Dolomites High Altitude Trails

Your hiking tour in the Upper Puster Valley begins amidst rugged rocky peaks and green alpine pastures. Make the most of your arrival day to soak up the unique atmosphere of the Dolomites.

Take the bus to Lake Braies (1,494 m). Starting from the ‘Pearl of the Dolomite Lakes’, you’ll hike through the picturesque Fanes–Sennes–Prags Nature Park, one of South Tyrol’s largest protected areas. In the shadow of the imposing Seekofel massif, you’ll reach the Fojedöra high alpine pasture, where you’ll be tempted to to take a break and enjoy a refreshment. Your route continues through the secluded high valley, past Lake Hochalpensee, and finally reaches the highest point. Far below in the valley, you can already make out the villages of the Badia Valley. You’ll continue on to St. Vigil, your destination for the day.

The Piz de Plaies cable car takes you from St. Vigil to the trailhead. The route leads through a beautiful area of forests and meadows to Piz de Corn, with the Peitlerkofel towering on the opposite side. Continue on to the Ritjoch and then pass through the mountaineering village of Wengen. The mighty slopes of the Heiligkreuzkofel remain in view throughout. At the Heiligkreuz mountain hut, you'll descend again and then take the cable car back to Abtei in comfort. At the end of the hike, a transfer will bring you to San Cassiano.

On today’s circular walk, you’ll ascend from San Cassiano up to Piz Sorega and continue across idyllic alpine meadows, where you’ll find plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat featuring local specialities. After your well-deserved break, the route continues towards Pralongià and finally back to your accommodation in San Cassiano.

At the start, the trail winds leisurely along the valley floor to the Capanna Alpina. In the shadow of the majestic Fanes and Conturines peaks, follow the trail to the Rifugio Scotoni. Passing through a rocky gorge, you’ll reach Lake Lagazuoi at the foot of the Cima Scotoni. The bizarre peaks of the Fanes Group are reflected in the crystal-clear waters of this small mountain lake. Your hike continues along the Dolomites High Trail to the Lagazuoi Saddle, which was effectively turned into a fortress complete with tunnels and trenches by soldiers during the First World War. You can now decide whether to take the cable car directly from the summit to the Falzarego Pass and travel by bus to Cortina, or to continue hiking below the Tofane Mountains all the way to Pocol.

The final stage of your hike begins in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The trail leads through woods and meadows at a relatively leisurely to the Rifugio Mietres, from where you can catch one last glimpse of Cortina. A breathtaking panorama at the highest point will soon make you forget the exertions of the ascent. Afterwards, the trail is almost entirely downhill through the idyllic Padeon Valley to the stage's endpoint in Ospitale. Take the bus back to the Upper Puster Valley, where you can relax and reflect on an active week in the Dolomites.