With Pyrenees Hut to Hut Hiking, discover distinct facets of the Pyrenees, where each trail offers its own story, from the historic paths of the GR10 to the picturesque, whitewashed villages of Cadaquès.
The Pyrenees offer a tapestry of diverse terrains across the border between Spain and France. From the snowy, jagged peaks to serene lakes mirroring the sky, each step unveils a new facet of its beauty.
Picture yourself traversing through lush meadows, navigating high ridges, and encountering unique wildlife. The Pyrenees really are a mosaic of nature's finest art, making every hike a journey through picturesque landscapes that stay etched in memory.
While the Pyrenees are known for their technical and challenging trails, we've carefully selected routes accessible to a wide range of hikers. However, some hiking experience is vital before visiting the mountain range stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
Here’s how we help you:
Detailed self-guided itinerary with all the necessary info for a successful hike
A GPS route + simple-to-use app for easy navigation
Booking all your accommodations
Breakfast and dinner at the huts
Full 24/7 support during your trip
We'll take care of logistics, so you can focus on what you came to the Pyrenees for — the scenery.
A Quick Guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Pyrenees
Known for its rugged peaks, serene lakes, and lush valleys, the Pyrenees present a world of contrasts and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for hut-to-hut hiking.
Best hiking trails
1. GR10 - Pyrenean Way: Stretching nearly 1,000 kilometers across the French Pyrenees, from Hendaye to Banyuls-sur-Mer, the GR10 is a hiker's dream. It winds through diverse terrains with over 50,000 meters of elevation gain. Best hiked between June and October, the trail offers a mix of mountain huts and camping, ideal for those seeking a challenging yet scenic journey.
2. GR11 - Senda Pirenaica: Running parallel to the GR10 on the Spanish side, the GR11 traverses arid landscapes and lush woodlands. This extensive trail requires significant time to complete, with daily hikes averaging 7 to 8 hours and is known for its warmer conditions. It includes sections like Carros de Foc and offers varied accommodations from huts to campsites.
Refuge of Amitges Mountain Hut
3. Carros de Foc: Located in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, this 65-kilometer circular route connects multiple refuges and is suitable for families and seasoned hikers. The trail is famous for its stunning mountain vistas and tranquil lakes, offering a unique stamp-collecting experience at each refuge.
4. Cavalls del Vent: A hidden gem in the Catalan Pyrenees, Cavalls del Vent covers about 85 kilometers, linking eight mountain refuges through the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. This trail is known for its challenging ascents, panoramic views, and diverse ecosystems, appealing to hikers who enjoy both demanding hikes and the comfort of hut accommodations.
When planning a hike in the Pyrenees, the time of year vitally influences trail conditions and experiences. Late spring sees the snow melt, unveiling lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, making lower altitude trails more accessible and appealing.
Summer, the peak season from July to September, offers stable weather but is prone to afternoon thunderstorms, especially in July. Autumn, with its cooler weather and stunning foliage, offers stable conditions until late October, when early snowfalls can occur at higher elevations.
Mountains in the Pyrenees
Preparation and safety
The right gear is crucial. Essential items include a well-fitted backpack, quality walking boots, layered clothing adaptable to changing weather, waterproof attire, and a warm layer for cooler temperatures. Navigation tools on the phone, along with a sturdy water bottle and sun protection, are vital. Personal items should include toiletries, casual evening wear, and sufficient underwear.
Safety is paramount: familiarize yourself with the trail and weather conditions, inform someone of your plans, carry a basic first aid kit, and consider safety devices. Be aware of the signs of altitude sickness and know how to respond to an emergency by calling the 112 number.
Hiking From Gavarnie
Mountain refuges
In the Pyrenees, circa 775 mountain refuges provide essential accommodations, meals, and showers. They require advance booking, particularly in the busy summer months. These refuges not only offer a place to rest and socialize with fellow hikers but also allow for a lighter travel experience without the burden of heavy camping gear.
Refuge Bayssellance
Highlights and wildlife
The Pyrenees are home to a variety of flora, including vibrant alpine meadows and dense pine forests, and fauna like the Pyrenean chamois, bearded vultures, marmots, and foxes. Geographically, the Pyrenees are marked by features such as the striking cliffs of Ordesa Canyon and the intricate water networks of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
Family of Chamois
Culture
In the Pyrenees, hiking is as much about culture as it is about nature. The trails pass through areas rich in history and traditions, where you can experience local life in French, Spanish, and Andorran villages. Each region offers its own culinary specialties, like hearty stews and artisan cheeses, perfect for refueling after a day's hike. Along the way, you'll encounter historical landmarks like ancient castles and churches. The area is also a mosaic of languages and artistic expressions, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
Church in Saint Lary
Logistics and planning
Planning a hike in the Pyrenees requires careful logistical preparation. Access to the region is typically through major airports like Toulouse or Barcelona, followed by trains or buses to trailheads. In the Pyrenees, local transportation options include buses and trains for most trails, but remote areas might need private transfers.
