Lago di Braies - Hiking in the Dolomites | Expa Travel

Hiking

Italy

Alta Via in the Dolomites, self-guided

Hiking in the Dolomites - Alta Via on your own

Hiking in the Dolomites – from Hochpustertal to Passo Falzárego

Do you want to experience the spectacular landscapes of the Dolomites on foot – at your own pace? This tour takes you through some of the mountain range's most magnificent areas, along well-marked trails and old military roads. You walk from cabin to cabin (all overnight stays are in hotels) through dramatic mountain passes and green plains, with views that will take your breath away.

Along the way, you pass several sights from the First World War, where trenches and mountain tunnels are preserved today as open-air museums. You spend the night in cozy mountain huts and hotels, and get the opportunity to enjoy traditional South Tyrolean dishes – served with genuine hospitality.

Alta Via

Alta Via means "high route" – and that is exactly what you get! This is a classic hiking route through the wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the Dolomites, with magnificent views, airy terrain, and the possibility of staying overnight in cozy mountain huts along the way. Many of the routes go above 2000 meters above sea level, and you pass both green alpine meadows and dramatic mountain passes. Alta Via 1, the most famous of them all, starts in Lago di Braies and ends in Belluno – but there are several variants and detours along the way.

An exciting part of the trip is the transition between three language areas: from the German-speaking Hochpustertal, via the Ladin-speaking Fanes (a language only found in the Dolomites), and on to the Italian-speaking part south of Passo Falzárego.

Quick facts about the trip

The tour lasts for seven days, with six overnight stays. The daily stages are from 4 to 8 hours. On the days you change accommodation, we make sure your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel. Everything practical is therefore taken care of – you only need to concentrate on one thing: enjoying the mountains.

We recommend flying to Venice. From there, there is a bus to Dobbiaco – the gateway to the Dolomites and the starting point for the tour.

Who is the trip suitable for

This is the trip for those who love mountain hiking and want to experience the spectacular landscape of the Dolomites on foot. Here you get active days combined with magnificent views, historical surroundings, and traditional dishes from the area.

The daily stages vary from 4 to 8 hours, and the trip is well-suited for those who are in normally good physical shape. You do not need any climbing experience to join.

The trails go across plains, through mountain passes, and into areas with traces from the First World War – which are clearly visible and an important part of the experience. Along the way, you stop at cozy mountain huts (refugio), with the opportunity to recharge with local food and drink. NB! All overnight stays are in hotels and not mountain huts.

Who is the trip suitable for

This is the trip for those who love mountain hiking and want to experience the spectacular landscape of the Dolomites on foot. Here you get active days combined with magnificent views, historical surroundings, and traditional dishes from the area.

The daily stages vary from 4 to 8 hours, and the trip is well-suited for those who are in normally good physical shape. You do not need any climbing experience to join.

The trails go across plains, through mountain passes, and into areas with traces from the First World War – which are clearly visible and an important part of the experience. Along the way, you stop at cozy mountain huts (refugio), with the opportunity to recharge with local food and drink. NB! All overnight stays are in hotels and not mountain huts.

Highlights

  • The world-famous Lake Braies (Lago Di Braies, Pragser Wildsee - a beloved child has many names)

  • The spectacular Pralongiá plateau

  • Historical traces on Lagazuoi

  • All the 'kodak moments' along the way.

  • The perfect ending in the Olympic city Cortina

Available dates & Contact info

Jun – Sep, flexible date

from
NOK 11,190

Would you like more information about the trip?

Program

The daily program is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to make adjustments in the event of any typing errors, as well as price and/or currency changes. 

The daily program is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to make adjustments in the event of any typing errors, as well as price and/or currency changes. 

Day 1Arrival Day Dobbiaco

Dobbiaco - Dolomittenes port | Expa Travel

We recommend a direct flight from Oslo to Venice (not included in the price).

Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel in Dobbiaco, also called the Gateway to the Dolomites. Here, the info pack is ready for you, containing the week's program, maps, and practical info.

