Alta Via 2 Voyage Tips and guide

Alta Via 2 (also known as the Dolomite High Route 2, or Via delle Leggende — the Way of Legends) is a long-distance hiking trail through the Italian Dolomites, running approximately 174 km from Bressanone (Brixen) in the north to Feltre in the south. Harder, wilder, and considerably less crowded than the Alta Via 1, it is the most ambitious of the Dolomite Alta Vias, passing through eight distinct mountain groups and crossing more than 30 passes.

Where the Alta Via 1 is a scenic promenade through the eastern Dolomites, the Alta Via 2 is an altogether more serious undertaking. The terrain is consistently steep, rocky, and exposed; several sections include short via ferrata passages with fixed iron cables and ladders; and the route crosses the Marmolada — the only glaciated summit in the Dolomites — on its most direct line. The trail is waymarked with red-and-white paint splashes, cairns, and occasional dark blue triangles bearing the number "2", but navigation demands more attention than on the AV1.

The route threads through some of the finest and most varied scenery in the Alps: the dramatic spires of the Odle (Geislerspitzen) above Bressanone; the vast limestone plateau of the Puez group; the Sella massif and the satellite summit of Piz Boè; the glaciated south face of the Marmolada (3,343 m, the highest peak in the Dolomites); the pale towers of the Pale di San Martino; and the remote, rarely visited ridges of the Vette Feltrine above Feltre.

The trail's nickname, the "Way of Legends," refers to the Ladin myths and folklore that animate the mountains of this region — the Fanes kingdom, the realm of the Rë del Ciaval, and the legends of the Vette Feltrine that frame the final days.

The AV2 crosses three provinces: Bolzano (South Tyrol), Trento, and Belluno. Like the AV1, the northern stages are bilingual in Italian and German, with Ladin spoken in pockets of Val Badia and Val Gardena. The standard Cicerone guidebook (Alta Via 2 — Trekking in the Dolomites, by Gillian Price) covers the route in 13 stages, and most hikers take 12–15 days to complete the full distance.

The AV2 is not suitable for inexperienced hikers. You must be comfortable on steep, exposed mountain terrain, have no significant fear of heights, and be capable of sustained daily effort across rough limestone ground. Via ferrata equipment (harness, helmet, twin-armed lanyards) is strongly recommended for the section around Rifugio Pisciadù and the Marmolada crossing; for those without this gear, bypass routes exist for both sections.

No permits are required. Rifugio bookings are essential — July and August huts fill rapidly. Aim to book at least 3–6 months in advance. The AV2 is less booked-out than the AV1 but has fewer alternative huts at each stage, so flexibility is more limited. Many huts can be reserved online; some still require email or phone. Deposits of around €40 per person per night are standard.

Equipment requirements are more demanding than for the AV1. You will need:

• Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and good grip on wet limestone
• Trekking poles (strongly recommended throughout)
• Full waterproofs and warm layers — much of the route sits above 2,000 m
• Via ferrata equipment: helmet, harness, and twin-armed lanyards — mandatory for the Pisciadu section (Stage 4), and strongly advised for Marmolada (Stage 5–6) and several other exposed passages
• For the Marmolada glacier crossing: crampons and an ice axe — or take the bypass route via bus and Rifugio Fuciade
• Sleeping bag liner (required at all huts)
• Cash in euros — some remote huts do not accept cards

Keep your pack between 8–12 kg. Luggage transfer is essentially impossible on this route; almost all huts are inaccessible by road.

Recommended maps are Tabacco 1:25,000 sheets 030 (Bressanone/Brixen area), 05 (Val Gardena), 07 (Alta Badia–Arabba–Marmolada), 022 (Pale di San Martino), and 023 (Vette Feltrine–Feltre). The Cicerone guidebook includes GPX downloads.

Members of the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) or affiliated Alpine clubs receive discounts at many huts along the route. Membership costs around €45–50/year and can pay for itself quickly across the huts of the AV2.

