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The Three Peaks Trek | Four elements

The Three Peaks Trek

Three days around the Three Peaks: Stunning scenery, culinary experience, and World War I heritage

Welcome to the heart of the Dolomites, where the Three Peaks stand as an iconic landmark. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, these colossal rocks, ranging between 2857m and 2999m, are a captivating spectacle that transform with the whims of weather and light – an ever-changing canvas of greys, oranges, and pinks, especially enchanting during the glow of sunrises and sunsets.

The Three Peaks Nature Park, nestled in the North Eastern corner of Alto Adige, is not merely a trekking destination; it's a pilgrimage into an extraordinary terrain. As one of Northern Italy's most awe-inspiring trekking areas, and indeed, in all of Europe, this park offers a cinematic backdrop for hiking adventures.

Venture into the Sesto Dolomites, a region rich in history, where the echoes of World War I still resonate. From 1915 to 1918, this area bore witness to the front lines of warfare, and today, remnants of that poignant history can be seen along the trails we tread. Your journey through this terrain is a profound exploration of the past, an insight into the cultural significance of this borderland, marked by the fusion of Austrian and Italian influences.

Immerse yourself not only in breath-taking landscapes but also in the hearty mountain cuisine that defines this region. Sample the best of Austrian and Italian flavours – delicious mountain fare complemented by exquisite wine and coffee, even in the most remote corners of our trail. Join us on a trek that transcends the ordinary, where every step is a dance between nature's wonders and the storied legacy of the Three Peaks.

Tour Highlights
  • Itinerary designed for maximum variety and exclusive experience
  • Three days diverse terrain, breath-taking panoramas, alpine wonders
  • Discover the iconic UNESCO world heritage site from different perspectives and viewpoints
  • Uncover the history of First World War along the trails we walk
  • Experience the unique mix of Austrian-Italian hospitality and delicacies of the region
  • Pre-tour evening in beautiful boutique hotel, to relax and unwind before the adventure starts
  • Small group size (max 8) for attention-to-detail and safety, relaxed atmosphere and connection to local environment and culture

This is a medium difficulty tour- perfect for hikers with experience in alpine terrain and good fitness. Most of the routes are along RED (Austrian Classification) paths. You should be prepared to walk between 4-8 hrs per day – with the longest days’ ascent being a 1000m climb. The walking pace will be around 300m/hr (ascent).

A real mix of trails – from easy, wider trails to narrower, uneven paths with some exposed sections. Sure-footedness and head for heights are needed.

Day 1: Travel to Sillian

We meet early evening at our Boutique Hotel in Sillian for a welcome, trek information and equipment check.

You may choose to arrive earlier and use the wellness facilities or go for a stroll.

Accommodation: Twin room with en-suite bathroom, access to wellness area (sauna, steamroom and relaxation area).

Day 2: Sexten (1357m) – Bülleljochhütte (2528m)
Distance: 10km, Ascent: 1200m, Descent: 0m, Walking time: Approx 5 Hrs

After a hearty breakfast we head either by car or bus to Toblach. There we deposit cars and take the local bus to the trail head. As we enter the Fischlein Valley the majestic backdrop of the Dolomites opens up. We walk initially along the river bed, peaks looming high above us in all directions. Our climb soon starts and we head through lush pine forest and then above the trees. As our trail winds along the mountainside, we are treated to glimpses of more and more distinctive rock formations. After a few hours, we reach the Zigsmondy Hütte, where we stop for a refreshment and bite to eat. Our last leg takes us into new heights, and slowly the magical world of the Dolomites opens up, with breath-taking panoramas. Our charming hut awaits us with a delicious home-cooked dinner and fine wine.

Day 3: Bülleljochhütte (2528m)– Bosi Hütte (2205m)
Distance: 16km, Ascent: 700m, Descent: 1000m, Walking time: Approx 6 Hrs

The second day of our trek takes us into the heart of the UNESCO world heritage Three Peaks area. On the one side a kaleidoscope of different views, of this iconic stone landmark, the other a terrain marked by the history of world war I. We have an opportunity along the way to glimpse into some of the tunnels which were carved out as battlements and where soldiers braved all weathers and all conditions. We make a lunch stop at a local refuge along the way and then leave the crowds before the Auronzo Hütte to head in the direction of the Monte Piano and our hut for the night, the Bosi Hütte.

Day 4: Bosi Hütte (2205m) - Monte Piano (2322m) – Dürrensee (1406m)
Distance: 7km, Ascent: 1000m, Descent: 126m, Walking time: Approx 5 Hrs

Our day starts with an ascent of the Monte Piano, so called for its flat surface, giving it a huge vantage point. As a result this was a strategic spot and heavily fought over by the Austrians and Italians in the First World War and where alone in this area over 14,000 lost their lives. Fortifications, tunnels and trenches from this time can be seen as we walk these paths. Now, this is also a place of remembrance - there is a small museum marking this history and trail dedicated to the tragic losses of this period.

