Alta Via 1 Dolomites | Complete Guide
Everything you need to plan, book, and self-guide this extraordinary multi-day hike through the Italian Alps
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the limestone pinnacles that tower from the valley floor and dramatically change colour throughout the day. The Alta Via 1 (AV1) is the most popular “alta via” (or high routes) in the Dolomites, of which there are currently eight. Known as the “fairyland of the Alps” this trail leads you past spectacular alpine lakes, dramatic rock formations and lush green meadows. Although it is extremely popular, be aware that the trail travels through relatively remote areas, with some highly exposed ridges. It is not for the faint hearted! Enjoy local cuisine and alpine hospitality in the cozy mountain huts along this legendary hiking trail.
KEY TRAIL STATS for “CLASSIC” ROUTE
Country: Italy
Number of days: Typically 6 - 10
Distance: ~120km / 75mi
Elevation gain: 7,400m / 24,000ft (South direction)
Highest point: 2,752m / 9,029ft
Season: June - September
Difficulty: Moderate
Traffic: High
Official start location: Lago di Braies
Official end location: La Pissa
Alta Via 1 Dolomites: High level map from our planning app showing the trail through the Dolomites which are located in Northern Italy. The city of Venice to the South and Innsbruck to the North.
Accommodation options along the trail
There are 80+ accommodation locations along the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites), ranging from mountain huts, known as rifugios (Italian) and refuges (German), that are typically located in remote areas, to guest houses, hotels and B&Bs. Due to its popularity, many of the mountain huts are completely full for the summer hiking season.
Availability typically becomes available in January/February and therefore it is best to be prepared to book/reserve at this time to secure your preferred location and room type.
Rifugio Adolfo Sonino Al Coldai
CLASSIC Trail Highlights
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is one of the most visited places in South Tyrol with its emerald green water and towering limestone cliffs surrounding on three sides. You couldn’t ask for a more picturesque start to your Dolomites hike!
Cinque Torri is a collection of five distinct rock towers located within a historical significant site. While admiring the beauty of the area, you can also learn about the WWI battles that took place in the Dolomites and explore the restored trenches and hideouts.
Lagazoui is located in the Natural Park of the Amprezzo Dolomites and is well known for its wartime tunnels and WW1 mine warfare. There is an option to explore the extensive tunnels built by the Italian troops. Otherwise enjoy the panorama views.
Lago Coldai is a beautiful alpine lake situated at 2,143m / 7,030ft. After a long day, some hikers take a dip in the cold water.
Where is the Alta Via 1 Dolomites trail?
The Alta Via 1 Dolomites is located in Northern Italy. It traverses two provinces - Alto-Adige (also known as South Tyrol) and Belluno.
Interesting fact - The native language breakdown in South Tyrol is 70% German, 25% Italian and 5% Ladin. Therefore, you may get confused on the correct name of a village, mountain hut or pass, as it could be written in German or Italian. For example, the start location of the Alta Via 1 Dolomites is: Lago di Braies (Italian) or Pragser Wildsee (German). Another example, Sennes Hütte (German) and Rifugio Sennes (Italian).
Climbing to Forcela de Riciogogn
HOW LONG IS THE ALTA VIA 1 DOLOMITES TRAIL?
The “classic” Alta Via 1 route is ~120km / 75mi, with approx. 7,400m / 24,000ft in elevation gain (South<>North direction). There are alternate routes that change the distance and elevation, either to take a more direct route, reach a specific highlight or stay at accommodation off the classic route.
The main reason hikers need to take an alternate route at some point on their journey is due to accommodation availability. Luckily, there is a variety of accommodation options nearby to the main trail to choose from.
Read the blog: “How long does it take to hike the Alta Via 1”
Walking the high plateau towards Sennes Hütte
WHEN IS THE HIKING SEASON FOR THE ALTA VIA 1 DOLOMITES?
The best time to hike the Alta Via 1 is from mid June to mid September.
The highest point on the Alta Via 1 is 2,752m / 9,029ft, but generally the trail stays below 2,300m / 7,500ft. Therefore winter/spring snow has usually melted on the trails by June. Peak hiking season is July and August during European summer holidays. At this time it is extremely busy on the trail (also with day hikers) and accommodation is often booked up months in advance.