Once you are in Dobbiaco, a walk around the beautiful Lake Dobbiaco is a must – followed by a good meal at one of the town's cozy restaurants (not included).

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on your own (not included).

AccommodationAccommodation in Dobbiaco

Day 2Pragser Wildsee - San Vigilio

Pragser Wildsee - en av Dolomittenes mest iconiske innsjøer | Expa Travel

After breakfast at the hotel, you start today's stage at the beautiful Pragser Wildsee (Lake Braies, Lago Di Braies, Pragser Wildsee - a dear child has many names), one of the Dolomites' most iconic lakes – famous for its crystal clear water and dramatic mountain setting (1494 m a.s.l.).

From here, you follow trails through the Fanes–Sennes–Prags Nature Park – a spectacular mountain area with limestone cliffs, open plateaus, deep valleys, and idyllic mountain lakes. The park covers over 25,000 hectares and stretches across the Fanes Plateau, the Sennes Plateau, and the Prags Valley – hence the name.
Eventually, you arrive at the charming mountain hut Fojedöra, where you can take a break and enjoy home-baked bread and locally produced cheeses (not included).

The hike continues for approx. 2 km up to Kreuzjoch (approx. 2270 m a.s.l.) – the highest point of the trip, with magnificent views of the villages in the Gadertal (Val Badia).

Then awaits a varied descent to San Vigilio, where you check in at tonight's accommodation. Alternatively, you can walk to Pederü (approx. 900 m a.s.l.) and take the local bus down to San Vigilio.

Dinner is enjoyed on your own (not included) – the town has several cozy restaurants to choose from.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in San Vigilio
DistanceApprox. 5-6 hours

Day 3San Vigilio - Badia - San Cassiano

San Cassiano i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

The day starts with a cable car ride from San Vigilio to Piz de Plaies. From there, you follow the mountain trail through forest and open meadows towards Piz de Corn, where you get great views of the majestic Peitlerkofel mountain.

The journey continues over the Ritjoch Pass and down to the mountain village of La Val, known for its strong connection to the Ladin language and culture. All the way, you have the impressive Heiligkreuzkofel mountain massif as a backdrop.

At the Heiligkreuz hut, you take the cable car down to Badia. From there, you continue by local bus to San Cassiano, where you spend the night.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in San Cassiano
DistanceApprox. 6 hours

Day 4Round trip from San Cassiano - Dolomites' Ampitheater

Pralongiá-platået i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

Today's stage is a round trip with world-class views. You start in San Cassiano and walk towards Piz Sorega, along easy-going trails through beautiful mountain terrain.

Along the way, you pass several mountain huts tempting you with local specialties – perfect for a break with something delicious on your plate.

The hike continues to the highlight Pralongiá, often called "the amphitheater of the Dolomites" – and with good reason. Here the landscape opens up with panoramic views as far as the eye can see.

After an eventful day, you return to San Cassiano for your overnight stay.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in San Cassiano
DistanceApprox. 4-5 hours

Day 5San Cassiano - Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

The day starts quietly in the valley before you gradually climb upwards between the dramatic mountain massifs of Fanes and Conturines. A break at the cozy Scottoni hut is almost mandatory – perhaps a cup of coffee or something local and delicious tempts you?

Further on, the walk goes to the crystal-clear Lake Lagazuoi, where the mountain peaks are reflected in the water's surface. Here you are allowed to take off your shoes and dip your feet – it is a holiday, after all.

The hike continues up to the Lagazuoi peak, an area that played an important role during the First World War. Here you will find remains of fortifications, tunnels, and trenches which today are part of an open-air museum.

From the peak, you can choose to take the cable car down to the Falzarego Pass – or follow the trail further towards Pocol. From there, a local bus goes to today's final stop: Cortina d'Ampezzo, where you will spend the night.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo
DistanceApprox. 7-8 hours

Day 6Cortina d'Ampezzo - Son Forca - Ospitale - Hochpustertal - Alta Pusteria (2 alternative routes)

Hockpustertal-dalen i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

The journey starts in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. You follow the path up the mountainside, through forest and mountain pastures, to Rifugio Mietres. From here, you have a wide view over Cortina and the mountains that have accompanied you for a large part of the week.

