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1/10
Sold Out 2025, Early Bird 2026

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

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  • 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 (1-3 pax)
Airport transfer from Venice Airport to Cortina d'Ampezzo (4-8 pax)
Extra nights
Private rooms
Transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to the starting point (1-3 pax)
Transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to the starting point (4-8 pax)

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!

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.

Ratings & Reviews

Google Reviews

5.0 average rating

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Kristin Stone

Verified customer · 11 months ago

1) Stunningly beautiful places with perfect weather! Good balance of countryside and old city walking. 2) The Trip App was incredible!!! 5 stars! Loved the write ups on each location. The links to all restaurants, hotels, attractions, tickets! The GPS app also worked. 3) PERFECTLY located hotels and rooms with two beds and thoughtful staff! Loved being right in the old towns with amazing views. I did not mind carrying bags up or down in order to have the locations but much appreciated when we did have help with this 4) Breakfast being included with the rooms (even though there was a mix up the first morning). I don't like to have to plan breakfast spots and the buffets were incredible. 5) The kindness and promptness of the drivers, Nice transport vehicles and easy drop off and pick up points. Plus help with our bags. 6) The Walking Holidays Croatia team was helpful and easy to work with. We appreciate all they did to customize out trip.

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Ann Swainson

Verified customer

Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. It was absolutely stunning, well organised, and a brilliant trip. Special thanks to Jan for his kindness & support on what was a personally challenging trek.

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Chris Johnson

Verified customer · 2 months ago

Tour was very well organised with lots of information to help guide us through the holiday. All the accommodation was great. Particularly liked the self catering Glamping Mountain Fairytale and the Berghi Hotel. Food at the Hotel Starkl restaurant was great as well. The route took us through a beautiful part of the country on quiet roads and cycle paths. The cycle paths are much better than in the UK and I would also like to say that Slovenian car drivers are much more patient and tolerant than many drivers in the UK. Beautiful country. Really enjoyed it.

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Valerija Bencak

Verified customer · 3 months ago

Walking in the Bernese Oberland felt like a dream. The trails were incredibly scenic, with views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and picturesque Swiss villages. The accommodations were comfortable and ideally located, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. Lan was wonderful in helping me plan my days and ensuring I had everything I needed. Switzerland’s natural beauty is unmatched, and this trip was the perfect way to experience it on foot.

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Jan Šilec (Jan Silec)

Verified customer · 3 months ago

Walking the GR10 was an incredible way to experience the Pyrenees. Each day brought something different—lush valleys, high mountain passes, and charming villages. The huts provided a warm bed, great meals, and a chance to meet fellow hikers. The clear itinerary and support from Hut to Hut Hiking Europe made it easy to focus on enjoying the trail. I’d recommend this hike to anyone looking for a multi-day trek with lots of variety.

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Ilma Durmic

Verified customer · 3 months ago

My walking holiday in Chamonix and the French Alps was unforgettable. Each day brought stunning views of towering peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial streams. The routes were well-marked and varied in difficulty, making it easy to tailor the days to my pace. The accommodations were charming and perfectly situated for breathtaking morning views. Lan was so helpful in suggesting how to make the most of my time in the region, and their support made the whole trip seamless. If you love mountains and fresh air, this trip is a must!

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided tour. We prepare the itinerary and book your accommodations while you enjoy the journey without our guide, being fully in charge of all the daily decisions. While you’ll have the full support of our team in case of any emergencies or concerns, a certain level of self-reliance is required.

Hassle-Free

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

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

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

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.

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Samo Korelec
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