It can get quite cold and windy, even in summer, so make sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear.
Approaching Cinque Torri
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE ALTA VIA 1 DOLOMITES?
The Alta Via 1 trail is moderately difficult due to some steep, rocky and exposed ridges. However, unlike other Alta Via routes, this one does not require any “via ferratas” and therefore is much more accessible for those that do not wish to climb more technical routes (and carry the appropriate gear).
However, if you would like to tackle one of the “via ferratas”, some of the mountain huts rent the equipment, such as the VII Alpini refuge.
Most of the main trail is well marked and maintained. However, it is important that all hikers assess their own ability to complete their chosen route. Different hikers have different fitness, experience, confidence and abilities.
For those looking for a multi-day trail that is more challenging and remote with less crowds, you could consider the Walker’s Haute Route or Tour of Monte Rosa.
Forcella di Lago - one of the more difficult sections along the trail
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE ALTA VIA 1 DOLOMITES?
It typically takes between 6 and 10 days to complete the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites). It depends on which route you decide to take, where you decide to stay each night, your hiking speed, the desired number of hiking hours per day and whether you will use transport to skip ahead on the trail.
Some hikers are up at the crack of dawn and will arrive at their accommodation in time for dinner, having hiked for 8+ hours. Whereas others prefer a slow start, long lunch at mountain hut and an early arrival at their location, having hiked 4-5 hours.
Check out our time estimate calculator to see how long it will take you to hike the Alta Via 1 Dolomites.
Views near Passo di Giau
SAMPLE ITINERARIES BUILT USING OUR PLANNING APP
HOW POPULAR IS THE ALTA VIA 1 DOLOMITES?
The Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Alps. This is due to it being one of the easier legendary hiking trails (as well as offering spectacular scenery!). It has well-maintained hiking and mountain trails (no alpine trails), frequent accommodation options spaced along the trail and the mountain passes along the main trail stay below 2,800m / 9,200ft. Because of this, there are many other hikers and tour groups that choose to hike the AV1 and therefore it is important to book your accommodation well ahead of time to secure your preferred locations and dates.
There are certain sections that are frequented by day-hikers and certain huts that are either accessible by car/public transport, which makes it even busier!
Enjoying the flat trail in Fanes Nature Park
Where does the Alta Via 1 Dolomites start?
Most people hike the Alta Via 1 from North to South, starting at the spectacular Lago di Braies (Italian) or Pragser Wildsee (German).
If you don’t have time to complete the full trail (~120km / 75mi), there are options to start the trail, at:
Pederu (via San Vigilio)
Lagazuoi / Cinque Torri (via Cortina or San Cassiano)
Passo Giau (via Cortina)
Pescul / Alleghe (via Belluno)
All these locations are available in our planning app to select as your “start” point, with associated bus details.
These locations (including Lago di Braies) are not the easiest trailhead to get to! Most hikers will fly in to Venice and use public transport to get there via a combination of buses (Venice > Cortina > Dobbiaco > Lago di Braies). Depending on your transfers it will take upwards of 4 hours.
If you need to break up the transfer, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a great place to grab lunch or stay overnight. It also has a lot of accommodation options.
The most breathtaking official start point, Lago di Braies.
Choose Lago de Braies trailhead as your start/end in our planning app for accurate daily hiking stats and transport options to reach the trailhead.
Where does the Alta Via 1 Dolomites end?
The end point of the Alta Via 1 is La Pissa bus stop - much less dramatic than the start line! From here, hikers can catch a 20 minute bus to Belluno, where you can transfer to train or bus back to Venice or other major Italian cities.
If you don’t have time to complete the full trail (~120km / 75mi), there are options to end the trail at a bus stop located at:
Passo Falzarego (nearby Lagazuoi)
Cianzope (nearby Cinque Torri)
Passo Giau
Pescul
Passo Staulanza
Alleghe
Listolade
Forno di Zoldo
Soffranco
All these locations are available in our planning app to select as your “finish” point, with associated bus details.
The official end point - La Pissa bus stop.
Select alternate start/end locations in our planning app for accurate daily hiking stats and transport options to trailhead.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIKE THE ALTA VIA 1 DOLOMITES?
It can cost €700 for a standard 7-night trip staying in dormitory accommodation in mountain huts.
