Getting to Alta Via 1: Venice, Bolzano & Lago di Braies
How to reach Alta Via 1 — fly to Venice or Treviso, train to Dobbiaco, bus to Lago di Braies and exit transport from La Pissa to Belluno.
Hiked by Lee
Self-guided
Last verified
The Alta Via 1 is a point-to-point trek — you need a plan for getting to Lago di Braies and getting home from La Pissa. Most international hikers fly into Venice or Treviso, train north, and bus to the trailhead.
Also read: Complete Guide · Itinerary · Trek overview
Trail endpoints
| Start | Lago di Braies (1,495 m) |
| Finish | La Pissa, near Belluno |
| Direction | North → south (standard) |
Flying in
| Airport | Notes |
|---|---|
| Venice Marco Polo (VCE) | Most connections; train to Calalzo/Dobbiaco area |
| Treviso (TSF) | Budget airlines; bus to Venice then train |
| Innsbruck (INN) | Alternative via Bolzano — longer but scenic |
| Verona (VRN) | South approach via train |
Train to the trailhead
Typical route:
Airport → Venice/Mestre → Calalzo Pieve Cadore → bus/taxi → Dobbiaco → bus → Lago di Braies
| Leg | Notes |
|---|---|
| Venice → Calalzo | Trenitalia regional — ~2.5 h |
| Calalzo → Dobbiaco | Bus 442/444 or taxi |
| Dobbiaco → Lago di Braies | Summer bus (~€5–15) or taxi |
Stay in Dobbiaco or Villabassa the night before — morning bus to the lake.
Alternative starts (transport)
| Start point | How to reach |
|---|---|
| Rifugio Pederü | Bus to San Vigilio di Marebbe |
| Passo Falzarego / Lagazuoi | Bus from Cortina d'Ampezzo; cable car to Lagazuoi |
| Rifugio Fanes | Hike up from Pederü (2–2.5 h) |
Good if skipping the brutal Day 1 climb from Braies.
Luggage transfer
Services can move bags between towns and some rifugi — useful if you want a lighter pack or hotel nights off-trail. Confirm they cover your start and finish (La Pissa / Forno di Zoldo).
Exit transport (finish)
After Day 8 at La Pissa:
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bus to Belluno | ~€4–6; check timetables before you start Day 8 |
| Taxi to Forno di Zoldo | €40–70 if buses don't run |
| Pre-booked pickup | Arrange at La Pissa car park |
From Belluno: trains to Venice, Verona, Bolzano. Direct connections to Venice airport possible.
International connections
- Venice airport — straightforward post-trek
- Cortina — taxi or bus if extending Dolomites stay
- Flixbus — budget onward travel from major towns
Pre-departure checklist
- Book Dobbiaco hotel + all rifugi
- Download offline Komoot / Tabacco map
- Save bus timetables (Dobbiaco ↔ Braies, La Pissa ↔ Belluno)
- Confirm exit taxi backup for finish day
- EUR cash for remote rifugi
Related planning
- Refuges — pre/post hotels
- Itinerary — stage endpoints
- Cost guide — transport line items
- Navigation — offline maps essential
Next guide
Alta Via 1 Refuges: Rifugi & Where to Stay
Where to stay on Alta Via 1 — rifugio half board, Lee's hut stops, pre-trail Dobbiaco hotels and post-hike Belluno recovery.
