The Hiking Club

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Where to start/end your Alta Via 1 Dolomites hike?

Susan Perry

Most people hike the Alta Via 1 from North to South, starting at the spectacular Lago di Braies (Italian) or Pragser Wildsee (German).

Venice (Italy) or Innsbruck (Austria) are the most convenient international airports to reach all of Northern trailheads of the Alta Via 1.

Make sure to have enough time to enjoy this spectacular spot, stopping for a coffee/drink and a snack, before taking off on your epic journey.

How to get from Venice to Lago di Braies?

It will take 4-5 hours to reach Lago di Braies from Venice Airport, via 3 buses or private transfer.

  • Venice <> Cortina

    The Cortina Express has two operating schedules: low season (April to mid June, mid September to mid December) and high season (mid June to mid September). During low season, there are typically two departures. During high season, there are typically 4 departures. Reservation required.

  • Cortina <> Dobbiaco

    Line 445 operates every 2 hours between 7am and 6pm.

  • Dobbiaco <> Lago di Braies

    Line 442 operates every 30 minutes to 1 hour, between 7am and 8pm. It is very important that you pre-book this bus during peak periods - July and August, and weekends in June and September. Book 442 bus.

How to get from Innsbruck to Lago di Braies?

It will take 3 hours to reach Lago di Braies from Innsbruck Airport, via 2 buses.

  • Innsbruck <> Villabassa/Niederdorf

    Alto Adige shuttle bus departs frequently per day and takes 2h15m. Reservation required.

  • Villabassa/Niederdorf <> Lago di Braies

    Line 442 operates every 30 minutes to 1 hour, between 7am and 8pm.

If you don't have time to complete the full trail (~120km / 75mi), there are options to start/end the trail, via bus, at:

  • Pederu (via San Vigilio)

  • Lagazuoi / Five Towers (via Cortina or San Cassiano)

  • Giau Pass (via Cortina)

  • Pescul / Alleghe (via Belluno)

The official end point of the Alta Via 1 is La Pissa bus stop - much less dramatic than the official start line, Lago di Braies! 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:

  • Falzarego Pass (near Lagazuoi)

  • Cianzope (nearby Cinque Torri)

  • Giau Pass

  • Pescul

  • Staulanza Pass

  • Pecol

  • Listolade

  • Forno di Zoldo

  • Soffranco

ACCURATELY CALCULATE YOUR HIKING STATS FOR ALL START AND END LOCATIONS ALONG THE AV1

Need a private taxi or shuttle to get to/from/along the Alta via 1 trail?

Here is a list of taxi / shuttle transfer services along the AV1 trail and airport transfers:

To get from Dobbiaco/Toblach (or surrounding area) there are several taxi companies that will drive you to Lago Di Braies trailhead:

  • Kristler Sepp: +39 336451201

  • Steinwandter Johann: +39 0474979059

  • Peer Christian: +39 3482688899

WHAT ARE THE BEST PARKING LOCATIONS at the start/end of the Alta via 1?

For those that are planning to drive to the Dolomites, here are a few parking locations that are current as of January 2024: