Alta Via n. 7 of the Dolomites: the Patera Trail, from Dolada to Tambre in Alpago
Start: Rifugio Dolomieu al Dolada — Finish: Tambre, Alpago (BL) — Duration: 5 days — Length: approx. 36 km — Elevation gain: approx. 6,800 m — Difficulty: EE/EEA — Recommended period: June-September — Mountain group: Col Nudo-Cavallo — Refuges and bivouacs: Dolomieu al Dolada, Bivacco Alessio Toffolon, Rifugio Semenza, Bivacco Laste.
The Alta Via n. 7, dedicated to the Austrian alpine pioneer Lothar Patera, is the shortest of the Alte Vie but by no means the easiest: in just 36 km it packs over 6,800 metres of total elevation gain, in a continuous succession of climbs and descents along the ridge of the Col Nudo-Cavallo group. The route runs entirely above the Alpago area, between the Dolada, a panoramic natural balcony over Lake Santa Croce, and the wildest ridges dividing the province of Belluno from that of Pordenone. Along the way hikers encounter essential bivouacs such as the Toffolon and the Laste, designed for those seeking an authentic, untamed mountain experience. A route for experienced, well-trained hikers, ideal for those already familiar with the major Dolomite Alte Vie and looking for a shorter but equally intense route, with the Alpago area and the Carnic Prealps as a backdrop.
Discover all the Alte Vie of the Dolomites Quick Facts
- Stages: 5 days (approx. 30 hours of net walking time)
- Length: approx. 36 km
- Elevation gain: approx. 6,800 m
- Difficulty: from EE to EEA
- Start: Rifugio Dolomieu al Dolada
- Finish: Tambre (Alpago)
- Highest point: 2,251 m (Cimon del Cavallo)
- Main refuges: Dolomieu al Dolada, Semenza, Bivacco Laste (2,020 m), Bivacco Alessio Toffolon (1,990 m)
Did you know?
It is dedicated to Lothar Patera, an Austrian mountaineering pioneer. The original route was meant to follow the watershed ridgeline strictly, but was later modified due to the scarcity of shelter and water points along the way.
A name, a choice for true mountaineering
Alta Via n. 7 is dedicated to Lothar Patera, an Austrian mountaineering pioneer active between the 19th and 20th centuries in the mountains of the Alpago and Cadore areas. The original route plan called for strictly following the ridge line along the watershed between the valleys, but it was later modified due to the scarcity of huts and water points along the way, giving rise to the current itinerary.
At just 36 km but with over 6,800 m of total elevation gain, it is the shortest of the eight Alte Vie but also one of the most intense: it reaches its highest point at Cimon del Cavallo, 2,251 m, before descending toward Tambre and the woods of the Alpago area.