The Dolomites are unlike any other mountain range in the world. Their jagged limestone peaks rise sharply from alpine meadows, their sunsets glow pink and orange in the famous enrosadira light, and their valleys echo with centuries of history, from ancient shepherding routes to World War I battle lines. Among the many ways to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one stands above the rest for serious hikers: the Alta Via 2.
Nicknamed the “Alta Via delle Leggende” — the High Route of Legends — the Alta Via 2 is a wilder, more demanding, and less-traveled path than its better-known sibling, the Alta Via 1. It’s a trek that rewards your effort and determination with solitude and raw beauty. The kind of mountain experience that sticks with you long after you’ve left the trail.
If you’re dreaming of a multi-day trek that combines the comfort of mountain huts with the thrill of rugged wilderness, the Alta Via 2 may be exactly the challenge you’re looking for.
What is the Alta Via 2?
The Alta Via 2 is one of six long-distance high routes, or “Alta Via”, that crisscross the Dolomites. It begins in Bressanone (Brixen), a picturesque town in South Tyrol, and stretches all the way south to Feltre in the Veneto region.
Along the way, the route covers around 180 kilometers/110 miles of mountain terrain and weaves through some of the Dolomites’ most iconic groups: the Plose, Odle, Puez, Sella, Marmolada, Pale di San Martino, and finally the wild, remote Vette Feltrine.
What makes the Alta Via 2 unique is its character.
While the Alta Via 1 is relatively straightforward and well-traveled, the Alta Via 2 demands more from its hikers. The daily distances are longer, the climbs and descents steeper, and the terrain more varied. Sometimes, the trail will lead you across high passes that flirt with exposure. Other times, you’ll drop into quiet valleys where the only sounds are cowbells and the wind.
A short history
The Alta Via routes were pieced together in the mid-20th century, when the idea of long-distance trekking in the Dolomites started to take hold. The paths themselves are far older, though.
Many of them were originally shepherd trails, trade routes, or military supply lines from World War I, when these mountains marked the front line between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces.
Remnants of that era still mark the landscape: old tunnels, rusted barbed wire, and carved-out ledges that soldiers once used to move supplies and weapons.
Walking the Alta Via 2 means stepping through layers of history. You’re not just crossing ridges and valleys. You’re following in the footsteps of shepherds, traders, soldiers, and mountaineers who all carved their lives into this dramatic landscape.
Alta Via 1 vs Alta Via 2
If you’re debating between the Alta Via 1 and 2, the choice often comes down to how much challenge you want.
The Alta Via 1 is shorter, better supported, and more forgiving. It’s a natural choice for first-time long-distance hikers. The trail is still spectacular, with views that easily rival those of its more demanding sibling, but it has become the “classic” for a reason: it’s accessible, sociable, and well-trodden.
The Alta Via 2, on the other hand, feels wilder. The stages are tougher, often requiring 7–9 hours of hiking a day, with frequent elevation changes that test even experienced hikers. Some sections cross exposed ridges or require basic scrambling skills.
Unlike the Alta Via 1, where huts are evenly spaced and rarely overbooked, the huts on Alta Via 2 are fewer and farther between. This means more careful planning is essential.
Who Should Choose the Alta Via 2
The Alta Via 2 is not for everyone. And that’s its charm.
If you are new to trekking or prefer short, leisurely days with plenty of time to linger in rifugio terraces, the Alta Via 1 might suit you better. But if you have strong legs, a solid base of hiking experience, and a love of solitude, the Alta Via 2 delivers in spades.
This is the trail for people who like their days long, their paths steep, and their rewards earned. It’s for hikers who enjoy exposure and don’t mind carrying the occasional via ferrata kit, for those who prefer quiet valleys to busy trails, and for adventurers who don’t just want to see the Dolomites.
They want to feel their scale, their silence, their raw power.
Where does the hike start and end?
The Alta Via 2 begins in the north, in Bressanone (Brixen). This charming town is easily accessible by train and bus, which makes it a convenient starting point for international travelers.
Before hitting the trail, we definitely recommend spending a night here; wandering its old town, visiting its cathedral, and soaking up the South Tyrolean blend of Italian and Austrian culture.
The hike ends in Feltre, a small but historic town in the Veneto region. By the time you arrive, the sharp Dolomite spires have given way to gentler foothills. The shift in landscape mirrors the shift in your journey: from the wild, vertical drama of the high peaks to the rolling, lived-in lowlands of northern Italy.
From Feltre, most hikers take a bus or train back to Venice, Verona, or Bolzano.
How long is the Alta Via 2?
The full Alta Via 2 stretches about 180 kilometers (110 miles). Most hikers complete it in 12 to 14 days, depending on pace, fitness, and weather conditions. Expect to gain and lose 800 to 1,200 meters of elevation every day, which adds up to a serious test of endurance.
The route can, of course, be shortened. Many hikers complete only a section, either because of time constraints or because they want to focus on a particular stretch of mountains.
Can I do the Alta Via 2 in 7 days?
You can do the Alta Via 2 in 7 days, but you’ll need to do more research and choose carefully.
A common option is to hike from Bressanone to Passo Gardena, which covers some of the northern highlights in about a week. Another is to focus on the southern portion from San Martino to Feltre, with wilder terrain and fewer crowds.
Both options let you experience the essence of the Alta Via 2, but you’ll need to accept that you won’t cover the full trail. For many trekkers, though, that’s a feature, not a bug.
The Alta Via 2 is demanding, and sampling it in a week can be just as rewarding as walking the whole thing.
