Round the Dolomites

Arrival to your starting hotel in valley “Hochpustertal” in the heart of the Dolomites.

On the first part of today’s route the Pustertal-cycling-path will show you the way. River Rienz accompanies you to Bruneck/Brunido, inviting you for a rest and a stroll through the city. Back in the saddle you pass the ruins of Mühlbacher Klause and your stage end in Mühlbach.

From afar you are greeted by the Säben monastery, which stands high above Klausen and you cycle along the Eisack river to Waidbruck, where  the view of the Trostburg castle opens up to you. Here the valley narrows and leads you into the Bolzano basin and your destina- tion today, the provincial capital of Bolzano, the city where two cultures meet. There are numerous possibilities for spending the  afternoon: a leisurely stroll under the arcades of Bolzano or on the meadows of the valley, a visit to „Ötzi“, the „oldest Tyrolean“ in the archaeological museum, simply enjoying a cappuccino in one of the numerous cafés on Waltherplatz.

Today you follow the Etsch river and leave South Tyrol at the Salurner Klause, the border between German-speaking South Tyrol and Italian-speaking Trentino. South Tyrol and the Italian-speaking Trentino. Fruit trees and grapevines line your path to the former bishop‘s town of Trento, which will delight you with its inviting old town and Buonconsiglio Castle.

You cycle past Lake Caldonazzo, which also invites you to stay for a while. The first section to Caldonazzo is relatively steep and can also be shortened by train (25 km, to book on your own). The trail continues through the impressive Valsugana valley to Feltre, a small town on the former „Via Claudia Augusta“, an important Roman road from Aquileia to Augsburg.

Through leafy forest avenues you reach Belluno, the small capital of the province of the same name. Today‘s route is lined with picturesque little villages that invite you to stop for a while. In the north, your gaze falls back to the mighty southern Dolomites, your companions on your first stages. You continue your way north past Longarone. This village was rebuilt in a very short time after it was flooded by a tidal wave in 1963 following a rock fall at the former Vajont dam. The newly built cycle path leads from Longarone to Pieve di Cadore, today‘s stage destination.

Pure nature, that is the motto for today. The most important and largest stopover of the railway was the famous winter sports and Olympic town of Cortina d‘Ampezzo, where you will also cycle past today - surrounded by some of the most famous Dolomite peaks. Continue along the route of the Dolomite railway to the provincial border of the province of Belluno and finally return to South Tyrol. Enjoy the panoramic view of the the rock formation of the „Three Peaks“.

Arrival to your starting hotel in valley “Hochpustertal” in the heart of the Dolomites.

Your tour begins in the Upper Puster Valley, embraced by the untouched beauty of the Dolomites. To the left, the Three Peaks Nature Park rises in all its glory, while to the right, the wild expanse of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park stretches out before you. As you follow the panoramic trail along the former Dolomite Railway, dazzling views of the world-famous Three Peaks (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) will leave you speechless. Crossing gently from South Tyrol into Veneto, you arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo – the sparkling “Pearl of the Dolomites,” famed for its Olympic heritage and glamorous alpine charm. The route then leads you on to Pieve di Cadore, winding through dense forests, mysterious tunnels, and dramatic mountain scenery that tells the timeless story of this remarkable region.

From Pieve di Cadore, you continue cycling through the awe-inspiring alpine scenery of this Dolomite region. The route leads southwards to Longarone, a town completely rebuilt after the tragic landslide at Monte Toc in 1963. Soon, you reach Belluno – a peaceful and charming town – before the path takes you further through enchanting forests and idyllic villages. Your destination is Feltre, a historic town that offers sweeping views of the majestic Dolomites, where history, culture, and natural beauty blend into a truly captivating atmosphere.

Leaving Feltre, a charming jewel along the historic Via Claudia Augusta, you begin your ascent northward through the picturesque Valsugana Valley. Soon, the sparkling waters of Lake Caldonazzo – the largest natural lake in Trentino – come into view. For those who prefer a lighter stage, there is the option to shorten the route with a train ride (ticket not included). Your day concludes in Trento, where a lively historic center and the magnificent Buonconsiglio Castle await to enchant you with culture and history.

From Trento, you follow the cycle path along the Adige River, winding past sun-drenched vineyards and fragrant orchards. Soon, you reach the Salorno Gorge, the historic language border between Trentino and South Tyrol. Continuing along the river, the route leads you into Bolzano – South Tyrol’s vibrant cultural and economic hub – where this stage of your journey comes to a close.

Your day begins in Bolzano, where Tyrolean traditions blend seamlessly with Mediterranean charm. After a leisurely stroll through the city or a visit to the Archaeological Museum to meet the famous “Ötzi,” your cycling adventure continues along the Eisack Cycle Path out of town. On the way, you pass the impressive Trostburg Castle and the historic Sabiona Monastery, perched high above the valley. Surrounded by vineyards and alpine landscapes, you finally reach Bressanone, where a walk through the medieval old town and a visit to the stunning cathedral provide the perfect finale to your day.

You set off from Bressanone, leaving the old town behind as you follow the Eisack cycle path northwards. Along the way, you pass the imposing Fortezza Fortress, the impressive Novacella Monastery, and shortly after, the atmospheric ruins of the Mühlbach fortifications. Continuing on the cycle path, the route leads you into the lush Puster Valley, accompanied by the gentle flow of the Rienza River. A short stop in Brunico (Bruneck) is highly recommended: its lively pedestrian zone, with cafés, shops, and authentic alpine charm, invites you to linger. Just a few more kilometers and you arrive back in the Upper Puster Valley, where your journey comes full circle.