4 best cycling routes in the Dolomites

Part 1: Dolomites cycling routes

Why did you pick these four as the best bike routes in the Dolomites?

The four routes featured in this article are FunActive Tour’s bestselling tours in the Dolomites.

Each bike tour offers a unique way to experience these UNESCO World Heritage mountains.

Whether you’re looking for a place-to-place journey combining the mountains with the coast, prefer a satisfying circular route that gives a great overview of the varied landscapes found in the Dolomites, or perhaps prefer an off-road challenge – there’s something to suit a variety of cycling needs and abilities.

Cyclists visiting the Dolomites are typically looking to combine dramatic scenery, nature and culture. The mountain peaks are some of Italy’s most iconic landscapes and all of the itineraries feature days boasting amazing views of some of the region’s most famous peaks.

This scenic cycling is combined with memorable overnight stops in historic cities and towns; these cultural points of interest offer a unique insight into the Dolomites’ rich history and are among some of the main highlights of a bike tour in the Dolomites.

We think these routes offer some of the best cycling you can experience in the Dolomites, if not Italy, or even Europe!

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Route 1: Dolomiti Venezia (Dolomites to Venice)

Key Facts

Distance

300 km

• Dobbiaco – Cortina d’Ampezzo: 35 kilometres and 350 metres of elevation
• Cortina d’Ampezzo – Belluno: 75 kilometres and 200 metres of elevation
• Belluno – Feltre: 40 kilometres and 280 metres of elevation
• Feltre – Bassano del Grappa: 55 kilometres and 200 metres of elevation
• Bassano del Grappa – Treviso: 60 kilometres and 280m metres of elevation
• Treviso – Venice mainland/Mestre: 45 kilometres and 0 metres of elevation

Terrain

85% paved roads

Route details

An easy going cycling route suitable for a wide range of abilities, including leisure cyclists and families with older children. Starting from the Dolomites mountains you cycle down to the Adriatic Sea.

Suitable bikes

Hybrid, e-bike, gravel

Start

Dobbiaco or Villabassa (depending on the hotel the first night’s hotel)

Overview of the route

This leisurely cycling route takes you from the heart of the Dolomites to Italy’s iconic city of Venice on the Adriatic coast.

The first two days of the route use an old disused railway in the Dolomites and you’ll cycle alongside some of the Dolomites’ most iconic mountain views, including the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

From day three you head into the rolling Venetian hills and can feel the scenery changing as you pedal onwards.

These green landscapes are filled with famous Prosecco vineyards and cultural gems, including the historic city of Bassano del Grappa. After leaving the hills behind you finally reach the flat Venetian plains, which are home to classic cypress trees and beautiful Italian villages. It’s an easy ride to the coast and your final destination, Venice.

What are the highlights?

• Cycling along the Landro valley and soaking up spectacular views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which are three distinct peaks in the Sexten Dolomites.
• The town of Pieve di Cadore, a natural gateway of the Belluno Dolomites and the birthplace of the famous Renaissance painter Titian.
• The gorgeous city of Bassano del Grappa. Set amongst a backdrop of green hills and home to centuries-old distilleries, it’s a great place to try Italy’s famous Grappa drink!
• The historical city of Treviso is home to medieval city walls and gateways, scenic canals and a historic centre. It’s often referred to as ‘little Venice’.
• Cycling through the idyllic Venetian Hills landscapes, home to famous Prosecco vineyards and picturesque hilltop towns, such as Valdobbiadene.
• A memorable finish in the iconic city of Venice, this legendary floating city is a treasure trove of historical and architectural splendours, such as the Doge’s Palace and over 400 bridges. There’s plenty to enjoy off the bike!

Tips for riding this route?

• The gentle daily gradients (the max elevation each day is only 350 metres!) and lack of technical terrain make this a lovely bike tour in the Dolomites for a range of cycling abilities, including families with older children.
• The Prosecco Hills produce some of Italy’s best-loved bubbly and there are some great opportunities to taste the famous wine in this region. It’s a good idea to reserve in advance and don’t drink too much if you plan to cycle afterwards, one or two wine tastings are best.
• This is one of the most popular cycling routes for those who wish to explore the Dolomites and continue to Venice. Some areas and sections can be particularly busy, including Belluno, Cortina d’Amprezzo and the scenic Lago di Misurina.

