Alta Via 8 Dolomites Western Traverse (AV8) Self-guided
Iconic Sights of the Dolomites
Private Room Options
Optional Cable Cars
Towns & Villages
Spa Hotels
Family-Friendly Options
The Alta Via
8 self-guided is one of the most varied hut-to-hut hikes in the Dolomites.
Often referred to as the Western Dolomites Traverse, this self-guided route
crosses the mountains from north to south, from above Brixen-Bressanone to
Salorno-Salurn, linking together an exceptional range of landscapes in a single
journey.
From the
jagged limestone walls of the Odle–Geisler Group to the open meadows of the
Seiser Alm (Alpe di Suisi), and from the dramatic Rosengarten to the forests,
vineyards, and orchards of the south, few Dolomites hut-to-hut treks combine
such different landscapes so seamlessly.
Early
highlights include the Adolf Munkel Trail beneath the Odle peaks and the Seceda
ridgeline, with the option to reach one of the Dolomites’ most photographed
viewpoints. After descending into Val Gardena, the route crosses the Seiser Alm
(Alpe di Siusi), the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe, where broad
pastures and expansive views create a striking contrast to the more rugged
alpine terrain.
The
character changes again in the Rosengarten, where scree slopes, high passes,
and a short cable-secured section give the route a more serious feel without
entering truly technical terrain. Beyond this, the trail winds through the
boulders of the Labyrinth Trail below Latemar before leading to a comfortable
spa hotel, an ideal place to recover after the toughest stages. The final days
are quieter and more reflective, passing through Trudner Horn Nature Park
before descending into the Adige–Etsch Valley.
Our itinerary avoids the most technical variants of Alta Via 8 while still retaining a sense of challenge. A short cable-secured exposed section, with no special equipment required, and a steep scree descent remain unavoidable, unless you choose to completely avoid the Rosengarten section*. This tour is best suited to fit hikers who are comfortable on alpine trails and want a self-guided Dolomites traverse with outstanding variety. As on our other tours, we take care of the complex logistics and support you with a custom eGuidebook and offline navigation app, so you can feel well prepared and focus on the hiking.
*It is possible
to bypass the challenging Rosengarten section on the full itinerary via an
optional Add-on. The north itinerary leaves the trail before reaching the
Rosengarten.
A note on the Alta Via 8:
There are two routes commonly referred to as Alta Via 8. The official “Alta Via
degli Eroi” (Path of Heroes) begins further south near Feltre and is a shorter,
separate route. The itinerary described here—often called the Western Dolomites
Traverse—is an extended north–south crossing along the western edge of the
Dolomites, running from Brixen–Bressanone to Salorno–Salurn.
The
terrain in the Dolomites is rugged. Every year, we have customers who
are surprised and unprepared for the challenges presented by this rugged
terrain. Read our Blog post on Trekking in the Dolomites for more information to help you decide if trekking in the Dolomites is right for you.
Location
Western Dolomites, Italy
Airport
Venice, Italy
Season
mid-June to mid-September
Responsible Travel Score
Responsible Travel Leader
GO hike the Alta Via 8, traversing the western Dolomites
Alta Via 8 Self-guided Itineraries
11 days
The Alta Via 8 Western Dolomites Traverse full itinerary combines diverse terrain, traveling through several distinct regions. This is our longest multi-day route with the option of private rooms each night. Highlights include the Adolf Munkel Trail, Seceda ridgeline, Val Gardena, Seiser Alm (Alpe di Suisi), Rosengarten, and Trudner Horn Nature Park. Comfortable accommodations, including up to two spa hotels, are a perfect finishing touch. This itinerary showcases the Dolomites’ full range—from iconic peaks to gentle landscapes, with views both within and beyond the range, and a unique alpine–Mediterranean transition zone rich in biodiversity
Location
Start:
Plose Gondola, Brixen-Bressanone
End:
Salurn-Salorno
Packages
Ultralight
• Classic
Physical
Condition
Condition
Technical
Difficulty
Difficulty
From:
€3010
Tax IncludedAccepting bookings for 2026 and 2027
5 days
This is our easiest multi-day Dolomites hiking itinerary. Over five days on the northern Alta Via 8, you’ll experience iconic landscapes including the Adolf Munkel Trail, Seceda ridgeline, Val Gardena, and Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi). With shorter days and gentler trails, it’s an ideal introduction to hiking in the Dolomites while still experiencing the best scenery the Dolomites have to offer. More experienced hikers can extend each stage with optional side trips, making this itinerary both accessible and flexible for a wide range of fitness levels and preferences
Location
Start:
Plose Gondola, Brixen-Bressanone
End:
Seis-Suisi
Packages
Ultralight
• Classic
Physical
Condition
Condition
Technical
Difficulty
Difficulty
From:
€1400
Tax IncludedAccepting bookings for 2026 and 2027
4 days
The Rosengarten section of Alta Via 8 crosses one of the Dolomites’ most rugged and dramatic landscapes, with steeper terrain, narrow trails, and a strong sense of immersion. After a forested ascent to the Seiser Alm, the route continues through scree slopes, high passes, and enclosed valleys framed by towering rock walls. The hiking in this terrain is consistently demanding. Best suited to experienced hikers comfortable with exposure, it offers route options ranging from more direct and adventurous to longer, gentler alternatives, finishing at Passo Costalunga
Location
Start:
Seis-Suisi
End:
Passo Costalunga
Packages
Ultralight
Physical
Condition
Condition
Technical
Difficulty
Difficulty
From:
€590
Tax IncludedAccepting bookings for 2026 and 2027
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