South Tyrol · Northern Dolomites
Puez-Odle
Balcony trails, open alpine terrain and distinctive limestone formations across one of the route’s best-known mountain groups.
Alta Via 2 Dolomites
Plan your Alta Via 2 Dolomites hike
Build an itinerary around your hiking experience, secure the best accommodation and confidently prepare for this challenging self-guided journey through the Dolomites.
The trail at a glance
What is the Alta Via 2?
The Alta Via 2 (AV2) is a challenging multi-day hut-to-hut hiking route through the Italian Dolomites. The classic route travels south from Bressanone to Feltre, crossing the Puez-Odle, Sella, Marmolada, Pale di San Martino and Alpi Feltrine mountain groups. Expect steep climbs, exposed terrain, cable-assisted passages and varied terrain between mountain rifugios.
Classic route
167 km
104 miles
Elevation gain
11,400 m
37,500 feet southbound
Typical duration
10–14 days
Shorter itineraries are possible
Highest point
2,907 m
9,537 feet at L’Antersas
Route difficulty
Challenging
Steep, exposed and technical terrain
Main hiking season
Jun–Sep
Conditions vary each season
Alta Via 2 route map
Follow a high route through the Dolomites
The classic Alta Via 2 runs from Bressanone in the north to Feltre in the south. Along the way, it crosses a succession of high mountain passes and some of the Dolomites’ most dramatic and rugged landscapes.
Alternative paths, different trail access points and nearby accommodation make it possible to adapt the route. Use the map as an overview, then build an itinerary to see the distance, ascent and terrain for each day.
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Plan each part of your Alta Via 2
Choose an itinerary that matches your experience, understand your accommodation options and keep up with conditions as your Alta Via 2 hike approaches.
The Hiking Club platform
See your complete Alta Via 2 plan come together.
Turn the Alta Via 2 into an itinerary designed around your experience and group. Bring your route, rifugio bookings, trail preparation and navigation together—and keep adjusting your plan as your trip takes shape.
Build your itinerary
Compare daily distance, ascent, hiking time, terrain,
alternative routes and transport.
Secure accommodation
Explore rifugios and nearby alternatives, check availability
and keep track of your bookings.
Prepare confidently
Follow trail updates, closures, warnings, snow information
and recent community images.
Navigate your route
Download your personalised itinerary and GPS map files
for offline use.
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The Italian Dolomites
Your itinerary determines the difficulty, pace and daily demands of your Alta Via 2.
Choosing your itinerary
How long does the Alta Via 2 take?
Most hikers plan around 10–14 days to complete the Alta Via 2. The right duration depends on your mountain experience, hiking pace, chosen route, accommodation and whether you use transport.
Faster itineraries involve consecutive days with substantial ascent and descent across steep mountain terrain. A longer itinerary can reduce average daily distance, but individual stages may still be demanding because rifugio locations determine where each day can end.
Accommodation on the Alta Via 2
How do you book accommodation on the Alta Via 2?
The Alta Via 2 is primarily a hut-to-hut route, with mountain rifugios positioned across its high passes and plateaus. Some stages also have basic bivacco shelters, while nearby valleys provide hotels, guesthouses and campgrounds.
Where you stay determines the length and difficulty of your daily stages. Compare overnight options while building your itinerary, particularly where long distances or technical terrain separate consecutive rifugios.
Mountain rifugios
Staffed mountain huts offering beds, meals and the classic Dolomites hut-to-hut experience.
Bivacco shelters
Basic, unmanned mountain shelters with limited facilities on selected remote sections.
Hotels and guesthouses
More comfortable options in valleys and villages on or near the route.
Campgrounds
Formal campgrounds in selected valleys, sometimes requiring transport or a diversion from the trail.
Rifugio Viel dal Pan
Mountain accommodation overlooking Marmolada.
Availability changes as rifugios open bookings and hikers alter their plans. The Hiking Club platform provides property details, booking methods, availability where supported and opening or cancellation alerts for selected accommodation. Bivacco shelters are basic and should not be treated as equivalent to a staffed rifugio.
Across the Dolomites
Alta Via 2 trail highlights
The Alta Via 2 crosses a succession of distinct Dolomites mountain groups, from the green slopes above Bressanone to the remote limestone terrain of the Pale di San Martino and Alpi Feltrine.