More information

Find out more information about FunActive Tour’s Dolomiti Venezia bike tour.

Route 2: MTB Naturepark

Key facts

Distance

275 km

For each stage, you can choose between two variants. This includes a more sporty, challenging route for mountain bikers with a good level of fitness. There is also a shorter option that is designed for those looking for a more relaxing ride or those on e-mountain bikes.

• Niederdorf/Toblach – Silvesteralm – Markinkele – Niederdorf: 45 kilometres and 1,475 metres of elevation or 22 kilometres and 700 metres of elevation
• Niederdorf/Toblach – Plan de Corones – San Vigilio: 55 kilometres and 1,490 metres of elevation or 45 kilometres and 220 metres of elevation
• San Vigilio – Fanes or Fodara Vedla mountain hut – Cortina: 37 kilometres and 1,000 metres of elevation and 35 kilometres and 1,007 metres of ascent
• Cortina – Rifugio 5 Torri – Cortina: 44 kilometres and 1,642 metres of elevation, this stage can also be shortened on request.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo – Son Forca – Cimabanche -Prato Piazza – Villabassa/Dobbiaco: 45 kilometres and 1,010 metres of elevation or 51 kilometres and 1,300 metres of elevation

Terrain

Largely on old military and forest roads, or wide mountain trails. These can be quite rugged and rough. There are also some sections on smooth paved roads.

Route details

This route follows part of the popular MTB – Marathons event held annually in the Dolomites each July. There are two daily route options to choose from that suit different fitness abilities.

Suitable bikes

Mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes.

Start

Dobbiaco or Villabassa (depending on the hotel the first night’s hotel)

Overview of the route

Looking to fully immerse yourself in the extraordinary mountain landscapes of the Dolomites? A mountain biking tour is a great way to experience lesser-visited corners of this popular mountain range.

This circular route starts and finishes in Dobbiaco and crosses several nature parks, including the Ampezzo Dolomites, Sexten Dolomites and the Fanes-Sennes-Braies. Each day includes a mix of climbs, fun downhills and peaceful rides through dramatic valleys in the heart of the Dolomites.

The reward for all your efforts will be many panoramic views of some of Europe’s most breathtaking peaks. You’ll also bike past several beautiful mountain lakes, including the Picciodel Lake on day 4 and Lake Ghedina on day 5 .

What are the highlights?

• Daily views of UNESCO World Heritage Summits, including the Monte Pelmo, Hohe Gaisl, Cinque Torri the Cristallo, the Sorapis and the Tofane.
• Exploring the natural habitats of the Dolomites natural parks, which are home to numerous plants and wildlife, including marmots, red deer, alpine Ibex and golden eagles, as well as the rare edelweiss flower and anemones in the alpine meadows and mountain pine trees and larches.
• Riding through peaceful green meadows and forests of Alpine pines.
• Take a scenic breather at one of the many isolated Rifugios (mountain huts) in the Dolomites mountain range. A great place for a refuel with a view!

Tips for riding this route?

• Take care to respect the mountains as you navigate them by bike. More on this below.
• The Dolomites have a fantastic network of Rifugios, with approximately 1000 in total. These don’t tend to open until well into June due to their elevated location and snowfall. If you plan to use Rifugios on your own DIY MTB trip it is best to contact them ahead of staying as they have limited capacity and can get busy during the summer months. You can usually either send an email or call them to request a bed.
• Altitude acclimatisation is worth considering. If you are able to spend a couple of days cycling at lower altitudes before tackling higher trails, this can help to prevent altitude sickness. Taking care to keep hydrated will also help.
• The weather can change rapidly in the Dolomites, so pack layers and always carry a waterproof jacket with you.

More information

Find out more information about FunActive Tour’s MTB Naturepark bike tour.

Route 3: Grand Tour of the Dolomites

Key Facts

Distance

402 km

• Alta Pusteria – Bressanone: 65 kilometres and 230 metres of elevation
• Bressanone – Bolzano: 45 kilometres and 180 metres of elevation
• Bolzano – Trento: 65 kilometres and 190 metres of elevation
• Trento – Feltre: 95 kilometres and 870 metres of elevation or 70 kilometres and 780 metres of elevation gain
• Feltre- Pieve di Cadore: 75 kilometres and 1,250 metres of elevation
• Pieve of Cadore – Dobbiaco: 65 kilometres and 800 metres of elevation

Terrain

The route is almost entirely on paved cycle paths, with some sections on quiet low-traffic, secondary roads.

