Dobbiaco–Cortina Cycle Path: the great Dolomites railway trail

The Dobbiaco–Cortina cycle path follows the trackbed of the historic Dolomites railway, passing through tunnels, over viaducts and beneath sweeping views of the Cristallo and the Tre Cime.

The gradient on the climb towards Passo Cimabanche is gentle; the long descent to Cortina makes it accessible to families too, with a return bus-and-bike shuttle service.

How to get there — Dobbiaco (1.256 m)

You start from Dobbiaco, at 1,256 m, in the Alta Pusteria, reached by car along the Val Pusteria state road or by train to Dobbiaco station, on the Fortezza-San Candido line. Its position makes it a handy base for those arriving from Val di Sesto or the Tre Cime too. At Dobbiaco there is no shortage of car parks and several bike-hire outlets, including e-bikes, for those who do not bring their own. From here the cycle path climbs gently along the trackbed of the old Dolomites railway to Passo Cimabanche, then descends towards Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The trailhead is in the Val di Sesto (Alta Pusteria) area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.

Stage by stage

When to go & weather

The recommended period runs from May to October, when the route is clear and the services are running. High summer offers the most settled days but also more bike traffic on the stretches near Cortina, while June and September bring a mild climate and a quieter route. Autumn sets the larches along the path aglow and is perhaps the most scenic moment of the year. It is worth setting off in the morning, both to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms and to have time to arrange the return with the bike-carrier bus at leisure.

Recommended gear

• A bike in good condition or a hired e-bike: the surface is gravel but compact
• A helmet, always, even though the gradients are gentle
• A windproof and light waterproof jacket — at altitude the weather changes quickly
• A water bottle and snacks for the roughly thirty kilometres of the route
• A puncture-repair kit and a spare inner tube
• A light or head torch for the tunnels of the old railway

Useful tips

• Ride from Dobbiaco towards Cortina: this way you tackle the gentle climb first and then enjoy the long descent
• Arrange the return with the bike-carrier bus in advance — it fills up in peak periods
• Keep your light handy to cross the old railway tunnels safely
• Stop at the viewpoints over the Cristallo, Tre Cime and Croda Rossa along the route
• If you are travelling with children or are out of practice, an e-bike makes the climb to Cimabanche a breeze