Planning to hike the Alta Via 1 (AV1) in the Dolomites? As a solo hiker, I know how important it is to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in your logistics, especially on long-distance treks like the AV1.
While most people focus on rifugio bookings, knowing where to stay before and after hiking Alta Via 1 can make or break your experience. This post walks you through the best towns, how to get there, and where to stay—plus personal advice and transport tips to get you from start to summit and back.
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Table of Contents
Why Your Pre- and Post-Hike Stays Matter
The Dolomites are stunning—but also logistically complex. Trains don’t drop you at trailheads, rifugios book up early, and after days on the trail, you’ll want a hot shower and a cozy bed. TRUST ME.
After days out on the trail, all I wanted to do was head home, but I was so tired that staying close was honestly the best solution.
My guide answers:
- Where should you sleep the night before starting AV1?
- Where should you stay after finishing?
Want to Hike Sections of the Alta Via 1 Without Booking Rifugios?
If you’re not ready for the full hut-to-hut Alta Via 1 trek—or rifugios are booked out—don’t worry. This guide also has you covered and will give you a great idea of what to do!
If you are staying near Cortina, check out the 5 hikes I recommend
Staying in Dobbiaco or Lago di Braies lets you hike the first section of AV1 as a day trip and return to your hotel each night.
On the southern end, Belluno also makes a great base to explore the final AV1 stages on shorter hikes. This is a smart way to experience the trail with more flexibility and comfort.
Where to stay near the Alta Via 1 start: Comparison chart
I created a small comparison chart that gives you the distance to the Alta Via 1 Trail head, transport options, vibe, and what the town is best for (if this is your thing)
| Town | Distance to Trailhead | Transport Options to Alta Via 1 Trailhead | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortina d’Ampezzo | ~50 km/53 min | Bus to Dobbiaco, then bus to Braies | Lively & scenic | Dining, shopping, luxury |
| Dobbiaco | ~7 km | Train to Dobbiaco + direct bus to Braies | Calm & efficient | Public transit, affordability |
| Lago di Braies | 0 km | Bus or reserved parking (Jul–Sep) | Quiet, lakeside and limited | Direct trail access..it’s down the road. |
My top three choices are Cortina, Dobbiaco, and Lago di Braies. In this section, I have started from the furthest out to the closest. With each description, you’ll find a map you can utilize to find a hotel if the suggestions below are not suitable. I hope this helps you plan your Alta Via 1 hike
Alta Via 1 Hotels: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Distance to Trailhead: ~50 km (bus via Dobbiaco)
Why Stay Here: Trendy and full of amenities. Cortina is ideal if you want to indulge before your hike—think aperitivo hour, great restaurants, and mountain views.
Pros:
Cons:
Where to Stay in Cortina Di’ Ampezzo:
- Hotel Villa Blu (mid-range with great views)
- Grand Hotel Savoia (luxury splurge)
- Meuble Villa Neve (Mid-range)
Cortina Hotel Map
Alta Via 1 Solo Tip
Parking is available 10 minutes from the bus depot. Great if you’re driving in and busing out.
Alta Via 1 Hotels: Dobbiaco (Toblach) & Villabassa Hotels
Distance to Trailhead: ~7 km
Why Stay Here: Closer to Lago di Braies with good public transport access. Great for early risers and those relying on trains or buses.
Pros:
Cons:
Where to Stay:
- Loft Panorama (budget with great views)
- B&B Hotel Heidi (mid-budget with access to the train station)
Alta Via 1 Solo Tip:
These smaller towns are perfect if you want to start your hike refreshed and avoid early morning stress.
Dobbiaco Hotel Map
Use this map to search for Accommodations in Dobbiaco for the start of your Alta Via 1.
Alta Via 1 Hotels: Lago di Braies
Distance to Trailhead: 0 km — It’s the starting point!
Why Stay Here: If you want to roll out of bed and start hiking, this is the spot.
My Experience: For my Alta Via 1 hike, I parked my car in Cortina as Bookatrekking recommended. I was only doing a four-day section of the trail, so I left my car in a free parking area and walked over to the Olympic Ice Stadium to catch the bus to Dobbiaco.
Here’s the thing: I completely forgot to reserve my spot on the bus into Braies Valley—a big no-no during the busy season.
Thankfully, I managed to buy a last-minute ticket online and caught the next bus. From there, I was on my way to Hotel Trenker, which I have a full review of here
Pros:
Cons:
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Lago di Braies (luxury lakeside)
- Hotel Trenker (my recommendation — warm, friendly, walkable to the lake, bus stop right outside the hotel)
- Alpin Natur Hotel Brückele (Close to the starting point of the Alta Via 1 and budget friendly!)
Alta Via 1 Solo Tip
This is ideal for hikers who want the simplest start. If you’re driving, be sure to book parking in advance during summer
Lago Di Braies Hotel Map
You’ll need to zoom in for this one, it’s a super specific area, and you should be able to find hotels for your start of the Alta Via 1
Where to Stay After The Alta Via 1
Alta Via 1 Post-Hike Town Comparison
Picking where to stay after the Alta Via 1 is just as vital to your success on the trail here is a post-hike town comparison:
| Town | Access From the Trail | Transport Options | Best For | Atmosphere |
| Belluno | ~20 min by bus | Train to Venice, local buses | Easy onward travel | Walkable, historic city |
| Agordo | ~1 hr via Caprile | Local bus to Belluno | Extra night in mountains | Quiet, alpine escape |
After the Alta Via 1: Belluno
Belluno is the closest city to the Alta Via 1 finish point, making it a smart post-hike base. With direct bus access from La Pissa and plenty of hotels near the train station, it’s perfect for solo hikers looking to rest, shower, and catch a train to Venice or beyond.