However, the cost may vary significantly depending on:
the number of days on the trail (i.e 4 to 10 days),
your accommodation selection (i.e campground, shared or private rooms),
food (i.e packing your own, eating at cafe/huts along the trail), and
transport preferences (i.e taking cable cars or buses to skip sections).
Read our detailed blog post “How much does it cost to hike the Alta Via 1?”
Lunch at Rifugio Attilio Tissi
ARE THERE TRANSPORT SHORTCUTS ON THE ALTA VIA 1 DOLOMITES?
It is possible to shorten the Alta Via 1 trail by taking some public transport options including cable cars, gondolas and buses. These options can help to minimise the hiking time on a specific day (i.e cable car on ascent/descent) or skip forward a day (i.e bus).
Our planning app and GPS map include all transport schedules and costs for the upcoming season.
The AV1 trail winds through the Pescul ski area, which offers cable car options for hikers wanting to save their legs!
Use our trip planning app to easily add transport to your itinerary, including gondola, bus and trains.
Is it possible to camp along the Alta Via 1 Dolomites?
There are several campgrounds located on/near the border of the three natural parks that cover the AV1 trail. These campgrounds typically have great services, including power, hot showers, toilets, laundry facilities, shop or restaurant. However, depending on your desired daily hiking stats, it may not be possible to reach a campground for every night of your hike. Therefore staying in a refuge/rifugio is a great option for those nights it is not possible to camp.
Campgrounds along and nearby the trail are listed in our planning app with images, location details and hiking stats to get to/from the trail.
In terms of wild camping or bivouac, it is strictly forbidden along the trail. The three natural parks that cover the AV1 clearly state in their laws and regulations that it is forbidden. We have also been in touch with them to confirm these regulations.
ready to start planning your alta via 1 hike?
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATE ROUTE OPTIONS?
There are many alternative routes to include additional highlights, avoid challenging sections of trail or skip highlights on the main trail by going more direct. Details of these alternate routes (and more) are available within our planning app.
The most popular alternate routes along the Alta Via 1, include:
Lago di Braies > Rifugio Sennes via Forcela de Riciogogn
This more direct alternate route is great for those wanting to skip ahead on their first day. Unfortunately you miss the views of Lago di Braies that the main trail offers on the ascent.
Rifugio Sennes > Rifugio Pederu via Rifugio Fodara Vedla
A required alternate route for those choosing to stay at Rifugio Fodara Vedla, which is located off the main trail.
Le Gran Plan > Lago di Lagazuoi via Rifugio Scotoni
The alternate route is suitable for those choosing to stay at Rifugio Scotoni, which is located off the main trail, or for those that would like to avoid Forcella di Lago due to its exposed and steep trail, or in case of bad weather.
Rifugio Scotoni > Rifugio Lagazuoi via Forcela de Salares
A quieter alternate route that provides great perspective of the towering Lagazuoi peaks to the North and across the valley to Monte Castello. A good option for those stopping at Rifugio Lagazuoi or those wanting to explore the WWI tunnels.
Rifugio Lagazuoi > Falzarego Pass via WWI tunnel
A unique opportunity to walk through the WWI tunnel system that weaves down within the mountain. It is recommended to rent a helmet from the cable car station, and bring a torch.
Falzarego Pass > Cinque Torri via Forcella Averau
This alternate route is suitable for those staying at Rifugio Col Gallina or that wish to hike directly to Rifugio Averau or Rifugio Nuvolau. This pleasant trail weaves through the forest and involves some minor boulder hopping.
Rifugio Nuvolau > Passo Giau via Via Ferrata Ra Gusela
This beginners via ferrata trail does not present significant technical difficulties. However, every hiker must assess their level of risk and gear choice. It is a direct route that significantly reduces the distance. More info.
Rifugio Città di Fiume > Rifugio Palafavera via Monte Pelmo Loop
This challenging alternate route is not for the faint hearted. This route circles Monte Pelmo and includes a decent climb on very friable rocky paths with some cables to assist. The scree is difficult to navigate.
Forcella Ambrizzola > Rifugio Col dei Baldo via Pescul
For those lodging in Pescul, this alternate route is the most direct option. Here there are restaurants and supermarkets to restock. There are also buses that run to nearby towns for those wishing to start/end their journey here.