Main-route via ferratas
The classic route includes dedicated via ferrata sections, including Ferrata Vandelli and Ferrata Ghiacciaio. These require suitable experience, equipment and an assessment of current conditions.
Alta Via 4 Dolomites
Plan your Alta Via 4 Dolomites hike
Build an itinerary around your via ferrata experience, secure suitable accommodation and plan lower-route alternatives for poor weather or to avoid technical sections.
The trail at a glance
What is the Alta Via 4?
The Alta Via 4 (AV4) is a short but technically demanding hut-to-hut route through the eastern Italian Dolomites. The classic high route travels south from San Candido to Pieve di Cadore, passing Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Cadini di Misurina, Sorapiss and Antelao. Dedicated via ferrata sections form part of the main trail, although lower hiking alternatives make it possible to avoid them when required.
Classic route
70 km
43 miles
Elevation gain
5,583 m
18,317 feet southbound
Typical duration
5–7 days
Depends on your route choices
Highest point
2,584 m
8,478 feet at Forcella del Ghiacciaio
Route difficulty
Very challenging
Main route includes via ferrata
Main hiking season
Jun–Sep
Conditions vary each season
Alta Via 4 route map
Follow a technical high route through the eastern Dolomites
The classic Alta Via 4 runs south from San Candido to Pieve di Cadore. It crosses rugged mountain terrain beneath some of the eastern Dolomites’ best-known peaks, including Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Sorapiss and Antelao.
Your route choices are particularly important on the Alta Via 4. The classic high route includes dedicated via ferrata sections, while lower alternatives can avoid technical terrain or provide options during poor weather. These choices change the distance, ascent and accommodation required for each stage.
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Plan each part of your Alta Via 4
Choose an itinerary that matches your mountain and via ferrata experience, understand your accommodation options and keep up with conditions as your Alta Via 4 hike approaches.
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Turn the Alta Via 4 into an itinerary designed around your experience and group. Bring your route choices, rifugio bookings, technical preparation and navigation together—and keep adjusting your plan as your trip takes shape.
Build your itinerary
Compare daily distance, ascent, hiking time, via ferrata
sections, lower alternatives and transport.
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Prepare confidently
Follow trail updates, closures, warnings, snow information
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Difficulty and preparation
How difficult is the Alta Via 4?
The Alta Via 4 is a very challenging and technical multi-day mountain route. It is best suited to experienced hikers who are confident on exposed terrain and have the skills and equipment required for protected climbing routes.
Unlike the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2, dedicated via ferrata sections form part of the classic Alta Via 4 route. Lower hiking alternatives can avoid these sections, but they change the distance, ascent, accommodation and overall demands of the itinerary.
Trail type
Technical mountain route
Elevation gain
5,583 m / 18,317 ft
Typical duration
5–7 days
Exposure and rough terrain
Narrow paths, loose scree, steep descents, ladders and exposed traverses require confident footing and a good head for heights, even outside the dedicated via ferratas.
Lower alternatives
Lower hiking routes can avoid the main via ferratas, but they are not necessarily easy. They may add distance, ascent and descent or require different accommodation and transport.
Mountain conditions
Snow, rain, wind and thunderstorms can make the exposed and protected sections considerably harder. Poor conditions may make a lower alternative the more appropriate route.
The eastern Dolomites
Your route choices determine the difficulty, pace and technical demands of your Alta Via 4.
Choosing your itinerary
How long does the Alta Via 4 take?
Most hikers plan around 5–7 days to complete the Alta Via 4. The right duration depends on your mountain experience, hiking pace, chosen route, accommodation and whether you include or avoid via ferratas.
A shorter itinerary involves consecutive demanding days across steep and technical terrain. Lower alternatives may avoid protected climbing sections but can add distance and elevation, while optional via ferrata routes also require additional time.
Accommodation on the Alta Via 4
How do you book accommodation on the Alta Via 4?