Access: 20-minute bus from La Pissa, train station for onward travel
Why Stay Here: Best for public transport links and getting back to Venice or elsewhere.
Pros:
Cons:
Alta Via 1 Solo Tip:
Belluno is safe and walkable. Perfect if you’re catching a train the next day.
Alta Via 1: Belluno Hotel Map
After the Alta Via 1: Agordo
Access: 1 hour from La Pissa via Caprile. From La Pissa, take a local bus to Caprile, then connect to Agordo. Bus services may run less frequently outside summer weekends, so check timetables in advance.
Why Stay Here: Nestled in a scenic valley between Monte Civetta and the Pale di San Martino range, Agordo is a charming Dolomite town with alpine character, fewer tourists, and a peaceful post-hike atmosphere. It’s perfect for decompressing after the Alta Via 1 if you’re not in a rush to travel onward.
Pros:
Cons:
Alta Via 1: Where to stay in Agordo
Here is an interactive map for hotels in Agordo
Transportation Logistics/ How to get to Alta Via 1/ How to get from the Alta Via 1
Getting to and from the Alta Via 1 can be one of the most confusing parts of the journey, especially for solo hikers. Here’s what you need to know to move smoothly from Point A to B.
Getting to the Trailhead: Lago di Braies
- By Train: Take a train to Fortezza (Franzensfeste) from major hubs like Verona or Venice. From Fortezza, transfer to a regional train to Dobbiaco (Toblach). Trains run frequently and tickets can be purchased on the Trenitalia website or app.
- By Bus: From Cortina d’Ampezzo, take the SAD Bus 445 to Dobbiaco, then transfer to Bus 442 which goes directly to Lago di Braies. Make sure to reserve your bus ticket in advance during peak season (especially July–September) via the Suedtirol Mobil site.
- By Car: If you’re driving, note that access to Lago di Braies is restricted from mid-July to mid-September between 9:30 AM–4:00 PM. You must reserve a parking spot in advance or use the shuttle. Parking fills up fast, so book early if staying at or near the lake.
Solo Tip: If you’re parking in Cortina, leave your vehicle near the Olympic Ice Stadium, then bus to Dobbiaco. It’s safe and convenient for re-entry.
Leaving the Trail: From La Pissa to Belluno
- Local Bus: From La Pissa, walk to the bus stop (clearly marked) and catch the Dolomiti Bus toward Belluno. Buses generally run hourly, but schedules may be reduced on Sundays. You must pay in cash, so have small Euro bills or coins handy.
- From Belluno to Venice or Verona: Once in Belluno, take a regional train to Venice Santa Lucia (2–2.5 hours) or connect to Verona with one transfer. Tickets are available online or at the station.
Important Note: If you’re continuing to Agordo or other towns, plan for a bus change in Caprile or Belluno. Download the Suedtirol Mobil or Trenitalia app in advance to help navigate connections.
Alta Via 1 Backpacking Tip
Backpacking Hack: If you’re not hiking the full route, you can day hike into the first section from Lago di Braies and return by bus, or base in Belluno and explore the southernmost segments.
Alta Via 1 Trail Access Map: Where to Stay and Start Your Trek
Guided/Self-Guided Tours of the Alta Via 1
You can also just pay for a service to make all the reservations for you, and some tours include a before-and-after option
Guided Tours of Alta Via 1
I have never done this myself, as I opted for the Self-Guided option, but you can contact companies like Dolomist (locally owned, so the money goes into the local economy)
Self-Guided Tours of the Alta Via 1
Another option is to read my blog post about booking Alta Via 1 and 2 through Bookatrekking.com, which can be found here.
This is where I detail my experience with them and what it was like hiking and booking through them.
With bookatrekking they have options like:
I am not an affiliate, so these likes I’ve placed here do not earn me anything. I just want more people to be aware of the option to book through an agency like bookatrekking.com
My Advice as a Solo Female Hiker
- Book early. Especially July–September. Single rooms go fast.
- Start in Dobbiaco or Lago di Braies if you’re nervous about logistics.
- End in Belluno if you’re tired and want to get home quickly.
- Treat yourself to a good meal and shower at the end—you earned it!
- Read: Guide to the Dolomites for Solo Travelers and How to Make a Reservation at a Rifugio
- DON’T FORGET: Your Packing List for the Alta Via 1 and 2
Find Your Perfect Stay Before and After the Alta Via 1
Use the map below to compare accommodations, check availability, and book your pre- and post-hike stays directly.
Alta Via 1 Accommodation: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the best place to stay after finishing the Alta Via 1?
A: Cortina d’Ampezzo is the main hub after the trek, with many hotel options (e.g. Hotel Trenker) and transport links. Mountain lodges near Tre Cime or Passo Falzarego are also available, but town centers offer more amenities.
Q: What lodging options are recommended for solo (especially female) hikers on Alta Via 1?
A: Choose well-reviewed hotels or B&Bs in main towns for safety and convenience. In Cortina and Dobbiaco, establishments like Hotel Trenker and family-run guesthouses provide secure, comfortable stays. Book in advance and use reputable booking platforms for peace of mind!
Final Thoughts
Where you sleep before and after Alta Via 1 matters—especially when you’re going it alone. Your comfort, safety, and sanity depend on smart planning. Hopefully, this guide gave you everything you need to make the best choice for you.
Have more questions about AV1 logistics or want custom advice? I am always available on my Instagram, head on over and send me an email!
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If you are curious about other hikes in the Dolomites that are a bit quieter, Val Venegia and Sentiero Marcio in the Pale Di San Martino