The AV2 is not suitable for prams, wheelchairs, or young children.

As on the AV1, rifugios offer half-board (dinner and breakfast) as the standard overnight option. Dinner is typically multi-course: soup, a pasta or polenta dish, a meat or vegetable main, and dessert — often apple strudel in the Tyrolean north, or polenta with local cheeses and cured meats further south. Breakfasts vary from full buffets at the larger huts to simple bread and jam at smaller ones.

Lunches are not included in half-board rates but passing hikers can usually buy hot food, sandwiches, or snacks at each rifugio. Carry emergency snacks — some stages have no intermediate huts and several sections are very long. There are very few shops along the route: Passo Pordoi (cable car access to valley) and Passo San Pellegrino offer the main mid-route resupply or exit options. Stock up on snacks and any specialist food in Bressanone before you begin.

Water availability on the AV2 is more reliable than on the AV1 because the route passes through more varied terrain, including some lower, greener sections with streams. Nevertheless, high-altitude sections around Pisciadù, the Sella plateau, and the Pale di San Martino can be very dry. A water filter is recommended. Always fill up at rifugios and whenever you encounter a clean source. The section between Rifugio Boz and Rifugio Dal Piaz is notoriously dry — carry extra capacity here.

Accommodation is entirely in rifugios; wild camping is forbidden in the Dolomites. Rifugios on the AV2 range from well-equipped mountain hotels with private rooms and hot showers (especially in the northern stages) to spartan dormitory shelters in the remote southern reaches. Two unmanned bivouac shelters on the route (Bivacco Feltre and others) serve as emergency backup only and should not be planned as overnight stops.

Bring a sleeping bag liner (mandatory). Mobile coverage and Wi-Fi are unreliable beyond the northern stages. Charge devices when you can; do not rely on connectivity. Carry cash.

The season runs from mid-June to mid-September. Snow can linger on high passes — especially the Forcella del Putia, Passo delle Farangole, and Marmolada — well into early July after a heavy winter. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in July and August; always start early and aim to clear exposed ridges by early afternoon. The Pale di San Martino and Vette Feltrine stages in the south tend to be drier in late August and September.

The AV2 passes through multiple protected areas, including the Puez-Odle Nature Park (South Tyrol), the Marmolada area, the Pale di San Martino Nature Park (Trentino), and the Vette Feltrine Nature Reserve. Leave No Trace applies throughout: pack out all rubbish, stay on marked paths, do not pick flowers or disturb wildlife. A section of the southern route near Rifugio Boz runs inside a fully protected nature reserve where leaving the path is prohibited.

The northern trailhead is Bressanone (Brixen), a historic medieval town in the Isarco Valley, South Tyrol.

The nearest airports are Innsbruck (INN, ~60 km), Verona (VRN, ~190 km), and Venice Marco Polo (VCE, ~250 km). All are connected to Bressanone by train.

Bressanone is on the main Brennero/Munich–Bolzano–Verona rail line, with frequent services from both Innsbruck and Verona. The journey from Innsbruck takes under an hour; from Venice, around 3 hours.

Most hikers start from the top of the Plose cable car above Bressanone (bus 321 from the main bus station to the lower gondola station; one-way ticket ~€19, or free with a BrixenCard from participating hotels). The cable car eliminates ~1,500 m of initial ascent and is the standard start for the route. Alternatively, a full day's walk from Bressanone station via Sant'Andrea (path 4) reaches Rifugio Plose directly.

The southern terminus is at Croce d'Aune, above Feltre, from where local buses connect to Feltre town (about 30 minutes). Feltre is connected by train to Belluno, Treviso, and Venice. A taxi from Croce d'Aune to Feltre costs around €30–40 (split between a group). Walking from Croce d'Aune to Feltre on roads takes about 1.5–2 hours.