Sella Group · High alpine lake
Lago Pisciadù
A high mountain lake beside Rifugio Pisciadù, reached through dramatic terrain beneath the Sella plateau.
Sella Group · High mountain terrain
Sella plateau
A vast, rocky landscape containing some of the route’s highest terrain and the approach to Rifugio Boè.
Marmolada · Panoramic trail
Viel dal Pan
A panoramic traverse with expansive views towards the Marmolada and the surrounding Dolomites.
Pale di San Martino · Rugged terrain
Sentiero delle Farangole
One of the more rugged and memorable parts of the route, crossing steep terrain in the Pale di San Martino.
Belluno · Southern Dolomites
Alpi Feltrine
A quieter and more remote final mountain section before the route descends towards Croce d’Aune and Feltre.
Choose your trailheads
Where can you start and finish the Alta Via 2?
The classic Alta Via 2 travels from Bressanone to Feltre, but its road crossings and transport connections create several practical places to begin or finish a shorter hike. Choose your trailheads around your available time, mountain experience, accommodation and transport.
Classic northern start
Bressanone and Plose
Begin in Bressanone for the complete route, or use the bus and Plose cable car to begin higher on the mountain and avoid the approximately 1,500-metre opening ascent.
Trail access: Bressanone to Plose cable car
Northern and central sections
Passo Gardena
Start or finish near the Sella Group to focus on Lago Pisciadù, the Sella plateau, Marmolada and the mountain groups farther south.
Trail access: Via Val Gardena or Alta Badia
Southern half
Passo San Pellegrino
Begin or finish around the middle of the route to concentrate on the Pale di San Martino, Passo Cereda and the southern Dolomites.
Trail access: Via Moena or Falcade
Classic southern finish
Croce d’Aune and Feltre
Complete the classic traverse in Feltre, or finish at Croce d’Aune and use the bus to avoid the final approximately 12 kilometres of lower paths and roads.
Trail access: Via Feltre
Plan around your available time
Choose the start and finish that works for you.
The complete north-to-south route links the Plose, Puez-Odle, Sella, Marmolada, Pale di San Martino and Alpi Feltrine mountain groups. Compare daily distance, ascent, accommodation and transport connections between your chosen trailheads before settling on an itinerary.
Transport: Bressanone and Feltre have rail connections, while buses, seasonal cable cars and private transfers provide access to intermediate trailheads including Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi, Malga Ciapela, Passo San Pellegrino and Passo Cereda. Seasonal schedules and transport options can be added when you build your Alta Via 2 itinerary.
Personalise the route
The main Alta Via 2 route and its alternatives
The classic Alta Via 2 is a challenging hut-to-hut journey. Alternative hiking routes can add a summit, change the terrain of a stage or provide another way through the Dolomites. Optional via ferratas are a separate, more technical choice for experienced and appropriately equipped hikers.
The foundation for your itinerary
The classic Alta Via 2 route
Follow the established route south from Bressanone towards Feltre, crossing the Plose, Puez-Odle, Sella, Marmolada, Pale di San Martino and Alpi Feltrine mountain groups. The standard route includes exposed and cable-assisted hiking passages, but no via ferrata is required.
- 167 km / 104 mi Classic distance
- 11,400 m / 37,500 ft Elevation gain
- 10–14 days Typical duration
Hiking alternatives
Alternative routes to consider
Add a summit, choose a panoramic trail or use another route through a section. Each choice changes your distance, ascent, terrain and daily stages; some are substantially more demanding than the classic route.
Summit route · Sella Group
Piz Boè
Add the 3,152-metre summit of the Sella Group for wide views towards the Marmolada and surrounding Dolomites. Allow additional time and ascent for the summit route.
Summit route · Northern Alta Via 2
Piccolo Sass de Putia
Add a summit in the northern Dolomites for views towards the Puez-Odle and Austrian Alps. This is separate from the cable-assisted route to the main Sass de Putia summit.
Summit side trip · Puez-Odle
Piz Duleda
Take a short out-and-back route to the 2,909-metre summit for views across the rugged ridgelines of the Puez-Odle Nature Park.
Mountain pass · Val de le Cirele
Passo de le Cirele
Connect Rifugio Contrin and Rifugio Fuciade through lower meadows and increasingly rocky terrain towards the high pass.
