Cascades de Fanes
64km
+1170m
3h30
spring, summer & start of fall
2/5*
Physical & technical
This route starts at the Cascades de Fanes parking lot, located a few kilometers from Cortina d’Ampezzo. You have the opportunity to enjoy the waterfalls before or after your gravel ride; however, I highly recommend dipping your legs into the cold river water, there’s nothing better for recovery! You can reach the river with your bike; however, if you plan to venture onto the Cascade via ferrata, I recommend leaving your bike at your car.
From the parking lot, you’ll head back onto the road you arrived on, which you’ll follow for a short distance, climbing three switchbacks turns before reaching a wide gravel path.
This trail provides an alternative to the road, which is only a few meters above. The impact that such a short distance can have is incredible. By taking this route, you will be completely immersed in nature, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without the presence of cars.
In the summer, you may encounter many cyclists, so it’s important to stay vigilant. However, after the first 8 kilometers, you will turn onto the beginning of a gravel climb. You may still come across a good number of bikes, mostly electric, but don’t worry; the incline is not excessively steep. To access it, you will briefly follow the road for a few meters before turning right.
This pass will take you up approximately 600 meters in elevation over 8 kilometers. You will gradually discover the Dolomite Mountains that surround you. The surface of the ascent is mostly gravel with a section of asphalt. There is also a fountain where you can fill your water bottles before taking a break and having a meal on the plateau.
You will cross this magnificent plateau to reach the descent on the other side. During this crossing, I advise you to slow down as there may be pedestrians who are not necessarily very cautious. It’s also the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the view from a terrace. You will find two restaurants along the trail.
The remainder of the ride is quite smooth. It involves a mix of forest paths and bike lanes before joining the final 10 kilometers on the wide gravel path you took on the way out.
On the return, you’ll pass near two lakes, Lago di Dobiacco and Lago di Landro. Although both lakes allow swimming, Lago di Landro offers more convenient access. Also, don’t forget that you can take a swim at the Fanes Waterfalls at the end of your ride; I actually recommend this option 🙂
Check out the other things to do in the Dolomites : Must-Do Dolomites 🙂
My Equipments
For this ride
Best Addresses
(*tested)
RESTAURANTS
Pizzeria Hans*
italian cuisine
Schlosskeller*
italian & austrian cuisine
Bar Minigolf*
italian & austrian cuisine
Restaurant Il Leone*
italian & cuisine, small local restaurant
Ristorante Lago di Landro*
italian & austrian cuisine
Da Po'*
ice cream
Rifugio Son Forca*
Guarded refuge, accessible by chairlift or hiking. Access to the Ivano Dibona via ferrata
ACTIVITIES
Rautkofel hike*
Hike
Bivacco de Toni*
Bivouac in a red hut.
Lago di Landro*
Swimming possible. Views of the Tre Cime
Lago di Dobbiaco*
Swimming possible
ACCOMMODATIONS
Rifugio Son Forca*
Guarded refuge, accessible by chairlift or hiking. Access to the Ivano Dibona via ferrata. Must book in advance
Bivacco de Toni*
Bivouac in a red hut. not guarded
Culinary Specialties / Local Products
- Apfelstrudel - apple cake
- Goulash - soup
- Spätzle with ham and cream - green spinach pastas
- Casunziei - raviolis
- Semmelknödel - bread dumplings
- Schnitzel -Viennese schnitze
- Polenta - cornmeal
- Spritz - alcoholic beverage
- Radler
