Wondering how to get to your adventure with us? We’ve put together some more information and tips for getting your destination. If you have any specific questions then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Sadly getting to the start of the Alta Via 1 isn’t straight forward. Our advice is to try and break it up in to separate trips rather than doing it all at once or it might feel a little rushed.
Most people fly in to Venice the gateway for the Alta Via trek – which for those that haven’t been gives you the opportunity to explore the area.
Please note: Travel from Venice to Cortina takes a whole day – flying into Venice and starting the trek on the same day is not possible.
Reaching the start requires taking three buses:
- Venice to Cortina
- Cortina to Dobbiaco
- Dobbiaco to Lago di Braies
Venice – Cortina
Once in Venice you would need to get a bus, that takes roughly 2-2.5 hours and runs 4 times a day. It costs around €15-25 for a single and during the summer reservations must be made in advance. All buses depart from both Mestre (mainland Venice) and the airport.
Bus options:
ATVO buses (Price €20.00 one way adult ticket – Linea 29 – Leaves from Place le Roma then stops at Mestre train station then stops at Marco Polo Airport)
Cortina – Dobbiaco
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the biggest towns in the heart of the Dolomites and is worth exploring if you have time. However from here you will need to get another bus (SAD line 445) to Dobbiaco. It’s important to make sure it says Dobbiaco on the front but just ask the driver if unsure. From Cortina to Dobbiaco, a free bus pass is available for those who have stayed in Cortina (be sure to ask your hotel for the pass) otherwise, the bus will cost about €5 and takes about an hour. See more information here.
Dobbiaco – Lago di Braies
Once in Dobbiaco you will then need to get the line 442 to Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildesee which is where you will pick the trail up from. (requires pre-booking from July 10 – mid-September). This takes about 30 minutes and costs €5. See more information here.
Tip: If staying in a hotel in Dobbiaco you can get free bus tickets for the following day.
Bus options:
Taxi options: Approximately €85 from Cortina – Dobbiaco
Taxi Cortina / +39 3384889793
Taxi Afo / +39 347 94 20 530
DC Tranfers / booking@dctransfers.it
Cab Unterhofer / +39 348 672 08 63
Cab Rizzo / +39 329 460 61 90
I know what you’re thinking and yes, it is worth all that!
Accommodation Before the Start of the Alta Via 1 Trek
Choosing where to stay before beginning the Alta Via 1 depends on your travel plans, budget, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. The two main options are Cortina d’Ampezzo, a vibrant alpine town, and Dobbiaco/Toblach, a quieter, more convenient location closer to the trailhead at Lago di Braies.
Cortina d’Ampezzo – A Lively, Upscale Mountain Town
Cortina is a well-known ski resort town in the Dolomites, offering a mix of luxury and tradition. It has a great selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it a fantastic place to relax and acclimate before your trek.
Pros:
✔️ More dining and entertainment options
✔️ Lively atmosphere with a mix of hikers and tourists
✔️ Stunning mountain views and great pre-hike walks
✔️ Accessible by Cortina Express and FlixBus from Venice
Cons:
❌ Further from the AV1 starting point (requires an extra bus to Dobbiaco)
❌ Can be expensive, especially in peak season
Dobbiaco/Toblach – A Quieter, More Convenient Option
Dobbiaco (Toblach in German) is a smaller town closer to the AV1 starting point at Lago di Braies. It’s a great option for those wanting a more relaxed atmosphere while minimising early morning travel before the trek.
Pros:
✔️ Closer to the AV1 starting point (shorter morning travel)
✔️ Generally more affordable accommodation options
✔️ Free bus tickets to Lago di Braies from some hotels
✔️ Good selection of supermarkets and restaurants for last-minute supplies
Cons:
❌ Fewer dining and entertainment options than Cortina
❌ Less lively atmosphere
There are also a smattering of other accommodation near to the lake such as:
Hotel Lago di Braies – The closest hotel to the trailhead an expensive but unbeatable location. (One-night stays can sometimes be booked by phone, even if unavailable online.)
Hotel Trenker a 200 year old hotel run by the same family in St Viet which just a 30 minute walk to the lake or one stop on the bus.
Hotel Hanslerhof on the road up to the lake before St Viet.
Hotel Erika is on the bus route up to the lake also with the bus stop right outside.
Either way, both towns make excellent starting points for your Alta Via 1 adventure! 🚶🏔️
