Alta Via 4 comes to a scenic end over the next 23km, traversing a stark glacial valley beneath Monte Antelao, the second-highest peak in the Dolomites, before descending through peaceful forests to Pieve di Cadore. From remote Rifugio Galassi, the route heads through a maze of moraine rubble to con[...]
Today’s route is dominated by a long and exhilarating via ferrata, two-thirds of the epic Giro di Sorapis that circumnavigates the dramatic Sorapis peak. This is the most challenging of AV4's unavoidable via ferrata and is among the wildest terrain you'll encounter anywhere on the route, with rou[...]
Day 3 of AV4 offers a respite from all the via ferrata, ascending on a beautiful trail over two scenic mountain passes to Rifugio Col de Varda before dropping into the bustling town of Misurina, a convenient place to restock supplies and access services. Rather than walking several kilometres on a[...]
Today is the most visually spectacular day of Alta Via 4, parading around the iconic three towers of Tre Cime towards the serrated peaks of Cadini di Misurina. With breathtaking views around every corner, this is easily one of the most jaw-dropping sections of trail anywhere in the Dolomites (with[...]
Following the traditional Alta Via 4 route, today is neither especially long nor difficult— but my recommended itinerary adds 1-2 spectacular via ferrata and a handful of small sidetrips within Parco Naturale Tre Cime! Fast, confident scramblers should be able to tackle both Via Ferrata Torre di[...]
Begin AV4 with a relaxed afternoon hike through the tranquil Val Campo di Dentro, trading an overpriced hotel in San Candido for a memorable first night at Rifugio Tre Scarperi. It’s only a quick 90min hike to the hut, so there’s plenty of time to arrive by train from neighbouring towns, enjoy[...]
The final day of AV2 showcases dramatic and often unexpected views of yet another spectacular corner of the Dolomites, crossing the rolling ridges and broad alpine basins of Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi. Although 21km is no small finale, the trail is wonderfully varied, offering one las[...]
Following the standard AV2 route entirely, today is slightly longer than the previous day's leisurely stroll, with the sweaty and occasionally cable-protected climb up to Passo del Comedon presenting the greatest obstacle. Once over the pass, descend through wildflower-dusted meadows and lush green[...]
Climbing gently out of the forest into a spectacular landscape of verdant foliage and misty Dolomite pillars, today marks yet another distinct change of scenery. Gone are the arid lunar-scapes and high-altitude peaks, but so are the crowds, leaving you to enjoy this beautiful corner of the mountain[...]
Today’s adventure is dominated by the spectacular Via Ferrata Porton & Nico Gusella circuit— alongside Brigata Tridentina on Day 3, these are my absolute favourite routes on AV2! Combining long stretches of exposed climbing on vertical rungs, rugged alpine gullies, and a remote traverse bet[...]
From the lunar landscapes of Rosetta to the flower-filled meadows of Pian de Cantoni and finally the striking tower of Cima Canali, the Pale di San Martino are on full display today. Expect a fair bit of elevation gain and loss as you journey through ever-changing terrain! Although the standard[...]
The quieter second half of AV2 begins with a spectacular journey into the Pale di San Martino, where broad alpine pastures gradually give way to soaring limestone towers and increasingly rugged mountain scenery. Even without much in the way of extensions or side-trips (and only a short, easy sec[...]
Day 6 marks the halfway point of AV2 and features a completely different side of the Dolomites, where dark volcanic ridges replace the familiar limestone peaks and a fascinating network of WWI fortifications tells the story of this once fiercely contested frontier. Beginning on the hillside above L[...]
Trade lofty summits for an unforgettable traverse beneath Marmolada, the tallest mountain and undisputed Queen of the Dolomites. Despite being another relatively short stage of AV2, today’s route delivers spectacular glacier views, flower-filled meadows, and a succession of panoramic mountain hut[...]
Following the traditional AV2 route, Day 4 is very short and not terribly remarkable, but there’s a wonderful addition that might just change that: Piz Boè. Rather than stopping in the barren, lunar landscape of Rifugio Boè, ascend further to the summit of Piz Boè and sleep among the[...]
Deviating from the classic AV2 trail almost immediately, today’s adventure route ascends to the broad summit of Sass da Ciampac for staggering views back across the vast limestone plateau. From there, descend into Passo Gardena, one of the most iconic valleys in the Dolomites, where towering lime[...]
The second day of AV2 ventures deeper into Puez-Odle Nature Park, where serrated limestone peaks and remote alpine plateaus create some of the most varied scenery on the entire hike. Although fairly short in distance, the route is punctuated by frequent opportunities to leave the main trail for pan[...]
AV2 kicks off with a spectacular introduction to the Dolomites, crossing flower-filled alpine meadows beneath the dramatic peaks of Puez-Odle Nature Park before tackling the easy but rewarding Via Ferrata Sass di Putia. Despite racking up nearly 20km, it's an undemanding day that perfectly sets the[...]
There's a common fantasy among vanlifers about opening your doors to a private sandy beach and running into crystal clear water while colourful fish leap around you and a local man cracks open a fresh coconut. It's the kind of easy living that has made vanlife into the instagram sensation it is now[...]
On 4 May, 2022, after a year and a half of living on the road, I walked out of my van with the essentials crammed into 2 backpacks and said goodbye to the place that has felt more like home than anywhere I’ve ever lived. I spent the last decade shifting constantly between countries and state[...]