Do the huts serve vegetarian and vegan meals?

Most accommodations offer vegetarian meal options, although vegan options may be more difficult to find in huts. However, we will let you know in advance if there are any vegan options available so that you can plan accordingly.

Which equipment do I need for a hiking tour in the Dolomites?

In addition to the essential items such as hiking shoes, a backpack, and sports clothes , there are several other important items you should pack for your hut-to-hut hiking tour. Check out our comprehensive list of recommended equipment .

While we do not require you to have insurance before booking, we strongly recommend that you do. Look into joining the Italian Alpine Club , which might provide coverage in the event of any unexpected incidents during your hike.

Are the huts comfortable accommodations?

Mountain huts may not be luxurious, but they are cozy and comfortable, offering warm beds, delicious meals, and toilets. You can choose between private rooms and dormitories, but it is important to book in advance if you want to avoid sharing a room with other people. Keep in mind that huts are popular and can fill up quickly, so it is best to plan ahead to secure your preferred accommodation. You can read all about the comfort of rifugios here .

Is it appropriate for kids?

As long as children are physically prepared for long hiking days and are sure-footed, they should not have any problems participating in the tour. We recommend that children be at least eight years old to ensure their safety and enjoyment of the experience.

Can I shorten some of the stages?

None of the stages offer any shortcuts if you want to get to the end of your hike. If you get too tired , you can conclude your hike sooner at one of the road-equipped mountain passes or head for the nearest town.

How to get to the Dolomites?

There are several ways to get to the Dolomites. If you are flying to Europe, you can then combine your flight with a bus, train, or car ride. You can read more about it on our subpage .

Lago di Braies with towering mountains reflected in the calm alpine lake water.

Hikers posing on rocky summit with Lagazuoi mountains in background

Hiking trail on grassy slope toward rugged mountain peaks under bright blue sky

Mountain hut on green slope below jagged peaks with snow, Passo Giau, Dolomites.

Wooden hiking signpost pointing to Forcella Averàu and Rifugio Nuvola in the rocky mountains.

View of Tofana di Rozes mountain with rocky foreground and green slopes under blue sky.

Hikers on dirt path through green valley toward snow-capped mountains under cloudy sky

Majestic rock towers of Cinque Torri in the Dolomites with green alpine meadows and blue sky.

View from Forcella di Lago between steep rock walls overlooking a turquoise alpine lake and winding trail.

1/9

Show all 9 photos

Alta Via 1 Guided Hike

10 days / 9 nights

Take on the iconic Alta Via 1 with an expert guide and discover hidden gems, legendary peaks, alpine lakes and the rugged beauty of the Dolomites.

Starting point

Lago di Braies

Finish point

Belluno

Season

From July to September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Take on the iconic Alta Via 1 with an expert guide and discover hidden gems, legendary peaks, alpine lakes and the rugged beauty of the Dolomites.

Starting point

Lago di Braies

Finish point

Belluno

Season

From July to September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Highlights

Explore the stunning Dolomites with an expert guide leading the way
Complete the famed Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut hiking trail in its entirety
Take in panoramic views from high-altitude passes like Forcella Sora Forno
Experience the quiet beauty of remote mountain passes and hidden valleys
Capture breathtaking views from iconic spots like Cinque Torri and Monte Civetta
Rest each night in cozy rifugios, enjoying authentic Italian mountain cuisine

Itinerary of the trip

After a brief bus transfer from Dobbiaco, your adventure begins at the stunning Lago di Braies, where a leisurely path around the lake will provide photo opportunities of the clear waters and surrounding peaks. As the trail ascends, your guide will lead you through a peaceful forest before a steeper climb toward the Forcella Sora Forno pass at 2,388 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Dolomites. After crossing the pass, you descend slightly to end the day at Rifugio Biella, where you'll spend your first night on a high-mountain plateau.

Hiking

6.5 km and 930 m of elevation gain / 100 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Bien Seekofelhütte stone mountain hut on grassy trail with rocky peaks under blue sky.

Wooden bunk beds and single beds with colorful blankets inside a rustic mountain hut.