Useful exit points mid-route: Passo Gardena (buses to Val Gardena/Corvara), Passo Pordoi (cable car and buses to Canazei/Arabba), Malga Ciapela (buses from the Marmolada area), and Passo San Pellegrino (buses to San Martino di Castrozza or Val di Fassa).

Map of Alta Via 2

The AV2 is walked north to south in 13 stages. The first three stages (Bressanone to Rifugio Puez) are the gentlest introduction; the route grows progressively more demanding from Stage 4 onward, with the most technical sections around Pisciadù (Stage 4), the Marmolada (Stage 5–6), and Passo delle Farangole in the Pale di San Martino (Stage 8). The final stages through the Vette Feltrine are remote and quiet, with long sections between huts.

Stage 1: Bressanone to Rifugio Plose

 15 km 5–6 hr

From the top of the Plose cable car (1,993 m), the route climbs steadily east through Puez-Odle Nature Park on paths 7 and 4, crossing open alpine meadows with views south over Bressanone and north toward the Brenner. The stage finishes at Rifugio Plose (2,447 m). Most people take the cable car; the full walk from town adds another 5–6 hours. The ascent is sustained but on clear, well-graded paths.

• 46.69491811.7321861 Rifugio Plose (at 2,447 m, on the Plose plateau above Bressanone). Comfortable hut with dormitory and private rooms. Good views over the Isarco valley. Accessible also by a longer walk from Bressanone (no cable car needed). Open mid-June to early October. half-board approx. €65–75/person.  

Stage 2: Rifugio Plose to Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte)

 15 km 5 hr

A descent from the Plose plateau, crossing the Rodella Pass, followed by a sustained climb to the base of the great Sass de Putia (Peitlerkofel, 2,875 m). The ascent to Forcella della Putia is steep and rocky — the crux of this stage — before the path descends to Rifugio Genova (2,306 m) in the Funes Valley. Strong hikers can extend the day with a side trip to the summit of Sass de Putia (add ~3 hr round trip).

• 46.63530111.8047672 Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) (at 2,306 m, near Passo di Poma between Val di Funes and Val Badia). Historic hut built in 1898, with dorms and private rooms, coin-operated showers, a sun terrace, and excellent traditional food. A warm and welcoming stop. Open mid-June to mid-October. half-board approx. €70–80/person.  

Stage 3: Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez

 15 km 6 hr

A long but rewarding stage traversing the Odle group on paths 3 and 2, crossing the remarkable Forcella de Sieles before emerging onto the high, open Puez plateau — a moonlike expanse of limestone pavement at around 2,500 m with vast views in all directions. The Puez plateau is one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the entire route. Descent to Rifugio Puez (2,475 m) is short from the plateau rim. Some short sections have fixed cables on the descent from the Forcella.

• 46.59001311.8293043 Rifugio Puez (at 2,475 m, on the Puez plateau above Colfosco). CAI-owned hut in a superb high plateau setting with views toward the Sella and Fanes groups. Dorms and private rooms available. Water can be very scarce here — the hut has at times sold only bottled water; check ahead. Open late June to late September. half-board approx. €65–75/person.  

Stage 4: Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadù

 10 km 5 hr

The most technically demanding stage of the northern half. The route descends from the Puez plateau to Passo Gardena, then climbs steeply via the Val Setus gully on the Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina — a sustained cable-and-ladder ascent of around 400 m through vertiginous limestone terrain to reach Rifugio Pisciadù (2,587 m) perched above its turquoise lake on the Sella massif. Via ferrata equipment (harness, helmet, twin-armed lanyards) is mandatory for this section — the cables are long, the exposure is significant, and the terrain is serious. The stage is short in distance but long in effort and concentration.

• 46.53611111.8213894 Rifugio Franco Cavazza al Pisciadù (at 2,587 m, on the Sella massif above Lago Pisciadù). CAI Bologna–owned hut at the foot of Cima Pisciadù, with 100 dorm beds and no private rooms. Stunning location in a dramatic rocky cirque. An optional extension the following morning climbs Cima Pisciadù summit (allow 1 hr extra). Open late June to late September. half-board approx. €70–80/person.  

