The Alta Via 1 carves a scenic route through the eastern Dolomites, stretching from Lago di Braies in the north to just outside of Belluno in the south. For nine days, the exquisite beauty of this Unesco World Heritage site is center stage as you trek through Italy’s most picturesque region. There is a particular beauty at spots like Rifugio Nuvolau and Rifugio Tissi, where the views extend beyond where the eye can see.
The trail is also a poignant reminder of the past, featuring remnants from World War I such as trenches, barbed wire, and tunnels. For history enthusiasts willing to brave the exposed path, a visit to the tunnels near Lagazuoi is highly recommended.
When to Hike
Summer is the best time to visit the Dolomites and June is particularly colorful with wildflowers galore. However, if you go this early in the season be prepared for the possibility of lingering ice and snow on the trail. The busy season is July to August but we suggest waiting until September to avoid a crowded trail and take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
Trail Difficulty
The path is well marked but we highly recommend previous hiking experience and good physical health as the Dolomites' terrain can be uneven and strenuous. While the accommodations on trail may lack creature comforts, the breathtaking views more than make up for it.
Accommodation Features
The huts of the area are known for their delicious stews, polenta, and (of course) pasta. Be sure to stop and try a variety of dishes at the rifugios along your way to experience the area's culinary culture.
Wildlife Viewing
The most common wildlife among the Alta Via 1 are ibex, chamois, and marmots. Keep your eyes peeled for these and other animals on your hike.
Trekking Options
Most of our clients take the Alta Via 1 hike self-guided with our 24-hour customer service available for support. Though, there is an option to book a private hiking guide to come along with you for this Alta Via 1 itinerary.
The Trek
Day 1: LAGO DI BRAIES TO BERGGASTHAUS PEDERÜ
Your first day is formidable with an approximately 14 km of distance while rising and descending over 1,200 meters of elevation. It begins with a half hour hike to the south end of Lago di Braies where the steep ascent commences. At around 6 km into your hike, you reach your peak elevation for the day at around 2,400 meters and enjoy the first of many sweeping views of the Dolomites. Hike carefully in the next section by utilizing the cables attached to the rock face to assist with sound footing and conclude your day by taking refuge at Berggasthaus Pederü.
Day 2: BERGGASTHAUS PEDERÜ TO RIFUGIO FANES
Your second day trekking is significantly shorter with a distance of 6 km but is steep with a 580 meter elevation gain with almost no descent. The first 2 km are challenging, but you are rewarded with the most beautiful view of the day amidst scenes of mountains above and a winding river on the valley floor below. Your accommodations for the evening are nestled amongst the prairies and farms of locals who still speak Ladin, a Romance language used by approximately 30,000 inhabitants in South Tyrol.
Day 3: RIFUGIO FANES TO RIFUGIO LAGAZUOI
This 12 km section is a favorite amongst many hikers for the views down into the valley and remnants of World War I. While this day is long in distance, 5 km of the trek are relatively flat where you can enjoy being flanked by wildflowers if you visit early in the season. From here, the path splits with options to climb high to Forcella del Lago or stay at a lower elevation near Rifugio Scotoni. The first lake is a great place to stop for a picnic lunch and be sure to set aside a few extra moments for the next 500 meters, giving you ample time to check out the trenches, barbed wire, and tunnels still around from World War I.
Day 4: RIFUGIO LAGAZUOI TO HOTEL PASSO GIAU
Day 4 is similar in distance to your first day on the trail but with not quite as much elevation gain. The start will have the best scenery and at around 4 km from Col dei Bos you can take a well-deserved break for refreshments at Rifugio Dibona. Beyond your next downgrade and another ascent is a little Rifugio called Averau where they are known for delicious mountain meals. From there, you will hike down to avoid a via ferrata and conclude at your resting spot for the evening of Hotel Passo Giau.
Day 5: HOTEL PASSO GIAU TO RIFUGIO PASSO STAULANZA
Today's hike nearly matches the length of yesterday's trek, being just 1 km shorter. However, the journey is more manageable, as you'll spend much of your time on gentle ascents, strolling through pastures, and tackling a 1,000-meter descent. There is also a brief but demanding 150-meter climb in the middle. While walking, you are greeted by the majestic Pelmo as well as the Pyramid of Antelao, one of the highest peaks in the Eastern Dolomites. Your day concludes passing by Rifugio Città di Fiume and on to your rest for the night at Staulanza.
Day 6: RIFUGIO PASSO STAULANZA TO RIFUGIO TISSI
Today’s Dolomites Alta Via 1 path is 11 km and features a rolling path throughout the day. There is a total of over 1,000 meters of elevation gain and your trek starts with a rare walk along a paved road before transitioning to a dirt path through the forest. The next section is through a grassy area that can have a lot of bugs, so be sure to apply bug spray before heading out that morning. The most picturesque scene will be along the path to Rifugio Coldai, which is a great place to stop for lunch. Following this, you'll tackle some rolling terrain before descending significantly from Forcella col Negro. Then, prepare for a challenging climb up to Rifugio Tissi for the evening. At your destination, your effort is richly rewarded with breathtaking views down into the valley and a stunning sunset display over the Civetta.
Day 7: RIFUGIO TISSI TO PASSO DURAN
Day 7 is your longest trek clocking in at 17 km with 3,500 meters of ascent and 5,700 meters of descent. There is an initial steep decline and around 5.5 km in, the Rifugio Vazzoler is a great place to stop for lunch. Be sure to fuel up well, as you are going to need your energy on the upcoming steep section. Just beyond the valley town of Listolad, this incline of 600 meters in 3 km takes you to Carestiato and varies between shaded woodlands and open shale terrain. Following Forcella del Camp, you will begin your descent and pass through Carestiato before concluding your day with some well-deserved rest at Passo Duran.
Day 8: PASSO DURAN TO PIAN DE FONTANA
Today’s ascent is gradual, stretching 1,300 meters over 11-12 km with a steep drop at the end. This part of the trail tends to be more secluded so it is possible you could have the trail all to yourself. On your way up, Rifugio Pramperet is a great place to stop for a meal and dry out your boots that may have gotten wet earlier in the day. From this point, the hike becomes more challenging. Although it's just 6 km to Pian Fontana, exercise caution around the 2,350-meter mark, where some scrambling is required to scale a nearly vertical ridge. After stopping to soak in the views of Castello di Morschein, you will quickly come to Forcella di Zita Sud and embark on one of your last mountain descents of the trip to your accommodations at Pian de Fontana.
Day 9: PIAN DE FONTANA TO LA PISSA
Your last day on the Alta Via 1 consists mostly of a long and gradual decline, giving you ample opportunity to soak in your final day amongst the beauty of the Dolomites. The final stretch is on a wide road, leading you to the La Pissa bus stop for transport.
Whether you choose a self-guided trek or book a private guide, embarking on the Alta Via 1 hike offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and varied terrain, making it a bucket list trip for any avid hiker. Each day on the trail presents a new adventure, from the panoramic vistas at Rifugio Nuvolau and Rifugio Tissi to the historical remnants from World War I near Lagazuoi. As you conclude your trek, you'll carry with you memories of awe-inspiring landscapes and a profound connection to one of the world's most stunning mountain ranges.
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