The Dobbiaco - Cortina Cycle Path:
A journey through Dolomites and historical memories
The Dobbiaco - Cortina cycle path is one of the most scenic routes in the Dolomites, about 33 kilometers long and suitable for everyone, including families. It follows the route of the historic railway built during World War I, offering a journey through nature, history, and breathtaking panoramas.
- Start: Dobbiaco (1,240 m)
- Finish: Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,211 m)
- Length: 33 km
- Elevation gain: about 300 m
- Average duration: 3 h
- Difficulty: Easy
In about three hours of leisurely cycling, you’ll traverse some of the most fascinating landscapes of South Tyrol and Veneto, from the shores of Lago di Dobbiaco to the famous Cortina d'Ampezzo, passing through Passo Cimabanche, the highest point of the route.
From Dobbiaco to Lago di Landro: The gateway to the Dolomites
The starting point is the Dobbiaco train station (1,240 m). Following the course of the Rienza river, the path alternates between short asphalted sections and dirt trails, quickly immersing you in a captivating alpine landscape. In just a few minutes, you’ll reach Lago di Dobbiaco (1,176 m), a crystal-clear lake framed by majestic peaks.
Along the route, you’ll encounter significant historical landmarks, such as the remains of the Klauskofel smelting furnaces, used for mineral processing, and the War Cemetery, dedicated to the fallen of the first world war. Continuing uphill, the view opens up to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, standing tall on the horizon. After about 15 kilometers, you’ll arrive at Lago di Landro (1,406 m), another alpine gem surrounded by forests and Dolomite peaks, such as Monte Cristallo, reflecting in its waters.
From Landro to Cimabanche: Nature and history
After Lago di Landro, continue towards Carbonin, through one of the wildest and most tranquil sections of the route. Here, the trail passes through the heart of three natural parks: Tre Cime Nature Park, Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, and Dolomiti d'Ampezzo Nature Park. This section offers a complete immersion in nature, between forests, meadows, and streams.
The elevation gain becomes more noticeable but never too challenging, reaching Passo Cimabanche (1,529 m), the border between South Tyrol and Veneto. In addition to the historical significance of the old railway, the language and atmosphere also change here, from the South Tyrolean world to the Ladin and Veneto regions. Viaducts, old tunnels, and remains of train stations dot the route, telling a story of borders and exchanges.
From Cimabanche to Cortina: Towards the pearl of the Dolomites
From Passo Cimabanche, the highest point, a gentle descent begins towards Cortina, with increasingly expansive views of the Dolomiti d’Ampezzo. The route, mostly dirt and shaded, winds through gorges, rock-cut tunnels, and panoramic bridges, opening up to the Ampezzo basin. The atmosphere is that of a journey through time, where wild nature blends with traces of the old railway line, decommissioned in 1964.
In the final kilometers, the surface becomes asphalted again, and the entrance to Cortina d'Ampezzo (1,211 m) is truly scenic. Before concluding the tour, it’s worth taking a break on the famous Corso Italia, among shops, cafes, and typical restaurants. For the return to Dobbiaco, you can use a bus service with bike transport (check schedules and availability), or retrace the entire itinerary in reverse, once again enjoying the unique spectacle of the Dolomites.