Rifugio Biella

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Lago di Braies with emerald water, rocky mountains, and rowboats on a sunny day.

Rocky alpine terrain with large boulders, sparse grass, and distant mountains under a cloudy sky near Rifugio Biella.

Hikers approach Rifugio Biella stone mountain hut surrounded by rocky alpine terrain under a blue sky.

From Rifugio Biella, your guide will lead you along a scenic route through the high alpine meadows, pointing out possible marmot sightings along the way. The landscape shifts as the trail gently descends toward Rifugio Sennes, offering breathtaking views of dramatic rock formations and expansive valleys. Continuing your descent, you’ll follow the soothing sounds of a mountain stream until you reach Berggasthaus Pederü, a historic spot from WWI, where you’ll spend the night in a picturesque valley.

Hiking

7.5 km and 60 m of elevation gain / 840 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Fanes

Berggasthaus Pederü

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Two alpine marmots standing upright on a grassy slope below rocky, green mountains.

Dolomites mountains with rocky peaks, green forest, and a small wooden hut under a blue sky.

Woman sitting on rock overlooking Le Vert Lake and rugged mountains.

Today’s hike is long and challenging, so your guide will ensure an early start and set a manageable pace. As you ascend through the steep valley framed by the towering Dolomites, you’ll have the option to take a short detour to a nearby lake. After reaching the high plateau near Lago Limo, your guide will help you navigate the trickier sections of the trail as you approach the Forcella del Lago Lagazuoi pass. After a careful descent, you’ll reach Rifugio Scotoni, where your guide will go over tomorrow’s route.

Hiking

18 km and 1700 m of elevation gain / 530 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Scotoni

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Alpine lake with bright blue water, dirt path, and rugged mountains under blue sky.

Rifugio Lagazuoi mountain hut on rocky ridge with jagged Dolomite peaks under cloudy sky.

Starting from Rifugio Scotoni, your guide will take you through former WWI battle zones as you head towards the Falzarego Pass. Along the way, you’ll take in views of the imposing Tofana di Rozes mountain before turning to a shaded forest path. After a short ascent, you’ll reach the famous Cinque Torri rock towers, perfect for a photo stop. The day ends at Rifugio Nuvolau, perched on a ridge with some of the best sunset views over the Dolomites.

Hiking

9.5 km and 630 m of elevation gain / 780 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Averau

Wooden bunk beds and single beds inside a rustic mountain refuge room with pine paneling.

Rifugio Nuvolau

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Rocky mountain face with low clouds above, green alpine meadow foreground from Falzarego Pass.

Stream flows through dry autumn meadow below rocky Falzarego mountains under blue sky.

Retracing your steps along the ridge, you’ll descend to the expansive Passo Giau, where grazing cattle roam. Your guide will take you through undulating meadows, offering sweeping views of the rugged Dolomite peaks. As you continue past Forcella Col Piombin and Forcella Giau, you’ll encounter Monte Pelmo’s towering presence. After passing several more mountain cols, you’ll end the day with a gentle descent to Rifugio Passo Staulanza.

Hiking

18 km and 450 m of elevation gain / 1220 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Staulanza wooden mountain lodge with flower boxes against a dense pine forest.

Rifugio Passo Staulanza

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Mountain hut on grassy slope below massive rocky peaks with winding path, Passo Giau.

Monte Pelmo peak with autumn foliage and clouds under a bright blue sky.

Mountain peaks reflected in a still alpine lake surrounded by golden autumn grass under a blue sky.

Your guide will lead the way as you climb towards Forcella Coldai, offering tips to navigate the steep ascent. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Monte Civetta and Lago Coldai. Traversing the slopes beneath Monte Civetta, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Dolomites' rugged beauty. The descent into a cooler, forested area brings a change in scenery, and your guide will ensure a smooth arrival at Rifugio Vazzoler, tucked among the pine trees.

Hiking

18 km and 940 m of elevation gain / 1130 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Vazzoler

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Alpine lake reflecting rugged gray mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky with hikers nearby.

Hiker with orange backpack on rocky trail below sheer mountain cliffs under cloudy sky, Coldai to Vazzoler.

