Hiking in Europe - Italy

It’s exciting to find new trails that few people have explored! If you’re yet to travel to the region, the awe-inspiring mountains can not only provide incredible views, but also multiple routes to challenge yourself.

Source: Stefano Bazzoli

We all love a holiday; travelling somewhere new, taking in the sights, walking through bustling cities, and coming across a piece of history on every corner. Sometimes though, this can get exhausting; standing in line, competing with strangers for a few mere seconds of looking at a priceless artwork and being constantly jostled about in crowds. Our suggestion? Step off the worn cobblestones and into a hiking or running adventure along ancient trails, participate in local events, and experience a different side of a country that most tourists never see.

Country: Italy
Perfect for: Mountain goats, challenge seekers, multi-day hikers, experienced mountaineers, history lovers
Difficulty: Moderate to high
Events: Lavaredo Ultra Trail Race

The Alta Via (High Route) is a series of long-distance hiking routes in the Dolomite region of northern Italy, where the mountains were formed over 200 million years ago and stand at 3,300m. Each route will take you through the dramatic landscapes of raw, rock mountains combined with peaceful alpine meadows and valleys. Depending on the route you take and your fitness level, you might need 5-16 days (including a rest day). 

Alta via 1:  125km, 7,300m elevation gain (EG) (moderate difficulty): referred to as ‘The Classic’ this route holds the most famous sites of the Dolomites including walking by the Via Ferrata Lagazuoi tunnel from WW1. The Classic is considered one of the easier journeys, however experience in long distance hiking is still recommended. 

Alta via 2:  180km, 11,500m EG (moderate to difficult difficulty): AV 2 features more demanding sections which are broken up into 13 stages. 

Alta via 3:  100km, 6,200m EG (difficult difficulty): AV 3 has less-travelled and relatively wild areas for experienced hikers to enjoy. Starting in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, passing through WW1 sites, taking on the challenging climb to Frocella della Toanelle and ending at the turquoise lake at Sorapiss. 

Alta via 4:  85km, 4,500m EG (difficult difficulty): looking for a “short” and sharp route? Don’t let the shorter distance fool you, AV 4 is split into 6 stages due to the iron road sections (networks of cables and metal ladders) to make travel through mountains possible. 

Alta via 5:  90km, 5,920m EG (difficult difficulty): dedicated to the famous Italian Renaissance painter Tiziano Vecellio who was born in Pieve di Cadore, the final destination of the route. Several crossings should not be underestimated in their severity, and as such this trail is only for experienced hikers. 

Alta via 6:  180km, 19,000m EG (difficult difficulty): if you prefer a quieter route, AV 6 - known as “Alta via dei Silenzi”, The Alpine Road of Silence - is less travelled and begins in Sappada ending in Vittoria Veneto. Split over 11 stages to adjust to the elevation gain, this wild trail should only be attempted by trekkers experienced in mountain trekking and in good physical condition. Though there are mountain shelters throughout the Dolomites, there are fewer places to rest along this trail and camping is strictly forbidden throughout the whole region.

The best time for hiking in the Dolomites is between late June to September, however the weather is known to be unpredictable and several inches of snow has been recorded during summers past so always be prepared for changes in the weather. During sunrise and sunset, you can experience the “enrosadira” or “alpenglow” phenomenon where the pale rock faces take on a reddish-pink hue from the early or late sun, creating a magical atmosphere. On top of the natural beauty that comes with striking alpine ranges, there are also historical treats including fortifications and tunnels which were carved into the mountainside during WW1 between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces and were constantly fought over for control. 

If you’re looking for an even greater challenge, there is also the Lavaredo Ultra Trail race in June which includes distances up to 120km and elevation gain of 5,800 metres. 

The Dolomites offer so much for trekking: incomparable views, physical and mental challenges, and history. If you’ve already hiked one or more of the routes, we would love to hear your tips. If you’re planning on taking on the alpine region, we hope you have a wonderful time, stay safe and leave no footprints.