The Alta Via 4 is primarily a hut-to-hut route, with mountain rifugios positioned around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Cadini di Misurina, Sorapiss and Antelao. Nearby valleys also provide hotels, guesthouses and alternative overnight stops.
Where you stay determines the route and difficulty of each day. Compare accommodation while deciding whether to follow the classic via ferrata route, use lower hiking alternatives or leave the trail for an overnight stay in a nearby valley.
Mountain rifugios
Staffed mountain huts offering beds, meals and the classic Dolomites hut-to-hut experience.
Hotels and guesthouses
More comfortable accommodation in villages and valleys on or near the route.
Bivacco shelters
Basic, unmanned mountain shelters with limited facilities on selected remote sections.
Off-trail alternatives
Additional options around Lago di Misurina, Cortina and San Vito di Cadore, sometimes requiring transport or a route diversion.
Rifugio Fonda Savio
Mountain accommodation beneath Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
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 eastern Dolomites
Alta Via 4 trail highlights
The Alta Via 4 passes through some of the eastern Dolomites’ most dramatic landscapes, from the Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina to Lago di Sorapis, the Marmarole and the slopes of Monte Antelao.
Sexten Dolomites · Northern Alta Via 4
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Walk beneath the unmistakable towers of the Tre Cime through one of the most celebrated mountain landscapes in the Dolomites.
Cadini Group · Jagged limestone peaks
Cadini di Misurina
A striking landscape of narrow spires, deep gullies and exposed paths overlooking the mountains around Misurina.
Cadini group · Remote valleys
Sentiero Attrezzato Alberto Bonacossa
A dramatic and adventurous protected trail through the rugged Cadini group.
Sorapis Group · High alpine lake
Lago di Sorapis
A vivid turquoise lake beneath the Sorapis massif and one of the most distinctive natural landmarks along the route.
Marmarole · Remote mountain terrain
The Marmarole
A quieter and more remote mountain group characterised by rugged paths, steep passes and a strong sense of isolation.
Antelao · Southern Alta Via 4
Monte Antelao
The final stages cross rugged terrain beneath the King of the Dolomites before descending towards Pieve di Cadore.
Choose your trailheads
Where can you start and finish the Alta Via 4?
The classic Alta Via 4 travels south from San Candido to Pieve di Cadore. Alternative access from Misurina, Rifugio Auronzo and San Vito di Cadore makes it possible to shorten the route or concentrate on particular mountain groups.
Classic northern start
San Candido
Begin in San Candido for the complete Alta Via 4, following the route into the Sexten Dolomites and towards the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Trail access: San Candido railway station
Northern and central sections
Lago Misurina and Rifugio Auronzo
Begin or finish near the Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina to create a shorter itinerary through the Cadini, Sorapis and Antelao mountain groups.
Trail access: Via Misurina or Rifugio Auronzo
Southern section
San Vito di Cadore
Start or finish in San Vito di Cadore to focus on the southern section of the Alta Via 4 around Rifugio San Marco, the Marmarole and Monte Antelao.
Trail access: Via San Vito di Cadore and Rifugio San Marco
Classic southern finish
Pieve di Cadore
Complete the classic north-to-south traverse beneath Monte Antelao before descending through the Cadore valley to Pieve di Cadore.
Trail access: Via Calalzo di Cadore
Plan around your available time
Choose the start and finish that works for you.
The complete north-to-south route crosses the Sexten Dolomites, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, Sorapis, Marmarole and Antelao mountain groups. Compare daily distance, ascent, technical sections, accommodation and transport before choosing your trailheads.
Transport: San Candido has a railway station, while Pieve di Cadore is connected by bus with the railway at Calalzo di Cadore. Seasonal buses and local transfers provide access to Misurina, Rifugio Auronzo and San Vito di Cadore. Check current timetables and add the relevant connections when you build your Alta Via 4 itinerary.
Choose your route
The main Alta Via 4 route and its alternatives
The classic Alta Via 4 is a technical high route with dedicated via ferrata sections forming part of the trail. Lower hiking alternatives can avoid these sections or provide another option during poor weather, but they change the distance, ascent, accommodation and character of your itinerary.
