Italy — Bolzano
Traverse Italy's Dolomites Alta Via 2, a 160km very challenging high-alpine route from Brixen to Feltre. This demanding traverse links remote mountain refuges across rugged terrain, offering staggering geological drama and panoramic views. Expect sustained ascents, exposed ridges, and spectacular wilderness over 10-13 days.
Distance: 160.0 km
Elevation Gain: 12000 m
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Duration: 10-13 days
The Dolomites Alta Via 2 (AV2) is widely considered the most spectacular and physically demanding of the high-altitude routes traversing the Italian Dolomites. Stretching approximately 160 kilometres from the historic town of Brixen (Bressanone) in the north to the ancient city of Feltre in the south, this "High Way" is a journey through a landscape of staggering geological drama. Unlike its gentler sibling, the Alta Via 1, the AV2 stays consistently higher, crosses more rugged terrain, and involves significant technical challenges, including steep scree slopes, exposed ridgelines, and several "sentieri attrezzati" (aided paths) equipped with fixed steel cables. It is a route that demands respect, high levels of fitness, and a steady head for heights, rewarding the intrepid trekker with unparalleled views of the Sella Group, the Marmolada glacier, and the jagged spires of the Pale di San Martino.
The Alta Via 2 is often referred to as the "Via delle Leggende" (Way of the Legends), a name that reflects the deep mythological roots of the Ladin people who inhabit these valleys. The trail is a masterclass in alpine variety. It begins in the lush, rolling meadows of the Plose above Brixen, quickly transitioning into the sharp, pale limestone needles of the Odle and Puez groups. As the journey progresses, the landscape becomes increasingly lunar and austere. The crossing of the Sella Massif—a vast, high-altitude plateau—feels like stepping onto another planet, while the descent toward the Marmolada offers views of the only remaining glacier in the Dolomites. The final stages through the Pale di San Martino and the Vette Feltrine are remote, wild, and physically punishing, featuring some of the most sustained elevation changes on the entire route.
Physically, the AV2 is a relentless undertaking. With 12,000 metres of ascent and nearly as much descent, hikers must be prepared for daily climbs of 1,000 metres or more, often on unstable terrain. The "Dolomite scree"—fine, loose limestone gravel—is a constant companion, making descents particularly taxing on the knees and concentration. Furthermore, the route includes several sections where fixed cables are provided for safety. While many experienced hikers complete these without full via ferrata equipment in perfect weather, a harness, lanyard, and helmet are strongly recommended, especially for the crossing of the Sella Group and the technical sections in the Pale di San Martino. This is not merely a walk; it is a high-alpine adventure that requires a solid understanding of mountain weather, navigation, and personal physical limits.
The reward for this exertion is a stay in the legendary Italian Rifugi. These mountain huts, perched on improbable ridges or nestled in high cirques, provide a unique cultural experience. After a day of intense physical effort, hikers are greeted with warm hospitality, hearty South Tyrolean and Trentino cuisine, and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers from around the world. Watching the "Enrosadira"—the phenomenon where the limestone peaks turn a brilliant shade of pink and orange at sunset—from the terrace of a hut at 2,500 metres is an experience that defines the magic of the Dolomites. The Alta Via 2 is a journey of endurance, but it is equally a journey of profound beauty and cultural immersion.
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised not only for their exceptional natural beauty but also for their unique geological history. These mountains were formed 250 million years ago as coral reefs in the ancient Tethys Ocean. The distinctive pale rock, a magnesium-rich limestone known as dolomite, was named after the French mineralogist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu, who first described it in the late 18th century. Walking the AV2 is, in many ways, a walk across an ancient seabed that has been thrust into the sky by tectonic forces.
Culturally, the route traverses three distinct Italian provinces: South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Trentino, and Belluno. In the northern sections, the influence of Austrian heritage is palpable. German is the primary language, and the architecture and food reflect a Tyrolean character. As you move south, the culture shifts toward a more traditionally Italian feel. However, the heart of the Dolomites is the Ladin culture. The Ladin people are a Rhaeto-Romance ethnic group who have lived in these isolated valleys for millennia, preserving their own unique language and traditions. Many of the peaks and passes along the AV2 carry Ladin names, and the "legends" of the route often involve the mythical Kingdom of the Fanes and the spirits that inhabit the crags.
The 20th-century history of the region is more somber. During the First World War, the Dolomites were the front line of a brutal conflict between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy. Known as the "White War," soldiers fought not only each other but also the extreme cold and avalanches. While the AV2 does not pass through the most famous open-air museums of the war (which are closer to the Alta Via 1), the legacy of the conflict is visible in the very paths you walk. Many of the trails and via ferrata routes were originally constructed by soldiers to move troops and supplies through the vertical landscape. Today, these paths serve as a bridge between a violent past and a peaceful present, allowing hikers to explore terrain that was once inaccessible.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The window for hiking the Alta Via 2 is relatively short, typically spanning from late June to late September. Outside of this period, high-altitude passes are often blocked by snow, and the majority of the Rifugi are closed. Even within the summer season, weather in the Dolomites is notoriously volatile and can change from brilliant sunshine to a violent thunderstorm within thirty minutes.
Early Season (Late June to Mid-July): This is a beautiful time to visit, as the alpine meadows are in full bloom and the days are at their longest. However, snow often lingers on the higher passes (such as Forcella del Mesdì or the Val de Mezdi). Hikers in early July should be prepared for snow crossings and may require micro-spikes or an ice axe depending on the previous winter's snowfall. The weather is generally stable in the mornings, with a high probability of afternoon "temporali" (thunderstorms).
