Expert Alta Via Delle Dolomiti Friulane

The day starts easy, winding out of Calalzo di Cadore through quiet streets and onto the Lago di Cadore Bridge. For the first 3 kilometers, it's all gentle terrain—then the trail shifts. Trees close in, the ground steepens, and the Dolomites make their presence known.

Around 5.75 km in, the hike throws its first real challenge your way: 1.3 kilometers of expert terrain. Narrow paths, loose rock, and sharp inclines—this stretch demands focus, and ideally, hiking poles. It's the kind of section that wakes up your legs and clears your mind.

But it’s not all grit. At 10 km, you’ll reach Rifugio Tita Barba, a welcome rest stop with alpine vibes. Just beyond it lies Panorama sul Lago, a viewpoint that lives up to its name with sweeping views of the lake far below.

From there, the trail begins to ease. A 6 km descent carries you through shady forest and soft light until Rifugio Padova appears at the edge of the cliffs—your finish line for the day. Quiet, sturdy, and tucked into the mountains like it belongs there.

Today’s stage may be relatively short in distance, but it packs in around 1,000 meters of elevation gain and rewards you with stunning views. You’ll begin by heading east from Rifugio Padova. After about 1.5 km, you’ll reach a fork—take the path to the right, leading towards Forcella Monfalcone di Forni.

This climb is steep and the terrain becomes rougher, so take your time and watch your footing. From Forcella Monfalcone, the route continues more challengingly towards Forcella del Cason, and remains technical after crossing this second pass, with a steep descent that requires care.

After roughly 6.5 km, you’ll reach another fork. Here, turn left (towards the north). Continue for about 1 km, and you’ll arrive at Rifugio Giaf, nestled in a beautiful alpine setting—an ideal spot to rest and enjoy the end of the day.