7-Day Alta Via 1 Route Itinerary — Hiker Pace

The trail leaves Lago di Braies along the western shore, climbing steeply through pine forest to Forcella sora Forno at 2,388m with panoramic views back over the turquoise lake. A dramatic start leading to Rifugio Biella beneath Croda del Becco, then across the peaceful Sennes plateau past Rifugio Senes before descending through switchbacks on old military roads to the valley floor at Pederü.

A steep climb from Pederü into the legendary Fanes plateau — watch for marmots in this region known as 'Marmot's Parliament.' Past Rifugio Fanes and Rifugio Lavarella, the route follows old WW1 military roads through idyllic green pastures with crystal-clear streams. Past the picturesque Lago di Limo, the steep ascent to Forcella di Lago at 2,486m is followed by dramatic zigzag switchbacks down to stunning Lago Lagazuoi and Rifugio Scotoni.

Through moon-like terrain of boulders and scree to Forcella Lagazuoi at 2,573m — a strategic WW1 mountain pass with visible trenches and fortifications. Rifugio Lagazuoi at 2,752m offers spectacular panoramic views. The descent past Forcella Travenanzes with views of Tofana di Rozes leads to Passo Falzarego, then climbing through woodland past Lago Limides to Rifugio Averau before descending to the famous Passo Giau with its colourful alpine meadows.

Southeast across flower-filled meadows, climbing to Forcella Giau at 2,370m before a gentle descent across the grasslands of Mondeval. Commanding views of Monte Pelmo's distinctive armchair shape accompany the trail to Rifugio Città di Fiume. Crossing beneath Monte Pelmo's imposing scree slopes to Passo Staulanza, then a dramatic steep rocky climb gaining 300m to reach Rifugio Coldai at 2,132m, cleverly positioned behind a massive boulder for shelter.

Ascending to Forcella Coldai reveals the stunning turquoise waters of Lago Coldai beneath towering limestone walls. Continuing to Forcella Col Negro at 2,248m with spectacular first views of Monte Civetta's legendary 'Wall of Walls' — over 1,000m of sheer limestone. The trail traverses beneath Civetta's flanks before descending through ancient woodland to Rifugio Vazzoler, then climbing through enormous boulders and scree beneath the Torri di Camp rock formations to Rifugio Carestiato.

A straightforward descent to Passo Duran, then into the wilder landscapes of the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. The terrain becomes more challenging as the route crosses scree fields with views toward Tamer Grande, past the haunting WW1 ruins of Forte di Forcella Moschesin. A relentless steep ascent — one of the most challenging sections of the entire route — tackles gradients exceeding 25% to Forcella de Zita Sud at 2,395m, before an extremely steep descent to the peaceful meadows of Rifugio Pian de Fontana.

A gentle descent through forest leads to Forcella La Varetta with views across a flower-filled basin. An excellent narrow trail traverses the head of Val Vescovà, clinging to steep mountainsides with dramatic exposure. Past Rifugio Bianchet — the last major refuge on Alta Via 1 — the trail descends through dense beech woodland, following long hairpin bends and crossing streams to La Pissa on the Agordo–Belluno road, marking the triumphant end of your Alta Via 1 journey.