Stage 5: Rifugio Pisciadù to Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada

 19 km 6.5–7 hr

The longest and most varied stage on the route. From Pisciadù, the path crosses the exposed Sella plateau, passing close to Rifugio Boè (2,871 m) with views of Piz Boè — the highest point on the Sella. The route then descends dramatically via the Pordoi cable car station area and follows the celebrated Viel dal Pan ("Road of Bread") path — a broad, panoramic balcony trail with uninterrupted views of the Marmolada's glacier face — to reach Rifugio Castiglioni at Pian di Fedaia (2,044 m). There are several cable car options (Pordoi cable car, others) that allow shortening the day if needed.

• 46.4637811.861985 Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada (at 2,044 m, at Pian di Fedaia beside the Fedaia reservoir). Large, comfortable hut at the base of the Marmolada glacier, beside the Fedaia dam. Full facilities. Good access by road (buses from Malga Ciapela or Arabba) making this an easy entry/exit point. The hut is the departure point for the Marmolada glacier crossing. half-board approx. €70–80/person.  

Stage 6: Rifugio Castiglioni to Passo San Pellegrino

 25 km 7–8 hr

From Rifugio Castiglioni, cross the Fedaia dam and pick up path 606, which climbs steeply to the Fedaia–Pian dei Fiacconi cable car station — this section can also be taken by cable car if conditions warrant. The route continues with genuine via ferrata character over the Sforcela de la Marmolèda (2885 m), a high and exposed col that involves a crossing of the lower Marmolada glacier. Crampons and an ice axe are required; the glacier is retreating rapidly and conditions vary significantly year to year, so check with staff at Rifugio Castiglioni before committing. Do not attempt this section without the appropriate equipment and experience, and never cross the glacier alone. Guides can be arranged at the hut. From the col, the route descends through the Val di Contrin to Rifugio Contrin (2016 m), then climbs again over the Pas de le Cirèle (2683 m) before dropping down to Rifugio Fuciade (1982 m). A final stretch along a gravel road past Lago di Pozze brings you to Passo San Pellegrino (1918 m), where hotel accommodation is available. The pass is a useful mid-route exit point, with bus connections to Val di Fassa and beyond, and the only ATM on the entire route.

Stage 6: Rifugio Castiglioni to Passo San Pellegrino via Malga Ciapela (Alternative)

 28 km 7–8 hr

For those without glacier equipment or experience, this bypass avoids the Marmolada entirely and rejoins the main route at Rifugio Fuciade. From Rifugio Castiglioni, follow the asphalt road from Pian di Fedaia down to Malga Ciapela (9 km); a shuttle bus runs from the rifugio at 08:00 for a small fee, which most walkers take to avoid the road. From Malga Ciapela, path 610 heads west and uphill before the route climbs via Forca Rossa (between Pizzo Le Crene and Col Becher) and descends through a green valley to Rifugio Fuciade, where it rejoins the main stage for the final stretch to Passo San Pellegrino. Those with a rest day to spare can take the Marmolada cable car from Malga Ciapela up to Punta Rocca for the views — the highest mountain in the Dolomites at 3342 m is worth seeing even if you're not crossing it. Note that accommodation on this stage, particularly at Rifugio Fuciade, is significantly more expensive than elsewhere on the route; book well in advance.

• 46.3783111.792341 Passo San Pellegrino. Mountain pass with hotel and restaurant accommodation. Good bus connections to Canazei (Val di Fassa) and Moena. A convenient exit or re-entry point mid-route.  

Stage 7: Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Mulaz

 14 km 7 hr

A long and demanding climb — the greatest single ascent on the route — gaining around 1,100 m through the Val Venegia and onto the high ridges above. The trail crosses open ski terrain (sometimes confusing to navigate in summer — follow the AV2 waymarks carefully) before climbing steeply to Rifugio Mulaz (2,571 m) set against the dramatic north wall of the Pale di San Martino. The setting is among the most spectacular on the whole AV2.