The technical high route
The classic Alta Via 4 route
Follow the established high route south from San Candido to Pieve di Cadore through the Sexten Dolomites, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, Sorapis, Marmarole and Antelao. Unlike the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2, dedicated via ferratas form part of the classic Alta Via 4 and should be planned around your experience, equipment and current mountain conditions.
- 70 km / 43 mi Classic distance
- 5,583 m / 18,317 ft Elevation gain
- 5–7 days Typical duration
Technical routes
Via ferratas on and near the Alta Via 4
Ferrata Vandelli and Ferrata Ghiacciaio form part of the classic Alta Via 4 high route. Torre di Toblin and Ferrata Merlone are optional additions. All require suitable equipment, experience and careful assessment of current conditions.
Main route · Sorapis
Ferrata Vandelli
Climb high above Lago di Sorapis on an exposed protected route through steep and quieter mountain terrain, with expansive views across the Sorapis group.
Main route · Antelao
Ferrata Ghiacciaio
A short but dramatic protected climb between the mountain pass and the glacier moraine below, set above a remote basin with distinctive aquamarine pools.
Optional add-on · Tre Cime
Torre di Toblin
Add a historic First World War route to a spectacular summit above the Tre Cime, with steep climbing and extensive views across the Sexten Dolomites.
Optional add-on · Cadini di Misurina
Ferrata Merlone
A steep and committing route through gullies and rocky faces, using fixed cables and ladders towards Cima Cadin Nord Est in the Cadini di Misurina.
Optional add-on · Tre Cime
Via Ferrata De Luca/Innerkofler
Explore approximately 600 metres of First World War tunnels before following a moderate ferrata between Rifugio Locatelli and Forcella del Camoscio.
Optional add-on · Tre Cime
Monte Paterno Summit
Follow exposed ledges and fixed cables along the mountain’s upper ridge to the 2,744-metre summit with outstanding panoramic views over the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Ferrata grading, access and mountain conditions can change. Confirm the exact route, forecast, snow conditions and current access before setting out. Carry appropriate equipment and do not treat a lower alternative as an improvised bad-weather escape without planning it in advance.
Lower hiking alternatives
Avoiding technical sections
Lower routes can be used when you prefer to avoid a via ferrata or when weather and mountain conditions make the high route unsuitable. These are not simple shortcuts: they may involve longer distances, substantial descents, valley accommodation or local transport.
Lower alternative · Sorapis
Around Ferrata Vandelli
Use lower hiking paths and valley access around the Sorapis section instead of continuing across Ferrata Vandelli. This changes the natural stage break and may require accommodation away from the classic high route.
Lower alternative · Antelao
Around Ferrata Ghiacciaio
Avoid the protected climb near Forcella del Ghiacciaio by using a lower route through the Antelao area. This can add distance and descent and may substantially change the final stages towards Pieve di Cadore.
Build the route around your experience
Compare the high route and lower alternatives.
See how each route choice changes your daily distance, ascent, estimated hiking time, technical terrain, accommodation and transport requirements.
Lago de Sorapis · High mountain terrain
Snow, rain and strong wind can make the Alta Via 4’s exposed paths and via ferrata sections significantly harder.
Choose your hiking dates
When is the best time to hike the Alta Via 4?
The main Alta Via 4 hiking season generally runs from late June to mid September. The right dates depend on snow conditions, rifugio opening dates, accommodation availability and whether the exposed via ferrata sections are safe for your group.
Use current conditions to make the final call. The Alta Via 4’s technical sections can become unsafe in snow, ice, heavy rain, thunderstorms or strong wind. Plan lower alternatives before your hike rather than treating them as improvised escape routes after conditions deteriorate.
Plan around your dates
Match your route to conditions and open accommodation.
Compare Alta Via 4 itineraries and overnight stops for your preferred dates, then adjust your stages around rifugio opening dates, technical sections and lower-route alternatives.
