Alta Via 1 is a 150 km long high level public footpath which runs through the eastern
Dolomites in Italy. It is also known as the Dolomite High Route 1. It passes through
some of the finest scenery in the Dolomites. The path runs south from Lago di
Braies, near Dobbiaco, to Belluno. Braies can be accessed by bus and Belluno has
both train and bus services.
This is the classic high route in the Dolomites, and also the easiest. It gets slightly
more difficult as it goes south, but the only section which might present difficulties is
the descent from Schiara, and this can be bypassed. About 10-15 days are required
to complete the full route. A typical day on the route might involve about seven hours
walking, with ascents and descents of about 800 metres. It can be attempted during
the period July to September, when the route should be largely free of snow. The
route is signposted by dark blue triangles with an inset number one.
DAY ONE: From the Lago di Bràies to the Rifugio Biella
Ascent 900m. Descent 60m Length: about 6 kilometers Time required: 3.30 hours
The Rifugio Bràies is open from 20th June – 20th September. It can sleep 53
people, plus another 6 in the winter shelter. It has electricity, water and toilets inside.
Telephone: 436 4467
DAY TWO: From the Rifugio Biella to the Rifugio Fanes via the Rifugio Sénnes and
the Rifugio Pederü
ascent 565m. in descent 830m Length: about 14km Time required: 4.30 hours
The Rifugio Sénnes is open from 1st June to 15th October, from 26th December to
9th January and from 1st February to 30th April. It sleeps about 50. There is no winter
shelter. Telephone: 0474 50 10 92.
The Rifugio Pederü is open from the beginning of June to 20th October and from
26th December to 20th April. It sleeps about 30. There is no winter shelter.
Telephone: 0474 50 10 86.
The Rifugio Fànes is open from the beginning of June to the middle of October and
from 26th December to the end of April. There is no winter shelter. Telephone: 0474
50 10 97
The nearby Rifugio Lavarella is open from the beginning of June to the beginning of
October and from the middle of February to the middle of April. It sleeps about 30.
There is a winter shelter. Telephone: 0474 50 10 79.
DAY THREE: From the Rifugio Fànes to the Rifugio Lagazuòi
Ascent 1070m. Descent 375m Length: about 11 km Time required: 5 hours
The Rifugio Lagazuòi is connected to the Passo Falzàrego by a cableway and a via
ferrata. It is almost always open. It has a restaurant, a bunkhouse and private rooms.
The terrace offers spectacular views, particularly at dawn and dusk. Telephone: 0436
86 73 03
DAY FOUR: From the Rifugio Lagazuòi to the Rifugio Nuvolàu
Ascent 635m. Descent 810m Length: about 15 km Time required: 5.30 hours
The Rifugio Nuvolàu offers fine hospitality and spectacular views at dawn and dusk.
It is one of the most spectacular structures in the Dolomites (high precipices drop
down on three sides). It is open from 20th June to 30th September. It sleeps 24. It
has water inside, toilets outside and electricity. Telephone: 0436 86 79 38.
Side trip: the Galleria Del Castelletto
From the Forcella Col de Bòs, 2331m, where path 402 goes down to the south east
and the 404 continues to the east, take the path (sign table) which goes north-east
and leads to the Galleria del Castelletto, a rock spur famous for its role in the Great
War.
It was the pillar of the Austrian defense towards the Val Travenànzes and dominated
the Italian positions of Val Costeàna. At 3 o’clock on July 11th 1916, the peak of the
Castelletto was blown up with many casualties among the Austrian troops.
The gallery can be visited, obviously with a lamp, first conquering a rock wall
equipped with metal ropes (traces of an encampment), then entering into the belly of
the mountain, zigzagging up with a gradient of 100m in ascent and a development of
some 500m, with the help of wooden steps and a handrail. There are signs
indicating the various weapon pits. You finally come out onto the rock face not far
from the crater of the explosion.
