ROSENGARTEN

AUGUST 2025

DOLOMITES

Trekking through the Rosengarten.
Our 3-day adventure in the Dolomites.

Our annual hut-to-hut trekking adventure with our dog took us to the heart of the Dolomites this year — the breathtaking Rosengarten range. During our research, we stumbled upon stunning images of rugged rock formations glowing in golden light and dramatic sunsets that seemed almost unreal. That was all the motivation we needed.

With two cozy hut overnights planned, we packed our gear, grabbed Pepe’s leash, and set off to explore one of the most magical corners of the Alps. Off we go — into a world of stone, sky, and pure alpine bliss.

STAGE 1 | St. Zyprian - Rifugio Vajolet

STAGE 2 | Rifugio Vajolet - Schlernhaus

STAGE 3 | Schlernhaus - St. Zyprian

PREPARATION

Rosengarten Dog Trekking Planning Guide 🐕🎒

When you’re heading out on a multi-day hut trek with your dog, planning ahead is everything — especially in the Dolomites, where huts book up months in advance. We made sure to reserve early and got inspired by this beautiful route through the Rosengarten. Pepe, our English Setter, even got a brand-new dog backpack for the occasion. He wasn’t too thrilled about it at first, but the other hikers loved it — and at least he got to carry his own food! Everyone pulls their own weight out here. We kept our packs light, double-checked our essentials, and set off for three unforgettable days in the mountains.

THE ROUTE

STAGE 01

St. Zyprian - Rifugio Vajolet

TIME: 5:45h | DISTANCE: 11.6km | ALTITUDE: 1.430mh

We kicked things off with a cozy overnight stay in St. Zyprian to start our Rosengarten trek fresh and early. The evening before, we properly fueled up with South Tyrolean classics — chanterelle pasta, a Knödel trio, and maybe a sneaky Tiramisu for dessert (because… carbs, right?).

In the morning, we secured what we think was a free parking spot — fingers crossed we wouldn’t return to a ticket three days later. Pepe, rocking his brand-new backpack, was not impressed. If he could talk, we’re pretty sure he’d be calling animal welfare. Sorry, buddy — you carry your own food on this trip!

The first part of the trail was blessedly cloudy, which was perfect since the sun quickly turned things to sauna-mode. Benzino’s sweat game was strong.

We took a little detour to dodge the crowds coming up from the cable car and Kölner Hütte — a solid move. Lunch at Grasleitenhütte came with both delicious roast potatoes, Apfelstrudel, and an unexpected welcome committee: a tiny but fierce hut dog who immediately reminded Pepe who’s boss.

With full bellies, we tackled the steep climb up to Grasleitenpass, the high point of the day. The ascent was tough, but the mountain breeze at the top made it all worth it.

The final 3 km downhill felt like a breeze — until we merged with the hikers from the Kölner Hütte route, and suddenly, solitude turned to traffic. Lesson learned from past hut treks: shower first, chill later. Good call, because moments after we stepped out, the skies unleashed an epic downpour.

The evening ended in pure Dolomite perfection — vegan coffee, aperitivo o’clock, and a surprise 3-course dinner. But the best part? Pepe got his very own Schnitzel. What. A. Day.

COSTS

Parking: free

Accommodation: 160€ incl. half board + Pepe (discount through Alpenverein)

STAGE 02

Rifugio Vajolet – Schlernhaus

TIME: 5:30h | DISTANCE: 11.5km | ALTITUDE: 890mh

After a night next to a world-class snorer (at one point I was genuinely afraid he’d stop breathing), we took it slow in the morning and hit the trail around 8:45. Pepe, being the efficient mountain dog he is, took care of business right away — both #1 and #2. Smart move before tackling the climb back up the Grasleitenpass, 3 km uphill, only to descend again… and then, of course, climb up once more to the Molignon Pass. I guess that’s what they call “hiking.”

Apparently, we hadn’t had enough of the “uphill” fun yet, so we threw in an unplanned extra — the Nordöstliche Grasleitenspitze at 2,698 m. Pepe was in his element, loving the view and trying to spot the groundhog that had been yelling at us the whole way up.

After a smooth descent and 3½ hours post-breakfast, we were starving — roast potatoes never tasted this good! While we sweated our way along, eMTB riders zipped effortlessly uphill, saving their energy for the downhill ride. We’ll stick to the old-school approach — more pain, more reward, right?

The second part of the day brought even more ups and downs (literally). After about 4 km on the panoramic trail, we hit the “we’re done” wall. Our motivation dropped as fast as our sugar levels — and the only logical solution was Apfelstrudel and Kaiserschmarrn.

When we finally reached the Schlernhaus, the effort paid off big time. A cozy mountain hut with an epic view from our room — what more could we want? Oh, maybe a longer shower… but no. Thanks to Benzino using the coin wrong, we had to share a three-minute one (including hair wash for Katharina!).

The day ended with a short but stunning sunset hike up Monte Pez — just 1 km and 100 m of altitude, but pure Dolomites magic. Tired legs, happy hearts, and a very satisfied mountain dog.

COSTS

Accommodation: 70€ p.P. incl. breakfast (dinner a la cart) + 10€ for Pepe

STAGE 03

Schlernhaus – St. Zyprian

TIME: 4:30h | DISTANCE: 10.3km | ALTITUDE: 280mh

Our final day began in a dreamy, mystical fog that wrapped the mountains in silence. The grassy trail could’ve been straight out of Wales — except instead of sheep and their natural landmines, we had cows and… well, their version of it.

As we made our way across the pastures, we even witnessed a live “delivery” via the hut’s own tiny transport gondola — mountain logistics at its finest!

Once the meadows ended, the trail turned into a long, steep descent that tested our knees and pride. For the first time, we didn’t beat the time estimate on the trail sign — guess the Dolomites had the last laugh.

Eventually, we dropped below the tree line and followed a beautiful ridgeway toward our grand finale: lunch at Tschafon Schutzhaus. There, we fueled up on cheese dumplings, Cola-Weizen, and a well-deserved Spritz while soaking in the warm sun.

The final descent led us back to the parking lot, the air getting hotter with every step. Luckily, Pepe found his very own mountain bathtub — a cool puddle that made for the perfect refreshing dip.

And just when we thought the surprises were over… the best news of the day: the parking really was free!