Dolomites Planner

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.

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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. Same huts, your days: open this route in the planner and tune the pace.Open in planner

  5. Day 4: Rifugio De Gasperi → Rifugio Tenente Fabbro

    4 h
    10 km370 m350 m

    Paths 201/203 + short road.

  6. Day 5: Rifugio Fabbro → Rifugio Giaf

    6.5 h
    18 km500 m1120 m

    Crosses Monti di Sauris; long descent.

  7. Day 6: Rifugio Giaf → Rifugio Padova

    3 h
    9 km650 m760 m

    Shortest stage.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Day 9: Cimolais → Rifugio Maniago

    4 h
    10 km1000 m100 m

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

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

Walking this route in 2027?

Booking for next summer opens in winter. Leave your email and we will send the opening dates for this route's huts.

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.

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