Panoramic route · Passo Rolle
Sentiero Quinto Scalet
Follow an alternative route via Passo Rolle with sweeping views over Val Venegia and access to additional accommodation and transport options.
Summit side trip · Pale di San Martino
Cima della Rosetta
Add an out-and-back ascent to the 2,743-metre summit for views across the Pale di San Martino and down towards San Martino di Castrozza.
Optional technical routes
Via ferratas you can choose to add
Via ferratas are separate from the standard Alta Via 2 hiking route. They require the appropriate experience, equipment and assessment of current mountain conditions. Adding one can also substantially change the demands of a daily stage. Here are some examples of via ferratas you can add.
Grade 3B · Sella Group
Via Ferrata Pisciadù
A popular medium-difficulty route climbing beside the Pisciadù waterfall, with sustained cables, ladders and a suspension bridge near the top.
Grade 4B · Padon ridge
Via Ferrata delle Trincee
A more demanding route across the rocky Padon ridge, including exposed climbing, a short bridge and First World War tunnels.
High mountain route · Marmolada
Marmolada–Punta Penia
A serious high-altitude route to the highest summit in the Dolomites, involving cables, ladders, steel rungs and additional mountain hazards.
Grade 3C · Pale di San Martino
Via Ferrata del Porton
A long, exposed climb towards Forcella Porton using cables, ladders and steel footholds across steep rock walls and ledges.
Grade 1B · Northern Dolomites
Sass de Putia
A short introductory ferrata leading to the main summit, with hands-on climbing and views north towards the Austrian Alps.
Grade 1A · Passo Gardena
Gran Cir
A short introductory summit route with two cable-assisted sections and views across the Puez, Sella and Sassolungo groups.
Via ferrata grading and mountain conditions vary. Check the specific route, weather and current access information, and carry appropriate equipment. A hiking itinerary alone does not establish that a technical route is suitable for your group.
Build the route around your experience
See what each alternative changes.
Compare daily distance, ascent, estimated hiking time, terrain and accommodation when you add or remove routes in the planning platform.
Difficulty and preparation
How difficult is the Alta Via 2?
The Alta Via 2 is a challenging multi-day mountain route best suited to experienced and sure-footed hikers. It crosses steep, rugged and exposed terrain, with sustained climbs, long descents and sections where you may need to use your hands.
The standard route includes exposed cable-assisted passages. It can be planned without adding a dedicated via ferrata, but you still need confidence on steep terrain and should check the classification and current conditions of every route included in your itinerary.
Trail type
Challenging mountain hiking
Elevation gain
11,400 m / 37,500 ft
Typical duration
10–14 days
Steep, exposed terrain
Narrow paths, loose scree and steep mountain passes require confident footing. Some sections may feel intimidating if you are uncomfortable with exposure.
Cable-assisted sections
Fixed cables and other aids provide support on parts of the standard route. These are not necessarily via ferratas, but they still demand care and confidence on steep ground.
Sustained daily effort
The combination of significant ascent, long descents and consecutive hiking days makes the Alta Via 2 physically demanding, even for experienced hikers.
Mountain conditions
Snow, rain, wind and thunderstorms can make exposed or cable-assisted sections considerably harder. Check current conditions and use lower alternatives when necessary.
Plan around practical overnight stops
Compare established campgrounds, basic bivacco shelters and rifugios with the difficulty and length of each hiking stage.
Sleeping under canvas
Can you camp on the Alta Via 2?
Camping the Alta Via 2 is possible at established campgrounds near selected parts of the route, but it is not practical to complete the entire trail using campgrounds alone. The high, remote stages mean most camping itineraries also require nights in mountain rifugios.
Basic unmanned bivacco shelters exist on selected parts of the route, but they are not campgrounds or bookable accommodation. Facilities and capacity are limited, and they should not be treated as guaranteed overnight stops.
Wild camping is prohibited in most parts of the Dolomites. The Alta Via 2 crosses different provinces and protected areas, where local restrictions apply. Use authorised campgrounds and check the current rules with the relevant park or local authority before your hike. Emergency bivouacking should not be treated as planned accommodation.
Plan the complete journey
Build an Alta Via 2 itinerary around real overnight stops.
Compare campgrounds and rifugios with the distance, elevation and estimated hiking time between each stop in The Hiking Club platform.