Build a realistic budget
How much does it cost to hike the Alta Via 4?
The cost of a self-guided Alta Via 4 hike depends on your itinerary length, accommodation, included meals and route choices. Allow separately for travel, insurance, via ferrata equipment and any additional transport or valley accommodation required by lower-route alternatives.
Indicative trail budget
€600–€900
Per person for a typical 5–7 day shared-room itinerary.
Accommodation, meals and technical equipment shape your total.
This indicative range assumes shared accommodation in mountain rifugios, meals during the hike and local trailhead transport. Private rooms, additional nights, specialist equipment, guiding or lower-route accommodation can increase the total.
This is a starting estimate rather than a fixed price. Costs vary by itinerary, season, availability, provider pricing, exchange rates and personal spending choices.
Accommodation
Rifugio dormitories, limited private rooms and valley stays have different prices. Your route choices determine which overnight options are practical.
Food
Half-board rates, hut lunches, packed lunches, snacks and meals in San Candido, Misurina or other valley locations all affect your daily spending.
Route choices
Lower alternatives can add distance, accommodation or transport, while optional via ferratas may add another night or specialist equipment costs.
Equipment
Budget for a suitable helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyards if you do not already own or plan to hire the required equipment.
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
- Local transport between your chosen trailheads
Remember to add
- Flights and transfers to and from the Dolomites
- Insurance covering your planned activities
- Via ferrata equipment hire or purchases
- Guiding, extra nights and unexpected route changes
Plan your own trip
Build a budget around your actual itinerary.
Choose your daily stages, technical routes, lower alternatives and accommodation in the planning platform, then check current prices and meal inclusions for the properties you intend to book.
Budget figures are indicative and will vary by travel dates, exchange rates, provider pricing, availability, route choices and personal spending.
Compare Dolomites trails
Is the Alta Via 4 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, mountain experience and confidence on exposed terrain.
Introduction to multi-day hiking
Alta Via 1
A good introduction to multi-day hiking in the Dolomites. The established hiking route links mountain rifugios and can be shaped around your preferred pace, although you should still prepare for steep and rocky mountain terrain.
Distance
120 km · 75 mi
Typical duration
8–10 days
Longer, less challenging traverse
Alta Via 2
A difficult hiking route with steep climbs, exposed paths, loose ground and cable-assisted passages. Dedicated via ferratas are optional additions rather than required sections of the standard trail.
Distance
167 km · 104 mi
Typical duration
10–14 days
Current trail
Alta Via 4
A shorter but more technical high route whose classic trail includes dedicated via ferrata sections. It suits experienced hikers with appropriate technical skills, although planned lower alternatives can avoid the ferratas and change the route’s difficulty.
Distance
70 km · 43 mi
Typical duration
5–7 days
Susan
Dolomites trail specialist
Expert Access
Plan your Alta Via 4 with someone who knows the trail.
Work with Susan to design an achievable Alta Via 4 itinerary around your group’s hiking and via ferrata experience, preferred daily effort, travel dates and available accommodation. Together, you can decide where to follow the classic technical route, where to use lower alternatives and how to prepare for weather-related changes before continuing to book independently inside The Hiking Club platform.
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Personalised itinerary
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Planning questions
Alta Via 4 FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about planning a self-guided Alta Via 4 hike, including its via ferratas and lower-route alternatives.
How long is the Alta Via 4?
The classic Alta Via 4 is approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles), with around 5,583 metres (18,317 feet) of elevation gain when hiking south from San Candido to Pieve di Cadore.
Your final distance and ascent will depend on your trailheads, accommodation detours, optional via ferratas and whether you use lower routes to avoid technical sections.
How many days do you need for the Alta Via 4?
Most hikers plan between five and seven days for the complete Alta Via 4. The right duration depends on your fitness, technical experience, accommodation and whether you follow the classic high route or lower alternatives.
Compare Alta Via 4 itineraries before choosing your daily stages.
How difficult is the Alta Via 4?
