	Smaller shared rooms with 4–6 people. Sometimes single-gender.	€55–75
Private Room	Private double or triple room with shared or private bathroom. Book early!	€70–100+

Notes:

• Half-board usually includes dinner and breakfast.
• Bring cash, as many refugios do not accept credit cards.
• Prices can vary depending on the rifugio’s location, altitude, and amenities.

Booking early increases your chances of scoring a private room.

These sell out quickly, especially on popular routes like the Alta Via 1 and 2.

Dormitory-Style Rooms

Be prepared for shared accommodations with bunk beds, where privacy comes at a premium.

Accommodations range from cozy 4-bed rooms to more communal spaces with 6 or even 24 beds.

Given the compact nature of these areas, it’s important to maintain a clean personal space and ensure the aisles remain clear for easy passage.

I can’t tell you how many times I saw bare butts on my journey. I remember turning the corner at one refuge and I was greeted by an old man standing in his underwear, bare belly in all his wonderful glory.

He greeted me with an enthusiastic “CIAO!” My husband jokes with me about this:

” You finally got to spend the night with an Italian man“

If you are the least bit modest, you can change in the bathrooms. I know some cultures are vastly different from others, and that’s okay. There’s space for you too!

Private Rooms

Some Rifugi offer the option to book entire rooms, not just beds, which can lead to a significant cost difference.

Opting for just a bed can be more economical at times.

Prices for these accommodations can vary, and they go up in price, considering you are paying for a whole room vs just a bed in a dormitory.

You might be looking at €70 to 80. This is with half board. Trust me, after seeing the bare-bellied man in his underwear, I went downstairs to look it up.

My Experience Staying in Rifugios in the dolomites

The communal rooms weren’t so bad. To be honest with you, I was tired half the time anyway, and I just wanted to sleep. I think everyone felt the same way as well.

At Rifugio Perderu, I encountered some very noisy bunkmates who kept everyone up. It was the only bad experience I had.

Rifugio Firenze was a big room with 30 beds, It was a lot and kind of overstimulating.

By far my favorite hut was Rifugio Scotoni. The character, the facilities were so great. I loved the chef, who kept all of us entertained and the food was delicious!

Bathroom Facilities

Ensuite Bathrooms

Rifugio Scotoni had en-suite bathrooms for a few of their dormitory-style rooms. Therefore, the bathroom experience varies significantly.

Coin Showers

At certain Rifugios, such as Rifugio Genova/Schlüterhütte, you need to buy a special coin for the showers.

Specifically, you can get this coin at the bar for around 3 euros. Furthermore, the showers are located on the second floor, and there’s a specific slot in the payment box for your coin.

As soon as you activate the shower, your time starts ticking, and you have about 2-3 minutes of hot water before it runs out. Consequently, this often leads to some funny exchanges and camaraderie in the hallway, as everyone roots for one another to beat the clock!

Rifugio Firenze added your shower total at the end of your stay.

At Rifugio Pederu, the showers are modern with frosted glass, which may not offer much privacy. For those who are more private, it’s worth noting that you might be on display. But rest assured, it’s a common setup, and generally, no one pays any mind.

Food and Meals

Here’s a breakdown of what’s commonly offered at rifugi:

Option	Includes	Notes
Half-Board	Dinner and breakfast	Most common option; vegetarian often available
Bed & Breakfast	Breakfast only	Usually bread, jam, butter, coffee or tea
Full Board	Breakfast, lunch (or packed), and dinner	Rare; ask in advance
Sauna Access	Sauna or spa area access (where available)	Only a few rifugi offer this—Lagazuoi is famous for it!

Most hikers opt for half-board because it’s convenient and filling after a long day on the trail. Be sure to inform the hut of any dietary restrictions ahead of time.

Meals at rifugi are hearty and communal. Expect dishes like polenta, pasta, and local stews. Breakfasts are usually simple—think bread, jam, and coffee.

Sharing meals with fellow hikers often leads to delightful conversations and new friendships. One evening, I enjoyed a meal at Rifugio Scotoni, where the warmth of the food matched the hospitality of the hosts.

One of my favorite aspects of staying in a Rifugio was the food, which was a delightful fusion of traditional, robust South Tyrolean fare and Italian cuisine. It was truly magnificent to savor after a day spent hiking.

Meals

• Breakfast is served from 0700-0900am
• Dinner is served from 1830-2100

Traditional Food

• You’ll find things like South Tyrol Dumplings, Tris Di Canederli, Polenta, Pasta, and of course, Apfelstrudel. One of my favorite meals I had was at Rifugio Genova/ Schlüterhütte, Delicious South Tyrolian Speck Dumplings with Mushrooms.
• Breakfast is your usual European-style layout with cold cuts, bread, hard-boiled eggs, jams, and sweets. Yogurt is also a big option with muesli and granola.

Gluten Free

• I noticed that many Rifugios have gluten-free options, and you can even email the Rifugio to see what they have or what precautions they take. I always advise folks to send a message first!

