8 hut to hut
treks with pathways

One of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful mountains in the world is to venture on a hut to hut or inn to inn trek with Pathways. By hiking from point to point, you're able to see these mountains, meadows, glaciers and trails from an up-close and unique perspective.

Whether you head out on the Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites, the Jotunheimen in Norway or the E5 Trek in the Alps, you'll spend your days walking past sparkling blue lakes, traversing rolling green meadows and hiking high mountain ridges with cozy huts or inns to greet you. Enjoying a post-hike beer on a sunny terrace before digging into a hearty three-course dinner surrounded by hikers from all over the world is one of our favorite ways to end a day.

At Pathways, we offer customizable hut to hut or inn to inn itineraries throughout Europe and South America. Check out our list below - where do you want to travel next?

1. e5 | germany, austria, italy
oberstdorf - merano

The E5 Trek begins at Lake Constance in Germany and ends in Verona, Italy. The Pathways version takes you along the most beautiful stretch from the Bavarian mountains near Oberstdorf, Germany to the dramatic scenery above Merano, Italy in the South Tyrol region.

During your walk, you’ll experience traditional mountain cultures, different languages and a landscape of high snow-capped peaks, glaciers, roaring rivers, wild valleys, crystal-clear alpine lakes, colorful wildflowers, emerald green meadows, friendly wildlife, rolling farmlands and charming mountain villages.

The E5 is an exceptional journey that takes you along ancient pathways in the footsteps of shepherds, armies, pilgrims and travelers across the Alps. You’ll traverse mountainsides and cross high passes and country borders. You’ll learn about the history of the region and be amazed at the beauty every step of the way.

2. jotunheimen | norway
lake gjende - turtagrø

Despite being Norway’s most popular national park with the highest peaks in Scandinavia, the Jotunheimen Nasjonalpark ("Home of the Giants") feels off the beaten path. You’ll spend your time traversing hut-to-hut through the park, then navigate your way to Bergen, on the west coast, via the country's longest and deepest fjord - Sognefjord. With its rocky, rugged mountains, its wild landscapes, sparkling lakes, friendly locals, cozy mountain huts and spectacular fjords, this special part of Norway is not to miss.

After each day of winding your way past rocky cairns, herds of reindeer and through splendid scenery, you settle into comfortable and quaint mountain huts where the local owners will welcome you as friends. Cozying up to a homemade dinner of fresh trout with a sheepskin blanket wrapped around you, with a Norwegian to your right, a Swede to your left and a Dutchman across the table, is the perfect way to end an already spectacular day. 

3. alta via 2 | italy
bressanone - san pellegrino

The Dolomites are a special place and the best way to explore them is surely on foot. The Alta Via Due (AV2) is one of several North-to-South hiking routes in the Italian Dolomites. The Pathways route covers the first 6 days of the AV2, arguably the most spectacular.

After a night in the charming town of Bressanone in the heart of the South Tyrol, you’ll make your way through farming villages and up to higher terrain. You’ll hike alongside sparkling blue lakes, through soft meadows and pine forests, up and over high passes, offering incredible views of the jagged Dolomites.

Over the course of your trek, you’ll stay in cozy & friendly rifugios. A true highlight of the AV2, you’ll enjoy hearty & delicious meals and wonderful camaraderie as you share sunset views of the alpenglow on the Dolomites over a glass of wine or grappa - the local speciality.

4. tmb | France, italy & Switzerland
chamonix - chamonix

Mont Blanc sits at 15,771 feet, towering 12,000ft above the Chamonix Valley. The massif holds adjacent peaks, spiky aiguilles, dominating rock walls, dramatic ridges, massive glaciers and is an incredibly impressive sight to behold. Carrying the borders of three countries (France, Italy & Switzerland), the Mont Blanc Range is said to have 400 summits, more than 40 glaciers and is moated by seven different valleys.

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) winds through these valleys, all the while providing epic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding areas. The entire TMB is a journey of 105 miles that is full of magnificent scenery, interesting history and cultures, delicious food, high mountain passes, friendly people and quaint alpine villages.

5. alta via 1 | italy
lago de brais - belluno

The Alta Via Uno (AV1) is one of several North-to-South hiking routes in the Italian Dolomites. The network of trails that exists comes from this area’s role in WWI. Due to the location, the Dolomites became a war zone and the Italian border saw many battles. Mule tracks for the military were constructed to help aid the movement of troops and these trails still comprise a significant part of the network of pathways today. 

The AV1 begins near the Austrian border on the emerald green lake, Lago di Braies, a dramatic start to the journey. You’ll cut through the Italian Alps, hiking through bright green meadows while gazing at jagged peaks - like the Civetta - you’ll be mesmerized by the dramatic contrasts and stunning beauty of the Dolomiti. 

Over the course of your trek, you’ll stay in cozy & friendly rifugios, a true highlight of the AV1, where you’ll enjoy hearty & delicious meals, wonderful camaraderie and some of the most incredible sunsets.

6. gr5 trek | france
Lake geneva - chamonix

The GR5 Trek begins in Hoek Van Holland on the North Sea in the Netherlands and ends in Nice, France on the Mediterranean. The section that you’ll be covering during your Pathways trip starts on Lake Geneva and ends in the mountaineering town of Chamonix. 

During your walk, you’ll have true alpine experiences as you make your way from the bright turquoise shores of Lake Geneva to the foot of the dominating Mont Blanc and her surrounding massif.  You’ll walk each day with the sound of cow bells ringing in the distance, hiking through green meadows filled with wildflowers, through tiny hamlets & dairy farms and up and over dramatic high passes with postcard-perfect views.

7. haute route | france & Switzerland
Chamonix - Zermatt

On the Haute Route, you’ll trek from Chamonix to Zermatt, from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. It’s an absolutely spectacular walk full of scenic wonders from start to finish. You’ll witness to the greatest scenery in all the Alps and visit some of the most beautiful valleys full of charming villages, alpine hamlets and interesting history.

You’ll hike through flower-filled meadows, up and over high mountain passes and along dramatic ridges. You’ll cross crystal-clear rivers, skirt blue glacial tarns and walk beside massive glaciers suspended from high rocky terrain.  You’ll see marmots and ibex and meet friendly hikers from all over the world every step of the way.

8. w-trek | chile
torres del paine

Patagonia is known for its majestic mountains and glaciers and the W-trek is a magnificent way to experience such dramatic scenery. The trails through Torres del Paine offer spectacular views of the jagged Towers, the magnificent Grey Glacier, the spires of the Cuernos and Paine Grande. Staying in the mountain refugios will allow you to share meals with other hikers and travelers from all over the world, giving you a comfortable, cozy bed to sleep on as you reflect back on your unforgettable days in the park.

Patagonia embodies the type of destination we want to share with our travelers. You'll see herds of animals you didn't even know existed in the world, drink directly from glacial streams, experience breathtaking views, and likely be as far south on the planet as you've ever been.

ready to start planning a trip?

Customize your trip here and we’ll be in touch within one business day to start building your itinerary. When you’re ready, we look forward to helping you plan an amazing trip.