Wooden mountain cabin near dirt road with green grass and snow-dusted peaks under blue sky.
Rocky mountain peaks illuminated by sunset over golden grassy slopes near Passo Giau.
Wooden rowboats docked at pier on Lago di Braies with mountains and autumn trees reflected.
Cinque Torri rock formations illuminated by sun above green alpine meadow with hiking trails
Cinque Torri and Tofana mountains with autumn foliage and early snow at sunset.
Alpine mountains with snow and golden sunrise light over foreground meadow at Rifugio Sennes.
Alpine village with traditional houses below rugged mountains and green meadows in Cortina dAmpezzo surroundings.
Rugged mountain peaks illuminated by sunrise in Monte Pelmo and Monte Civetta area.
Alpine village with church nestled in green meadows below jagged, sunlit Dolomites mountain peaks
Rugged mountain peaks illuminated by sunset light above green foothills under dramatic clouds, Monte Civetta.
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Alta Via 1 Self-Guided Hike

10 days / 9 nights

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Explore the breathtaking Dolomites, Italy’s most captivating mountain range, on a self-guided hut-to-hut hike along the iconic Alta Via 1 alpine trail.

Starting point

Lago di Braies

Finish point

La Stanga

Season

From July to September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Highlights

  • Complete the famous Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut hiking trail in its entirety across nine days
  • Hike through the most picturesque places in the Dolomites
  • Visit two iconic mountain passes above Cortina d’Ampezzo – Passo Giau and Falzarego Pass
  • Sleep in authentic ‘rifugios’ and enjoy the traditional local cuisine
  • Discover World War I remnants

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

9 nights in (mountain) huts with half-board
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Additional transfers
Airport transfer
Airport transfer from Venice Airport to Cortina d'Ampezzo
Extra nights
Private rooms
Transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Starting Point

What to bring to the tour

  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • 25 to 45-liter backpack
  • Base layer
  • Sports T-shirts
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking water-repellent pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Midlayer
  • Sports socks and underwear
  • Leisurewear for evenings
  • Down jacket
  • Gloves
  • Shade hat/cap
  • Warm headwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking poles
  • ID card or passport
  • Snacks
  • Cash
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
  • Sleeping liner
  • Toiletries
  • Toilet paper
  • Small first aid kit

The Alta Via 1 trail that passes through the Dolomites showcases Italy's most beautiful mountain scenery. The landscape is known for its abnormal natural beauty and somewhat dark history. Many scenic places, such as the Falzarego mountain pass, bear the scars of World War I battles.

Unlike its sister, Alta Via 2, it is appropriate for every regular hiker, overcoming 120 kilometers and 6700 meters of elevation across nine stages. From its beginning at Lago di Braies to its conclusion in La Stanga, Alta Via 1 feels like an experience that transcends everything you thought was possible.

From the scenic alpine meadows at Passo Giau to the redoubtable face of Monte Civetta and rock-formed towers of Cinque Torri, a hiker can be afraid to blink lest they miss something.

On Alta Via 1, hikers often walk well away from civilization, meaning your only chance of experiencing the trail as you should, is by sleeping in the mountain huts along the way. Or, as Italians call them, 'rifugios'.

An authentic mountain lodge high up in the Alps with homemade Italian dishes and enough comfort for a good night’s sleep – what more could a tired trekker seek? Our Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut tour includes all rifugio bookings, and we equip you with a precise GPS track of the planned route.

You will not miss any landmarks either, as our digital guidebook with the itinerary includes a highlights section for every day. If you feel like you would still prefer a guide by your side, you can check out out Alta Via 1 - Guided Hike.

Reinhold Messner once said that every mountain in the Dolomites is like a piece of art. And to say he saw many is an understatement. Is that really something you can afford to miss during your lifetime?

For those who find themselves a bit short on time, we've also created an Alta Via 1 Highlights tour to ensure you can walk the best of this iconic trail in only 4 days!

Top Places You'll See

From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although hiking in light rain is manageable as long as proper attire is worn, it is crucial to note that hiking during a storm can be extremely dangerous. It is recommended to schedule hikes early in the day during the summer months to avoid thunderstorms. However, if the forecast predicts severe weather, it is best to reschedule, or we can advise you on a different tour option.

It depends on the tour, as some routes run well above 2000 or even 2500 meters of elevation. Therefore, they are impassable in snowy conditions, limiting the visiting season to the summer and early autumn days between late June and early October.


However, some of our holidays keep to lower elevations, so hiking in early spring or late autumn is still possible. You can read more extensively about it on our subpage about the Dolomites.

All the accommodations offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast. You also will not have any trouble finding such menus at restaurants. When you eat at mountain huts, though, they might not serve vegan meals. In such cases, it is best to bring your own food.

Our hiking holidays are suitable for children as long as they are prepared physically and sure-footed. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of young participants, we recommend that they be at least eight years old to join the tours.

While our tours are designed to suit a wide range of people, some days can include long distances with substantial elevation gain. We try to keep this to a minimum while preserving the overall quality of your experience, but you should be used to walking for 4-6 hours while overcoming around 600 meters of elevation.


We also try to route our walks in the vicinity of cable cars and chairlifts to shorten your climbs or help you descend in case of fatigue.

Shoes are an essential piece of equipment when walking in the Dolomites. We suggest you wear sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for all our tours, as the ground in the Dolomites is uneven, sometimes rocky, and slippery. Therefore, you risk a severe injury if you wear sneakers, especially if you are not used to hiking on such terrain.

The car might offer you slightly more flexibility and freedom, but it is not necessary to come by car, as public transport is well-organized in the Dolomites and the entire Alps. Even traveling across different countries is very convenient. Be it by bus or train — you can reach virtually any destination in the Dolomites using public transport.


Additionally, you will promote sustainable tourism by reducing your carbon footprint, and we are all for keeping the environment of the Dolomites as untouched as possible.

Keep in mind that the Dolomites are one of the most popular tourist destinations all year round, and all accommodations are subject to availability. Therefore, early booking is crucial to ensure the housing you desire, but we will always do our best to get you the optimal lodging based on your preferences.

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Are you looking for a good adventure and limitless flexibility? Then you should try out a self-guided tour, perfect for independent explorers who want to set their own pace. Without the need to stick to a group schedule, you’re free to linger at scenic viewpoints while the logistics are taken care of in advance.

Hassle-Free

We handle route planning, accommodations, transfers, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.

Book With Confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Tried & Tested Adventures

Only the best hiking adventures in Slovenia, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

from 1.790 € /person
Join one of our carefully curated walking holidays in the Dolomites, hiking through the scenic landscape of limestone mountains and green meadows.

Have questions? Talk to us.

Anja Hajnšek
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