Alta Via 1 Dolomites Trek

The Most Popular Trek in the Dolomites

The Alta Via 1 is the classic trek through the heart of Italy’s Dolomites. This trek delivers the best of what the Dolomites has to offer—the soaring spires, expansive rock plateaus, deep conifer forests and, lush cushioned meadows. As always, the landscapes of the Dolomites are distinctive, fascinating, often other-worldly, and always beautiful.

No Shortage of Stunning Scenery on the AV1

The Alta Via 1 runs on a north-south axis through the eastern portion of the Dolomites, offering an unparalleled journey through some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes. As the trek winds through rugged peaks, alpine meadows, deep conifer forests, and glacial valleys, our route stays true to the classic Alta Via 1 while highlighting the most iconic mountains and points of interest.

You’ll experience the soaring spires of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the serene turquoise waters of Lago di Braies, the lush beauty of Val di Fanes, the striking rock formations of Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi, and enjoy stops at some of the most celebrated rifugios in the Dolomites. At every turn, the scenery shifts, offering new perspectives and breathtaking vistas that showcase the diversity and otherworldly charm of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Accommodations Others Only Dream Of. Almost Fully Supported

The Alta Via 1 is a beloved trek among Italians and is gaining popularity worldwide. As with Alpenwild’s other deluxe hiking trips, we shuttle your luggage so you can travel light and truly enjoy the journey. Note that there are no luggage transfers to two rifugios—you’ll carry what you need for the night and following day. 

You’ll stay in carefully selected accommodations that showcase the authentic charm of the Dolomites—including locally owned hotels, cozy mountain rifugios, a luxurious 5-star spa hotel with a rotating sauna, and a 2,000-year-old castle in the Prosecco region. Most meals feature à la carte dining, so you can savor the best of local cuisine.

The Heart of the Dolomites – Rifugios

No trek through the Dolomites is complete without a few nights in the iconic mountain rifugios. These alpine huts, scattered among peaks and meadows, have welcomed travelers for over a century. Originally built as shelters for shepherds and mountaineers, today’s rifugios offer warm hospitality, hearty meals, and breathtaking views right from your bunk.

On this itinerary, we spend a few nights in rifugios—typically dormitory-style rooms shared with fellow hikers—providing an authentic mountain experience. After a day on the trail, there’s nothing like gathering around a communal table, sharing stories over pasta and local wine as the sun sets over the jagged peaks.

Staying in a rifugio is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a cultural tradition and an essential part of Dolomitic life. Without it, a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage landscape wouldn’t feel complete.

Please note this trip has up to 3 dormitory nights - dormitory meaning shared group rooms. 

Guided by the Best of the Best

When you join us on an Alpenwild guided tour on the Alta Via 1 you’ll benefit from the expert leadership and knowledge of an Alpenwild guide, a certified international mountain leader who’s spent years hiking and working in the Dolomites. They know the history, the wildflowers, the routes and the escape routes. You’ll see an in-depth side of the Dolomites that most travelers will never know.