Passo Pordoi · High mountain terrain
Snow and changing weather can affect the Alta Via 2’s higher, more exposed sections.
Choose your hiking dates
When is the best time to hike the Alta Via 2?
The main Alta Via 2 hiking season generally runs from late June to mid September. The right dates depend on snow conditions, rifugio opening dates, accommodation availability and your experience on steep, exposed mountain terrain.
Use current conditions to make the final call. The Alta Via 2’s exposed and cable-assisted sections can become much harder in snow, ice, rain or strong wind. The calendar alone cannot confirm whether a particular stage is suitable. Read our detailed Alta Via 2 seasonal guide.
Plan around your dates
Match your stages to open accommodation.
Compare Alta Via 2 itineraries and overnight stops for your preferred dates, then adjust your stages around the accommodation you can secure.
Build a realistic budget
How much does it cost to hike the Alta Via 2?
The cost of a self-guided Alta Via 2 hike depends on how many days you spend on the trail, where you stay and which meals are included in your accommodation. Allow separately for flights, transfers, insurance, equipment and any buses or cable cars included in your itinerary.
An example from our cost guide
€1,200
Per person for a 13-day, 12-night shared-room itinerary.
Your accommodation and meal choices make the biggest difference.
This example uses shared accommodation in mountain rifugios, with estimated breakfasts, dinners, packed lunches and snacks. Private rooms, village stays or a different itinerary length will produce a different total.
This is a starting estimate rather than a fixed price. Costs vary by itinerary, season, availability, exchange rates, provider pricing and personal spending choices.
Accommodation
Rifugio dormitories, limited private rooms and village stays have different prices and may not be available at every suitable stage.
Food
Half-board rates, hut lunches, packed lunches, snacks and meals in villages can all change your daily spending.
Duration
Each additional hiking or rest day usually adds another night of accommodation and a full day of meals.
Transport
Budget for travel to and from your trailheads and any local buses, transfers or cable cars included in your route.
Include in your trail budget
- Accommodation for each night on or near the route
- Breakfast and dinner, including any required half-board
- Lunches, snacks and drinks during the hike
Remember to add
- Flights and transfers to and from the trail
- Insurance, equipment and personal spending
- Local transport and extra nights before or after the hike
Plan your own trip
Build a budget around your actual itinerary.
Choose your daily stages and accommodation in the planning platform, then check current prices and meal inclusions for the rifugios and other properties you intend to book.
Budget figures are indicative and will vary by travel dates, exchange rates, provider pricing, availability and personal choices.
Compare Dolomites trails
Is the Alta Via 2 right for you?
The Dolomites have several long-distance Alta Via routes. Compare their length, terrain and technical difficulty before choosing the journey that suits your available time and mountain experience.
Introduction to multi-day hiking
Alta Via 1
A good introduction to multi-day hiking in the Dolomites. The marked hiking route links mountain rifugios and can be shaped around your pace, although you should still prepare for steep, rocky sections.
Distance
120 km · 75 mi
Typical duration
8–10 days
Current trail
Alta Via 2
A more difficult hiking traverse with steep climbs, exposed terrain, loose ground and cable-assisted sections. It suits experienced, sure-footed hikers, with optional via ferratas available for those wanting a more technical journey.
Distance
167 km · 104 mi
Typical duration
10–14 days
Shorter, more technical route
Alta Via 4
A shorter, rugged route whose main trail includes via ferrata sections. Lower alternative routes can avoid the ferratas, but change the distance, effort and stages you need to plan.
Distance
70 km · 43 mi
Typical duration
5–7 days
Susan
Dolomites trail specialist
Expert Access
Plan your Alta Via 2 with someone who knows the trail.
Work with Susan to design an achievable Alta Via 2 itinerary around your group’s experience, hiking dates, preferred daily effort and rifugio availability. Together, you can assess exposed terrain, cable-assisted sections and route alternatives before continuing to book and prepare independently inside The Hiking Club platform.
60-minute consultation
Your hiking companions can join.
Personalised itinerary
Designed collaboratively for your group.
Platform access
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Planning questions
Alta Via 2 FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about planning a self-guided Alta Via 2 hike.
How long is the Alta Via 2?
