Dolomites

Eastern

Alta Via 6

Alta Via 6 hut-to-hut: 180 km through the Carnic and easternmost Dolomites, the longest of the numbered Alte Vie, from Sappada to Vittorio Veneto.

Open in planner
Distance
180 km
Days
14–16
Ascent
8,200 m
Max altitude
2,326 m

Alta Via 6 is the longest of the numbered Alte Vie — roughly 180 km across the Carnic Pre-Alps and the easternmost Dolomites, from Sappada down to Vittorio Veneto on the Venetian plain.

It is the least 'dolomitic' of the routes — much of the terrain is forested ridges and high pasture rather than the rock theatre of AV1 or AV2 — but rewards walkers who want a long, varied, lightly-walked traverse on a budget.

Highlights

  • Sorgenti del Piave — the source of the Piave river
  • Monte Cridola ridge
  • Cansiglio forest plateau — one of the largest beech forests in Europe
  • Vittorio Veneto historic centre at the finish

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1 — Sappada → Rifugio Sorgenti del Piave

    2 h
    5 km500 m0 m

    Walk or bus from Sappada town to the Piave springs (true trailhead).

  2. Day 2 — Rifugio Sorgenti del Piave → Sappada (town)

    4 h
    14 km0 m1150 m

    Loop via Olbe Lakes; descend back to Sappada for the night and to re-stock.

  3. Day 3 — Sappada → Rifugio Fratelli De Gasperi

    4 h
    12 km800 m260 m

    Paths 314/315/201 via Passo Elbel.

  4. Day 4 — Rifugio De Gasperi → Rifugio Tenente Fabbro

    4 h
    10 km370 m350 m

    Paths 201/203 + short road.

  5. Day 5 — Rifugio Fabbro → Rifugio Giaf

    6.5 h
    18 km500 m1120 m

    Crosses Monti di Sauris; long descent.

  6. Day 6 — Rifugio Giaf → Rifugio Padova

    3 h
    9 km650 m760 m

    Shortest stage.

  7. Day 7 — Rifugio Padova → Casera Laghét de Sora

    4.5 h
    12 km980 m400 m

    Paths 352/389/390; Casera = rustic shelter with limited meals. ⚠ needs verification.

  8. Day 8 — Casera Laghét → Cimolais (via Bivacco Greselin)

    11 h
    26 km1150 m1550 m

    Long combined stage. Bivacco Greselin is an emergency shelter mid-way (not booked). Overnight in Cimolais hotel.

  9. Day 9 — Cimolais → Rifugio Maniago

    4 h
    10 km1000 m100 m

    Path 965 / Val Cimoliana. ⚠ verify Maniago is open and accepts overnights.

  10. Day 10 — Rifugio Maniago → Rifugio Semenza

    9.5 h
    21 km1820 m1350 m

    Long traverse via Col Nudo–Cavallo group; Bivacco Frisacco and Ricovero Col Nudo are emergency shelters en route. ⚠ verify.

  11. Day 11 — Rifugio Semenza → Vittorio Veneto

    9 h
    20 km430 m2300 m

    Paths 923/922 + short road; longest descent of any Alta Via. Start at first light.

Rifugi on this route

  • Rifugio Sorgenti del Piave
  • Rifugio Fratelli De Gasperi
  • Rifugio Tenente Fabbro
  • Rifugio Giaf
  • Rifugio Padova
  • Rifugio Maniago
  • Rifugio Semenza

Logistics

Getting there
Train to Calalzo di Cadore, then the Sappada bus (1 h).
Getting back
From Vittorio Veneto, direct trains to Venice Mestre (1 h 15).
Permits
No permit required.
Booking
Book by May. AV6 has the lowest booking pressure of any Alta Via; many huts have walk-in space even in August.

Season & difficulty

Best season
Mid-June to mid-October
Difficulty
Moderate
Start
Sappada (BL)
End
Vittorio Veneto (TV)

What to pack

  • B-rated approach boots
  • Lightweight pack — distances rather than altitude are the challenge
  • Sleeping-bag liner
  • Waterproof shell
  • Head-torch
  • Mosquito repellent (the lower forest sections in June)
  • Cash

FAQ

Is Alta Via 6 worth walking?

Yes if you want a long, varied traverse with very low crowds and a different feel from the central Dolomites. The terrain is more forested and the peaks are lower — pick it for the experience, not for postcard summits.

How long does Alta Via 6 take?

14 to 16 days at a normal walking pace. Strong walkers combine days and finish in 12; nobody hurries on AV6.

Read next