The Dobbiaco–Cortina cycle path follows the trackbed of the historic Dolomites railway, through tunnels, over viaducts and beneath sweeping views of the Cristallo and the Tre Cime.
The climb towards Passo Cimabanche is gentle, and the long descent to Cortina makes it doable for 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 on 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 drops 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
1. From Dobbiaco to Cimabanche
A gentle climb along the old railway to the top of the pass.
2. Descent to Cortina
A long, scenic downhill run into Cortina d'Ampezzo.
When to go & weather
May to October is the period to aim for, with the route clear and the services running. High summer gives the most settled days and 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. Set off in the morning, both to dodge the afternoon thunderstorms and to have time to arrange the return on 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 take the gentle climb first and then enjoy the long descent
- Arrange the return on 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 with children or out of practice, an e-bike makes the climb to Cimabanche a breeze
Frequently asked questions
How do you get back on the Dobbiaco-Cortina cycle path?
There is a bus with a bike trailer between Cortina and Dobbiaco: that way you ride the route one way only, usually all downhill.
Is the Dobbiaco-Cortina cycle path good for children?
Yes. The gradients are gentle, around 2% on average, and the surface is gravel but firm. The long final descent towards Cortina makes it genuinely family-friendly. For younger children or tired legs, a hired e-bike helps on the uphill stretch towards Cimabanche.
How long is the Dolomites cycle path and how long does it take?
From Dobbiaco to Cortina it is about thirty kilometres, with the highest point at the Passo Cimabanche around 1,530 metres. Riding gently and with breaks you do it in about three and a half hours, taking advantage of the easy climb and then the final descent.
Can you hire a bike in Dobbiaco?
Yes. In Dobbiaco and along the Val Pusteria there are several rental places, for both standard and electric bikes. Many also offer drop-off in Cortina or along the route, very handy if you do not want to ride back.
Is the Dobbiaco-Cortina cycle path part of the Val Pusteria cycle route?
Dobbiaco, where it starts, is in the Val Pusteria (Pustertal), and the cycle network branches out from here: southwards the Dobbiaco-Cortina drops into the Ampezzo Dolomites, while northwards the Val Pusteria cycle path follows the valley to San Candido and continues into Austria as the Drava cycle route. It is the most famous Dolomite stretch of the Puster Valley cycle paths.