Next, the hike goes down through the green and quiet Val Padeon. Upon arrival in Ospitale, you take the local bus to Alta Pusteria, where you spend your last night. Here the journey ends, after days with mountains, views, and great experiences along the way.

Alternatively, you can take the mountain lift from Rio Gere to Son Forca. From there, you follow a route with approx. 500 meters of elevation gain and 800 meters of descent. Total walking time is approx. 4 hours.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo
DistanceApprox. 6 hours (4 hours with alt. 2)

Day 7Departure

Braies-sjøen, Lago Di Braies, Pragser Wildsee – kjært barn har mange navn | Expa Travel

Departure day. You arrange your own transport to the airport.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
If you wish to extend your stay, we will gladly help you with great suggestions for more trips in the area!

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival Day Dobbiaco

Dobbiaco - Dolomittenes port | Expa Travel

We recommend a direct flight from Oslo to Venice (not included in the price).

Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel in Dobbiaco, also called the Gateway to the Dolomites. Here, the info pack is ready for you, containing the week's program, maps, and practical info.

Once you are in Dobbiaco, a walk around the beautiful Lake Dobbiaco is a must – followed by a good meal at one of the town's cozy restaurants (not included).

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on your own (not included).

AccommodationAccommodation in Dobbiaco

Day 2Pragser Wildsee - San Vigilio

Pragser Wildsee - en av Dolomittenes mest iconiske innsjøer | Expa Travel

After breakfast at the hotel, you start today's stage at the beautiful Pragser Wildsee (Lake Braies, Lago Di Braies, Pragser Wildsee - a dear child has many names), one of the Dolomites' most iconic lakes – famous for its crystal clear water and dramatic mountain setting (1494 m a.s.l.).

From here, you follow trails through the Fanes–Sennes–Prags Nature Park – a spectacular mountain area with limestone cliffs, open plateaus, deep valleys, and idyllic mountain lakes. The park covers over 25,000 hectares and stretches across the Fanes Plateau, the Sennes Plateau, and the Prags Valley – hence the name.
Eventually, you arrive at the charming mountain hut Fojedöra, where you can take a break and enjoy home-baked bread and locally produced cheeses (not included).

The hike continues for approx. 2 km up to Kreuzjoch (approx. 2270 m a.s.l.) – the highest point of the trip, with magnificent views of the villages in the Gadertal (Val Badia).

Then awaits a varied descent to San Vigilio, where you check in at tonight's accommodation. Alternatively, you can walk to Pederü (approx. 900 m a.s.l.) and take the local bus down to San Vigilio.

Dinner is enjoyed on your own (not included) – the town has several cozy restaurants to choose from.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in San Vigilio
DistanceApprox. 5-6 hours

Day 3San Vigilio - Badia - San Cassiano

San Cassiano i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

The day starts with a cable car ride from San Vigilio to Piz de Plaies. From there, you follow the mountain trail through forest and open meadows towards Piz de Corn, where you get great views of the majestic Peitlerkofel mountain.

The journey continues over the Ritjoch Pass and down to the mountain village of La Val, known for its strong connection to the Ladin language and culture. All the way, you have the impressive Heiligkreuzkofel mountain massif as a backdrop.

At the Heiligkreuz hut, you take the cable car down to Badia. From there, you continue by local bus to San Cassiano, where you spend the night.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in San Cassiano
DistanceApprox. 6 hours

Day 4Round trip from San Cassiano - Dolomites' Ampitheater

Pralongiá-platået i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

Today's stage is a round trip with world-class views. You start in San Cassiano and walk towards Piz Sorega, along easy-going trails through beautiful mountain terrain.

Along the way, you pass several mountain huts tempting you with local specialties – perfect for a break with something delicious on your plate.