Route details

There are some days with more challenging elevation to tackle but generally, this is a route that’s manageable for leisure cyclists with a good level of fitness.

Suitable bikes

Hybrid bikes and e-bikes

Start

Alta Pusteria

Overview of the route

This scenic circular route begins in the northeast of the Dolomites in the Alta Val Pusteria, considered one of the most beautiful valleys in both the South Tyrol and Dolomites. From here it heads south through the Isarco and Adige valleys, marking the Dolomites’ western boundary.

After an overnight stop in the beautiful city of Bolzano, you’ll continue cycling south and arrive in Trento. From Trento, the bike tour begins to head eastwards past Caldonazzo Lake, through Valsugana and towards Feltre.

More scenic cycling awaits as you head north towards Belluno, eventually picking up the former Dolomites railway line which is now a cycle path.

The last section of the route immerses you in some of the Dolomites’ most famous and spectacular scenery, with the Tre Cime Nature Park (Three Peaks Nature Park) on the right and the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park on the left.

What are the highlights?

• Bolzano is the capital city of Trentino Alto Adige and a melting pot of culture. It is packed with Tyrolean tradition as well as cultural influences of Italy and Germany. The city is surrounded by mountains and has a beautiful central square called the Piazza Walther which is a great place to enjoy a relaxing aperitif in one of the cafes.
• Cycling along the beautiful River Adige through picturesque landscapes that are home to vineyards and fruit trees.
• This historic city of Trento is where you find the impressive Medieval castle of Buonconsiglio, which towers over the city.
• Cycling surrounded by some of the Dolomites’ most famous peaks, including the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
• Exploring the historic town of Feltre, located in the heart of the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. Fun fact: the town is located on the famous “Via Claudia Augusta”, an ancient Roman trading route that connected the Po Valley with Bavaria, via the Alps.

Tips for riding this route?

• Day 5 features a challenging steep ascent, heading towards Lake Caldonazzo. However, this section can be shortened and made easier by taking a train.
• Although this tour is popular with e-bikes, if you are looking for more of a challenge you can opt for a leisure-style hybrid bike. There are some hillier sections later in the itinerary which are best tackled by those with a good level of fitness.

More information

Find out more about this cycling holiday on FunActive Tours website.

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Want help organising your Italy cycling holiday?

We’ve been organising bike tours in northern Italy since 2002 and would love to help you plan yours.

Get in touch and let's discuss the best holiday for you.

Head over to our website so we can start helping you plan your perfect northern Italy cycling trip.

Route 4: Dolomites to Trieste

Key Facts

Distance

315km

• Alta Pusteria – Oberdrauburg/Kötschach Mauthen: 70-75 kilometres and 800 metres of elevation
• Oberdrauburg/Kötschach Mauthen – Feistritz an der Gail/Tarvis: 55-65 kilometres and 500 metres of elevation
• Feistritz an der Gail – Lake Bled: 55-65 kilometres and 900 metres of elevation
• Lake Bled – Cividale del Friuli: 50 kilometres and 500 elevation gain
• Cividale del Friuli – Gradisca d’Isonzo: 35 kilometres (or 65 kilometres) and 180 metres of elevation (or 250 metres)
• Gradisca d’Isonzo – Trieste: 40 kilometres and 350 metres of elevation

Terrain

A mix of dirt and paved roads

Route details

This cross-country route is moderately challenging and achievable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. You can also choose to make certain days easier or more challenging by incorporating train travel to reduce daily mileage.

Suitable bikes

MTB, e-bike and touring bikes

Start

Alta Pusteria

Overview of the route

This cycle route enables you to cycle through three countries, Italy, Austria and Slovenia.

Starting in the northeastern Dolomites, these dramatic mountains form your backdrop as you cycle along the Drau and Rienz rivers and make your way through Austria’s South and East Tyrol. After 2 days of cycling in Austria, you cross the border briefly into Italy, before heading onto Slovenia, cycling through peaceful countryside en route to the beautiful Lake Bled.

After Bled, you head back to the Italian border to explore Italy’s Collio Goriziano wine region in the lesser-known Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The final stage of the route includes cycling alongside the Adriatic Sea taking in impressive castles before reaching the coastal city of Trieste.

What are the highlights?

