Alta Via 2 in The Dolomites: Map, Via Ferrata, Itinerary and More!

The Dolomites in northeastern Italy are home to the well-known Alta Via trails, with the Alta Via 2 being a tougher, more adventurous option compared to the popular Alta Via 1. Starting in Brixen (Bressanone) and ending at Croce d'Aune, this trek takes you through some of the wildest parts of the Dolomites. Expect steep climbs, tricky descents, and narrow ridgelines—making it ideal for experienced hikers who are up for a challenge.

Each night on the Alta Via 2, you'll stay in traditional "rifugi," simple mountain huts where you can relax, share stories with fellow trekkers, and enjoy hearty South Tyrolean meals. These cozy spots offer a chance to experience the true mountain life, surrounded by the beauty of the Dolomites.

While the Alta Via 2 is more technical and physically demanding than the Alta Via 1, the rewards are worth it. Each tough section of the trail opens up to amazing views and memorable moments. With easy access from cities like Venice and Innsbruck, the Alta Via 2 is a challenging yet rewarding trek that offers a true taste of alpine adventure.

The Alta Via 2 is a real adventure, but what makes it special are the unique highlights you’ll encounter along the way. This tough trail not only takes you through beautiful, wild landscapes but also passes some amazing natural landmarks. These spots are part of the route and make the journey even more memorable. A few examples include:

Some other highlights along the Alta Via 2 include Passo Pordoi, a famous mountain pass offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Another spot is Lago di Fedaia, a serene lake below the Marmolada Glacier, perfect for a peaceful break by the calm waters. Finally, there’s Brixen (Bressanone), a charming alpine town that’s a popular spot to stay before starting your Alta Via 2 trek. With its rich history and beautiful architecture, it’s the ideal place to relax and prepare for your adventure ahead.

The full Alta Via 2 is a 12-day trek through the rugged Dolomites in northern Italy, covering 15-20 km each day with daily ascents of 500-1000 meters. Starting in Brixen and finishing in Croce d'Aune, this route takes you through some of the most dramatic landscapes the Dolomites have to offer. Along the way, there are numerous mountain huts, and the exact itinerary will depend on availability at the time of booking. Below is an example of a typical itinerary:

Stage 11: Passo Cereda to Rifugio Bruno Boz – 12.7 km, 1060 m ascent, 720 m descent.
Stage 12: Rifugio Bruno Boz to Croce d'Aune – 19.2 km, 820 m ascent, 1540 m descent.

Click here for a detailed sample itinerary and further information.

Curious about the itineraries for the Half Alta Via 2 and the Short Alta Via 2? It’s simple. The Half Alta Via 2 covers Stages 1-6 and ends in Passo San Pellegrino, while the Short Alta Via 2 includes Stages 1-3 and ends in Passo Gardena.

If you’re looking for stunning views, a real challenge, and plenty of time in the mountains, the Alta Via 2 is for you. It’s tougher than the Alta Via 1, so don’t expect an easy hike. Over 12 days, you’ll cover about 170 kilometers, and the climbs will definitely test your legs. While it’s not extremely technical, the Alta Via 2 requires good trekking experience. If you’ve done multi-day hikes before, you should be ready. As for kids, it depends on their experience, but we recommend they have solid mountain skills.

One of the biggest challenges on the Alta Via 2 is the via ferratas, especially in the southern part of the trail, which is only included in the full trek. These iron paths, with cables and ladders, give you some thrilling exposure and require a head for heights and basic climbing skills. They make the southern section more difficult, but also more exciting for experienced trekkers. Proper gear and preparation are key, especially if you’re new to this type of terrain.

We also offer a shorter, 6-day version of the Alta Via 2, which is becoming more popular, but the rifugi fill up fast, so plan ahead. If you’re comfortable with 6 to 10 hours of hiking a day and handling steep climbs, this trek will suit you. The trail is tough, but the rewards are big. And after a long day, you can enjoy hearty South Tyrolean meals in the rifugi—there’s nothing like a warm meal and a beer after a hard day on the trails!

We wish we could enjoy the Alta Via 2 all year round, but Mother Nature has her own plans. The season typically runs from mid-June to mid-September. By then, the winter snow has melted, making the trails ready for adventure, and you’ll enjoy long, sunny days with great views. But just because it’s summer doesn’t mean the weather will always cooperate! While most days are beautiful, you might get an afternoon thunderstorm or a quick rain shower. Sometimes, you might even see a bit of snow at higher altitudes, but it usually melts by the next day. If you're planning one of the best walking holidays Italy has to offer, timing it right can make all the difference.

Hiking during this time means the trails are clear and safe, and, most importantly, the rifugi (mountain huts) along the Alta Via 2 are open, offering you tasty meals and a cozy place to rest. But don’t let the summer warmth trick you, pack wisely. Waterproofs and warm layers are essential, as the temperature can drop quickly in the evenings. Being prepared will make sure your Alta Via 2 trek is a smooth and enjoyable one!

Most of our Alta Via 2 treks begin in Brixen (Bressanone), a charming town in the heart of the Dolomites. It's convenient to stay there or in nearby Bolzano for easy access and a comfortable base before your adventure begins. However, some treks start at a different location, depending on your chosen route.

Getting to Brixen is straightforward: it’s well-connected by public transport from cities like Venice and Innsbruck, which have the nearest international airports. Trains and buses run regularly to both Brixen and Bolzano, and Bolzano offers more accommodation options while still being close to the trailhead.

If your trek starts somewhere else, don’t worry—after booking, you’ll receive a detailed guide that includes all the information you need to reach your specific starting point.

Along the Alta Via 2, you’ll come across about 20 rifugi (mountain huts). These huts are usually owned by the CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) but are often run by local families, giving each one a friendly, homey feel. Staying in a rifugio on the Alta Via 2 is a special experience. After a long day of hiking, these huts offer simple, cozy accommodations (usually shared dorms with bunk beds) and the chance to meet other trekkers from all over the world. At each rifugio, you can enjoy a warm Italian mountain dish, like polenta, pasta, and stews, perfect for recharging after a tough day on the trail.

The accommodations may be simple, but the breathtaking views of the Dolomites and the welcoming atmosphere more than make up for it. Waking up to the sunrise over the peaks is an unforgettable experience, and the camaraderie among trekkers adds to the charm of the journey. While the huts are basic and rustic, they provide everything you need for a comfortable night’s rest, so you’re refreshed and ready for the next leg of your Alta Via 2 adventure.

The Alta Via 2 is well-marked, making it easy for hikers to follow the trail. You’ll see a variety of signs along the way, from painted arrows, stripes, and circles to more specific markers like a "2" inside a triangle, helping guide you through the route. There are also signposts that point to nearby rifugi, which is handy since not all huts are right on the trail and you may need to walk a few hundred meters off-route to reach them. Don’t worry, everything is well-marked, so it’s easy to stay on track.

When you book your trek with Bookatrekking.com, you’ll get a detailed hiking guide with all the info you need, including custom GPX files and interactive Komoot maps to help you navigate. You'll have everything you need to enjoy the trail and its beautiful surroundings without any stress.