• Packed Lunches: The cost of a packed lunch for the following day can range from €5 to €10. For instance, at Rifugio Pederu, they prepared a packed lunch for my next day’s journey. It contained an apple, a croissant, and two delightful small sandwiches with ham, pickle, and cheese. I collected it after breakfast, but it’s advisable to inform them the night before, if you desire a packed lunch.

What to Pack for Your Rifugio Stay

When packing for a hut-to-hut hike, it’s crucial to keep your load light due to the considerable distance you’ll be trekking. Here are some essentials that you’ll want to pack.

• Passport
• €150+ in cash (many huts don’t take cards)
• Sleeping bag liner & pillowcase
• Earplugs
• Snacks (breakfasts are light)
• Microfiber towel
• Shower shoes
• Headlamp or mini flashlight
• Toiletries

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Etiquette and Respect at Rifugios

• Quiet Hours: “Hüttenruhe” is a German term meaning quiet time or lights out. This period begins at 10 pm, and it’s important to be considerate. During a stay at a rifugio, I experienced two guests who disregarded the 10 pm rule, keeping our dorm awake late into the night, which was quite disruptive.

• Opening Windows: It can get downright hot in the rooms, especially when there are 8-24 people in a tiny space. As a courtesy, ask all your roommates if it is okay to open the windows to let air in.

• Checking in: Arrive at your Rifugio slightly before 6 pm. If you have a signal, call ahead if you anticipate being late. This way, they won’t give your room to someone else who needs accommodation. Rest assured, rifugios won’t turn you away; they will accommodate you if you need shelter.
  • Something I like to add to this is, the earlier you get there the faster you’ll get your bunk assignment. I always opt for a bottom bunk so I try to get to the hut early. Raise your hand if you are terrified of falling off a bunk in the middle of the night.
  • You always check in at the bar and then go from there.

• Remove Your Boots: You will often find designated areas on the ground floor or in the basement for storing your boots. Additionally, slippers are provided for your use. Furthermore, some huts are equipped with boot warmers to keep your footwear warm while they hang up – it’s a pleasant touch! Notably, Rifugio Scotoni and Pederu offer this amenity.

Best Rifugi in the Dolomites (My Favorites)

These are the rifugi that stole my heart:

• Rifugio Lagazuoi – Iconic views and a sauna at 2,752 meters
• Rifugio Scoiattoli – Views of the Cinque Torri rock formations
• Rifugio Averau – Delicious food and friendly hosts
• Rifugio Fanes – Surrounded by nature with a peaceful vibe

Each one has its personality, and many are dog-friendly!

Why Do Rifugi Have So Many Different Names? (And How to Decode Them)

Why Rifugios Have So Many Names

Rifugio Firenze = Regensburgerhütte = Ütia de Ncisles.

Confused? Don’t be.

It’s just the Dolomites being wonderfully multilingual: Italian, German, and Ladin are all spoken here. The same hut can go by different names on maps, signs, and websites.

Quick tip: Italian names are best for booking. German names are common in South Tyrol.

Rifugio Name (Italian)	German Name	Ladin Name
Rifugio Firenze	Regensburgerhütte	Utia de Ncisles
Rifugio Genova	Schlüterhütte	—
Rifugio Locatelli	Dreizinnenhütte	—
Rifugio Lago di Braies	Pragser Wildsee Hütte	—
Rifugio Puez	Puezhütte	Ütia de Puez
Rifugio Lagazuoi	—	—

How Rifugi Compare to Mountain Huts in Other Countries

If you’ve stayed in mountain huts in places like Switzerland, Austria, or the U.S., you’ll notice that Dolomites rifugi have their own unique rhythm and traditions. Here’s how they compare:

Country	Meal Style	Booking Style	Sleeping Setup	Vibe / Culture
Italy	Communal, set menu	Direct or via Bookatrekking	Dorms + limited private rooms	Warm, rustic, deeply rooted in Alpine tradition
Switzerland	À la carte or half-board	Online portals + SAC	Dorms mostly, few private	More expensive, very clean and orderly
Austria	Full board often available	Alpine Club memberships	Dorms + shared rooms	Efficient, structured, often lively
USA	Self-catered or basic meals	Public land permits or online	Rustic bunkhouses or tents	More DIY, especially in national parks

Final Thoughts

Rifugi in the Dolomites stand out for their hospitality, affordability, and strong community feel. Don’t be surprised if you end up sharing wine and stories with fellow hikers at dinner — it’s part of the magic.

• Season: Most rifugi open from late June to late September
• Cash: Bring euros—many huts don’t take cards
• Charging Devices: Limited plugs; bring a power bank
• Languages: Italian and German are common; some staff speak English
• Solo Friendly? Absolutely! I’ve done it and felt safe and welcomed every time

Staying in a rifugio is about more than just a bed for the night—it’s about soaking in the beauty of the Dolomites, forging new friendships, and connecting with the rhythm of the mountains. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned trekker, I hope this guide helps you feel ready and excited to experience it all.

Common Questions about Rifugios

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