Pedal through the magnificent cylepath in the heart of the Dolomites. Perfect cycle paths as far as the eye can see: from Cortina to Dobbiaco and all the way to the fascinating side valleys. The Pustertal valley is, in fact, a true paradise for cycling enthusiasts and offers all friends of cycling an extensive network of cycle paths. Discover the scenic landscapes of the valley by bike, choose from countless leisurely rides for the whole family to more challenging tours by road bike. Cycle through meadows and along streams, without being disturbed by cars, upstream or downstream, depending on your preference. Passing picturesque lakes, from locality to locality, everywhere you will find the well-prepared and signposted cycle paths of the Puster Valley.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
• Cycle in a scenery of rugged mountain peaks, pristine lakes and gentle alpine meadows
• Witness the traditional lifestyle in the villages of the Pusteria valley
• Tasting the typical hearty dishes of the local cuisine
• Enjoy riding in pleasant sub-Mediterranean temperatures
Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo and settle-in at your cozy family run hotel. Then leisurely stroll through the village to immerse in the Alpine environment. The old charm of Cortina today blends with its new glamour soul: along the streets of the centre are the same boutiques as in Milan and Paris, while some restaurants offer traditional specialities.
After you start your holiday with an easy ride mostly downhill along the old railway line connecting Cortina to Calalzo. About 20 kilometres after Cortina you reach San Vito di Cadore and Lake Mosigo. A few more pedal strokes and, in Venas di Cadore, you can decide on a diversion to Cibiana (four kilometres and 200 metres of altitude difference), which offers an incomparable view of the Sassolungo.
Descending through the Fiammes valley you ride amidst the marvellous scenery of snow-capped mountains covered and endless pine forests. A little further on, you already reach Cimabanche, the highest point of this cycle route and border of South Tyrol. From here you start descending towards Dobbiaco passing through splendid panoramic viewpoint, from where you can admire the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lake Landro.
Today you ride on the most famous and well know cycle path of the area. It always leads along the Drava, through green meadows, past dark forests, along small side roads and of course across the border between Italy and Austria - the Drava cycle path from San Candido in South Tyrol to Lienz in East Tyrol. The route is mostly flat and once you arrive in Lienz, in addition to the typically Austrian festive atmosphere, you can experience all the cultural ferment, history and tradition, as confirmed by the museums and castles that populate the area.
From Dobbiaco starts the section of the cycle path following the Rienza river through bright forests and green meadows. Villabassa, Monguelfo, then past the reservoir of Valdaora to the sports field of Perca. An exciting highlight is the narrow Rienza gorge with its dimly lit tunnels. Shortly afterwards, the Bruneck basin opens up again and within a few kilometres you reach the main centre of the Puster Valley. Once in Brunico, how about a refreshing ice cream, a pleasant walk through the centre or a visit to the parish church.
Optional extra Day (to be booked in advance):
Ride into Tures valley – extension to Campo Tures 30km
From Brunico, a scenic track traces the Rienza River, passing through San Lorenzo, Chienes, and Vandoies, before reaching Rio di Pusteria. This route charms showcasing the beauty of nature and breathtaking views of the Novacella Abbey built in the first half of the 12th century. It is one of the most important abbeys in northern Italy and the Alpine Arc consisting of a complex of religious and civil buildings.
Optional extra Day: Ride from Colle Isarco/Vipiteno to Bressanone, 40km - train back to Bressanone
For enthusiasts seeking more cycling, an additional night in Bressanone can be arranged. Departing from the medieval charm of the town and the serene greenery of the Puster Valley, the journey continues. Pass the formidable Fortezza, tracing the Isarco River northward, passing Mezzaselva and the enchanting 'Sterzinger moos', a place shrouded in legends of ancient mystical fires. Here, the concluding stretch of the South Tyrolean cycle path unfolds.
The trip and our services end after breakfast. From Bressanone train station you can easily reach your departing airport.
Nights in double room in ***/**** hotels with breakfast
Cortina - Hotel da Beppe Sello
Dobbiaco - Hotel Rosengarten
Brunico -Hotel Post
Bressanone - Residence Hotel Gasser
Available on request
Front and rear lights included
Padlock included
1 rear pannier included
Flat pedals
Repair kit included
Kalkhoff Impulse 8C
Trekking bike - Kalkhoff
6 nights
Breakfast included
Route notes, maps and App
Bike rental available
7-days a week service-hotline
Luggage transfer included
GPS tracks available
Medical and luggage travel insurance
Both Venice, Verona and Innsbruck airports have major and low cost international flights.
From Verona Airport take the public Aerobus shuttle to the central Railway Station “Verona Porta Nuova” and take a train to Calalzo - Pieve Cadore - Cortina or Dobbiaco train station. The Aerobus shuttle runs every 20 minutes and reaches the central station after 10 minutes; it costs 6 euros and you can find timetables in this link www.aeroportoverona.it/en/transport/aerobus.html
For what it concerns the train to Calalzo - Pieve Cadore - Cortina the trip takes about 5 hours with a change in Venezia Mestre train station, from here a local bus will take you to Cortina in about 1 hour (dolomitibus.it)
For what it concerns the train to Dobbiaco the trip takes about 5 hours with a change in Fortezza. From here the local bus will take you to Cortina in about 1 hour (www.suedtirolmobil.info)
There are not so many trains during the day, so check information on the website www.trenitalia.com.