Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)

Day 1: Arrival in Hochpustertal
Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco

Arrive at your hotel in the Hochpustertal Valley, an area well connected to the Dolomites and known for its cycling routes. Free public parking is available nearby. Villabassa is noted for its Kneipp water therapy facilities and public parks, while Dobbiaco is known for its connection to composer Gustav Mahler, who spent summers here. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to explore the local surroundings before beginning your tour.

Day 2: Pustertal cycle path: Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco – Bruneck/Brunico or Sand in Taufers
16 -19 mi / 25-30 km or 34-37 mi / 55-60 km

From Dobbiaco or Villabassa, follow the Pustertal cycle path along the River Rienz, passing through small valley villages before arriving in Bruneck. Here you can visit Castle Bruneck, home to the Messner Mountain Museum, or explore the Dietenheim Open-Air Museum. At this point, you can choose to finish your ride in Bruneck or extend your day by continuing into the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley to Sand in Taufers. This longer option includes the chance to visit Castle Taufers, a medieval fortress with furnished rooms and panoramic views. In the afternoon, transfer back to your hotel.

Day 3: The Sextner Valley: From the Sextner Dolomites to Hochpustertal
25 mi / 40 km

Ride into the Fischleintal Valley, a narrow valley framed by some of the most recognizable peaks of the Sexten Dolomites. Continue to San Candido, known for its 12th-century Romanesque collegiate church and frescoes. On the return journey, there is the opportunity to stop at the source of the River Drava, which flows through Austria and Slovenia before joining the Danube.

Day 4: Drava/Drau cycle path: Toblach/Dobbiaco - Lienz
31-34 mi / 50-55 km

Cycle from Dobbiaco or Villabassa to San Candido, then cross into Austria near Prato Drava. The route follows a steady downhill gradient to Lienz, located where the Isel and Drava rivers meet. Lienz has a well-preserved old town and Schloss Bruck, a 13th-century castle now serving as a museum. Afternoon transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5: Dolomites railway track: Cortina d’Ampezzo - Hochpustertal
19-22 mi / 30-35 km or 37-44 mi / 60-70 km

After a morning transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo, set off along the route of the former Dolomites railway, now a dedicated cycling path. The ride takes you through restored tunnels and over gentle gradients to Cimabanche, the highest point of the tour. From here, the route descends past Lake Dürrensee with views of the Cristallo massif, and soon after, you’ll reach one of the most famous sights in the Dolomites, the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks), clearly visible from the path. Continue to Lake Toblachersee before arriving back at your hotel. Experienced cyclists may choose to ride both directions instead of taking the morning transfer.

Day 6: Gsies Valley
34 mi / 55 km

Ride through the Gsiesertal Valley, an area with working farms and open meadows. In Monguelfo, you can visit the local castle, which dates back to the 12th century. On the return, you may stop in Villabassa to try the Kneipp water therapy facilities, which use alternating hot and cold water to improve circulation.

Day 7: Departure

Individual departure or extension of your stay.