Your day starts with a steady descent from Rifugio Vazzoler, as your guide leads you past the impressive Torre Trieste, a favorite among climbers. The trail then begins to climb towards Forcella del Camp. This steady ascent offers dramatic views of steep rock faces. After cresting the pass, the trail becomes gentler as you approach Rifugio Carestiato, located above Passo Duran, where you’ll enjoy a cozy evening surrounded by stunning mountain views.

Hiking

9 km and 620 m of elevation gain / 530 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Carestiato

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Alpine valley with steep rock faces, green slopes, a stream, and a small wooden hut near Forcella Camp Passo Duran.

Hiking trail leading toward massive gray mountain peaks with patches of snow under a blue, cloudy sky.

Rifugio Carestiato hut nestled on a hillside below rugged, snow-dusted alpine mountains.

Leaving Rifugio Carestiato, your guide will lead you down to Passo Duran before taking a remote trail into more rugged terrain. As you ascend over a ridge, a new valley unfolds, revealing rugged landscapes beneath the Tamer Grande peak. After passing WWI landmarks like Forte di Forcella Moschesin, you’ll reach Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet for a well-earned night of rest in this remote mountain refuge.

Hiking

13 km and 700 m of elevation gain / 650 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Mountain hut with white walls and red shutters nestled below steep rocky slopes and green vegetation.

Bunk beds in a simple room with wood-paneled ceiling and a window showing green trees.

Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Towering grey rock mountains under dark clouds, with green forest slopes below.

Rocky mountain peaks towering over green slopes and pine trees under a blue sky with white clouds.

Today presents one last major challenge — crossing the Cima de Zita. Your guide will ensure careful navigation through this section, with rewarding views at the summit. After snapping some pictures, you’ll descend through the funnel-shaped valley towards Rifugio Pian de Fontana, and then continue down to Rifugio Furio Bianchet, where you’ll enjoy your final night in the mountains.

Hiking

11 km and 800 m of elevation gain / 1400 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Furio Bianchet

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Rocky mountain peak above alpine meadow with small buildings and scattered autumn trees under blue sky.

Rocky alpine terrain with steep cliffs, dry grass, and distant mountain peaks above clouds

Alpine chalet on grassy slope surrounded by steep, forested mountains under blue sky

On your final day, you’ll descend along Trail 503 towards Val Cordevole. The path winds through serene woods and crosses a small bridge before a gentle descent through Val Vescovà. As you near the end, the rugged Dolomites give way to the gentler landscapes of the valley. Your hike concludes at La Stanga, where you can catch a bus to Belluno, marking the end of your Alta Via 1 adventure.

Hiking

7 km and 50 m elevation gain / 850 m elevation loss

Gallery

Historic buildings with a clock tower and stone tower in Belluno, Italy under blue sky.

Belluno town with colorful buildings, church tower, and lush green slopes backed by Dolomite mountains.

Alpine village nestled in green valley with forested slopes and rocky peaks under blue sky.

FREE ITINERARY

Get Your Travel Itinerary

Loved the itinerary? Enter your email below, and we'll send a copy straight to your inbox.

What’s included in the price?

Guided

Mountain guide

9 nights in mountain huts with half-board

Tour design and organization

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

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 is a journey into the heart of Italy’s most majestic mountain range.

Stretching over 120 kilometers, it offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes – from soaring peaks and deep valleys to vibrant alpine meadows. Each day presents a new adventure as you hike through narrow mountain passes, across wildflower-filled plateaus, and along paths that skirt dramatic rock formations like the Cinque Torri and the massive Monte Civetta.

While the trail itself is accessible to regular hikers, the guidance of an expert elevates the experience, helping you navigate the terrain with ease and offering fascinating stories about the regions you’re passing through – whether it’s the scars of World War I at Falzarego Pass or the geological wonders that shape these ancient mountains.

Unlike a self-guided trek, this tour offers the peace of mind that comes with expert leadership. From the bustling trailhead at Lago di Braies to the quieter, remote reaches of the Dolomites, your guide will share insights that bring the landscape to life.

As you journey further from civilization, you’ll experience the true solitude of the Dolomites, broken only by the warmth of traditional mountain huts, or rifugios.

