We’re already starting the second last day of the amazing Alta Via 1 trail. It’s strange to realize we’re moving towards the end and the hardest day is already behind us. Day 5 was unexpected. We encountered some quite scary bits (well, we might have taken the wrong route and hence we had to conquer some snow), but we’ve also seen some amazing nature. On top of that, there was still more to climb than expected and our legs were starting to feel the kilometres hiked and meters climbed the days before. Nevertheless, the nature, mountains and greens around us were so stunning, the only thing we wanted to do was continue walking. Curious about what the Alta Via 1, Day 5 looked like. Continue reading!
1 || Follow trail 436 towards Passo Giau and Forcella Giau
2 || Continue path 436 with views of Mount Mondeval, hiking towards Forcella Ambrizzola
3 || Follow paths 458 and 467 on your way towards lunch at Rifugio Citta di Fiume
4 || Head to follow path 472 and continue until you reach Rifugio Passo Staulanza
As you know, Malga Giau was located slightly off the route, but the place was so nice! We had to start hiking the 436 after a short walk on the road. However, the roads are not very well marked and relatively new. Hence, we took the wrong path! This meant that we ended up at Passo Giau instead of taking a shortcut to Forcella Giau. Even though this made our route slightly longer, we didn’t mind seeing Passo Giau, which is quite a highlight. From the Passo Giau, we saw the markers towards Forcella Giau and we started following 436 again. Some paths were still covered in snow and quite slippery, which made it a bit scary. Afterwards, the path was followed by a steep ascend. If you want to be sure to take the right route, ask your Rifugio for clear instructions on which path to take. On the other hand, if you want to see Passo Giau, make the same mistake as we did ;).
Be warned: amazing views ahead! You might now arrive at a part of the trail that might have been one of my favourites. A lot of green pops up in front of you with the impressive Mount Mondeval. To continue your route, follow 436. This means, slightly go left and use the easiest trail you see (we saw an arrow with the number 1 that indicated we had to climb up, but this is not needed). Continue walking through the valley before starting your next ascend to Forcella Ambrizolla and Forcella Cul Duro.
Even though it is nothing like the Dolomites, the Kotor to Tivat hike in Montenegro is an experience on it’s own. And while in Montenegro, why not explore Durmitor National Park.
After the ascends, the route turns into a broader and easier path. You will see mountain bikers popping up in your sight and it becomes a little bit busier. Continue the marked and easy-to-walk paths 458 and 467 and you’ll end up at Rifugio Citta di Fiume where many hikers settle down for some lunch.
From Rifugio Citta di Fiume, continue your day following the 472 paths towards Passo Staulanza, where Rifugio Staulanza is located. To be honest, this part of the journey was slightly boring and we were a bit underwhelmed by Rifugio Staulanza. It was located on a road, which made it accessible to everyone and the Rifugio was the largest we’d stayed in during our hiking the Alta Via 1, which also resulted in the staff not being the friendliest and staying in a dorm room with 16 others.
