Alta Via 1 of the Dolomites: self-guided hiking tour

Alta Via 1 is one of the most well-known hiking routes in the Dolomites, or even in the entire Alps. It was first published in 1966 with the goal of valorising the beauty of the Dolomite Mountains. It stretches over 125km, connecting the enchanting Lake Braies, in South Tyrol, to the cozy town of Belluno, on the southern edge of the Dolomites.

This hut-to-hut itinerary develops along scenic mountain trails, welcoming mountain huts, and historic sites related to World War I. Along the way, hikers can visit some of the most iconic landmarks in the Dolomties, including the crystal-clear waters of Lake Braies, the open-air museum of Monte Lagazuoi, the distinctive shape of Cinque Torri massif, Monte Pelmo and Civetta-Moiazza mountain groups. These legendary locations are a major reason for the trail's popularity. 

The itinerary begins in the picturesque village of Cortina D'Ampezzo, home of the 2025 Winter Olympic Games. Cortina is the perfect basecamp location to get used to the dolomite landscapes before embarking on the hut-to-hut journey.

We offer three route variants: 9, 10 or 11-day tour, depending on your preference. The main and longest itinerary is the 11-day tour which includes 9 full hiking days. The entire route develops on normal hiking trails and avoid via ferrata.

Alta Via 1 is an excellent choice for a first self-guided experience in the Dolomites, as trails are well-maintained, signposted and frequently traveled. But a good level of fitness is essential, as each leg normally requires from 5 up to 7 hiking hours per day, with varying elevation gain.

We strongly recommend booking well in advance, as space in the mountain huts along the route is limited and demand is high—especially during the summer months.

Program details - 11 days:

• Day 1
  Arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo and check-in in 3* hotel. 
   
• Day 2 - LAKE BRAIES
  Ascent: +960m. Descent: -300m. Distance: 10km. Hiking time: 5h
  Private transfer to Lake Braies, a true gem and iconic symbol of South Tyrol. After a short break to admire its crystal-clear waters, the trek begins along a well-marked trail across coniferous forests and gently climbs to more open landscapes. As you gain altitude, the trail leads to high alpine pastures, where breathtaking views of the surrounding Dolomites peaks unfold. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 3 - FANES-SENNES-BRAIES NATURAL PARK 
  Ascent: +550m. Descent: -650m. Distance: 11km. Hiking time: 5h
  Today the hike takes you through the 25.680 hectares of Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, a vast protected area known for its rich variety of landscapes and natural beauty. Some areas are significant due to their complex geomorphology. The terrain has been heavily shaped by karstic phenomena, resulting in deep sinkholes and caves - natural features that make this protected area truly unique. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 4 - LAGAZUOI
  Ascent: +1120m. Descent: -440m. Distance: 13km. Hiking time: 6h
  From Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural park, the itinerary continues toward Lagazuoi massif. After crossing wide meadows, you climb toward Forcella del Lago, keypoint of the entire crossing. The descent on the opposite site is steep and require a firm step, but it takes you into a lunar-like landscape, which reaches its climax upon arrival at Lagazuoi. From the panoramic terrace of the mountain hut, the view spaces over the Dolomites, stretching from Nuvolau, Croda da Lago and Monte Pelmo to the distant Marmolada, Sella and Sassolungo mountain groups. During the First World War the Lagazuoi massif has been transformed into a fortress and still is a real rock castle. The hut offers a unique terrace overlooking the Dolomites. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 5 - CINQUE TORRI
  Ascent: +790m. Descent: -1470m (with the lift 840 m). Distance: 15km. Hiking time: 7h
  From Passo Falzrego, Alta Via 1 continues across high-altitude mountain meadows passing by Lake Limides, a small but scenic mountain lake. This body of water is fed exclusively by winter snow and summer rainfall. The trail then climbs toward Forcella Avaru and Nuvolau, before descending to Cinque Torri Massif.  The Cinque Torri is the simbol of Cortina. It is a single rock formation that appers as five distinc towers. From this point you can admire a 360-degree view. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 6 - MONTE PELMO
  Ascent: +450m. Descent: -930m. Distance: 13km. Hiking time: 5h
  The day begins discovering the fantastic location of Croda da Lago with a short detour to Lake Federa.  The route then continues toward another iconic symbol of the Dolomites: Monte Pelmo. This massive mountain group has no hiking trails to its summit, it can only be climbed via climbing routes. The route skirts its imposing vertical walls, gradually descending at lower altitude until it reaches its foot. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 7 - CIVETTA AND LAKE COLDAI
  Ascent: +950m. Descent: -470m. Distance: 11km. Hiking time: 5h
  Soon, the itienrary takes hikers to wilder and more remote areas. From Passo Staulanza, you continue toward Lake Coldai and its Forcella. During the ascent, the vegetation gradually becomes sparser, giving way to more rugged terrains. The Civetta Massif rises dramatically between the Zoldo valley and the Agordino region. Its north-west side is particularly impressive, which its wall stretching over 1.000 meter high and 5km wide. This leg is withouth any doubt the most spectacular of the entire AV1. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 8 - MOIAZZA GROUP
  Ascent: +1020m. Descent: -1450m. Distance: 14km. Hiking time: 7h
  Today you skirt the wall of Moiazza Massif, which, together with Civetta, forms a single mountain group - one of the largest of the entire Dolomites range. The trail gradually begins to descend, leading into gentler landscapes shaped by coniferous forests. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 9 - SAN SEBASTIANO AND PRAMPER
  Ascent: +590m. Descent: -560m. Distance: 13km. Hiking time: 5h
  In the southern part, the route becomes wilder and ventures across more remote areas. The Pramper mountain group is the less-travelled area, reached only by the most passionate hikers. The trails become steeper and more rugged, but lead through authentic forests and untouched valleys. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 10 - BELLUNO DOLOMITES NATIONAL PARK
  Ascent: +640m. Descent: -1740m. Distance: 11km. Hiking time: 6h
  The final day of your hut-to-hut  adventure leads you across the typical morain landscape of the Belluno Dolomites. The day begins with the ascent to Forcella de Zita, located in the Schiara group, on of the most barren environment of the area. From here begins the lond descend toward the valley. In the afternoon private transfer to Belluno. Accommodation in hotel. 
   
• Day 11
  Departure

Program details - 9 days:

This shorter variant is 2 days shorter than the main itinerary. The route ends at Passo Duran and doesn't not include the wild areas of Pramper and Schiara mountain groups (7 hiking days, 2 nights in base camp hotel before and after the hike, 6 nights at huts).

Program details - 10 days:

With 8 hiking days, this variant includes all the landmarks of the main AV1 beside the Schiara group. Once reached Passo Duran, the final hiking days includes the descent by foot to the Zoldo valley (8 hiking days, 2 nights in base camp hotel before and after the hike, 7 nights at huts).

Additional clarifications

The program could be changed at discretion of the Campo Base Team based on weather conditions and forecasts, mantaining however inalterate the basic structure and the aims of the proposal.

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