• Experiencing varied local cultures along the way, from Austrian towns and Tyrol- architecture, to Italian cuisine
• The scenic Drau River cycle path with the Dolomites as your backdrop
• The vibrant port city of Trieste on the Adriatic coastline
• The picturesque Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular resorts. This gorgeous lake is surrounded by forested hills and mountains with lots to explore off the bike. There is the option to extend your stay here for two nights to take it all in!
• The Collio Goriziano wine region in Italy, where there is an opportunity to sample some of the locally produced wines in wineries

Tips for riding this route?

• Prepare for elevation changes and terrain variety: The route includes both uphill and downhill sections, so it’s important to be ready for altitude changes. Make sure you have good physical endurance, especially for the more challenging sections through the Dolomites. The terrain varies between dirt and paved roads
• Check the weather and plan breaks: The Dolomites can have variable weather conditions, even in summer. Bring appropriate clothing for temperature changes and rain. Also, plan breaks at scenic points to enjoy the breathtaking views and recover your energy
• Carry emergency equipment: Make sure you have a repair kit, a pump for the tyres, and a fully charged phone for emergencies

More information

Find out more about this cycling holiday on FunActive Tours website.

Part 2: Tips

Things to consider when planning a multi-day cycling route in the Dolomites

What is the best kind of bike to ride on a Dolomites cycling holiday?

The best bike depends on the type of route you decide to go for.

Dolomiti Venezia and Grand Tour of the Dolomites both feature cycle paths and roads so are well suited to leisure-style hybrid bikes or e-bikes. E-bikes are particularly popular on these tours and you should be able to charge your batteries each night in your accommodation (more on that below).

Alternatively, MTB Naturepark’s off-road mountain trails are best for technical mountain bikes. This will ensure you are well-equipped to handle the variety of rugged terrain you will encounter.

Be aware! Road bikes aren’t the best option for the routes featured above because some of the sections feature off-road or gravel terrain.

Bike shops

There are several bike shops offering bike hire and repair in the Dolomites; bike shops can be found at every stop along FunActive Tours cycle routes.

However, bike shops tend to be less frequent in more rural locations, so if you are planning a DIY trip it’s best to come prepared and do your research before to identify where these are on your cycle route, in case of any issues.

Top tip! If you plan to bring your own bike, it’s best to do a full maintenance check before you arrive to make sure it’s in the best condition possible. You don’t want to spend your precious holiday time in a bike shop sorting out mechanical issues!

Accommodation

Accommodation options in the Dolomites range from hotels, guesthouses and B&B’s, to more rustic rifugios (mountain huts) that can be found in the heart of the mountains. Rifugios offer basic accommodation and meals, they are a great option for those looking to immerse themselves more in nature.

Be aware! Wild camping is generally not allowed in the Dolomites. However, there are designated camping areas.

If you choose a Fun Active Tour, we carefully select a range of 3 and 4-star hotels that are chosen for their strategic location, quality and services. All of the hotels we choose are well equipped for cyclists with secure bike storage, charging points for electric bikes and an area for any essential maintenance.

Planning to organise your own accommodation? Discover these bike hotels in the Dolomites for more inspiration for accommodation.

Wildlife

The Dolomites are home to some fascinating local wildlife, including marmots, deer and alpine ibex. These are all generally harmless but can be startled so it’s best to stay alert and cycle with care if you encounter any.

At lower elevations, you may also notice wild boar which are particularly active at dusk.

Respecting the mountains

The protection of conservation of the Dolomites are important to ensure this precious natural environment remains for future generations to also enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful whilst navigating these landscapes and leave the landscapes as they find them.

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore more sustainably, but here are a few other things to consider:

• Avoid picking wildflowers or taking away rocks as souvenirs
• Take away any litter and dispose of it responsibly in designated bins – if you see other waste, try and pick this up as well (space allowing)
• Drink the local tap water – it’s excellent quality and better than buying plastic bottled water
• Support the local economy by buying products in local shops where possible.
• Try local seasonal food for your meals

Trains

The Dolomites are well connected by trains and are accessible from several main cities, including Milan (approximately three hours to Bolzano) and Venice (approximately two hours and 20 minutes to Trento). You can even catch an overnight sleeper train from Rome to the Dolomites if you plan to travel on to these mountains after a visit to the capital.

