Alta Via 1 - Trekking in the Dolomites

Begin your Dolomites adventure and discover the Alta Via 1 (AV1) — a classic hut-to-hut trek through northeastern Italy’s spectacular alpine scenery. Covering 115km from Lago di Braies to Belluno, this long-distance trail offers a perfect introduction to trekking in the Dolomites, suitable for both first-time and experienced trekkers, and typically completed in around two weeks.

This Dolomites hiking guidebook makes planning simple, with stage-by-stage descriptions and expert advice from author Gillian Price. A dedicated map booklet, featuring Kompass 1:25,000 maps with the full route line clearly marked, allows you to navigate the trail with confidence.

• The trek is divided into 11 stages, each between 6 and 14km long, with detailed descriptions of the route, terrain, and key landmarks such as war tunnels from the Austro-Hungarian Empire
• Each stage is paired with a 1:75,000 overview map, while the additional 1:25,000 map booklet offers detailed navigation through the heart of the Dolomites.
• Downloadable GPX files provide an additional digital navigation option, making it simple to use your smartphone or GPS device to track progress between alpine huts, among the immense rock formations unique to the area.
• The guide includes essential details on mountain huts, transport links, what to pack, and the best time to go — everything you need to plan your trip to Italy.
• Short on time? Alternative paths, exit routes to public transport, and optional side trips to nearby summits, such as Croda del Beco, are clearly detailed, allowing you to tailor the trek to your schedule and interests.

With comprehensive route descriptions, GPX downloads, and a separate 1:25,000 map booklet, this Alta Via 1 guidebook provides a complete navigation package for hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites. Plan your next walking holiday with confidence and experience the breathtaking scale, beauty, and adventure of one of Italy’s most iconic long-distance trails.

Seasons

Alpine summer - mid-June to late September - is the time to go, so that the huts are all open for accommodation and meals and the paths mostly free of snow. Midsummer is the perfect time to enjoy the myriad wildflowers that brighten the rocky slopes and meadows and to be entertained by the frolicking marmots who are by then out of hibernation.

Centres

Lago di Braies, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Agordo, Belluno

Difficulty

Alta Via 1 is a perfect introductory trek to the Dolomites and while the paths are not a seaside stroll, they are not overly difficult. No special equipment is necessary. Easier path variants are detailed where useful. Overall AV1 rates as Grade 2, suitable for fit walkers with some experience of alpine terrain and conditions.

Must See

Breathtaking views of an estimated 80% of the Dolomites, including the Tofane, Pelmo and Civetta, as well as the glaciated Marmolada; memorable stays in comfortable high-altitude alpine huts

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table

Preface to this edition

Introduction

The Dolomites

The route

Geology

Plants and flowers

Wildlife

How to get there

When to go

Shorter itineraries

Accommodation

Food and drink

What to take

Maps

Languages and place names

Dos and don’ts

Emergencies

Using this guide

Alta Via 1

Stage 1Lago di Braies to Rifugio Biella

Stage 2Rifugio Biella to Rifugio Fanes

Stage 3Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi

Stage 4Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau

Stage 5Rifugio Nuvolau to Rifugio Città di Fiume

Stage 6Rifugio Città di Fiume to Rifugio Coldai

Stage 7Rifugio Coldai to Rifugio Vazzoler

Stage 8Rifugio Vazzoler to Rifugio Carestiato

Stage 9Rifugio Carestiato to Rifugio Pramperet

Stage 10Rifugio Pramperet to Rifugio Pian de Fontana

Stage 11Rifugio Pian de Fontana to La Pissa bus stop

Appendix AUseful contacts

Appendix BItalian–English glossary