Alta Via 4 is one of the more technically challenging long-distance routes in the Dolomites. Although it is shorter than Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2, it includes steep ascents and descents, exposed paths, scree, remote terrain and dedicated via ferrata sections.
It is best suited to experienced, sure-footed mountain hikers. Read our detailed Alta Via 4 difficulty guide before deciding whether the route is appropriate for your group.
Do you need via ferrata equipment for the Alta Via 4?
Yes, if you intend to follow the classic high route across its dedicated via ferrata sections. A suitable helmet, climbing harness and via ferrata lanyards are recommended, together with the experience required to use them correctly.
Equipment alone does not make a technical route appropriate. You should also assess your group’s experience, exposure tolerance, current trail conditions and weather forecast.
Can you avoid the via ferratas on the Alta Via 4?
Yes. Lower hiking and valley alternatives can be used to avoid Ferrata Vandelli and Ferrata Ghiacciaio. These options make it possible to experience many of the route’s major highlights without completing every technical section.
Lower routes are not necessarily short or easy. They can add distance, descent, transport and off-trail accommodation, so they should be built into your itinerary before your hike rather than treated as improvised escape routes.
Can you hike the Alta Via 4 without a guide?
Experienced hikers with appropriate via ferrata, navigation and mountain skills can plan and complete the Alta Via 4 independently. Self-guided hikers must choose suitable routes, secure accommodation and continually assess current weather and trail conditions.
If your group is not confident assessing or completing the technical sections, consider using lower alternatives or working with a qualified local mountain guide.
Where does the Alta Via 4 start and finish?
The classic north-to-south Alta Via 4 starts in San Candido, also known as Innichen, and finishes in Pieve di Cadore.
Misurina, Rifugio Auronzo and San Vito di Cadore provide useful intermediate access points for shorter itineraries or trips focused on a particular section.
Which direction should you hike the Alta Via 4?
Most hikers travel north to south from San Candido to Pieve di Cadore. This is the classic direction and moves from the popular Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina into the progressively more remote and technical Sorapis, Marmarole and Antelao sections.
Hiking south to north is possible, but the technical passages, accommodation, transport and daily elevation profiles should all be assessed in that direction.
How popular is the Alta Via 4?
Alta Via 4 is less heavily travelled as a complete hut-to-hut route than Alta Via 1. Its technical reputation and via ferrata sections attract fewer first-time multi-day hikers.
Individual areas such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli, Cadini di Misurina and Lago di Sorapis can still be extremely busy, particularly during July and August. Rifugio capacity is limited, so accommodation should be reserved in advance.
Are there transport shortcuts on the Alta Via 4?
Yes. Road-accessible locations including Misurina, Rifugio Auronzo and San Vito di Cadore make it possible to shorten the hike, skip a section or leave the trail early.
Public transport and seasonal services are not available beside every remote section. Check current operating dates and timetables when planning your stages rather than assuming a connection will be available when you need it.
When is the best time to hike the Alta Via 4?
The main hiking season generally runs from late June until mid-September. July and August usually provide the most reliable access to rifugios and seasonal transport, but popular northern sections are also busier.
Early-season snow may remain on high passes and via ferrata sections. Later in September, shorter days, colder temperatures, fresh snow and rifugio closures become more likely.
When should you book Alta Via 4 rifugios?
Alta Via 4 rifugios open reservations at different times. Popular properties near Tre Cime and Lago di Sorapis, together with limited-capacity huts farther south, can fill early for peak hiking dates.
Build more than one workable itinerary so you can adjust your stages or route choices if your preferred accommodation is unavailable. See the current Alta Via 4 accommodation booking status .
Plan your self-guided Alta Via 4
Bring your entire Alta Via 4 plan together.
Build an itinerary around your group’s hiking and via ferrata experience, understand the rifugio availability for your dates, prepare lower-route alternatives and take your personalised route with you into the Dolomites.
- Compare technical and lower routes
- Check accommodation availability
- Set opening and cancellation alerts
- Review current trail updates
- Plan transport connections
- Download your route for offline use