Walking through the Dolomites on Alta Via 1
Walking through the Dolomites on Alta Via 1
This itinerary takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe, combining massive Dolomite rock formations, high-altitude meadows, turquoise lakes, and historic trails. You will enjoy the alpine atmosphere and constant views of the Dolomites’ most iconic peaks.
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Start at Lake Braies, an iconic spot with crystal-clear waters, before venturing into high mountain trails.
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Ascend alpine passes and cols, surrounded by impressive rock walls and panoramic views that unfold at every stage.
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Walk through valleys and alpine plateaus, traversing green meadows, unique rock formations, and ancient shepherd paths.
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Walk among vertical towers, wide glacial valleys, panoramic passes, and alpine pastures.
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You will have the chance to taste Italian mountain cuisine, with dishes such as polenta, canederli, homemade pasta, alpine cheeses, and strudel—perfect for recharging your energy after each day’s journey.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Cortina d’Ampezzo
The first day begins with your arrival in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a picturesque alpine town surrounded by mountains and known for its charm. It is the ideal place to start your journey, enjoying a spectacular natural setting and a welcoming atmosphere.
Once you have settled in, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the town center or explore gentle trails in the surrounding area, perfect for acclimatizing to the mountains without making great physical efforts.
Overnight in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Hotel Alaska Cortina
This accommodation offers spacious common areas and features rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, it has a restaurant and a bar where you can relax and enjoy a pleasant break.
Day 2 - Cortina d’Ampezzo-Lago di Braies-Dobbiaco 2,8 miles | 4,5 km
Today’s stage allows you to begin your Dolomites adventure with a gentle and highly scenic route before tackling more demanding sections in the days ahead. In the morning, you will head to Lake Braies, the classic starting point of the Alta Via 1, a stunning alpine setting that marks the beginning of the trek.
You will need to take bus line 445 from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Dobbiaco. Once there, get off at the Dobbiaco bus station and change to bus line 442, which takes you up to Lake Braies.
You can check bus timetables on the Suedtirol Alto Adige website.
Please note that between July 10 and September 10, the bus to Lake Braies requires mandatory reservation through the official lake website. More information is available on the Pragser Wildsee Lake website.
You will be able to walk around Lake Braies, a true alpine mirror with emerald-blue waters surrounded by mountains, and then continue along a comfortable track that follows the valley. The route progresses gradually through open meadows and forests, offering panoramic views ideal for enjoying the scenery without major physical effort.
You will find yourself immersed in a fully alpine environment, with wide-open views and a strong sense of connection with nature that will accompany you throughout the following stages of the journey.
At the end of the day, take bus line 442 from Lake Braies back to Dobbiaco, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 39m (128ft) / Descent: 39m (128ft)
Overnight in Dobbiaco
Park Hotel Bellevue
This accommodation offers comfortable, fully equipped rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also features a restaurant, as well as a lovely garden and shared areas where you can relax.
Day 3 - Dobbiaco to San Vigilio di Marebbe 9,7 miles | 15,6 km
At the start of the day, from the Dobbiaco bus station, take bus line 442 to Lake Braies. You can check bus timetables on the Suedtirol Alto Adige website.
Please note that between July 10 and September 10, the bus to Lake Braies requires mandatory reservation through the official lake website. More information is available on the Pragser Wildsee Lake website.
Today’s stage follows the wide Val de Foses, a peaceful and very enjoyable route that allows you to progress at a relaxed pace while venturing into the heart of the alpine landscape. After leaving the lake area behind, the itinerary follows a broad trail that enters the valley and climbs very gradually.
Along the way, you will walk through alpine meadows and pastoral areas, with constant views of gentle peaks framing the scenery and the natural surroundings of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. The terrain is comfortable and wide, ideal for maintaining an easy pace and fully enjoying the environment.
At the end of the route, you will arrive in San Vigilio, a charming mountain village where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 780m (2,559ft) / Descent: 1090m (3,576ft)
Overnight in San Vigilio di Marebbe
Hotel Chalet Corso
Surrounded by a spectacular garden, it offers spacious and elegant rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, a delicious buffet breakfast is served every morning.
Day 4 - San Vigilio di Marebbe-Passo Falzarego-Cortina d'Ampezzo 8,6 miles | 13,9 km
You will start the day with an included transfer from San Vigilio di Marebbe to Passo Falzarego, near Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Today’s stage allows you to enjoy one of the most iconic sections of the route, using the cable car to avoid the most demanding elevation changes. From the summit of Lagazuoi, you will begin a descent along panoramic trails offering spectacular views of the alpine surroundings.
Along the way, you will cross high-altitude meadows and pass by old World War I fortifications, historical remnants that blend into the landscape and add a unique character to the day. Wide-ranging views of the surrounding mountain massifs will accompany you for much of the route.
The trail descends gradually into the valley, eventually reaching Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the lively atmosphere of the town provides the perfect ending to this memorable stage.
Ascent: 1749m (5,738ft) / Descent: 228m (748ft)
Overnight in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Hotel Alaska Cortina
This accommodation features spacious common areas and offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, it has a restaurant and a bar where you can enjoy a pleasant moment of relaxation.
Day 5 - Cortina d’Ampezzo-Passo Giau-Cortina d’Ampezzo 5,4 miles | 8,7 km
After a delicious breakfast to recharge your energy, you will have an included transfer from Cortina d’Ampezzo to the parking area at Passo Giau.
Today’s stage takes you into the heart of the alpine meadows of Passo Giau, on a route of outstanding scenic beauty. It is an ideal itinerary for enjoying the surroundings, surrounded by wide open spaces and spectacular views.
