The Best Hike in the Dolomites: Why Alta Via 1 Should Be at the Top of Your List

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a well-prepared first-timer, this is the kind of trail that stays with you for life.

Why Alta Via 1 Is the Best Hike in the Dolomites

There are dozens of beautiful day hikes and shorter treks in the region—like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Seceda, or the Adolf Munkel Trail—but none deliver the depth, challenge, or reward of the Alta Via 1. Here’s why:

1. It’s Wildly Scenic—Start to Finish

You’ll hike past turquoise alpine lakes, towering limestone spires, flower-filled valleys, and epic ridgelines. The views don’t stop. This is postcard Italy on steroids.

2. Hut-to-Hut Trekking (No Tent Needed)

Each night, you’ll rest in a rifugio—mountain lodges that offer warm beds, hearty meals, and fellow hikers to swap stories with. Many even have saunas or local craft beer.

3. Unmatched Cultural Immersion

Eat regional specialties. Chat with locals. Hike through historic war trenches. The AV1 gives you the soul of the Dolomites, not just the scenery.

4. It’s Achievable With the Right Preparation

The Alta Via 1 is physically demanding but manageable—if you plan well and train smart. You don’t need to carry a tent, sleeping bag, or cooking gear. All the logistics can be handled ahead of time.

The Hardest Part? Planning It

As amazing as the AV1 is, booking it can be a nightmare. There’s no central reservation system for rifugios. Every hut is independently owned and opens for booking at different times—some in July, others not until February.

You’ll need to:

• Choose your hiking duration, typically between 6-11 days
  
  
• Research and select your rifugios
  
  
• Track opening dates
  
  
• Contact each rifugio individually (usually by email or through their websites)
  
  

Sound overwhelming? I thought so too—which is exactly why I created the Ultimate Alta Via 1 Digital Guide.

The Ultimate Alta Via 1 Digital Guide: Plan Your Trek with Confidence

This all-in-one digital toolkit gives you everything you need to plan and complete the AV1, without spending weeks glued to your computer.

What’s Included:

✅ Step-by-Step Itinerary – Distances, elevation gain, and timing for each day
✅ AV1 Rifugio Guide – Booking links, contact info, amenities, and tips
✅ Packing List – Essentials only, organized by category (clothing, gear, first aid, etc.)
✅ AV1 Training Plan – A full-body workout program to prepare for elevation and mileage
✅ Insider Pro Tips – Trail hacks, money-saving strategies, blister prevention, and more

💡 Created by someone who actually walked the trail—this guide is based on real experience, not recycled blog content.

🎒 Instant Download Available – Start prepping today.

👉 BUY THE ULTIMATE ALTA VIA 1 GUIDE HERE

Bonus: Sample Alta Via 1 Itinerary (2025 Updated)

Here's a quick look at a 9-day AV1 itinerary at the pace I personally recommend:

Day 1: Lago di Braies to Rifugio Fodara Vedla

Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 880 m / 2,890 ft
Elevation Loss: 220 m / 720 ft

Your journey kicks off at the postcard-perfect Lago di Braies, one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites. After taking in the view, you’ll begin climbing into alpine pastures and forests. The day ends at Rifugio Fodara Vedla, a peaceful mountain hut with sweeping views and cozy alpine charm—a perfect start to your AV1 adventure.

Day 2: Rifugio Fodara Vedla to Rifugio Fanes

Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 540 m / 1,770 ft
Elevation Loss: 590 m / 1,940 ft

Today you'll cross the Sennes Plateau, an open, wide expanse with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The trail undulates before descending into Val di Fanes, a quiet alpine valley that feels like a hidden world. Rifugio Fanes is one of the most beloved huts on the AV1, known for its atmosphere and hearty meals.

Day 3: Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,050 m / 3,445 ft
Elevation Loss: 390 m / 1,280 ft

A big day both in scenery and elevation gain. After a steady climb, you’ll reach the breathtaking Forcella del Lago, followed by a steep descent to the turquoise Lago di Lagazuoi. The final ascent to Rifugio Lagazuoi is tough but unforgettable. At 2,752 m, this hut offers some of the best sunset views in all of the Dolomites.

Day 4: Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 m / 1,970 ft
Elevation Loss: 750 m / 2,460 ft

Today, you’ll descend into Falzarego Pass, with an optional (but highly recommended) detour through the World War I tunnels—a haunting and fascinating walk through history. Then it’s back uphill to reach the famous Rifugio Nuvolau, perched dramatically on a rocky peak with 360-degree views and epic photo ops.

Day 5: Rifugio Nuvolau to Rifugio Staulanza

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 350 m / 1,150 ft
Elevation Loss: 900 m / 2,950 ft

Say goodbye to the high ridges as you descend past the Cinque Torri, iconic stone towers and popular climbing spots. The trail weaves through meadows and forests until you reach Rifugio Staulanza, nestled beneath Monte Pelmo. This is a great day to slow down and enjoy the changing terrain.

Day 6: Rifugio Staulanza to Rifugio Vazzoler

Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 m / 2,625 ft
Elevation Loss: 950 m / 3,115 ft

Expect fewer crowds and more rugged terrain as you hike through the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. This lesser-traveled section of the AV1 offers raw beauty, dense forests, and commanding views of Monte Civetta. End the day at the peaceful Rifugio Vazzoler, tucked in among alpine trees.

Day 7: Rifugio Vazzoler to Rifugio Passo Duran

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 550 m / 1,800 ft
Elevation Loss: 500 m / 1,640 ft

This shorter day gives your legs a bit of a break while still delivering big mountain energy. You’ll follow a mix of rocky ridges and forested paths to reach Passo Duran, where Rifugio San Sebastiano or Rifugio Passo Duran await with hearty meals and stunning sunset views.

Day 8: Rifugio Passo Duran to Rifugio Pian de Fontana

Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 m / 2,950 ft
Elevation Loss: 950 m / 3,115 ft

This is one of the most challenging but rewarding sections of the AV1. You’ll tackle steep ascents and narrow traverses with fewer hikers around. The sense of wilderness here is strong. Rifugio Pian de Fontana is rustic, remote, and the perfect place to reflect before your final descent.

Day 9: Rifugio Pian de Fontana to Belluno

Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 150 m / 490 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,350 m / 4,430 ft

The final day is mostly downhill as you leave the high mountains behind. Hike through serene forest paths and past quiet mountain villages before arriving in Belluno, a charming Italian town where you can reward yourself with pizza, gelato, and a glass of wine—you earned it.

This pacing allows for strong mileage while still giving you time each day to rest, enjoy the huts, and soak in the alpine magic.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for the best hike in the Dolomites, the Alta Via 1 is it. It’s challenging, breathtaking, and life-affirming—but only if you come prepared.



The Ultimate AV1 Digital Guide has helped dozens of hikers plan confidently and walk with ease. Save yourself hours of frustration and avoid the most common mistakes by getting your hands on this essential planning tool.

👇Alta Via 1 Digital Guide

🎒 Click HERE to get your Ultimate Alta Via 1 Guide and start planning the adventure of a lifetime.