The Dolomites are located in far north-eastern Italy. They lie between the Austrian border to the north and the Venetian plains to the south. Bolzano is sometimes referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Dolomites’, although for walkers the attractive ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo and its surrounding villages are often utilised as a launching pad or a walk base. Cortina is less than two hours by bus from Venice airport.

The Dolomites form part of the broader European Alps but they have a distinctive appearance. They’re characterised by a dramatic verticality; cliff walls and rock spires thrust upwards improbably and unexpectedly. Peaks and ridges are jagged and serated, like shattered shards of glass. Rock-strewn plateaus look like they’re from another planet.

There are many multi-day walk possibilities in the region. The Alta Via 1 is the oldest and best-known of the multi-day walks and is described in more detail below. It’s quite a challenging walk, although it avoids via ferrata (steep routes with steel fixtures installed). There are many other established multi-day walks in the Dolomites that are less challenging than Alat Via 1.

Assistance and further information:

• For assistance in undertaking the Alta Via 1 or any other walks in the Dolomites, click the button below.

• For information on other walks in Italy, click the button below.

One of the best walks in the Dolomites is Alta Via 1. To learn more, click the button below.

Alta Via 1

Also known as the Dolomite High Route 1, Alta Via 1 is the oldest of the Alta Via walks in the Italian Alps. It’s a north/south route of 115 km and from it about 80% of the Dolomites can be seen. There are a number of reminders of the fighting that took place in this region during World War I, including several outdoor museums.