Alta Via 2 Via Ferrata: An Overview
The Dolomites are famous for their via ferrata, climbing routes equipped with fixed cables, ladders, and iron rungs. The Alta Via 2 passes near several of these routes, and while you don’t need to climb them to complete the trek, many hikers choose to add them in for an extra jolt of adrenaline.
Some of the best-known via ferrata along or near the trail are the Bepi Zac route in the Marmolada Group, which combines exposed ridges with monuments to World War I history; the Ferrata delle Trincee, leading through tunnels and bunkers with jaw-dropping views; and the Ferrata Rosetta, which links perfectly with the Pale di San Martino section.
If you want to try these, you’ll need a harness, helmet, via ferrata lanyard, and gloves, as well as some comfort with heights and exposure. If not, no problem. The standard Alta Via 2 is still a complete adventure on its own.
What are the huts like along the Alta Via 2?
Staying in mountain huts, or rifugios, is one of the coolest parts of trekking in the Dolomites. These huts are cultural institutions, places where hikers, climbers, and locals gather to share meals, stories, and a roof.
On the Alta Via 2, you’ll find huts ranging from cozy, family-run refuges with just a handful of rooms to larger, more modern establishments with dormitories, private rooms, and full restaurants.
Almost all serve hot meals: hearty pastas, stews, polenta, and local delicacies like apple strudel and speck. Most can also provide breakfast and pack lunches to go.
The huts along the Alta Via 2 are more spread out than those on the Alta Via 1. This makes planning ahead essential, as you can’t simply decide to stop whenever you feel like it. Some stages require a full day’s hike to reach the next bed.
Reservations are a must in peak season, and even in quieter months, it’s worth booking to avoid surprises.
What makes rifugios truly special is the atmosphere. After a long day on the trail, nothing beats sitting on a terrace with a cold beer, watching the sun dip behind the peaks, and sharing the moment with a room full of equally tired, equally thrilled trekkers.
Alta Via 2 Sample Itinerary
A classic itinerary for the Alta Via 2 takes around 12 days. Here’s one way to experience the full journey:
Day 1: Bressanone to Rifugio Plose
Your adventure begins with a steep climb out of Bressanone to Rifugio Plose. The views back over the Eisack Valley and the city are a fitting start to the journey.
Day 2: Rifugio Plose to Rifugio Genova
The trail will lead you across alpine meadows and up toward the Odle peaks, with jagged spires that dominate the horizon.
Day 3: Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez
One of the most scenic stages of the Alta Via 2. It crosses high passes and ridges with sweeping views of the Puez-Odle Natural Park.
Day 4: Rifugio Puez to Passo Gardena
A descent into the famous Val Gardena (Gardena Valley). Here, the sharp limestone walls of the Dolomites rise like cathedrals.
Day 5: Passo Gardena to Rifugio Boè
A long day traversing the Sella Massif. The high, barren plateau feels otherworldly; a sharp contrast to the valleys below.
Day 6: Rifugio Boè to Passo Fedaia
The Marmolada Group dominates today, with glaciers gleaming in the distance. If you’re up for it, this is a great place to add a via ferrata.
Day 7: Passo Fedaia to Rifugio Rosetta
The trail winds into the Pale di San Martino, a range of soaring towers and deep valleys. The terrain here feels like a labyrinth of stone.
Days 8–11: Pale di San Martino to the Vette Feltrine
These days carry you deeper into the southern Dolomites. Here, the crowds vanish and the mountains feel wild and remote. The huts are smaller, the landscapes quieter, and the sense of wilderness is at its peak.
Day 12: Descent into Feltre
The final descent takes you out of the high mountains and into the rolling foothills, before dropping into the historic town of Feltre. The perfect place to celebrate the journey you’ve just completed.
Can You do the Alta Via 2 Self-Guided?
Yes, and many hikers swear it’s the only way to do it.
The trails there are marked, the huts well-established, and with good maps and preparation, the Alta Via 2 is navigable without a guide.
But a self-guided tour doesn’t mean easy. Weather in the Dolomites changes fast, and some sections of the trail will really test your navigation skills and judgment.
For those who want the independence of self-guided but the support of logistics, assisted self-guided trips are a great option. These take care of hut bookings, provide detailed route notes, and sometimes even offer luggage transfers so you can hike light.
That way, you keep the sense of adventure without the stress of wondering where you’ll sleep each night.
Alta Via 2 Packing List
Like packing for other multi-day hikes like the Tour du Mont Blanc, packing for the Alta Via 2 is an exercise in balance. Bring too much and you’ll curse every step; bring too little and you’ll miss something essential.
Most hikers aim for a pack weighing 10–12 kilograms.
The essentials start with sturdy hiking boots, broken in well before the trek. Clothing should be layered: a base layer for wicking, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof shell for the inevitable storms. Trekking poles are highly recommended for the long ascents and descents. They can be punishing on the knees.
Navigation tools are also key. Bring a map, compass, and a GPS app on your phone with downloaded offline maps. If you plan to do the via ferrata routes, you’ll need a harness, helmet, and lanyard.
Other small but essential items include earplugs for shared dormitories, a headlamp, a first aid kit, and some cash, since not all huts accept cards.
Above all, test your gear on shorter hikes before you come. The Alta Via 2 is not the place to break in new boots.
Embrace the High Routes, Embrace the Dolomites!
The Alta Via 2 is a journey into the very heart of the Dolomites, a test of endurance, and a reward of beauty. Every ridge crossed and valley descended brings new perspectives, not just of the mountains, but of yourself.
If you’re looking for comfort and crowds, stick with the Alta Via 1. But if you’re ready to embrace solitude, push your limits, and experience the Dolomites at their rawest, the Alta Via 2 is for you. After all, this trail is more than a line across a map, but a line through history, culture, and some of the most legendary landscapes in the Alps.
