Alta Via 1

Your adventure starts with a quick bus transfer from Dobbiaco to Lago di Braies, a breathtaking alpine lake nestled amidst towering peaks and steep rock faces in the northern Dolomites. As you ascend towards the Forcella Sora Forno mountain pass, take in the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

Depending on your preference and availability, you can spend the night at Rifugio Bella or continue on a gently sloping path until you reach Rifugio Sennes beside the beautiful Senessee lake.

The day begins with a descent towards Rifugio Pederu where a military camp used to stand during WW1. On your way, you will cross a lively mountain stream. Afterward, the path gradually ascends through a valley enclosed by the surrounding mountain peaks.

Upon reaching an elevated plateau above 2000 meters of elevation, you will soon be at your destination for the night, be it Rifugio Fanes or Rifugio Lavarella. They lie close to each other, near picturesque alpine lakes.

Begin the day with a descent towards Rifugio Pederu, which once served as a military camp during World War I. As you make your way there, you’ll cross a lively mountain stream. The path then leads you on a gradual ascent through a valley enclosed by towering mountain peaks.

After reaching an elevated plateau above 2000 meters of elevation, you’ll soon arrive at your destination for the night, whether it’s Rifugio Fanes or Rifugio Lavarella. These two rustic mountain lodges are situated near picturesque alpine lakes and are located in close proximity to each other

The first ascent of the day takes you to the stunning Lago di Limo, which is sure to get your blood pumping for the rest of the day’s journey. The path then leads across rocky terrain, mostly flat, until you reach the steep climb towards the Forcella di Lago mountain pass.

Be careful during the treacherous descent that follows, as sure footing is essential. Next, you’ll ascend gradually across a rocky plateau before arriving at Rifugio Lagazuoi, which sits atop a ridge at an elevation of 2750 meters. From the rifugio, you’ll enjoy stunning views overlooking the Falzarego pass.

Leaving behind the highest point on the route, the trail winds through a landscape that still bears the scars of the battles fought here during World War I. As you pass through tunnels and former warehouses, the path leads downhill below the towering Tofana di Rozes mountain peak and towards the Falzarego pass.

While the pass connects to Cortina d’Ampezzo in the east, you’ll be heading south, following a forest path that takes you past the awe-inspiring rock formations of Cinque Torri. After a while, you’ll reach Rifugio Nuvolau, perched on a ridge with a breathtaking view of the peaks across the valley of Cortina.

Following the ridge path from yesterday in reverse, you will descend below it and make your way across the picturesque Passo Giau, with its lush alpine meadows and grazing cattle.

From there, the trail will lead you on a meandering path, with rolling hills and expansive views of the surrounding mountaintops. High above everything else, the majestic Monte Pelmo towers with its twin peaks, and you will spend the night at Rifugio Citta di Fiume, nestled in its shadow.

The day’s trek starts with a descent towards Passo Staulanza, followed by a more challenging ascent towards the Forcella Coldai mountain pass.

Afterwards, you will traverse the majestic Monte Civetta, one of the iconic symbols of the Dolomites. As you gradually descend below 1800 meters of elevation, you will arrive at Rifugio Vazzoler, nestled among the pine trees.

The day’s hike is relatively shorter compared to previous ones, starting with a descent of 300 meters before ascending to the Forcella del Camp mountain pass, located on the southern side of the Civetta massif.

As you continue along the trail, steep rock faces will loom above, leading you past Rifugio Carestiato until you reach your destination for the night at Rifugio Passo Duran.

As you head south, you will start by following the road briefly before ascending over the first ridge. From there, a new valley will reveal itself, and the path beneath the Tamer Grande mountain peak will unfold.

As you continue, you will feel like you are entering a new world with grassy ridges surrounding you. Be cautious as you cross Cima de Zita, but once you complete the climb, you will only have to descend to Rifugio Pian de Fontana through a funnel-shaped landscape.

The final day of the journey involves a descent to La Stanga in Val Cordevole, from where you can easily take a bus to Belluno. This section of the trail is relatively easy and doesn’t include the via ferrata portion across the Schiara massif.