Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Alta Via 2 (Dolomites), Italy. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Italy
- Biome
- Dolomite alpine (1,600–3,200 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Dolomite alpine (1,600–3,200 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Alta Via 2 (Dolomites)
Topic summary
The harder 180-km Dolomites trek with via ferrata sections and higher, wilder terrain.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Dolomite alpine (1,600–3,200 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Alta Via 2 (Dolomites) trip tools
How to get there
Alta Via 2 runs from Bressanone (Brixen) in the north to Feltre in the south. Plan arrival and onward travel around these two endpoints, and confirm the exact trail access arrangements before departure.
- Bressanone (Brixen)
Northern endpoint of Alta Via 2 and the starting end for the route described from north to south.
- Feltre
Southern endpoint of Alta Via 2 and the finishing end for a north-to-south traverse.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Alta Via 2 (Dolomites)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
Animals around Alta Via 2 (Dolomites)
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Alta Via 2 (Dolomites)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Alta Via 2 (Dolomites)
Planning to fish Alta Via 2 (Dolomites), Italy? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Italy are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Alta Via 2 (Dolomites)?
- A Italy fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Italy fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Italy yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Alta Via 2 (Dolomites)
Thinking about hunting Alta Via 2 (Dolomites), Italy? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Italy are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Alta Via 2 (Dolomites)?
- Confirm the land around Alta Via 2 (Dolomites) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Italy?
- A Italy hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Italy yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
A long traverse through the Italian Dolomites
Alta Via 2 is a long-distance hiking route through the Italian Dolomites, extending approximately 174 kilometres from Bressanone, also called Brixen, in the north to Feltre in the south. It is also known as Dolomite High Route 2 and Via delle Leggende, or the Way of Legends. The route passes through eight distinct mountain groups and crosses more than 30 passes, making repeated transitions between mountain terrain a defining part of the journey. This is not simply a longer version of a short mountain walk: the overall scale calls for a considered itinerary and enough flexibility to respond to conditions. Plan around the demands of successive passes rather than treating the total distance as the only measure of effort.
Difficulty and preparation
Alta Via 2 is harder, wilder and considerably less crowded than Alta Via 1. Those distinctions matter when choosing between the two routes: a quieter trail is not necessarily a simpler trip, and the succession of mountain groups and passes makes sustained mountain walking central to the experience. Prepare for repeated climbs and descents, changing weather and the cumulative effort of a long traverse. Carry navigation tools, suitable layers and a plan for water, rather than relying on the route's name or overall length to explain its daily demands. Before committing to an itinerary, establish the requirements of each intended stage and check current conditions. A single distance figure cannot establish how demanding any particular day will be.
Choosing between Alta Via 2 and Alta Via 1
Alta Via 1 provides a useful alternative for hikers deciding whether Alta Via 2 matches their experience. It is a separate, 125-kilometre route through the eastern Dolomites, running south from Pragser Wildsee, near Toblach, to Belluno. It is described as the easiest Dolomite high route, although it becomes somewhat more difficult toward the south. Its descent from Schiara can present difficulties and can be bypassed. Alta Via 2 instead connects Bressanone with Feltre and offers the harder, wilder and less crowded undertaking. Keep the two itineraries distinct when planning: Alta Via 1's transport connections, walking schedule and seasonal guidance should not be assumed to apply to Alta Via 2. Choose on terrain demands and preparation, not distance alone.
Route options
- Alta Via 2 — Bressanone to FeltreApproximately 174 kmHarder and wilder than Alta Via 1.
The full traverse through the Italian Dolomites, passing through eight mountain groups and crossing more than 30 passes. Also known as Dolomite High Route 2 or Via delle Leggende.
- Alta Via 1 — separate alternative125 kmThe easiest Dolomite high route; becomes somewhat more difficult toward the south.
A different Dolomite high route, not a section or variant of Alta Via 2. Runs from Pragser Wildsee, near Toblach, to Belluno. The potentially difficult descent from Schiara can be bypassed.
Sample itineraries
- Bressanone preparation day · 1 day
Use a planning day at Bressanone (Brixen), the northern endpoint, to review the approximately 174 km route to Feltre. Confirm current conditions, overnight arrangements and suitable stages before setting out. This is preparation, not a one-day hiking itinerary.
- Feltre finish-day buffer · 1 day
Build a buffer day into plans for Feltre, the southern endpoint. Keep onward arrangements flexible around progress through the mountains. This suggested planning allowance does not establish the time needed to complete Alta Via 2.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Confirm current mountain conditions before departure
Do not assume valley conditions reflect conditions across the route’s mountain passes. Check snow cover, weather and overnight availability before committing to a spring traverse.
Summer
Confirm route and accommodation readiness
Plan for changing mountain weather and sustained effort across numerous passes. Summer alone is not assurance that every stage is suitable; verify conditions and overnight arrangements.
Fall
Check conditions and available daylight
Allow for shorter daylight when selecting stages. Confirm weather, snow conditions and overnight availability rather than assuming the full traverse remains practical.
Winter
Obtain a current mountain-conditions assessment
Do not treat this high mountain traverse as an ordinary winter walking route. Assess snow, weather, daylight and the specialist skills and equipment conditions may demand.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Confirm current mountain conditions before departure | Do not assume valley conditions reflect conditions across the route’s mountain passes. Check snow cover, weather and overnight availability before committing to a spring traverse. |
| Summer | Confirm route and accommodation readiness | Plan for changing mountain weather and sustained effort across numerous passes. Summer alone is not assurance that every stage is suitable; verify conditions and overnight arrangements. |
| Fall | Check conditions and available daylight | Allow for shorter daylight when selecting stages. Confirm weather, snow conditions and overnight availability rather than assuming the full traverse remains practical. |
| Winter | Obtain a current mountain-conditions assessment | Do not treat this high mountain traverse as an ordinary winter walking route. Assess snow, weather, daylight and the specialist skills and equipment conditions may demand. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and access rules with the managing agencies.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Sustained exertion: approximately 174 km through eight mountain groups makes cumulative fatigue an important planning concern.
- Mountain weather: assess forecasts and conditions before committing to another pass.
- Route-finding and decision fatigue: crossing more than 30 passes requires consistent navigation and realistic stage planning.
- Difficulty mismatch: Alta Via 2 is harder and wilder than Alta Via 1; do not transfer assumptions about the easier route.
What to pack for Alta Via 2 (Dolomites)
- Detailed Alta Via 2 route mapping
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Emergency communication plan
- Waterproof shell
- Insulating layers
- Sun protection
- Headlamp
- Well-fitting hiking footwear
- Water capacity matched to verified refill opportunities
- Food and reserve snacks
- First-aid and blister supplies
Alta Via 2 (Dolomites) FAQ
- Where does Alta Via 2 start and finish?
- It runs through the Italian Dolomites from Bressanone, also called Brixen, in the north to Feltre in the south.
- How long is the route?
- Approximately 174 km. It passes through eight distinct mountain groups and crosses more than 30 passes.
- How does it compare with Alta Via 1?
- Alta Via 2 is harder, wilder and considerably less crowded. Alta Via 1’s walking times, seasonal guidance and access details should not be treated as Alta Via 2 logistics.
- How many days should be allowed for the full traverse?
- A reliable full-route duration is not established here. Set the schedule using verified stage information, current conditions, overnight availability and the group’s mountain experience. The one-day suggestions above are planning buffers, not trekking stages.
- What other names does the trail use?
- Alta Via 2 is also called Dolomite High Route 2 and Via delle Leggende, meaning the Way of Legends.