When planning your itinerary, choose trails that suit your experience and consider factors like trail length, elevation, and weather. Accommodations, particularly mountain refuges, should be booked well in advance, especially in peak seasons. Proper planning ensures a smoother and more enjoyable hiking experience in the diverse landscapes of the Pyrenees.
San Salvador Church in Torla
5 Essential Tips Multi-Day Hikes in the Pyrenees
Study the local weather patterns: The Pyrenees have unique and rapidly changing weather systems, so be prepared for conditions like sudden thunderstorms in the summer.
Learn basic French and Spanish phrases: A little knowledge of the local languages can greatly enhance your interactions with hut wardens and locals.
Understand the specific trail markings: The trail marking systems in the Pyrenees are distinct, and familiarizing yourself with these can aid your navigation.
Research each hut's amenities: The facilities and services offered by the refuges in the Pyrenees can vary, so it's important to know what to expect at each stop.
Respect the unique flora and fauna: The region is home to rare and endemic species, so it's important to stay on designated trails and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
HASSLE-FREE
We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.
TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES
Only the best hut to hut hikes in Europe, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hut-to-hut hiking is a form of trekking where you hike from one mountain refuge to another, staying overnight at these locations. This style allows you to explore the varied landscapes of the Pyrenees, from high mountain passes to serene valleys, without the need for carrying camping gear. The trails, such as the famous GR10 and GR11, connect different refuges and offer diverse scenic experiences.
Preparation involves physical training, familiarizing yourself with the hiking routes, and ensuring you have the right gear. Start with cardiovascular exercises and hikes to build endurance. Study the specific trails you plan to hike, as each has unique characteristics, and pack accordingly for varying weather conditions and terrains.
While some hiking experience is beneficial, the Pyrenees offer trails suitable for various skill levels. Beginners can enjoy less challenging routes with lower elevation gains, while experienced hikers can tackle more strenuous paths. But most trails in the Pyrenees require some previous experience, mostly due to large distances and elevation gains.
The Pyrenees feature a range of refuges, from basic, unmanned shelters offering minimal amenities to manned refuges with facilities like meals and hot showers. All our hikes include only staffed huts in order to provide the maximum comfort possible.
Sleeping arrangements in Pyrenees refuges vary. Some offer private rooms, while others only have shared dormitories. It's essential to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the type of accommodation you prefer.
Refuge etiquette in the Pyrenees centers around respect for shared spaces and other hikers. Clean up after yourself, keep noise levels low, especially at night, and adhere to the specific rules of each refuge.
The ideal season is from late spring to early fall, typically June to September. This period offers more stable weather conditions and open refuges. However, be prepared for rapid weather changes, especially in higher altitudes.
Meals are provided in all staffed refuges, often including breakfast and dinner. Some refuges might offer packed lunches for the next day's hike. It's wise to carry snacks, especially for longer hiking segments.
Ratings & Reviews
5.0 average rating
+14
Sasha Rayzl Lansky
Verifed customer · 4 months ago
I had an absolutely wonderful experience with Hut to Hut Hiking. They were exceedingly responsive, patiently answering my many emails' worth of questions about itineraries, schedules, logistics, and the like. They helped to create an absolutely perfect trek according to the limited time I had and they provided helpful information for me to organize travel to and from the start and end points.
Hut to Hut's communication is professional, their website is useful, and the itinerary and GPS tracking information they sent me once I paid/booked was flawless. The trails were easy to follow, Ride with GPS worked perfectly, and I was so grateful to have relied on a company to facilitate my route in a country where I was unfamiliar. I'm used to planning my own routes, but Hut to Hut Hiking's expertise and insight made the entire experience infinitely more pleasant.
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Show all 4 photos
Birgit Kindler
Verifed customer · 1 year ago
We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)
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Claudia Ossa
Verifed customer · 2 years ago
9 day hiking trip including rafting and mountain biking. Sadly the weather didn’t help, we had a lot of rain, but Klemen modified our plans, making it a great experience after all.
Klemen is an excellent guide and I highly recommend him!!!