• 46.31141911.83826 Rifugio Mulaz (at 2,571 m, on the northern rim of the Pale di San Martino). Remote hut on a spectacular rocky perch between the Focobon massif and the Pale towers. Dorm accommodation. Wonderful evening light on the pale limestone. Open late June to late September. half-board approx. €65–75/person.  

Stage 8: Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Pedrotti (Rosetta)

 8 km 5 hr

A short but technically serious stage crossing the Pale di San Martino plateau via Passo delle Farangole (2,814 m, the highest pass on the route). The ascent to the Farangole involves steep, exposed terrain with fixed cables — not a formal via ferrata but requiring caution, a head for heights, and confident movement on rock. From the pass, the route descends across the extraordinary lunar landscape of the Altopiano delle Pale to Rifugio Pedrotti (2,581 m). The Pale plateau is one of the most otherworldly places in the Alps: a vast, almost flat wilderness of white limestone at over 2,500 m with no vegetation and extraordinary views.

• 46.2674411.839027 Rifugio Pedrotti alla Rosetta (at 2,581 m, on the Pale di San Martino plateau above San Martino di Castrozza). Largest hut on the Pale plateau, accessible also by cable car from San Martino di Castrozza below (an easy emergency exit). Dorms and private rooms. The optional ascent of Monte Rosetta (add 40 min) gives unparalleled views of the Pale. Open June to late September. half-board approx. €70–80/person.  

Stage 9: Rifugio Pedrotti to Rifugio Treviso

 14 km 7 hr

A long descent off the plateau — the greatest single descent on the route at around 1,600 m — through increasingly green terrain to the valley below. The upper sections cross more exposed plateau ground with cables assisting on steep pitches. The path eventually reaches Rifugio Treviso (1,631 m) in the wooded Val Canali. After many high, exposed days, the shelter and greenery of the valley feel restorative.

• 46.23678111.902958 Rifugio Treviso (at 1,631 m, in the Val Canali below the Pale di San Martino). Comfortable hut in a sheltered valley setting with forest surroundings. A real contrast after the exposed plateau stages. Good facilities. Also accessible by road from Fiera di Primiero — an easy exit point. half-board approx. €60–70/person.  

Stage 10: Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda

 10 km 4.5 hr

A relatively short stage with a steep climb out of the Val Canali, crossing high ridges and descending to Passo Cereda (1,361 m). Despite the modest distance, the accumulated ascent is significant and the terrain is consistently rough. From Passo Cereda, a small rifugio and road access allow another exit option (buses toward Fiera di Primiero).

• 46.18638911.878752 Passo Cereda. Mountain pass with several lodging options, including Refugi Cereda.  (updated Apr 2026)

Stage 11: Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz

 14 km 6.5 hr

The gateway to the Vette Feltrine — the wild, seldom-visited final mountain group of the AV2. The route climbs steeply into increasingly remote terrain, crossing high ridges with sweeping views toward the Dolomites to the north and the Venetian plain to the south. A section near Monte Zoccare Alto runs through a fully protected nature reserve — stay on the marked path. Rifugio Boz (1,718 m) is a simple but welcoming hut.

• 46.14659411.9164569 Rifugio Bruno Boz (at 1,718 m, in the Cimonega group of the Vette Feltrine). Small, rustic but welcoming CAI hut in a grassy clearing with views of the Torri di Neva and Sas de Mur. Very remote — carry food and water as there are no other facilities nearby. Open July to mid-September. half-board approx. €60–70/person.  

