High Route of the Dolomites: Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2

Now a World Heritage Site, the Dolomites Italian mountains are a prime trekking destination. There is an excellent network of trails dotted with cosy "rifugi" (mountain huts) in stunning locations, and efficient public transport serving the main hiking spots.

READ ALSO: Trekking in the Dolomites".

The famous Alta Via long-distance hiking trails of Northern Italy run through the Dolomites, from north to south, and reach the Austrian border..

There are six of these routes, and they increase in difficulty: Alta Via 1 has few exposed sections and is suitable for less experienced hikers; Alta Via 2 is much more challenging, only suitable for experienced mountaineers who are good at heights, whereas the AVs 3-6 have ferrata sections and considerable exposure.

The 120 km of the AV1 is described in 11-day stages; the AV2 covers 160 km in 13 days and is more strenuous and technical. Overnight stops are in mountain refuges or hostels.

Practical guide

When to go?

From mid-June to the end of September, when most of the refuges are open: the peak holiday season in Italy is August, especially around 15 August.

Difficulty and tips

We are talking about routes lasting several days with physically and technically demanding sections.

You should choose the route that suits your level. If you are a beginner in alpine trekking, Alta Via 1 will be more appropriate. AV2 is more suitable for experienced mountaineers. On AVs 3-6 the exposure is increased with extended sections through the ferrata.

Not to be missed

• The majestic Marmolada and Pelmo.
• The imposing Civetta and the Cinque Torre.
• The little known (and little travelled) Alta Vía 3, 4, 5 and 6.
• The first chamois, marmot or ibex.

City & Services

The main centres of the Dolomites are Cortina, Belluno, Selva di Cadore, Arabba, La Villa, Selva, Bressanone, Dobbiaco and Canazei.

Routes

Alta Via 1

The AV1 runs for 120 kilometres connecting Lake Braies in Pusteria with Belluno.

Stage 1 Lago di Braies to Rifugio Biella

Starting from the incredible Braies Lake in Pustera, you will climb up to the refuge of Biella alla Croada del Becco. It takes an estimated 3 hours and 30 minutes along the 6 kilometres of low-medium difficulty trail.

Stage 2 Rifugio Biella to Rifugio Fanes

From the Biella hut to the Fanes hut. Passing through Sennes, the Perderú huts, to finally reach the Lavarella and Fanes huts. All along this route you will find the best and most impressive views of Mount Cristallo and Croda Rossa. It has an estimated duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes for the 14 with a low difficulty and very touristic.

Stage 3 Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi

To get from the refuge of Fanes to Forcella del Lago, you cross the desert pass of the Limo mountain and, arriving at the lake, you walk through Val di Fanes. 11 kilometres in 5 hours of trekking.

Stage 4 Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau

We start from the Lagazuoi hut until we reach Tofana di Rozes; after passing along the CAI road no.401-403 until we reach the Dibona hut, we continue towards the Cinque Torri mountain range and the Nuvola hut on Mount Nuvolau. 15 kilometres generally completed in 5 and a half hours of trekking.

Stage 5 Rifugio Nuvolau to Rifugio Città di Fiume

From this point, you descend towards Passo Giau and, arriving at Forcella Ambrizzola, you reach the Citta di Fiume hut. Along this route you pass under the north wall of the wonderful Pelmo mountain, one of the most spectacular in the Dolomites. About 11 kilometres in 4 and a half hours of equipped trekking.

Stage 6 Rifugio Città di Fiume to Rifugio Coldai

From the Citta di Fiume hut to the Venezia hut and the village of Pala Favera. From Palafavera to the Coldai hut,

Stage 7 Rifugio Coldai to Rifugio Vazzoler

From the Coldai hut to the Tissi hut to reach the Vazzoler hut. Passing through the Coldai and Tissi refuges, we come to another of the great walls of the Dolomites: the northeast wall of Mount Civetta. Low difficulty.

Stage 8 Rifugio Vazzoler to Rifugio Carestiato

From the Vazzoler hut to the Carestiato hut. About 8 kilometres in approximately 4 hours with a low difficulty.

Stage 9 Rifugio Carestiato to Rifugio Pramperet

From the Carestiato hut to the Sommariva al Pramperét hut. Soon, via the Passo Duran, you reach the Pramperet hut, thus covering the entire western part of the San Sebatiano peak. 13 kilometres in 5 hours along a path of low difficulty.

Stage 10 Rifugio Pramperet to Rifugio Pian de Fontana

After the marvellous views of Ampezzo and the grandiose mountains of Pelmo and Civetta, you enter a much wilder and harsher but no less fascinating environment: the territory of the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. From the refuge of Pramperet you continue towards the Van di Citta planteau and up to the refuge of Pian di Fontana. 6 kilometres in 3 hours of trekking.

Stage 11 Rifugio Pian de Fontana to La Pissa bus stop

From the Pian de Fontana hut, the Bivacco del Marmol. From Bivacco del Marmol to the 7 Alpini hut (equipped section), towards Belluno passing through the village of Case Borbot.

Alta Via 2

• Stage 1 Bressanone to Rifugio Città di Bressanone
• Stage 2 Rifugio Città di Bressanone to Rifugio Genova
• Stage 3 Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez
• Stage 4 Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadù
• Stage 5 Rifugio Pisciadù to Rifugio Castiglioni
• Stage 6 Rifugio Castiglioni to Passo San Pellegrino
• Stage 7 Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Mulaz
• Stage 8 Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Rosetta
• Stage 9 Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Treviso
• Stage 10 Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda
• Stage 11 Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz
• Stage 12 Rifugio Boz to Rifugio Dal Piaz
• Stage 13 Rifugio Dal Piaz a Croce d'Aune

Alte Vie 3-6

• Alta Via 3
• Alta Via 4
• Alta Via 5
• Alta Via 6