Self-Guided Hiking Tours

Italy | Dolomiti di Brenta

Hike the rugged side of the Dolomites.

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  • Dolomiti di Brenta Self Guided hiking tour
  • Dolomiti Di Brenta Trek
  • Dolomiti Di Brenta Trek
  • Dolomiti Di Brenta Trek
  • Dolomiti Di Brenta Trek
  • Dolomiti di Brenta
  • Dolomiti di Brenta
  • "We are back from our adventure in the Brenta Dolomites and wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time - it was a classy and adventurous trip. The trip turned out to be everything I had hoped it would be, and the whole family agrees with that assessment. My children and their spouses are very athletic and this trip challenged all of them. We spent our evenings and mornings together and then my husband and I left for the hike a few hours before the kids. They would eventually catch up with us and pass us. We had lots of time together, but also plenty of time apart. It was the perfect combination."- Alice Samuelson

Trip Highlights:

  • Hike along the Brenta Trek Expert, a famous long distance, trans-Brenta footpath.
  • Rub elbows with local alpinists at the Rifugio Brentei, an Italian mountaineers' hut.
  • Sip cappupuccino along the shores of Lago di Molveno, one of Italy's best-kept-secret lakes.

Unlock the mysteries of the Brenta Dolomites, Italy’s westernmost extremity of rugged limestone peaks. Bordered by the Swiss Alps to the west and the Austrian Alps to the north, the Brenta mountains tower above celebrity-studded Lake Garda and its lesser known, but equally spectacular, Lago di Molveno. Similar to the rest of the Dolomites range that stretches across northeastern Italy, the Brenta mountains are renowned for the spectacular colors they reflect during sunsrise and sunset. Unlike the bulk of the Dolomites, however, where Austro-Hungarian history mixes with Ladin as well as Italian, the Dolomiti di Brenta enjoy a purely Italian culture. If you’d rather say “grazie” than “danke” during your Dolomites hiking tour, then this is the trip for you.

Beginning in the “discrete and elegant” village of Madonna di Campiglio, you follow the Brenta Trek Expert, a famous long distance trans-Brenta foot path. Spend six full days (8-day trip total) hiking around the largest mountains of the Brenta range. Mountains with names like Campanile Alto (Upper Bell Tower) and Cima Tosa, the largest mountain in the range at 10,410 feet, stand proudly as you hike past sparkling lakes, sip cappuccino at historic mountain huts, and stroll through wildflower-covered meadows en route to your comfortable four and five-star hotels. Spend four nights in a luxury five-star hotel, two nights in a three-star hotel and one night above tree line at the Rifugio Brentei, a true alpinist’s hut. The hut’s owner, Franco, is a certified high mountain guide and will regale you with tales from the mountains.

One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to the village of Molveno. Bordered by the Pizzo Gallino (10,043 feet) to the north and the Cima Brenta (10,335 feet) and Cima Chez to the west, Molveno is one of the more atmospheric small mountain towns in Europe. Add the pristine and crystal clear Lago di Molveno, on whose shores the village rests, and you have a magnificent place to stay for the night.

Trip Itinerary

Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.

Travel independently to Trento and then Madonna di Campiglio, which is about a two-hour ride. Tonight you overnight in a lovely five-star hotel.

Today you enjoy a moderate trip high above Madonna di Campiglio. The picturesque landscape will enchant you, including five gorgeous alpine lakes and the Adamello Group, a lovely collection of limestone needles. Take in final views of the Brenta Massif before returning back to your hotel in Madonna.

Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500 ft.

Today’s hike starts with a lift boost to the start of your trail. The trail takes you deeper into the heart of the Brenta Group and offers spectacular and stark views as you meander through the idyllic and enchanting landscape. Nosh along the way at quaint and delightful mountain huts. Ramble on through the beauty of this high alpine region as you make your way to the authentic, family run Rifugio Brentei Hut, which offers some of the most spectacular views of the Dolomites.

Distance: 7.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000/1700 ft.

Note: There are no private rooms at the hut – the smallest rooms have 4 beds.

You begin today with a walk out to an impressive viewpoint, where you are able to revel in all the splendor that surrounds you. Spot the fantastic systems of via ferratas as you wander towards Rifugio Croz dell’Altissimo; the perfect spot to enjoy a tea or cappuccino. Descending towards Molveno you traverse to the Rifugio Pradel, which is a mid-station where there is a choice to either ride a lift to town or continue walking another hour to your wonderful four-star hotel located in the heart of Molveno.

Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: n.a./3000 ft.

Today’s hike offers beautiful views of the Trento/Alto Adige Valley on one side, and amazing views of the Brenta and northern Lago di Garda area on the other. Lunch is at a delicious restaurant with magnificent views of the Brenta range. Following lunch, swing back around to the gondola station and descend to Andalo for bus transport back to Molveno.

Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 785/1900 ft.

Today, you follow a classic trail as you route from the lake shores of Molveno through Andalo and back to Madonna di Campiglio. The hike includes a bit up uphill from Andalo to Malgo Spora. After lunch, you enjoy a final push over the Passo Groste, and then head back to the familiar setting of your Madonna hotel.

Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4300/600 ft.

Today’s hike is a fitting way to end your journey through the Brenta Dolomiti. Wildflowers, waterfalls, and an amazing lunch spot await you at the Rifugio Cascata di Mezzo. You make your way from Monte Spinale into the Vallesinella and back up to Madonna di Campiglio.

Distance: up to 5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 500/2956 ft.

After breakfast, depart Madonna for your gateway city.

Dolomiti di Brenta | Italy

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