Stage 12: Rifugio Boz to Rifugio Dal Piaz

 15 km 7 hr

One of the most remote and demanding stages, following an old military route ("Linea Gialla") through the heart of the Vette Feltrine. The path crosses exposed ridges, traverses below steep rock faces, and negotiates several awkward sections requiring careful footwork. There is no water between Rifugio Boz and Rifugio Dal Piaz — carry at least 2–3 litres from the start of the day. Rifugio Dal Piaz (1,993 m) sits in a wild, quiet position on the south-facing slopes above Feltre.

• 46.0892511.84236710 Rifugio Dal Piaz (at 1,993 m, in the Vette Feltrine above Feltre). Remote CAI hut in an exceptional position on the edge of the Vette Feltrine. The last rifugio on the AV2. Simple facilities; carry cash. Bookable via the CAI platform. Open July to mid-September. half-board approx. €60–70/person.  

Stage 13: Rifugio Dal Piaz to Feltre

 19 km 6 hr

The final stage descends from the mountains to the valley, following an old military road for much of the route before arriving at Passo Croce d'Aune (1,000 m). From the pass, buses connect to Feltre (30 min), or the walk continues on roads and paths into town (1.5–2 hr). The descent provides a gradual farewell to the Dolomites, with views back to the pale ramparts of the Vette Feltrine and forward to the Venetian foothills stretching south.

• 46.01666711.91 Feltre. Historic medieval walled town at the foot of the Dolomites, with a picturesque old centre, restaurants, hotels, and full services. Train connections to Belluno, Treviso, and Venice. Well worth a night to celebrate the completion of the route.  

The AV2 is a serious alpine route, and it demands full mountain competence — not just fitness, but genuine technical experience and sound judgment in the mountains.

The most committing section is the Val Setus via ferrata on Stage 4, which is the main obligatory ferrata on the route and requires a full kit: harness, helmet, and twin-armed lanyards. Don't attempt it without gear; the exposure is real and the cable sections are long. Via ferrata passages also appear on Stages 2, 3, 8, and 12, so the equipment stays relevant throughout. Stage 6 presents a different challenge entirely — the direct crossing of the Marmolada glacier, which requires crampons, an ice axe, and genuine experience on glaciated terrain. The glacier is retreating rapidly and conditions vary year to year, so always check the current situation at Rifugio Castiglioni before committing. If there's any doubt, the bypass exists for a reason. Never cross the glacier alone.

Navigation deserves more attention than most walkers expect. The waymarking can be inconsistent, particularly across the ski terrain near Passo San Pellegrino on Stage 7 and up on the high Pale plateau. Carry a downloaded GPS track and the relevant Tabacco maps, and don't rely on paint alone.

Water is worth planning around on two specific stretches: the section between Rifugio Boz and Rifugio Dal Piaz on Stage 12 has no sources, and the Puez plateau across Stages 3 and 4 can be very dry. Carry extra capacity on both.

Weather is the daily variable that shapes everything else. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and genuinely dangerous on exposed ground — start early, every day. The high plateau of the Pale di San Martino on Stage 8 is particularly exposed in lightning, and if a storm builds while you're up there, don't hesitate: descend immediately toward the cable car station at San Martino di Castrozza.

Finally, tell someone your itinerary before you go. Italy's emergency number is ☏ 112; mountain rescue is on ☏ 118. Most rifugios have emergency radios, and that network is worth knowing about.

From Feltre, buses and trains connect to Belluno (30 min by bus), and from there to Venice by train (about 2 hours). Feltre itself has a charming historic centre and is well worth an afternoon's exploration before travelling onward.

Those wishing to connect the two great Alta Vias can access the Alta Via 1 from Cortina d'Ampezzo, reachable by bus from the Falzarego/Lagazuoi area which is near the midpoint of both routes. The Alta Via 1 end point at Belluno is only 30 minutes from Feltre, making a combined traverse of both routes an achievable two- to three-week objective.

Other worthwhile routes in the area include the Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit (day hike or overnight from Misurina), the Tour of the Marmolada, and the Pale di San Martino traverse from San Martino di Castrozza — which incorporates some of the finest sections of the AV2's middle stages.