Self-guided hiking tour in the Brenta Dolomites: from Madonna di Campiglio to Molveno

Embark on an existing hut-to-hut adventure that takes you from Madonna di Campiglio to the crystal-clear water of Lake Molveno, crossing the wild heart of the Brenta Dolomites.

The Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage, are immediately distinguished by their towering peaks and sharp pinnacles that rise silently from green valleys showing all its power. Unlike the more famous eastern Dolomite ranges, the Brenta group offers a wilder and remote experience.

The journey begins in the elegant village of Madonna di Campiglio and gradually leads into the vertical world of the Brenta Group. Day after day, the itinerary reveals panoramic ridgelines, rocky plateaus and high-altitude meadows. Among different landscapes, you will see the Vallesinella waterfalls. You will hike across the wide Passo Grostè plateau until you reach the heart of Brenta where you can admire a magnificent view from Rifugio Brentei terrace. The final leg of the trek leads hikers on a descent through larch forests and panoramic clearings until the peaks are mirrored in the waters of Lake Molveno. This pristine alpine lake is renowned for the clarity of its water and the harmony of its settings, where the Dolomites meet its waters.

This hut-to-hut route unfolds entirely on normal hiking trails. Accommodation is in traditional alpine huts that offer simple yet comfortable lodging, local food, and authentic mountain atmosphere. The entire route is designed for experienced hikers, but doesn’t require technical skills, just good fitness, curiosity, and a desire to discover the Dolomites.

Program details:

• Day 1
  Arrival in Val di Sole and check-in in 3* hotel. 
   
• Day 2 - VALLESINELLA WATERFALLS 
  Ascent: +990m. Descent: -250m. Distance: 10km. Hiking time: 5h.
  The adventure begins at Vallesinella, reachable by public transport. This area is popular for its impressive series of waterfalls, which divide into multiple sections, creating a spectacular natural landscape. The trail starts at the lower part of the valley and gently climbs through alpine forests, crossing the streams of the waterfall thanks to several wooden bridges. This trail not only offers beautiful photos opportunities, but it also gives you the chance to experience and feel the strength and freshness of these majestic waterfalls. Continuing beyond "Cascate Alte" and Malga Vallesinella di Sopra you will reach the edge of the forest where the landscape begins to change dramatically. The dense forest gives way to open alpine meadows as you approach the high-altitude area near Passo Grostè pass. Here, the scenery is dominated by the typical light grey color of the Dolomia rocks. From the Grostè area, the trail continues along the impressive vertical rock walls of the Brenta Central Mountain Group. Eventually you will reach your first mountain hut, set in a panoramic position with views stretching across the valley and toward Adamello-Presanella massif. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 3 - NORTHERN BRENTA
  Ascent: +610m. Descent: -390m. Distance: 8km. Hiking time: 4h.
  After a rewarding breakfast, the itinerary takes you deep into the heart of the Brenta Dolomites, crossing from the western to the eastern side of this mountain group. This traverse is only possible via the Bocca di Brenta, the only mountain pass which connects the two sides of Brenta without the use of via Ferrata.
  The trail begins with a gentle descent across rocky slopes and gravel terrain, then gradually ascends toward Rifugio Brentei, nestled in a dramatic natural amphitheater beneath towering peaks. From the hut, the path continues to climb steadily toward Bocca di Brenta, with some sections equipped with metal cables to aid the ascent. Finally, you reach the saddle, which reveals unique landscape made of numerous towering vertical mountains divided by deep cliffs, before descending on the other side to the next hut. Along the day, the itinerary offers view on the most iconic peaks of Brenta: Crozzon di Brenta, Cima Tosa and Campanil Basso. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 4 - VAL CEDA
  Ascent: +170m. Descent: -1290m. Distance: 9km. Hiking time: 4h30.
  Today, a long but rewarding descend awaits you, leading from the rugged heart of the Brenta Dolomites to the gentle green pastures surrounding the Molveno Lake plateau. From the hut, you follow the scenic Palmieri trail into the wild and solitary Ceda Valley. Along the way, the trail skirts the Pozza Tamontana depression, a deep natural basin carved in the Dolomites, before reaching the Ceda Pass. You will find yourself immersed in a remote landscape: barren scree slopes, framed by towering rock walls. As you descend, the stark dolomite scenery gives way to a softer terrain. Panoramic view of Lake Molveno opens before you. By afternoon, you reach a peaceful and cozy mountain farm. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 5 - LAKE MOLVENO
  Option 1: Ascent: +510m. Descent: -510m. Distance: 9km. Hiking time: 4h.
  Option 2: Ascent: +140m. Descent: -630m. Distance: 12km. Hiking time: 4h.
  For you last hiking day, you can choose between two options – both offering a perfect end to this hiking adventure. The first option allows you to explore another wild side of the Brenta mountain range. The itinerary lets you hike through Croz dell'Altissimo until you reach the Altopiano del Pradel plateau, a panoramic terrace offering a sweeping view of Lake Molveno. The second option is a more historically themed descent along the western flank of Lake Molveno. This route passes the so-called "Fortini di Napoleone”. These fortified structures are scattered along the road, built by the Austrian army to block Napoleon's path in the early 1800s. The itinerary then continues along the Frassati path to reach the lake shore. The final stretch leads you on a relaxed loop around the shores of Lake Molveno— often called "the most beautiful lake in Italy”. Return to Val di Sole by public transport. Accommodation in hotel. 
   
• Day 6
  Departure.

Additional clarifications

The program could be changed at discretion of the Campo Base Team based on weather conditions and forecasts, mantaining however inalterate the basic structure and the aims of the proposal.

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