Cycling in the heart of the Dolomites

Upon arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo, you check in at our family-run hotel. Stroll around the town where alpine charm meets fashionable elegance and the echo of no less than two Winter Olympics (1956 and 2026). Here you'll find shops worthy of Milan or Paris and restaurants where you can try local specialties, all surrounded by majestic Dolomite mountains on all sides. Cortina is a fascinating blend of history, style and mountain atmosphere.

You begin the journey with a pleasant downhill cycle along the historic railway line between Cortina and Calalzo. After about 20 kilometers you reach San Vito di Cadore and the beautiful Lake Mosigo. Then continue to Venas di Cadore where you can make a detour to Cibiana, about four kilometers away and 200 meters up, with magnificent views over Sassolungo. Towards the end, the downhill slope levels out as you approach the day's destination in Tai di Cadore. A first After Bike at some establishment and then transfer home to Cortina.

After breakfast you head north through the beautiful Fiammes Valley, surrounded by close and snow-covered peaks and vast pine forests. Soon you reach Cimabanche, the highest point on this cycling route and the border to South Tyrol. From here begins a long pleasant roll down towards Dobbiaco/Toblach. Along the way you pass fantastic viewpoints where you can see the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Dreizinnen and the still Lake Landro.

Today you follow one of the region's most famous cycle paths along the Drava river. The route goes from San Candido in South Tyrol to Lienz in East Tyrol (not to be confused with Linz). You cycle through a countryside idyll of green meadows and forests and pass the border between Italy and Austria almost unnoticed. The Drava cycle path is mostly flat and very easy to cycle - there's plenty of time to admire the views. When you reach Lienz you're met by a lively Austrian small town with culture, history and tradition. After the visit, you and your bike take the train back to Dobbiaco.

Today's cycling follows the Rienza river through Pustertal's forests and green meadows. You pass the villages of Villabassa, Monguelfo and Valdaora's reservoir before reaching Percha. Shortly after, you cycle through the narrow Rienz gorge with its tunnels. When you emerge from the gorge, the landscape unfolds towards Brunico/Bruneck. In this Austrian-Italian town you can end the day with an ice cream, a walk in the charming town center or a visit to the parish church. The energetic can also make an extra bike trip into the Tures Valley (30 km, 80 m up/down).

From Brunico you follow Pustertal's scenic cycle path along the Rienza river. You pass San Lorenzo, Chienes and Vandoies before reaching Rio di Pusteria. The route is very beautiful and offers magnificent views over the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Suggestion: Extra trip to Vipiteno/Sterzinger Moos
If you add a night in Bressanone you can take the train with your bike towards Vipiteno/Sterzing (listed as one of Italy's most beautiful towns) and cycle back towards Bressanone. The journey passes the mighty fortress Fortezza, along the Isarco river northward via Mezzaselva and the mysterious area Sterzinger Moos, which features in mysterious legends. Here also runs the last part of the South Tyrolean cycle path. 40 km, 230 m up, 740 m down.

The trip ends after breakfast, unless you have booked extra nights.