Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)

Alta Via 1 is a primary long-distance mountain trail in the Italian Dolomites, extending from Lago di Braies in the north to Belluno in the south. The trek traverses significant limestone massifs including the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, the Tofane, Pelmo, and Civetta. Far from the more technical via ferrata-heavy routes in the range, the standard Alta Via 1 (High Route 1) is an established high-altitude hiking path accessible to fit hikers without technical climbing equipment. The route stays predominantly on high-alpine balconies and plateaus, offering a comprehensive transect of the Central Dolomites.

Standing as a natural balcony opposite the demandingly vertical walls of the Hochkönig (2,941m), the Hochkeil is an approachable peak that offers one of the best effort-to-view ratios in the Salzburger Land. Starting from the Arthurhaus alpine inn, the trail winds through lush high-alpine meadows and scattered pine trees to a broad, flat summit across from the 'Mandlwände'. Because the area is often overshadowed by the more famous Königssee or Zell am See, the Hochkeil remains remarkably quiet and popular with locals.