The hike continues to the highlight Pralongiá, often called "the amphitheater of the Dolomites" – and with good reason. Here the landscape opens up with panoramic views as far as the eye can see.

After an eventful day, you return to San Cassiano for your overnight stay.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in San Cassiano
DistanceApprox. 4-5 hours

Day 5San Cassiano - Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

The day starts quietly in the valley before you gradually climb upwards between the dramatic mountain massifs of Fanes and Conturines. A break at the cozy Scottoni hut is almost mandatory – perhaps a cup of coffee or something local and delicious tempts you?

Further on, the walk goes to the crystal-clear Lake Lagazuoi, where the mountain peaks are reflected in the water's surface. Here you are allowed to take off your shoes and dip your feet – it is a holiday, after all.

The hike continues up to the Lagazuoi peak, an area that played an important role during the First World War. Here you will find remains of fortifications, tunnels, and trenches which today are part of an open-air museum.

From the peak, you can choose to take the cable car down to the Falzarego Pass – or follow the trail further towards Pocol. From there, a local bus goes to today's final stop: Cortina d'Ampezzo, where you will spend the night.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo
DistanceApprox. 7-8 hours

Day 6Cortina d'Ampezzo - Son Forca - Ospitale - Hochpustertal - Alta Pusteria (2 alternative routes)

Hockpustertal-dalen i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

The journey starts in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. You follow the path up the mountainside, through forest and mountain pastures, to Rifugio Mietres. From here, you have a wide view over Cortina and the mountains that have accompanied you for a large part of the week.

Next, the hike goes down through the green and quiet Val Padeon. Upon arrival in Ospitale, you take the local bus to Alta Pusteria, where you spend your last night. Here the journey ends, after days with mountains, views, and great experiences along the way.

Alternatively, you can take the mountain lift from Rio Gere to Son Forca. From there, you follow a route with approx. 500 meters of elevation gain and 800 meters of descent. Total walking time is approx. 4 hours.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo
DistanceApprox. 6 hours (4 hours with alt. 2)

Day 7Departure

Braies-sjøen, Lago Di Braies, Pragser Wildsee – kjært barn har mange navn | Expa Travel

Departure day. You arrange your own transport to the airport.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
If you wish to extend your stay, we will gladly help you with great suggestions for more trips in the area!

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival Day Dobbiaco

Dobbiaco - Dolomittenes port | Expa Travel

We recommend a direct flight from Oslo to Venice (not included in the price).

Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel in Dobbiaco, also called the Gateway to the Dolomites. Here, the info pack is ready for you, containing the week's program, maps, and practical info.

Once you are in Dobbiaco, a walk around the beautiful Lake Dobbiaco is a must – followed by a good meal at one of the town's cozy restaurants (not included).

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on your own (not included).

AccommodationAccommodation in Dobbiaco

Day 2Pragser Wildsee - San Vigilio

Pragser Wildsee - en av Dolomittenes mest iconiske innsjøer | Expa Travel

After breakfast at the hotel, you start today's stage at the beautiful Pragser Wildsee (Lake Braies, Lago Di Braies, Pragser Wildsee - a dear child has many names), one of the Dolomites' most iconic lakes – famous for its crystal clear water and dramatic mountain setting (1494 m a.s.l.).

From here, you follow trails through the Fanes–Sennes–Prags Nature Park – a spectacular mountain area with limestone cliffs, open plateaus, deep valleys, and idyllic mountain lakes. The park covers over 25,000 hectares and stretches across the Fanes Plateau, the Sennes Plateau, and the Prags Valley – hence the name.
Eventually, you arrive at the charming mountain hut Fojedöra, where you can take a break and enjoy home-baked bread and locally produced cheeses (not included).

The hike continues for approx. 2 km up to Kreuzjoch (approx. 2270 m a.s.l.) – the highest point of the trip, with magnificent views of the villages in the Gadertal (Val Badia).