The classic Alta Via 2 is approximately 167 km (104 miles), with around 11,400 metres (37,400 feet) of elevation gain. Your final hiking distance and ascent will depend on your trailheads, accommodation detours and chosen alternative routes.
How many days do you need for the Alta Via 2?
Most hikers plan around 11–14 days for the complete Alta Via 2. A shorter trip can focus on one section, while additional days allow for shorter stages, rest days or optional side routes.
Compare Alta Via 2 itineraries before choosing your daily stages.
How difficult is the Alta Via 2?
The Alta Via 2 is a challenging hut-to-hut hiking route for experienced and sure-footed mountain hikers. It includes long climbs and descents, steep and exposed terrain, scree, basic scrambling and cable-assisted sections.
It is generally not recommended as a first multi-day mountain hike. You should be comfortable moving across exposed terrain and navigating in changing mountain conditions.
How popular is the Alta Via 2?
The Alta Via 2 is less busy than the Alta Via 1, but it is still a well-established Dolomites hut-to-hut route. You can expect to meet other hikers at rifugios and along popular sections, particularly during July and August.
Its more demanding terrain and cable-assisted sections attract fewer first-time multi-day hikers. However, accommodation capacity is also limited, so you should still reserve rifugios in advance.
Do you need via ferrata equipment for the Alta Via 2?
The standard hiking route includes several cable-assisted passages, but it is designed to avoid dedicated via ferrata routes. The equipment required can depend on the exact route, current conditions and your experience, so check each stage carefully before your hike.
Optional via ferrata routes can be added in several areas. These require appropriate equipment, skills and experience.
Can you hike the Alta Via 2 without a guide?
Yes. Experienced mountain hikers can plan and walk the Alta Via 2 independently. Self-guided hikers need to choose suitable stages, arrange accommodation, carry reliable navigation and check current trail and weather conditions.
Learn how to prepare your route for offline navigation .
Where does the Alta Via 2 start and finish?
The classic north-to-south Alta Via 2 starts in Bressanone, with trail access via the Plose cable car, and finishes at Croce d’Aune before travelling onwards to Feltre.
You can also use accessible points such as Passo Gardena or Passo San Pellegrino to create a shorter itinerary covering part of the route.
Which direction should you hike the Alta Via 2?
Most hikers travel north to south, beginning in Bressanone or at Plose and finishing at Croce d’Aune or Feltre. This is the classic direction and places the Puez-Odle and Sella groups near the beginning of the journey.
Hiking south to north is also possible, but accommodation, transport connections and daily stages should be checked in that direction. Your best choice depends on your trailheads, available rifugios and the route you want to follow.
Are there transport shortcuts on the Alta Via 2?
Yes. Cable cars, buses and road-accessible passes provide several opportunities to shorten the Alta Via 2, skip a section or leave the trail early. Useful access points include the Plose cable car, Passo Gardena, Passo San Pellegrino and other valleys crossed by the route.
Transport is less frequent in some remote areas and services can be seasonal. Check current operating dates and timetables when planning your stages rather than relying on a connection being available.
Can you camp along the Alta Via 2?
Established campgrounds are available near selected valleys and sections of the route. They do not align with every suitable hiking stage, particularly across the more remote high-mountain sections, so a camping itinerary will usually also require nights in rifugios.
Do not rely on wild camping as your planned accommodation. Regulations vary between provinces and protected areas, and emergency bivouacking is different from planned overnight camping.
When is the best time to hike the Alta Via 2?
The main hiking season generally runs from late June until mid-September. July and August usually provide the most reliable access to rifugios and mountain transport, but they are also the busiest months.
Early-season snow can remain on high passes, while colder weather, shorter days and accommodation closures become more likely later in September.
When should you book Alta Via 2 rifugios?
Alta Via 2 rifugios open their reservations at different times, and popular properties or private rooms can fill early for peak hiking dates. Build more than one workable itinerary so you can adapt your stages if your first choices are unavailable.
See the current Alta Via 2 accommodation booking status .
Plan your self-guided Alta Via 2
Bring your entire Alta Via 2 plan together.
Build an itinerary around your group, understand the rifugio availability for your dates, prepare for the challenging terrain and take your personalised route with you into the Dolomites.
- Compare routes and daily stages
- Check accommodation availability
- Set opening and cancellation alerts
- Review current trail updates
- Plan transport connections
- Download your route for offline use