Europe's Most Stunning Hiking Trail: A Diverse Landscape Adventure

Do you constantly seek out unexplored paths, and do you want to discover which hike stands as the pinnacle of beauty in Europe to visit without delay? Allow me to guide you towards Italy...

Italy is always a great trip destionation, and the same applies when you're on the hunt for magnificent hiking trails. As far as we’re concerned, the most beautiful hiking trail in Europe is Italian, and more specifically, it is found in the amazing Dolomites mountain range , a UNESCO World Heritage Site notable for its exceptional natural beauty and geological importance.

Would you like to travel to the Dolomites? Below are several articles to assist you in planning your journey. :

• A flawless 6-day plan for a driving adventure through the Dolomites
• The loveliest location in the Dolomites, a tranquil refuge among the peaks.
• The Dolomites now feature an amazing new 7-day hiking route that has just 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 views everywhere you look.

Covering a approximately 120 kilometers in total distance , the entire itinerary can be completed in 10 to 15 days, depending on your walking pace and the number of stops you make, but you can also choose to only finish certain sections of the route if you don’t have the time to finish it all.

The Alta Via 1 is a moderately difficult Hiking here can be challenging due to certain areas being highly technical, featuring stretches alongside rocky ridges or requiring cable use similar to a via ferrata experience. The elevation during this trek fluctuates from approximately 1,500 meters up to 2,750 meters, including significant ascents and descents throughout.

The Alta Via 1, an extraordinary trek through breathtaking landscapes

Clearly, this is one of the primary factors behind why the Alta Via 1 is considered among the most stunning treks in Europe: the immense diversity of scenery encountered throughout the journey will repeatedly prompt you to reach for your phone or camera.

From iconic summits like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Monte Pelmo, and La Civetta, to vibrant alpine meadows bursting with flowers and sprawling coniferous woods... there’s a wealth of attractions awaiting your discovery! Coupled with spectacular panoramas at every turn, and spontaneous meetings with chamois and marmots, this trek becomes an extraordinary adventure that will linger in your memory forever.

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

The complete Alta Via 1 hike starts at Lake Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, a beautiful turquoise alpine lake in South Tyrol, and ends in Belluno, a town in the southern Dolomites. This route passes through several mountain refuges - remember to book in high season! -The daily stages vary between 6 and 15 km.

Here are the most impressive sections of the Alta Via 1:

• From Braies L ake to Fanes H ut: 18 km with an 800 m rising slope and 500 m descent, offering immersive experience amidst the wild beauty of the Dolomites with panoramic views right from the start.
• From Lagazuoi H ut to Nuvolau H ut: Approximately 12 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 600 meters and a drop of 800 meters, this route offers vistas of the Tofane massif. Conclude your hike at the peak for panoramic 360-degree views. Be sure not to miss witnessing the sunset!
• From Giau Pass to Città di Fiume Hu t: Approximately 10 kilometers long with a descent of 500 meters and an ascent of 300 meters, this route features one of the most renowned passes in the Dolomites: the Giau Pass. The path winds through lush meadows, offering views of Monte Pelmo in the distance, which locals often refer to as "God's throne."
• From Vazzoler Hut to Tissi H ut: Covering approximately 7 kilometers with an elevation gain of 600 meters, this route steadily ascends through thick forests and high-altitude pastures up to the Tissi Hut, which sits above Lake Alleghe. One of the highlights is the breathtaking vista of the iconic Civetta peak in the Dolomites, especially enchanting during dawn or dusk.