The cycle path of the Dolomites: from Calalzo to Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cycling is a real passion. For many, it represents a lifestyle, a way to feel free and breathe clean air. Cycling is another thing when it is done in the high mountains. The cycle path of the Dolomites that starts from Calalzo and arrives in Cortina takes advantage of the entire old railway line of the Dolomites, with the exception of a few short sections.

It is one of the most rewarding and fantastic bike rides that can be done. The surrounding nature is full of woods and small villages framed by the beautiful Dolomite peaks. You pass through Antelao, Pelmo, Cinque Torri, Monte Piana, the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, and Picco di Vallandro. And there is much more to see in this Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites.

The history of the route

The old railroad connected the Austrian Tyrol with Venice through the valleys of the Boite and the Rienza, when in 1865 it was still the Lombard-Venetian Kingdom. At the end of the century, tourism also made people feel the need for a connection with the Ampezzo Valley. The railway became operational in 1921 as a civilian link but operated by the military. There were few trains and mostly freight trains carrying timber.

During the Second World War, the railway assumed strategic importance and in 1944 there was a partisan attack on the Ruvinian bridge. The decline of the railway began in the fifties, due to the huge investments planned for maintenance and the competition of private vehicles that went to the tourist area.

The route from Calalzo to Cortina d'Ampezzo

Much of the cycle path takes place on the sediment of the former railway, between bridges and tunnels. The slope is almost always constant and moderate and almost the entire route is away from traffic and car noise. Once in San Vito di Cadore, the route descends to the bottom of the Boite along the traces of an ancient royal road and moves away from the road with heavy traffic. This section is more rough and consists of ups and downs with some steep parts.

The ideal departure is from the Calalzo railway station, which can also be reached by train with bike transport, Venice-Belluno-Calalzo, or Padua-Belluno-Calalzo line. An alternative is to take the path from Pieve di Cadore a few steps from the birthplace of Tiziano Vecellio, recovering the path coming from Calalzo.

The panoramic views are remarkable along the entire route on which it is also easy to move, as the orientation is marked by numerous tables. The galleries are well lit and the slopes are constant. Interesting are the buildings of the former stations that meet, in full liberty style.

To finally reach Cortina, however, it is necessary to go up from the Boite Valley, the last effort before being able to rest and drink in this beautiful location, and then leave for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.