We’ll take care of rifugio bookings and all additional logistics to ensure your trip is hassle-free. With a guide leading the way and our team backing you for support, your only task is to take it all on – the towering peaks, the quiet valleys, and the thrill of walking some of the most spectacular paths in Europe.

With guaranteed departure, it’s entirely up to you to take the leap and dive head-first into the adventure!

Top Places You'll See

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

Remains of a military bunker on Mount Piano in the Dolomite Alps, built during the First World War

WWI Historical Sites

Numerous WWI locations across the Dolomites—particularly around Lagazuoi, the Cinque Torri, and Marmolada—contain preserved trenches, tunnels, and observation posts. Many lie between 2,000 and 2,800 meters, reflecting the extreme altitudes at which the Alpine Front was fought. Open-air museums and marked routes now allow clear interpretation of the conflict’s terrain. These installations form one of the most extensive high-mountain archaeological landscapes from the First World War.

Passo Falzarego

Passo Falzarego reaches approximately 2,109 meters, linking Cortina d’Ampezzo with the Badia and Livinallongo valleys through broad, steady gradients. The pass sits beneath the Lagazuoi and Col dei Bos formations, giving it a strong scenic profile. Its open upper slopes provide immediate access to high viewpoints and well-marked trails. The area was heavily contested during World War I, with visible fortifications and galleries still lining the nearby cliffs.

Cinque Torri

Cinque Torri is a compact cluster of limestone towers rising to around 2,361 meters, set on a grassy terrace above Cortina d’Ampezzo. Trails encircle the formations, offering close-up views of their fractured walls and the broader Ampezzo basin. The area is easily accessed from nearby lifts and serves as a junction for panoramic ridge routes. Extensive World War I trench systems preserved around the base make it one of the Dolomites’ most accessible open-air historical sites.

Lagazuoi

Lagazuoi rises above 2,700 meters, offering panoramic views over the Ampezzo basin, the Cinque Torri, and the Tofane group. The summit is accessible via cable car or high-altitude paths that cross terraced limestone slopes. Its exposed ridges and broad summit platform make it a strategic vantage point across the central Dolomites. The area is known for extensive World War I tunnel systems, preserved as part of an open-air museum.

Belluno

Belluno stands on a terrace above the Piave River, marking the southern entrance to the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. Its compact center offers quick movement to foothill trailheads and efficient rail connections toward Venice. Formerly part of the Venetian Republic, the town retains distinct architectural elements tied to that period. Its location suits travelers finishing long-distance routes and transitioning back to urban transport networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hiking in the Alps is typically possible from mid-June to late September, depending on the snow conditions at high elevations. Many hiking routes cross mountain passes that are located above 2000 meters, so it is important to check the current conditions if you plan to visit in early summer.

Keep in mind that the huts along these routes close for the season outside of this time frame, so it is not possible to plan multi-day tours outside of these months.

Read more about the hiking season on the Alta Via 1.

We have rated our tours on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. The difficulty level of a tour indicates how fit you need to be and how much hiking is required. All of our Alta Via 1 tours are suitable for people who are regularly active and can hike for about six to eight hours per day.

In addition to the physical demands of the hike, there is also a technical difficulty level to consider. This refers to the skill level required to navigate the path. A level 1 trail is smooth and wide, like a gravel road, while a level 5 trail is uneven and exposed, requiring the use of your hands for balance. Essentially, the higher the technical difficulty level, the more surefooted and skilled in scrambling you need to be.

We recommend booking your tour as soon as possible to secure a spot, as accommodations along the trail tend to fill up quickly. This will help you ensure that you have a place to stay during your trip.

In the event of an injury, it is best to call local emergency services. While you may be in a remote area and unable to continue without further exacerbating your injury, it is important to remember that you will be hiking along popular trails and will not be completely stranded.

However, if you are feeling too tired to continue hiking, you can choose to reroute towards the nearest town along the trail and find public transportation there. Although Alta Via 1 does not pass directly through any large towns, it does pass close to some of them.