High Summer (Late July to August): This is the peak season. The weather is at its warmest, and all snow has usually melted from the trails. This is also the busiest time, with huts often booked out months in advance. August brings the highest risk of heat-induced afternoon thunderstorms, which can be dangerous if you are caught on an exposed ridgeline or a via ferrata cable. It is essential to start your days early to be off the high ground by 2:00 PM.
Late Season (September): Many experienced hikers consider September the best month for the AV2. The air is crisper and clearer, providing the best visibility for photography. The crowds of August have dissipated, and the weather is often more stable, with fewer afternoon storms. However, the days are shorter, and the first dustings of autumn snow can occur on the higher peaks. Most huts close by the third or fourth week of September, so careful planning is required.
Day 1: Brixen (Bressanone) to Rifugio Genova
Day 2: Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez
Day 3: Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadù
Day 4: Rifugio Pisciadù to Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada
Day 5: Rifugio Castiglioni to Rifugio Fuciade
Day 6: Rifugio Fuciade to Rifugio Mulaz
Day 7: Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Rosetta
Day 8: Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali
Day 9: Rifugio Pradidali to Rifugio Treviso
Day 10: Rifugio Treviso to Rifugio Boz
Day 11: Rifugio Boz to Feltre
The Alta Via 2 is a serious undertaking that requires significant physical and logistical preparation. Unlike many lower-altitude treks, the AV2 involves technical terrain where a simple slip can have serious consequences. Prospective hikers should have experience in mountain navigation, be comfortable with exposure (heights), and possess the fitness to carry a 10–12 kg pack for 6–8 hours a day over multiple days of 1,000 m+ elevation gain.
Logistically, the trek begins in Brixen (Bressanone), which is easily reached by train from Bolzano, Innsbruck, or Verona. Most hikers fly into Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), or Munich (MUC). It is highly recommended to spend at least one night in Brixen before starting to finalise gear and adjust to the altitude. Coordination of hut bookings is the most critical part of preparation; the route is popular, and the huts have limited capacity.
Accommodation on the Alta Via 2 is exclusively in Rifugi (mountain huts). These range from large, hotel-like structures at mountain passes to small, remote outposts perched on rocky ledges. Most are operated by the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) or are privately owned.
Hut Facilities:
Booking Requirements:
One of the advantages of the Alta Via 2 is that there is no official "permit" required to hike the trail itself. Access to the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage area is free and open to the public. However, the "permit" in a practical sense is your hut reservation. Because wild camping is strictly prohibited in most of the Dolomites (especially within Nature Parks), you must have a confirmed bed in a Rifugio or a designated campsite (which are rare on the AV2) for every night of your journey.
Booking Strategy:
Logistical Costs:
Precisely traced GPX for the Alta Via 2, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Dolomites offer a wealth of experiences beyond the Alta Via 2. Consider adding a few days to your itinerary to explore:
The Alta Via 2 is a high-alpine route that presents genuine hazards. Safety should be your primary concern throughout the trek.
Thunderstorms (Temporali): These are the greatest objective danger in summer. Lightning strikes on exposed ridges or via ferrata cables can be fatal. Always check the local "Meteo" forecast (Arpa Veneto or Meteo Alto Adige) before departing. If storms are predicted for the afternoon, start at dawn and aim to be at your destination or below the treeline by 1:00 PM.
Exposure and Vertigo: Several sections of the AV2 involve walking along narrow ledges with significant drops. If you suffer from severe vertigo, this route may not be suitable. Always use the provided cables, even if the terrain looks "easy," as a sudden gust of wind or a slip on loose gravel can be disastrous.
Snow and Ice: In early July or after a late-season storm, snow can make the steep gullies (like Val Setus) extremely dangerous. Do not hesitate to turn back or take a lower-level valley alternative if conditions exceed your equipment or skill level.
Emergency Services: The emergency number in Italy is 112. Mountain rescue (Soccorso Alpino) is highly professional but can be expensive if you do not have insurance. Ensure your travel insurance specifically covers "mountain search and rescue" and "high-altitude trekking."
Piz Boè (3,152 m): On Day 4, instead of bypassing the peak, take the trail to the summit of Piz Boè. It is the easiest 3,000-metre peak in the Dolomites and offers a 360-degree panorama that includes the Marmolada, the Grossglockner in Austria, and the distant Ortler Alps.
The Marmolada Glacier: While the AV2 stays on the northern side of the Fedaia valley, taking a morning to ride the "basket lift" (if operational) or the cable car from Malga Ciapela to the top of the Marmolada provides a sobering look at the retreating glacier and a visit to the highest museum in Europe (dedicated to WWI).
The Pale Plateau: Spend an extra night at Rifugio Rosetta to explore the Pale di San Martino plateau. This 50-square-kilometre karst wasteland is unlike anything else in Europe—a silent, stone desert that feels like the surface of the moon.
Vette Feltrine: The final days of the AV2 pass through the Belluno Dolomites National Park. This area is a botanical paradise, home to rare alpine flowers that survived the last ice age on these "nunataks" (peaks that remained above the ice).
The Dolomites are a fragile ecosystem under increasing pressure from tourism. As a hiker on the Alta Via 2, you have a responsibility to minimise your impact.