DAY FIVE: From the Rifugio Nuvolàu to the Rifugio Città Di Fiume
Ascent 260m. Descent 915m Length: about 11 km Time required: 5.30 hours
The Rifugio Fiume is open from 15th June to 15th September. It sleeps 31. It has
electricity, hot water and shower and inside toilets. It has a Winter shelter sleeping 6.
Telephone 0437 720268
DAY SIX: From the Rifugio Città Di Fiume to the Rifugio Venezia
Ascent 580m. Descent 990m Length: about 12 km Time required: 5.30 hours
The Rifugio Venezia is situated on a knoll at the Sella (or Passo) di Ruturto, offering
fabulous views over the nearby Cadore Dolomites and at the base of the superb
north-east pillar of the Pelmo. It is open from 20th June to 20th September. It sleeps
76, plus 9 in the winter shelter. Inside bathroom services with hot water and shower
and lighting with generator. Telephone: 0436 9684
DAY SEVEN: From the Rifugio Palafavèra to the Rifugio Vazzolèr
Ascent 850m. Descent 650m Length: about 14 km Time required: 6 hours
The Rifugio Vazzolèr is open from 15th June to 30th September. It sleeps 84, plus 8
in the winter shelter. It has electricity, outside and inside toilets and hot water and
showers. Telephone: 0437 66 00 08
DAY EIGHT: From the Rifugio Vazzolèr to the Rifugio Carestiato
Ascent 550m. Descent 430m Length: about 8 km Time required: 4 hours
The Rifugio Carestiato is open from 15th June to 20th September. It sleeps 44, plus
9 in the winter shelter. It has electricity, inside toilets, hot water and showers.
Telephone: 0437 629 49.
Near the pass you can also find the Rifugio – albergo San Sebastiano which is open
from December to Easter and from 1st June to 30th October. Telephone 0437 623 60
DAY NINE: From the Rifugio Carestiato to the Rifugio Sommariva Al Pramperét
Ascent 450m. Descent 430m Length: about 13 km Time required: 5 hours
DAY TEN: From the Rifugio Sommariva to the Rifugio Pian De Fontana
Ascent 540m. Descent 760m Length: about 6 km Time required: 3 hours
The Rifugio Pian de Fontana is open from 20th June to 20th September. It sleeps
34, plus 12 in the winter shelter and 6 in the Bivacco “Renzo Dal Mas” nearby. It has
electricity inside and outside toilets and hot water and showers. Telephone the
manager on 0444 50 10 71 or mobile 340 231 28 60
DAY ELEVEN: From the Rifugio Pian De Fontana to the Bivacco Del Màrmol or
Rifugio Bianchet
Ascent 830m. Descent 195m Length: about 6 km Time required: 4 hours
The Bivacco del Marmol has 9 bunks. It is always open and unstaffed. There is water
nearby, five minutes in the direction of the via ferrata.
The Rifugio Bianchet is open from 20th June to 20th September. It sleeps 40, plus 6
in the winter shelter. It has water inside and toilets with hot water and showers.
Telephone 0437 66 92 26.
DAY TWELVE: From the Bivacco del Màrmol to the Rifugio 7° Alpini, Case Bortòt
and Belluno
Ascent 100m. Descent 1570m. to the Case Bortòt.. Descent 1770m to Bolzano
Bellunese. Descent 1900m to Belluno Length: about 9 km Time required: 5 hours to
Case Bortòt, 7 hours to Belluno
The Rifugio 7° Alpini is open from 20th June to 30th September. It sleeps 70, plus 5
in the winter shelter. It has water inside, inside and outside toilets, hot water and
shower and electricity. Telephone 0437 94 16 31.
The “Severino Lussato” hut / bivouac is an unstaffed shelter which can be used
when the refuge is closed, or full.
At the Case Bortòt there is a tavern with accommodation and telephone. From here
you can hire a taxi for Belluno.
