Hiking the Alta Via - Dolomites, Italy
Self Guided Walking
This hiking tour leads through three language areas and their related cultures: starting in the German-speaking Hochpustertal, it continues going through the Ladin-speaking Fanes and lastly in the south of the Passo Falzàrego, where the Italian language finally dominates. In addition to the visible traces of the former so-called Alpenfront (Alps Front) which can be seen in an open-air museum, this hiking path offers the possibility to meet this magical world in all its facets: extraordinary picturesque beauty, magnificent views, stunning peaks and wonderful walks. A true paradise and an exciting adventure for people who love the mountains!
Highlights:
♦ Nature park Fanes-Sennes-Prags - one of the largest protected areas of South Tyrol.
♦ Lake Lagazuoi - crystal-clear mountain lake at the foot of the Scottoni peak
♦ „Viles“ - the original settlements of the Gadertal
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Hochpustertal (Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco)
Individual arrival at the hotel in Hochpustertal. Free, unguarded public car park near the hotel.
Day 2. Lake Pragser Wildsee - San Vigilio/St. Vigil
Starting at the pearl of the Dolomite lakes, the lake Pragser Wildsee (1.494 m), you hike through the romantic area of the nature park Fanes-Sennes-Prags which is one of the largest protected areas of South Tyrol. In the shade of the impressive mountain massif Seekofel you will reach the high alpine pasture Fojedöra. Stop and enjoy the homemade bread and the tasty alpine cheese. Through the lonely high valley you hike past the lake Hochalpensee and finally reach the highest point. Far down in the valley you can already see the villages of the Gadertal.
+800m / -1100m, 5-6h.
Variante to Pederü: +900 m / -850 m , 5-6 hours
Day 3. San Vigilio/St. Vigil - Badia/Abtei
The cable car Piz de Plaies takes you from San Vigilo to the starting point. The path leads through light woodland and meadows to Piz de Corn. The mountain Peitlerkofel is enthroned on the opposite side. You hike on to the saddle Ritjoch and cross the mountaineering village of La Val. The mighty flanks of the mountain Heiligkreuzkofel are always in view. At the foot of the peaks Neuner and Zehnerspitze you reach the shelter Heiligkreuz. After a short descent you take the cable car to Badia.
+960m / -700m, 6.h.
Day 4. Badia/Abtei - San Cassiano/St. Kassian
The cable car takes you up to the pretty alpine huts above Abtei. The view invites you to linger: the peaks of the Sella, Puez Group, Peitlerkofel and Kreuzkofel seem close enough to be touched. Through larch and pine forests, you hike in the direction of St. Kassian. On the way you will pass „viles“, as the original settlements of the Gadertal valley are called.
+ 170m / -660m, 3-4 h.
Day 5. San Cassiano/St. Kassian - Cortina d´Ampezzo
At first, the trail runs comfortably along the valley floor to the Capanna Alpina. In the shadow of the majestic Fanes and Conturines peaks, you hike to the Scottoni refuge and on to the crystal-clear Lagazuoi lake at the foot of the Scottoni peak, in whose waters the bizarre peaks of the Fanes Dolomites are reflected. Via the Dolomites High Trail you hike to Lagazuoi, which was turned into a veritable fortress with tunnels and trenches by soldiers during the First World War. You have the option of taking the cable car directly from the summit to the Falzarego Pass and to continue by bus to Cortina. Below the Tofanen you hike to Pocol and from there by bus to Cortina.
+900m / -600m, 7-8h.
Variant St. Kassian - Falzarego Pass: +1.050 m/ - 900/600 m ,5-6 hours
Day 6. Cortina d` Ampezzo - Son Forca - Ospitale - Hochpustertal
The last day of hiking starts in the centre of Cortina d‘Ampezzo. Through woodland and meadows, the route is initially relatively to the Rifugio Mietres, from where you can take a last look at Cortina once more. A fantastic panorama at the highest point will soon make you forget the efforts of the ascent. Afterwards, it is almost all downhill through the idyllic Val Padeon to the end of the stage in Ospitale. You then continue by public bus to the Alta Pusteria.
+970m / -720m, 5-6h.
Variant with chairlift Rio Gere to Son Forca: + 500 m/ - 800 m , 4 hours
Day 7. Departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.