As we head down the trail, we are gifted some of the best views of the Three Peaks and the area. Our descent brings us back into forest and along a lush riverbed. Finishing that the Dürrensee lake, we can take a refreshing dip and soak up our impressions of this unforgettable tour.

  • 3 days personalised guiding with German and English speaking UIMLA certified International Mountain Leader, hiking guide and travel guide
  • 1 night pre-accommodation and breakfast in boutique mountain hotel
  • 2 nights lodging and half board (dinner and breakfast) in mountain huts
  • Transfers within tour (bus from Toblach to start point/ return to Toblach)
  • Pre-tour information package (including local information, detailed packing & travel guide)
  • Special 4elements’ trek souvenir
  • Tour photo album
  • Lunches, drinks, snacks along route (approx. €30/day)
  • Travel to Sillian/ Toblach
  • Personal insurance (travel insurance and personal accident insurance)
  • Tips

Our pre-accommodation lies on the Austrian side of the border with Italy. A large mountain village, Sillian is the largest settlement in the Puster Valley. A stone’s throw from the gateway to the Three Peaks area, it also borders the Carnic mountain range.

Our pre-accommodation lies on the Austrian side of the border with Italy. The Belmonte Boutique Hotel offers a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere to switch off and unwind before our adventure starts. We stay in twin rooms with en-suite and have full access to the the wellness area, so you can check-in from 2pm and spend the afternoon with some R&R in the sauna and steam room. In the evening we will eat on site and you have then option of eating à la carte or taking the 5-course gourmet menu.

During our tour we stay in two privately run mountain refuges- both picked for their wonderful panoramic settings, as well as tradition and great atmosphere.

The Büllelejochhütte is the highest refuge in the Three Peaks Nature Park at 2528m. It only sleeps 13 hikers, and is known for its cosiness and tradition- making it one of the most sought-after sleeps in the area! It has a small washroom and toilet. No showers or wifi.

The Bosihütte at 2205m is slightly larger with 20 beds. It lies at the foot of Monte Piana- that due to its incredible viewpoint, was a strategic point in the First World war. A small museum close by and many memorials around the area bear witness to this chapter in its history. The Bosihütte has washrooms and showers available for a small fee.

The majestic rocks of the three peaks are an iconic landmark of the Dolomites declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2009. The three peaks, between between 2857m and 2999m, are made of Dolomite and their unique formations can be admired from all sides and furthermore provide a magnificent show of colours- changing according to weather and light conditions from greys, to oranges and pinks with sunrises and sunsets and provide a stunning backdrop for trekking tours. As such the Three Peaks Nature Park is not only one of the most impressive trekking areas of Northern Italy, but in all of Europe.

Part of the Sesto Dolomites in the North Eastern corner of the Alto Adige and close to the border with Austria, this area became the front line of warfare during the First World War years of 1915-1918 – leaving traces of history in the area and laying way to many of today’s hiking trails. A trek through this area is therefore also an exploration of the history and culture of this region- including the best of the mix of Austrian and Italian cuisine- hearty mountain food combined with great wine and coffee- even in the remotest of locations.

Most accommodations across the Alps and especially Italy can cater for most food allergies e.g. glutenfree, celiac etc if they have the information in advance- please ensure that you send us details upon booking or at least 2 weeks before the trek start. Vegetarian options are also mostly readily available. Vegan eaters won’t go hungry, but will have limited options- we recommend packing extra snacks.

When booking a tour with 4elements it is vital that you have adequate valid travel insurance covering the activities included. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate insurances and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities. We also recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance (Reiserücktrittversicherung) in the case that you have to cancel a trip for any reason.

Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your country of residence. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter repatriation in the event of illness or injury –and covers the entire duration of your holiday. For this tour it is vital that you are covered for mountain search and rescue. One of the best offers for this is included in annual membership of the German Alpine Club Deutscher Alpenverein

If you are looking for insurance to cover a single hiking/ mountain tours (Wander- und Bergsportversicherung) or further insurances such as Travel Cancellation Insurance (Reiserücktrittversicherung), then we recommend the following provider for residents in Germany: Travel Secure

Dates, price & booking

Date: 23.- 26.08.2024
Price: €695,00
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Tour length

4 Days

Participants

Min. 5, max. 8 participants

Country/Countries

Austria, Italy

Activity level:
  • Fitness:


  • Technical ability:


Info: Tour / Fitness Grading

Tour experience level:
  • Culture:

  • Cuisine:

  • Landscape:

  • Flora & fauna:

Info: Experience Grading

Further information:
Download tour Info PDF
Download area Info PDF
Tailormade option

Looking for a tour for a private group?
We also offer this as a private 3-8 day tour option and can fully customise it to your group.

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