Generally, trains are regular and have dedicated bike spaces, though these spaces can be limited so always aim to book in advance, especially on busy routes.

Language

You’ll notice two prominent languages spoken in the Dolomites, Italian and German. You’ll also notice many of the towns and some of the mountains often have two names, one in Italian and another in German.

Despite this, you don’t need to speak Italian to tackle a bike tour in the Dolomites. English is generally widely spoken.

Highway code and travel information

As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Italy are here.

You should also read and follow Italy’s highway code.

What are the best times of year for cycling in the Dolomites?

The ideal months for cycling the Dolomites, are typically from June to October. During these months the Dolomites experience warmer, drier conditions making it best for cycling.

Top tip! School holidays in July and August can get busy so are best avoided by those who prefer less crowds in cities and quieter roads.

May might also be a possibility, but keep in mind that it’s statistically the wettest month in the region. It can also still be quite cold in early May. If you choose to visit in May, be sure to pack some waterproof gear! Rain tends to occur mainly in the spring and autumn months in the Dolomites.

The winter months in the Dolomites are best avoided due to freezing conditions, snow and ice making cycling challenging.

Fun Active Tours runs Dolomites cycling tours from March to October. 

What are your packing tips for cycling holidays in the Dolomites?

As with any high mountain environment, you should be prepared for unpredictable weather. You might encounter a variety of conditions in one day, or even valley to valley. It’s always best to prepare and pack accordingly.

Suitable clothing

Alongside lightweight, breathable cycling layers and some good quality padded bike shorts to keep you comfortable on multiple days in the saddle in warm conditions, don’t forget your packable waterproofs, including a rain-resistant wind jacket, in case of any adverse weather conditions!

A warm fleece jacket or lightweight insulated jacket is also recommended for cooler evenings in the mountains.

Hydration

Good hydration is important when cycling in the mountains, particularly when you head off the beaten track and into more rural and remote locations. Mountain bikers could consider a water bladder in a backpack for ease of access on the move. Or bring two water bottles, which you can keep filled up during each day’s ride.

For more useful packing information don’t miss this guide.

Do you need someone to organise your cycling tour of the Dolomites?

Organised cycling tours offer a stress-free planning experience, handling everything from accommodation and luggage transport to technical support and itineraries. FunActive Tours are perfect for those who want to fully enjoy their cycling experience without worrying about logistics.

Our routes have been developed by cycling experts and perfectly balance scenic beauty, safety, and difficulty, so you can experience some of the Dolomites’ lesser-known areas while benefiting from the peace of mind of our support.

Additionally, FunActive Tours also provides high-quality bike rentals, including e-bikes, removing the need to transport your own bike, or locate bike hire in the Dolomites.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Want help organising your Italy cycling holiday?

We’ve been organising bike tours in northern Italy since 2002 and would love to help you plan yours.

Get in touch and let's discuss the best holiday for you.

Head over to our website so we can start helping you plan your perfect northern Italy cycling trip.

Tell us more about your cycling tours in the Dolomites

FunActive Tours offers a range of self-guided and guided cycling trips in the Dolomites, organising a variety of holiday elements to make your cycling tour the best it can be. We are based in the area of Dobbiaco and have an in-depth knowledge and passion for the Dolomites region.

What you can expect on a FunActive Tour:

• Accommodation each night which offers a flavour of the region
• Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
• Well-planned cycling routes with detailed daily information about points of interest
• Navigation App with digital maps to help you navigate with ease
• Telephone hotline to assist with any issues you encounter along the way
• Quality bike hire to suit your cycling needs, including e-bikes and extra equipment (repair kits, locks, panniers etc…)

Where can people find out more about FunActive Tours?

Head to our website for more information.

We’d love to find out more about what you’re looking for from your next cycling holiday in the Dolomites and help you find the right trip for you!

Want to go cycling in the Dolomites?

Share your comments below!

A huge thanks to Freddy for his insights into some of the best cycling in the Dolomites. We hope it inspires your next trip – let us know your Dolomites plans in the comments below!

Looking for more Italy cycling routes? The following articles may also be useful:

• Guide to cycling the Dolomites, for a comprehensive guide to iconic passes and road bike tours
• Tips for cycling in the Dolomites, for more useful suggestions
• Guide to cycling Northeast Italy, including Veneto’s Lake Garda
• Guide to cycling Italy, for more amazing Italian scenery