Catinaccio Rosengarten Dolomites Trek
The Rosengarten (Catinaccio) group is a massif in the Italian Dolomites in Northern Italy between Val di Fassa (in Trentino) and Eggenstal (in South Tyrol).
Rosengarten means “Rose Garden” in German. It’s a reference to the mythic tale of King Laurin and his rose garden.
At sunset, these striking mountains glow crimson and orange, inspiring the name and association with King Laurin’s legendary roses.
We created this 3-day trek across the Rosengarten so that we could see the Vajolet Towers, experience the Santner Klettersteig (optional), and revisit our favorite rifugio Tierser Alpl.
We’d label this trek as moderately-difficult, though it certainly encompasses some very easy stretches. Each day is on the shorter side, so you have ample time to take breaks and savor the views along the way.
It’s also possible to combine Stage 1 + 2 (especially if you start the Trek at Kölner Hütte).
When to Hike across Catinaccio Rosengarten
Mid-June until mid-October. You need to time your trek with the opening times of the mountain huts. All huts are open until late September.
Only Santnerpasshütte, Gartlhütte (Stage 1) and Tierser Alpl (Day 2) are open until mid-October, depending on snow conditions.
Rosengarten Dolomites Hut to Hut Hiking Route
Stage 1: Carezza / Karersee – Paolina Hütte – Kölnerhütte – Santner Klettersteig – Santnerpasshütte – Gartlhütte | 3:30 hours, 6.3 km
Stage 2: Gartlhütte – Rifugio Vajolet – Grasleitenpasshütte / Rifugio Passo Principe – Molignon Pass – Tierser Alpl / Alpe di Tires | 3:30 hours, 6.4 km
Stage 3: Tierser Alpl / Alpe di Tires – Passo Duran – Plattkofelhütte / Rifugio Sasso Piato – Passo Sella / Sellajoch | 4 hours, 12.5 km
Rosengarten Circuit Route
We planned a linear route through the Rosengarten mountains, because we were traveling without a car. Over the years, many readers have asked us how to turn this hike into a circuit.
One way to turn this into a circuit is to start atop Alpe di Siusi. There’s a free car park at the Siusi-Alpe di Siusi cable car valley station. Take the gondola up to start the trek.
Stage 1: Compaccio/Compatsch (Alpe di Siusi) – Rifugio Bolzano – Rifugio Alpe di Tires (14.2 km / 5:10 hours) – Follow this Rifugio Bolzano day hike route.
Stage 2: Rifugio Alpe di Tires – Gartlhütte (base of Vajolet Towers) – Rifugio Antermoia (12.1 km / 5:15 hours) – Hike to Gartlhütte at the base of the Vajolet Towers (no via ferrata required). Return to Principe Pass Refuge and then continue to Rifugio Antermoia.
Stage 3: Rifugio Antermoia – Rifugio Sasso Piatto – Alpe di Siusi – Compaccio/Compatsch (17.8 km / 6 hours) – Hike back to Alpe di Siusi, passing Rifugio Sass Piatto along the way. Detour to Rauchhütte for unforgettable food and wine to celebrate the end of your trek.