The most celebrated long-distance route in the Dolomites, running from Lago di Braies to Belluno through spectacular alpine scenery, rocky passes, and famous rifugi. Completed in stages using mountain huts, it is one of Europe's great hiking adventures.
Alta Via delle Dolomiti No. 1 is the most celebrated long-distance traverse in the Veneto Dolomites, running roughly 120km south from Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) in the Pusteria valley to the town of Belluno. Most walkers complete it in eight to twelve days, sleeping in the chain of mountain rifugi that punctuate the route, with cumulative ascent approaching 7,000m over the full traverse. The northern trailhead at Lago di Braies is reached by bus from Dobbiaco/Toblach; the southern finish drops into Belluno, well served by rail. The path is way-marked throughout with the triangular '1' symbol and follows numbered CAI trails across high passes, larch forest, and karst plateaus. Surfaces vary enormously: smooth lakeshore paths and forest tracks at lower elevations give way to rock, scree and the occasional snowfield on the cols, while several optional via ferrata variants (notably around Lagazuoi and the Averau group) demand a harness, helmet and via ferrata set. Difficulty is sustained rather than technical on the standard line — the challenge is multi-day stamina and altitude rather than scrambling. Landmarks strung along the route include the emerald Lago di Braies, the Fanes plateau, Rifugio Lagazuoi above the Falzarego Pass with its preserved First World War tunnels, the Cinque Torri rock towers, the Civetta massif's vast west wall, and the Schiara group above Belluno. Staffed rifugi roughly a day apart provide bunks, hot meals, and water, so backpacks can stay light, though booking ahead in summer is essential. Natural turn-around or exit points exist at most passes where roads or cable cars (Falzarego, Passo Giau) allow walkers to bail out to valley transport. Snow can linger on the higher cols into early summer, and the rifugi operate only in the warmer months.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Belluno Province (Braies Lake to Belluno)
- Best season
- Late June to mid-September
Highlights
- Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
- Rifugio Lagazuoi
- Cinque Torri rock towers
- Marmolada glacier views
Tips for visiting
- Book rifugio bunks weeks in advance for July and August; the huts on the popular northern stages fill quickly.
- Carry a via ferrata set, harness and helmet if taking the protected variants near Lagazuoi or the Averau group; the standard line can be walked without them.
- Pack light — staffed rifugi provide meals and bedding, so a tent and stove are unnecessary.
- Build in a weather buffer day: high passes can be snow-covered into early summer and storms force layovers.
- Use the Falzarego or Passo Giau cable cars and buses as planned bail-out points if conditions deteriorate.
When to visit
Late June to mid-September, once the rifugi open and snow has cleared the higher cols. Starting each stage early helps beat afternoon thunderstorms that build over the high passes.
Accessibility
This is a multi-day high-mountain traverse over rock, scree and exposed passes with no wheelchair- or stroller-accessible sections. It demands sustained fitness and mountain experience. Visitors seeking the scenery without the trek can reach individual highlights such as Lago di Braies or Rifugio Lagazuoi by bus and cable car.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Alta Via No. 1 take?
Most hikers complete the roughly 120km traverse from Lago di Braies to Belluno in eight to twelve days, staying overnight in mountain rifugi along the way.
Do I need technical climbing skills?
The standard route is a sustained but non-technical mountain walk. Several optional via ferrata variants require a harness, helmet and via ferrata set, but these can be bypassed.
Where do hikers sleep along the route?
A chain of staffed rifugi roughly a day apart provides bunks, hot meals and water. Reservations are essential in the July–August high season.
Can the route be shortened?
Yes. Roads and cable cars at passes such as Falzarego and Passo Giau allow hikers to exit to valley transport, so the traverse can be walked in sections rather than in one continuous push.