The hike begins at stunning Lago di Braies (1,496m), following its western shore before path 1 climbs steeply through pine forests toward Croda del Becco. A viewpoint bench offers perfect lake panoramas before tackling rocky scrambles to Forcella sora Forno (2,388m), marked by a stone chapel. A brief descent leads to Rifugio Biella (2,327m), dramatically positioned beneath Croda del Becco's cliffs.

The route crosses the Sennes plateau's alpine meadows, passing traditional wooden huts with panoramic Dolomite views. An optional detour leads to Rifugio Munt de Sennes before reaching Rifugio Sennes (2,116m) in this serene high-altitude landscape.

Path 7 descends through flower-filled Pian della Lasta plateau before steep switchbacks (following WWI military roads) drop 570m to Rifugio Pederü (1,548m). This road-accessible refuge offers full facilities amid a bustling atmosphere, contrasting with the remote tranquility of the high alpine sections.

From Rifugio Pederü, path 7 climbs steeply through Val dai Tamersc, crossing the Rio San Vigilio and gaining 475m over rocky terrain. Emerging onto the Fanes plateau, marmots dart among alpine meadows dotted with traditional huts. The route passes rustic Ücia dles Muntagnoles before reaching Rifugio Fanes (2,060m).

Path 11 follows an old WWI road across the plateau, passing turquoise Lago di Limo (2,157m) - a perfect summer swim spot. The challenging ascent to Forcella di Lago (2,486m) involves scrambling over scree, followed by steep switchbacks down to Lago Lagazuoi (with optional detour to Rifugio Scotoni).

The final climb traverses moonlike terrain beneath Lagazuoi Grande's walls to Forcella Lagazuoi (2,573m), strewn with WWI ruins. A zig zag ascent leads to Rifugio Lagazuoi (2,752m), offering panoramic views, historical tunnels, and cable car access to Passo Falzarego. This dramatic section showcases the Fanes plateau's alpine beauty and the Dolomites' wartime history.

From Forcella Lagazuoi (2,507 m), the trail descends eastward along path 401 with dramatic views of Tofana di Rozes, before turning southwest on path 402 through rocky alpine terrain dotted with World War I remnants. Excellent vantage points reveal the Falzarego valley and Cinque Torri. The path reaches Passo Falzarego (2,105 m), a major hub with a cable car, restaurants, and bus connections. From here, path 441 climbs past Lago Limides toward Forcella Averau (2,435 m), offering sweeping views of Pelmo, Civetta, and the Pala Group. Nearby Rifugio Averau (2,413 m) provides food, lodging, and stunning panoramas.

The route continues on path 464 then 452 to Passo Giau (2,236 m), famous for flower-filled meadows and mountain views. Climbing steeply over Forcella Giau (2,370 m) and Forcella Ambrizzola (2,277 m), the trail traverses varied terrain before descending to Rifugio Città di Fiume beneath Monte Pelmo, a refuge offering traditional Ladin cuisine in a spectacular alpine setting.

The trail leaves Rifugio Città di Fiume descending beneath Monte Pelmo’s scree slopes, with superb views of its armchair-shaped summit. Crossing meadows, rocky terrain, and forest, the route heads west to Passo Staulanza (1,783 m), where Rifugio Passo Staulanza offers food and lodging. From here, the path climbs steeply through woodland toward Rifugio Coldai (2,132 m), sheltered behind a boulder with panoramic views dominated by Monte Pelmo.

A short ascent leads to Forcella Coldai (2,191 m) and the turquoise Lago Coldai below limestone cliffs. The trail continues over Forcella Col Negro di Coldai (2,248 m), revealing Monte Civetta’s famed northwest face, the “Wall of Walls,” with Torre Venezia and Torre Trieste looming nearby. Traversing rocky slopes, the path overlooks Lago di Alleghe before descending through alpine meadows and forest. Finally, Rifugio Mario Vazzoler (1,714 m) appears beneath Civetta’s spires, a welcoming refuge with traditional cuisine and a botanical garden.

From Rifugio Vazzoler the trail descends on a stony road before branching onto path 554 beneath Monte Moiazza’s towering walls. It crosses riverbeds and woodland before climbing steadily through boulders and scree, passing the dramatic Torri di Camp, whose spires rise like natural cathedrals. After Forcella dell’Orso (c.1,800 m), the path undulates beneath Moiazza’s vast cliffs, with challenging stretches of loose rock in a wild, remote setting.

The route climbs to Forcella del Camp (1,933 m), a spectacular pass overlooking Val Corpassa, the Civetta-Busazza massif, and the Dolomiti Bellunesi, including Monte Agner and Monti del Sole. From here, the trail descends through rocky ground and woodland clearings to reach Rifugio Bruto Carestiato (1,834 m), perched dramatically at the base of Moiazza’s southern walls.

Continuing on path 549, a wide track leads to Passo Duran (1,601 m), where two refuges - Rifugio Passo Duran Cesare Tomè and Rifugio San Sebastiano - provide full facilities and road access.

From Rifugio San Sebastiano at Passo Duran (1,601 m), the route follows the road for two kilometres before branching left on path 543. A steady climb through forest leads to Forcella Dagarei (1,642 m), then on through scree fields with views of Tamer Grande and the Schiara range. Malga Moschesin, with its old stone huts, makes a fine rest stop before the trail ascends to Forcella Moschesin (1,940 m), site of ruined World War I barracks clinging to the mountainside.

Beyond, the path traverses wild terrain along Schiara’s slopes, with Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet (1,857 m) a short detour across high meadows. From here begins a relentless climb via path 543 to Forcella de Zita Sud (2,395 m), one of the Alta Via’s toughest sections. A final scramble reaches Cima de Zita Sud (2,450 m), with breathtaking views. The descent is steep, dropping into a glacial valley before reaching Rifugio Pian de Fontana (1,632 m).

From the refuge, the trail descends gently through forest, crosses a stream, then climbs to Forcella La Varetta (1,704m), offering stunning views of Talvena’s red crags and the Schiara range. The narrow, exposed path then traverses Val Vescovà, clinging to steep slopes with dramatic drop-offs.

At 1,500m, follow signs to Rifugio Bianchet via path 518, descending through woods into a grassy basin. After crossing a dry stream, the trail passes beech forests and ruins before reaching Rifugio Furio Bianchet (1,245m), nestled beneath the Schiara’s towering walls—a perfect spot for a celebratory meal.

The final descent winds through dense forest on steep, root-covered paths before joining a gravel track. After 5km, follow signs to "Fermata Autobus" for the last steep section to La Pissa, ending Alta Via 1.

Congratulations! You’ve journeyed through the Dolomites’ heart—crossing high passes, staying in historic rifugios, and soaking in UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. A truly unforgettable adventure.