Do you constantly search for unexplored paths? Would you want to discover which hike stands out as the most picturesque in Europe, allowing you to enjoy it at once? Let’s venture into Italy then…

Italy is consistently a fantastic travel destination, particularly when searching for spectacular hiking routes. In our opinion, the most stunning hiking trail in Europe is located in Italy, and more precisely, it can be discovered within this remarkable region. Dolomites mountain range , recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding natural splendor and significant geological value.

Do you fancy visiting the Dolomites? Below are several pieces that can assist you in organizing your journey. :

• A flawless 6-day plan for a driving adventure through the Dolomites
• The loveliest location in the Dolomites, an oasis of tranquility high in the mountains.
• The Dolomites now feature an amazing new 7-day hiking route that has recently opened.

Situated in northern Italy, the striking Dolomites mountain range serves as the location for a famous hiking path, the Alta Via 1 , a treat for seasoned hikers featuring breathtakingly beautiful landscapes everywhere you look.

Covering a approximately 120 kilometers in total.distance The complete journey can typically be finished within 10 to 15 days based on your walking speed and how many pauses you take. However, should you lack sufficient time for the full path, you may opt to cover just specific segments of the trail instead.

The Alta Via 1 is a moderately difficult go for a hike since certain portions can be rather technically challenging, featuring stretches alongside ridgelines or cables similar to those found in a via ferrata experience. The elevation during this trek fluctuates from approximately 1,500 meters up to 2,750 meters, including several significant ascents and descents.

The Alta Via 1, an extraordinary trek through breathtaking landscapes

Clearly, this is among the primary factors that make the Alta Via 1 one of Europe’s most stunning treks: the remarkable diversity of scenery encountered en route will prompt you to reach for your phone or camera repeatedly.

From iconic summits like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Monte Pelmo, and La Civetta, to vibrant alpine meadows bursting with flowers and dense coniferous woodlands... there’s no shortage of fascinating sights to explore! Combine these wonders with awe-inspiring panoramas at every turn and spontaneous meetings with chamois and marmots, and your journey becomes an extraordinary adventure that will stay etched in your memory forever.

What path should you choose for the Alta Via 1 trek?

The entire Alta Via 1 trek begins at Lake Braies, also called Pragser Wildsee—a stunning turquoise alpine lake in South Tyrol—and concludes in Belluno, a town located in the southern part of the Dolomites. Along this path, you will go past multiple mountain shelters; keep in mind to reserve your spot during peak seasons! The distance covered each day ranges from about 6 to 15 kilometers.

Below are the most striking portions of the Alta Via 1:

• From Braies L ake to Fanes H ut: 18 kilometers featuring an ascension of 800 meters followed by a descent of 500 meters, providing an unforgettable journey through the untamed splendor of the Dolomite mountains with breathtaking vistas available from the very beginning.
• From Lagazuoi H ut to Nuvolau H ut: approximately 12 kilometers featuring a climb of 600 meters and a descent of 800 meters, offering vistas of the Tofane massif and concluding atop a peak with panoramic 360-degree perspectives. Be sure not to miss witnessing the sunset here!
• From Giau Pass to Città di Fiume Hu t: approximately 10 kilometers featuring a 500-meter descent and a 300-meter climb, this route includes one of the most renowned passes in the Dolomites: the Giau Pass. The path winds through meadows with Monte Pelmo—known as "God's Throne"—in the distance.
• From Vazzoler Hut to Tissi H ut: Covering approximately 7 kilometers with an elevation gain of 600 meters, this trail steadily ascends through lush forests and highland pastures up to the Tissi Hut, which sits above Lake Alleghe. One highlight is the stunning vista of the iconic Civetta peak in the Dolomites, especially breathtaking during dawn or dusk.