Then awaits a varied descent to San Vigilio, where you check in at tonight's accommodation. Alternatively, you can walk to Pederü (approx. 900 m a.s.l.) and take the local bus down to San Vigilio.

Dinner is enjoyed on your own (not included) – the town has several cozy restaurants to choose from.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in San Vigilio
DistanceApprox. 5-6 hours

Day 3San Vigilio - Badia - San Cassiano

San Cassiano i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

The day starts with a cable car ride from San Vigilio to Piz de Plaies. From there, you follow the mountain trail through forest and open meadows towards Piz de Corn, where you get great views of the majestic Peitlerkofel mountain.

The journey continues over the Ritjoch Pass and down to the mountain village of La Val, known for its strong connection to the Ladin language and culture. All the way, you have the impressive Heiligkreuzkofel mountain massif as a backdrop.

At the Heiligkreuz hut, you take the cable car down to Badia. From there, you continue by local bus to San Cassiano, where you spend the night.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in San Cassiano
DistanceApprox. 6 hours

Day 4Round trip from San Cassiano - Dolomites' Ampitheater

Pralongiá-platået i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

Today's stage is a round trip with world-class views. You start in San Cassiano and walk towards Piz Sorega, along easy-going trails through beautiful mountain terrain.

Along the way, you pass several mountain huts tempting you with local specialties – perfect for a break with something delicious on your plate.

The hike continues to the highlight Pralongiá, often called "the amphitheater of the Dolomites" – and with good reason. Here the landscape opens up with panoramic views as far as the eye can see.

After an eventful day, you return to San Cassiano for your overnight stay.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in San Cassiano
DistanceApprox. 4-5 hours

Day 5San Cassiano - Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

The day starts quietly in the valley before you gradually climb upwards between the dramatic mountain massifs of Fanes and Conturines. A break at the cozy Scottoni hut is almost mandatory – perhaps a cup of coffee or something local and delicious tempts you?

Further on, the walk goes to the crystal-clear Lake Lagazuoi, where the mountain peaks are reflected in the water's surface. Here you are allowed to take off your shoes and dip your feet – it is a holiday, after all.

The hike continues up to the Lagazuoi peak, an area that played an important role during the First World War. Here you will find remains of fortifications, tunnels, and trenches which today are part of an open-air museum.

From the peak, you can choose to take the cable car down to the Falzarego Pass – or follow the trail further towards Pocol. From there, a local bus goes to today's final stop: Cortina d'Ampezzo, where you will spend the night.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo
DistanceApprox. 7-8 hours

Day 6Cortina d'Ampezzo - Son Forca - Ospitale - Hochpustertal - Alta Pusteria (2 alternative routes)

Hockpustertal-dalen i Dolomittene | Expa Travel

The journey starts in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. You follow the path up the mountainside, through forest and mountain pastures, to Rifugio Mietres. From here, you have a wide view over Cortina and the mountains that have accompanied you for a large part of the week.

Next, the hike goes down through the green and quiet Val Padeon. Upon arrival in Ospitale, you take the local bus to Alta Pusteria, where you spend your last night. Here the journey ends, after days with mountains, views, and great experiences along the way.

Alternatively, you can take the mountain lift from Rio Gere to Son Forca. From there, you follow a route with approx. 500 meters of elevation gain and 800 meters of descent. Total walking time is approx. 4 hours.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo
DistanceApprox. 6 hours (4 hours with alt. 2)

Day 7Departure

Braies-sjøen, Lago Di Braies, Pragser Wildsee – kjært barn har mange navn | Expa Travel

Departure day. You arrange your own transport to the airport.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
If you wish to extend your stay, we will gladly help you with great suggestions for more trips in the area!

MealsBreakfast

Map

Included & practical info

Included & practical info

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Guides

Self-guided tours with Expa Travel

Self-guided tour - no guide

This is a self-guided tour. We at Expa Travel have planned the routes for you, and using GPS as a tool, you cycle / walk / drive the stages at your own pace.

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Packing list

Packing list

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

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