From Passo Giau, you will follow a circular route through high-altitude meadows and broad paths, characteristic of this area. Throughout the walk, panoramic views of the Pelmo and Civetta massifs—two of the most iconic mountains in the Dolomites—will accompany you.
At the end of the day, an included transfer will take you from the Passo Giau parking area back to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Ascent: 530m (1,739ft) / Descent: 530m (1,739ft)
Overnight in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Hotel Alaska Cortina
This accommodation features spacious common areas and offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a restaurant and a bar, where you can enjoy a relaxing break.
Day 6 - Enjoy your day in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Overnight in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Hotel Alaska Cortina
This accommodation features spacious common areas and offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a restaurant and a bar, where you can enjoy a relaxing break.
Day 7 - Day at Lake Coldai 5,7 miles | 9,2 km
At the start of the route, an included transfer will take you from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Alleghe. From Alleghe, take an included cable car to Piani di Pezzè, and from there, another included cable car to Col dei Baldi.
Today’s stage takes you into the Civetta Valley on a gentle and highly scenic walk. You will begin at Col dei Baldi on wide trails that progress gradually through a stunning alpine environment.
The path leads you to Lake Coldai, an idyllic lake surrounded by rugged peaks that contrast with the ease of the route. Upon arrival, you will have time to relax by the water and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings before heading back, concluding a peaceful day in the heart of the mountains.
At the end of the route, take the included cable car from Col dei Baldi back to Piani di Pezzè, and from there, another included cable car to Alleghe.
Ascent: 497m (1,630ft) / Descent: 497m (1,630ft)
Overnight in Alleghe
Hotel Alpenrose
The accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
It also features a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar.
Day 8 - Alleghe to Pescul 7,7 miles | 12,4 km
Start the day by taking bus line 3-4 from Alleghe to Caprile. Then, take bus line 4 to Pescul. You can check bus schedules on the Dolomiti Bus website.
Today’s stage follows a wide and peaceful valley, ideal for walking at a relaxed pace and enjoying the natural surroundings. The trail climbs through the picturesque Val Fiorentina, passing through forests and alpine meadows with pleasant views of the Civetta massif.
After this gentle ascent, the route gradually descends to reach Pescul, a small and tranquil mountain village surrounded by nature, where the calm atmosphere provides the perfect end to the day.
Ascent: 20m (66ft) / Descent: 670m (2,198ft)
Overnight in Pescul
Hotel Orso Grigio
Located in a beautiful setting, the spacious rooms feature private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine.
Day 9 - Day in the Zoldo Valley 8,5 miles | 13,7 km
Today you will start by taking bus line 10 from Pescul to Rifugio Passo Staulanza. You can check bus schedules on the Dolomiti Bus website.
The day is once again calm and pleasant, following wide trails that invite a relaxed pace. The itinerary gently ascends to Forcella Staulanza, from where you can enjoy expansive panoramic views of the valley and the alpine meadows that characterize the area.
After reaching the highest point, the return is along equally comfortable and well-marked trails. The route ends at Mareson-Pecol, concluding a relaxed stage in a stunning natural setting.
At the end of the day, take bus line 10 from Mareson-Pecol back to Pescul. Bus schedules can be checked on the Dolomiti Bus website.
Ascent: 362m (1,188ft) / Descent: 789m (2,589ft)
Overnight in Pescul
Hotel Orso Grigio
Located in a beautiful setting, the spacious rooms feature private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
The property also has a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine.
Day 10 - Enjoy your day in Selva di Cadore
Overnight in Pescul
Hotel Orso Grigio
Located in a beautiful setting, the spacious rooms feature private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
The property also has a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine.
Day 11 - Pescul to Belluno
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before an included transfer from Pescul to Agordo. In Agordo, you can make a stop to experience its traditional atmosphere and see some of its most iconic landmarks before continuing your journey.
You can admire notable monuments such as the Canonica Parrocchiale di Agordo, its palace, and the main square, strolling calmly through its streets.
After visiting Agordo, take bus lines 1 or 2 to Belluno. You can check bus schedules on the Dolomiti Bus website.
Once in Belluno, explore the historic center and admire its squares, churches, and the Piave River, which runs through the city and gives it a very special character.
Overnight in Belluno
Albergo Cappello
This accommodation offers comfortable, fully equipped rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
It also features two restaurants, as well as a lovely garden and common areas where you can relax.
Day 12 - Belluno
After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- Evening meals on days 8, 9 and 10
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this hiking route, we recommend flying into Venice – Marco Polo Airport. From the airport, you should take a bus (Cortina Express or lines 29, 411, or 1411).
You can find all the information on the websites of Cortina Express, ATVO, and FlixBus.
If you arrive at Treviso – Antonio Canova Airport, you should take bus line 351 to reach the center of Venice, and from there, take the Cortina Express bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
You can find all the information on the ATVO and Cortina Express websites.
For returning to your home city from Belluno, we recommend flying from Treviso – Antonio Canova Airport. To reach the airport, take a train to Treviso Centrale, and from Treviso, take bus lines 101, 102, or 103.
You can find all the information on the Trenitalia and Mobilità di Marca websites.
If you arrive at Venice – Marco Polo Airport, you should take a train to Venezia Mestre and, from the Venice bus station, take a bus.
You can find all the information on the Trenitalia and ATVO websites.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Maximum dimensions 65x50x40 cm.
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
What should my physical preparation be?
How far in advance should I book my trip?
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