Most of the huts along our hut-to-hut hikes are equipped with showers, but their availability may depend on recent rainfall. Keep in mind that mountain huts are not luxurious hotels, so don't expect the same level of amenities. However, they do offer a comfortable and convenient place to rest after a day of hiking.

Read more about the mountain huts in the Dolomites.

No. The huts provide blankets and pillows for comfort, but it is a good idea to bring your own sleeping liner to reduce the need for the huts to wash their bed linens every day. If you don’t, you might need to buy one on the spot.

Cell phone reception in the mountains can be unreliable. You may be able to get a signal if you can see a town or if you are near a mountain hut. Even if you cannot get a signal inside the hut, you may be able to get one by stepping outside. Wi-fi is not widely available in the mountains, and is only offered at select lodges.

If you dress appropriately, you can typically complete most stages of the hike even in light rain. However, if a storm is forecasted, it is important to not hike and to wait until the storm passes, even if that means spending an additional day at the hut. This is for your own safety.

Ratings & Reviews

+23

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.

Alpine lake with turquoise water surrounded by rocky slopes and green pine forest under blue sky.

Four hikers posing by a clear green alpine lake surrounded by rocky, forested mountains

Show all 3 photos

Hikers on rocky trail descending toward alpine meadow with pine forest and white mountain peak.

Robert Backlund

Verified customer

Our Guide Luka was amazing! And the three-day hike was a Memory for life, really beautiful. Cant recommend it enough.

Hiking trail winding through grassy alpine meadow with scattered rocks and distant mountains

Rocky mountain trail overlook with wooden signpost and steep valley view under blue sky.

Show all 4 photos

Hikers traversing rocky mountain ridge above sea of clouds under blue sky

Show all 4 photos

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

Dark green alpine lake surrounded by dense pine forest and grassy meadow.

Mountain overlook with trail sign, lake, and valley below under dramatic clouds

Show all 3 photos

Rustic wooden mountain hut with Slovenian flag under blue sky with clouds

Claudia Ossa

Verified customer

9 day hiking trip including rafting and mountain biking. Sadly the weather didn’t help, we had a lot of rain, but Klemen modified our plans, making it a great experience after all. Klemen is an excellent guide and I highly recommend him!!!

Hikers with backpacks ascend a rocky, grassy mountain trail under a partly cloudy sky.

Hikers ascending steep rocky path with fixed cables on a mountain slope

Show all 5 photos

Hikers ascending steep rocky mountain face using fixed cables on a via ferrata route.

Show all 5 photos

Sasha Kent

Verified customer · 8 months ago

We had an incredible experience booking our Dolomites hiking adventure through Hut-To-Hut Hiking Dolomites (one of the many companies operated through World Discovery). Traveling all the way from Hawai‘i, we were initially a bit hesitant about booking with a company based in Slovenia, but everything was flawless. Even factoring in the 12 hour time difference between Hawai'i and Europe, their communication was fast and professional. The planning materials were thorough and incredibly helpful including detailed daily hiking routes, suggested scenic stops and snack breaks at rifugios along the way, an app with offline downloadable maps customized to our routes, and clear hiking and safety guides. Every rifugio they booked for us was fantastic: clean, welcoming, well-located, and full of charm. They booked us at a 5-star hotel for the last night and the spa treatments were heavenly after days of hiking. The post-hike airport transportation was seamless, and we were especially grateful to have their help booking so close to peak summer season. There’s no way we could have secured such great rifugios on our own, each one they chose was a highlight. We felt fully supported throughout the trip, even though it was self-guided. They provide a 24/7 Whatsapp number which was nice to have in case of emergencies. We highly recommend Hut-To-Hut Hiking Dolomites for anyone looking to hike the Dolomites without the stress of figuring out all the logistics yourself. Would book with them again in a heartbeat.

Kyle Miller

Verified customer

Well organized trip. The travel agents were extremely communicative, provided great service, and made adjustments as needed. The GPS app provided was another highlight. It worked exceptionally well made the trek much easier. The itinerary was thorough and included lots of extra details about the region as well as scaling options. The only drawbacks were that the company is based in Slovenia (doesn't seem to have a presence in South Tyrol), and the cost, which was higher than similar treks from competitors.