Alta Via 2 is the wilder, tougher sibling of the famous Alta Via 1 — a high-level traverse of the western Dolomites that strings together exposed ridges, via ferrata sections, and some of the most dramatic rock scenery in the Alps. It is often called the "High Route of Legends." This guide covers how hard it is, how long it takes, how exposed it gets, and whether you should choose it over Alta Via 1.

What is Alta Via 2?

Alta Via 2 is a multi-day hut-to-hut trek running roughly 160 kilometres from Bressanone (Brixen) in the north to Feltre in the south, crossing the Puez-Odle, Sella, Marmolada, Pale di San Martino, and Feltrini groups. You sleep in mountain rifugios along the way, so you carry only a daypack plus via ferrata kit — no tent or stove needed. See the full route overview on our Alta Via 2 route page.

How hard is the Dolomites Alta Via 2?

It is hard — clearly the most demanding of the classic Alte Vie. Expect long days (6-8+ hours), sustained ascent and descent, sections of cabled via ferrata, and exposed terrain where a slip would have consequences. It is not technical climbing, but it demands strong fitness, sure-footedness, and comfort with heights. Hikers with no scrambling or via ferrata background should build up to it.

How long does Alta Via 2 take?

The full traverse takes around 13 days at a typical pace. Strong, fast parties combine stages and finish in 10-11 days; many walkers do a shorter section (for example Bressanone to Passo San Pellegrino, or the Pale di San Martino segment) over 4-6 days rather than the whole thing. Hut availability often shapes how you split the stages.

How exposed is Alta Via 2?

More exposed than Alta Via 1. Several passages cross steep, airy ground protected by fixed cables and ladders, and a few high passes feel genuinely committing. The exposure is manageable with the right gear and a steady head, but it is the defining reason AV2 sits a clear grade above AV1.

Via ferrata on the route

Alta Via 2 includes protected via ferrata sections, so you must carry a full set — an EN 958 via ferrata lanyard, a harness, and a helmet — for the entire trek. If you have never used via ferrata gear, read our beginner's guide to via ferrata in the Dolomites and practise on an easy route first. Browse via ferrata huts to find rifugios where you can build experience.

Alta Via 1 vs Alta Via 2: which is better?

Neither is "better" — they suit different walkers:

Alta Via 1 — the most popular Dolomites trek. No via ferrata required, well-trodden, excellent hut spacing. The right choice for a first Dolomites traverse or for hikers without via ferrata experience. See the Alta Via 1 route.
Alta Via 2 — longer, higher, more exposed, with via ferrata sections. The right choice if you want a tougher challenge and have the experience and gear for protected terrain.

Rule of thumb: if you are asking whether you are ready for AV2, start with AV1.

When to walk it

The window is late June to mid-September, when the rifugios are open and the high passes are clear of snow. July and August are busiest (book huts well ahead); early September offers settled weather and thinner crowds. For a full month-by-month breakdown, see when to visit the Dolomites.

Planning and logistics

Book your rifugios early — the huts on AV2 are limited and popular. For how reservations work, see our Dolomites hut booking guide, and pack with the help of the alpine hut packing list (which has a via ferrata section). Getting to the start at Bressanone is straightforward — see getting to the Dolomites. Then explore the Dolomites region to plan your nights on the mountain.

Alta Via 2: The Complete Guide to the Dolomites' Toughest High Route