Alta Via 1 (Lago di Braies → Belluno)

The place

The Alta Via 1 of the Dolomites is one of Europe's most famous hiking routes: 120 km across the Dolomites, running north to south from Lake Braies (South Tyrol) to Belluno (Veneto) over 10–12 stages. Following the most scenic ridges and passes of this UNESCO World Heritage site, the route alternates between golden alpine pastures, historic mountain huts, reddish rock spires and views over the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Civetta and Pale di San Martino. The itinerary is rated challenging due to the exposure and daily elevation gain/loss (700–1,200 m), but requires no mountaineering technique. The CAI hut network is excellent along the entire route.

Why go

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (icon of the Dolomites). Rifugio Lagazuoi and the Great War (trenches carved into the rock). Civetta and its imposing north-west face. Rifugio Vazzoler. Selva di Cadore. Passo Duran. The dawn light on Pelmo and Civetta is unforgettable.

A bit of history

Mapped by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) in the 1960s, the Alta Via 1 was officially inaugurated in 1966 as the first major high-altitude route in the Dolomites. It drew on the legacy of the 19th-century pioneers of Dolomite mountaineering (Paul Grohmann, John Ball) and showcased a region that was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2009.

Getting there

Lake Braies: bus from Dobbiaco (Toblach) or Brunico. Belluno: train from Venice (1h30). By air: Venice Marco Polo airport (2h from Belluno) or Innsbruck (2h from Braies).

Recommended gear

High mountain boots with Vibram soles. Trekking poles. Layered clothing. Waterproof jacket. Sunscreen SPF 50+. Sleeping bag liner (huts don't always provide blankets). Tabacco 1:25,000 map.

Best season

Mid-June to end of September. Before July, snow may still be found on the passes. Huts generally open in early July. August is the busiest month: booking essential.

Day by day

1. 1
   J01 · Lago di Braies → Rifugio Biella7.00 km · +700 m
2. 2
   J02 · Rifugio Biella → Rifugio Pederù (Fanes)8.50 km · +350 m
3. 3
   J03 · Rifugio Pederù → Rifugio Lagazuoi10.00 km · +1050 m
4. 4
   J04 · Rifugio Lagazuoi → Rifugio Scotoni8.00 km · +100 m
5. 5
   J05 · Rifugio Scotoni → Rifugio Croda da Lago9.50 km · +1000 m
6. 6
   J06 · Rifugio Croda da Lago → Rifugio Città di Fiume12.00 km · +600 m
7. 7
   J07 · Rifugio Città di Fiume → Rifugio Coldai8.00 km · +950 m
8. 8
   J08 · Rifugio Coldai → Rifugio Vazzoler11.00 km · +650 m
9. 9
   J09 · Rifugio Vazzoler → Rifugio Carestiato7.50 km · +800 m
10. 10
    J10 · Rifugio Carestiato → Belluno21.00 km · +200 m