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Show all 5 photos
Ann Swainson
Verifed customer · 9 months ago
Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. It was absolutely stunning, well organised, and a brilliant trip. Special thanks to Jan for his kindness & support on what was a personally challenging trek.
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Robert Backlund
Verifed customer · 9 months ago
Our Guide Luka was amazing! And the three-day hike was a Memory for life, really beautiful. Cant recommend it enough.
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Show all 4 photos
William Eriksson
Verifed customer · 2 months ago
Did the grossglockner winter ascent. Excellent staff. Excellent guide. I had a great experience! Would hire them again anytime
Rebecca Lawson
Verifed customer · 8 months ago
Our 3 day hike had to be rearranged 2/2 weather, so a one day hike was arranged for us. We appreciated the concern about weather and conditions. Our hike was with Matevz, who was a great guide. Very helpful and knowledgable. Would definitely recommend and will be back for a longer hike one day!
Lou Gonano
Verifed customer · 8 months ago
Carros de Foc is a magical adventure with a little bit of spice for all trekkers: the vibe of the huts, the serene Lakes, the challenging trails, the occasional scrambles, options for extra peaks to climb, and a chance to serendipitously travel with strangers on the same loop. HUT TO HUT were great facilitators and accommodators to our needs and I would use them again for a memorable experience in the wilderness. I would recommend that a CDFmap be provided at the earliest stage so that trekkers can be better prepared.
Nicole Cocks
Verifed customer · 8 months ago
This trip was organized with every detail considered. Our accommodation, most meals and routes were planned each day which is perfect when the region is unknown and you have not completed a multi-day hike before. We had a great time!
Olivia Berriff
Verifed customer · 8 months ago
Excellently organised and the apps worked brilliantly without data/roaming. This was expertly managed by Sara and we had the best time in full confidence that we were in great hands.
Thomas Wilde
Verifed customer · 9 months ago
A great trip - perfectly organized by the hut-hut team, they were immediately available when we needed help!
Gayle Felbain
Verifed customer · 10 months ago
Beautiful guided route for our 3-day hut to hut. It included a variety of geography and landscapes and it challenged us in a good way. The organization and information we received from the company both before booking and during our trek was accurate and helpful. Our accommodations were as expected and they were comfortable enough and very welcoming. This was a wonderful way to be in the mountains and really experience them.
Alan Rapoport
Verifed customer · 10 months ago
If I could give 100 stars, I would. I don't know if you're a big company or just two or three people behind this, but thank you for such an amazing experience. It was a beautiful adventure. The trails were perfect, each day different from the rest, and a natural beauty that I have seldom seen elsewhere. I had no experience in the world of hiking, and now I can't wait to do the next one! (hopefully next time organised by myself 😂). I had one of the best weeks of my whole life. Thank you a million guys.
Julia Mabry
Verifed customer · 1 year ago
Hut to Hut organized all of our stays and were diligent about ensuring our rooms were saved for us. They organized our luggage transfer etc. The team was very responsive and helpful! Hut to Hut hiking is simply the best way to experience the mountains!
Natalie Shaw
Verifed customer · 1 year ago
This three day hike was breath takingly beautiful! Diverse and stunning landscapes, with Klemens expert knowledge of the land, its history and culture blew me away :)
I was a little apprehensive about my first solo trip, but from the first second was made to feel welcome and at ease.
TOTALLY recommend, Thank you Klemen & Hut to Hut! Unforgettable experience :)
Ivan Lopez
Verifed customer · 2 years ago
I can’t say enough of how wonderful this company is, we had a customized tour including multiple activities, we had to change the itinerary due to quick changing weather, Klemen took great care of the group, very professional and very caring about the group, I would recommend him and his company.
Dave Blank
Verifed customer · 2 years ago
Regardless of changing weather, the team took great care of us, making sure we we’re having fun and comfortable
andrew Lockhart
Verifed customer · 2 years ago
A huge thank you to Klemen for the most wonderful holiday. Having you as a guide made all the difference and enabled us to make the best of our time and see places we would never have found without you. Thank you for showing us your wonderful country.
Veronica D
Verifed customer · 3 years ago
A perfect hike for a family! It is not too easy but quite manageable with all the huts on the way so you really don't have to carry too much with you and on the third day, you can make a great rest by the beautiful river. We had a great guide who showed us around and took care of all the organization around the accommodation and food. The communication with the team before the tour was spot on and we have really enjoyed the hike worry-free. We have seen a great portion of the region and after the tour we simply chilled in Bled.
Experience hiking tours through the Pyrenees' lush valleys and rugged peaks with comfortable huts and comprehensive hiking support packages.
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