Dolomites: Val Badia hiking

The small, idyllic village of La Valle (Wengen in German) is situated amongst gentle mountain pastures in the nature park Fanes-Senes-Braies. It is architecturally characterised by traditional Ladin hamlets called “les Viles”. Listen out for the unique Ladinic language that you will hear spoken by the village residents.

Once you have settled in to your hotel, you can take a stroll to soak in the fresh mountain air and marvel at the extraordinarily beautiful surroundings of the Alta Badia.

Overnight: La Valle/Wengen

Option 1
Distance: 12.7 km | Ascent: 745 m | Descent: 745 m | 5 hrs approx.

Option 2
Distance: 17.3 km | Ascent: 921 m | Descent: 921 m | 7 hrs approx.

Your first day’s walk takes you on a circular route from La Valle via the Sas de Crosta (Pares) mountain. Make sure to stop at the Crusc de Rit, from where you will enjoy panoramic views of the Val Badia to the south and the Valpusteria and Austrian peaks to the north.

As you continue along forest tracks and across wide pastures, you will have more exceptional views including the majestic rock faces of the Sas Dalesc Desc, the Sas Dales Nu and the Ju de Sant Antone.

If you feel like more of a challenge there is an option to take a longer route with larger ascents and descents.

Overnight: La Valle/Wengen

Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 772 m | Descent: 772 m | 5 hrs approx.

Today’s walk starts and ends in the village of Pederoa, 2 km from La Valle. You can either walk or take a local bus to the village. From Pederoa, you will gradually climb until you reach wide glades with stunning views over La Valle, as well as the neighbouring village of Longiarù and the majestic peak of Monte Putia. You descend from the Spizan peak along a good dirt road that follows the Gran Ega stream (the largest in Val Badia) back down to Pederoa.

Take a local bus or continue walking for a further 2 km back to your hotel.

Overnight: La Valle/Wengen

Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 572 m | Descent: 1181 m | 6 hrs approx.

After breakfast, a short private transfer is arranged to bring you to the start of today’s walk at the high mountain pass of Passo Valparola (2,168 m). Here begins an outstanding panoramic trail along the Sett Sass, eventually reaching the wide upland meadow of Pralongià from where you have extraordinary views of the peaks and the valleys of the Val Badia, with the Marmolada glacier as a backdrop.

Overnight: La Valle/Wengen

Distance: 13.8 km | Ascent: 1278 m | Descent: 563 m | 6 hrs approx.

Today you will walk to the Rifugio Fanes, a charming and welcoming mountain hut located above the town of San Vigilio di Marebbe. This will be your accommodation for the night, so you will need to prepare your overnight things to carry with you in your day pack. Rooms are well-furnished and comfortable, and the owners offer traditional Ladin cuisine, as well as international dishes.

The route to Fanes is a gradual climb and then descent on stony footpaths. Along the way you will admire the rock faces of the Sasso delle Nove and a wonderful panoramic view of the Pares ridge and the Austrian peaks. The last uphill section is quite steep as far as the Ju De Sant Antone, but you will be rewarded with ample views on the valley and the Fanes-Senes-Braines Natural Park. Crossing the high pastures you reach Rifugio Fanes.

If you have any energy remaining it is well worthwhile continuing for 1 km to reach the lakes Lé Vërt and Limo.

Overnight: Fanes

Distance: 20 km | Ascent: 790 m | Descent: 1511 m | 8 hrs approx.

A slightly steeper walk today, although this is compensated for by the scenery, which is once again majestic. Beginning with a peaceful woodland walk through the larch forest, you then climb to the pristine alpine lake Lech Parom. The landscape then changes, as the vast and majestic Fanes upland and prairies gradually give way to more rugged mountain scenery characterised by sheer vertical rocks, as you are surrounded by the typical limestone peaks of the Dolomites.

It is possible to avoid the steep climb by taking a more gradual trail and there is also the possibility to descend to Val di Medesc through a narrow and stony channel bringing you to La Crusc. The last stretch of your walk takes you back to La Valle, across the characteristic wide meadows of the Armentara.

Overnight: La Valle/Wengen

Option 1
Distance: 13.4 km | Ascent: 950 m | Descent: 950 m | 5 hrs approx.

Option 2
Distance: 17 km | Ascent: 1100 m | Descent: 1100 m | 6 hrs approx.

Beginning with a short bus ride to Longiarù, your final walk takes you first along the flank of Monte Putia, the magnificent peak of which stands out even above the other great peaks of Val Badia. You continue beneath Passo Poma to reach the charming Rifugio Genova, before crossing wide prairies while marvelling at the stunning vistas of the peaks of Puez-Odle National Park and the Fanes massif. Finally, you return to Longiarù via the Seres Valley, passing a succession of ancient windmills as you go. Take the direct bus from Longiarù back to La Valle.

It is possible to shorten today’s walk by around 3 km by taking an alternative route.

Overnight: La Valle/Wengen

Your walking holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services. Please see the location section for details of onward travel from La Valle.