The Old Railway “Passeggiata” is the easiest hike for families with children in Cortina d’Ampezzo: fresh air, stunning views of the Dolomites, and very little effort.
Without a doubt, the Former Railway Track is the easiest and best hike with a stroller in the Dolomites – even a city stroller with small wheels! If you’re anything like us, you’re not going to carry your baby in a backpack for 6 hours while hiking up a mountain. This is a holiday, not a workout!
Also known as the Bike Path or the Cycleway, the Old Railway is perfect in summer and winter. Keep reading our advice below.
Are you a couch potato? So are we! Nonetheless, when we do manage to get up from our lovely sofa, we enjoy spending time outdoors. We share our super-easy hikes, stories and adventures on our series “Hiking for couch potatoes“. If we can do it, you can do it too!
What is the Old Railway Track trail
The Old Railway Trail is a long, paved trail with minimal elevation gain, wide enough for both pedestrians and cyclists, which crosses the whole valley of Cortina d’Ampezzo, between traditional houses and meadows.
From 1921 to 1964, here ran the “Ferrovia delle Dolomiti”, the Dolomites Railway, which connected Calalzo (South of Cortina and with lower altitude) to Dobbiaco/Toblach (North of Cortina and with higher altitude), for a total of 65 km. The part within Cortina is approximately 10 km long.
Because of its history and features, this trail has many names:
– The stroll, promenade, walk, in Italian “la passeggiata” or “la pedonale”;
– The former or old railway track, in Italian “ex-Ferrovia”;
– The cycle path or bike path, in Italian “(Pista) Ciclabile”;
– The Long Way of the Dolomites, in Italian “Lunga Via delle Dolomiti” (the name on Google Maps).
Hike with a stroller in Cortina
The old railway is the most stroller-friendly hike in the Dolomites.
I hesitate to call it a hike because it’s more of a walk: the trail is paved, it’s just slightly uphill, there are plenty of benches to relax. You can walk or run with sports shoes as a physical exercise, or you can stroll along it slowly, even with ballerinas or sandals in the summer.
Most importantly, there is no beginning or end: you walk as long as you like, and then you come back!
It can snow a lot in the winter in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Usually, the Old Railway is cleaned (at least partially) after just one or two days, which leaves it “paved” with a thin layer of compact snow. As long as your shoes have a good gripping sole (I use Timberland shoes and they work great), you will find a way to push the stroller, even if the surface is a little icy. If your child is already stable when sitting, try using a wooden sleigh or a plastic sled!
If you are planning to visit Cortina d’Ampezzo, read also:
– my complete guide to Cortina d’Ampezzo with lots of practical info
– the easy version of Croda da Lago hike for couch potatoes
– the complete guide to Fanes Waterfalls hike, with easy, hard and panoramic parts
– the hike to Lake Pianozes, super easy and scenic (great with kids)
– the hike to Pian de ra Spines, also very easy and peaceful (great with kids)
– why we went to Lago di Valparola instead of hiking Lagazuoi (great with kids)
Where is the Former Railway Hike
The Old Railway/Bike Path crosses the town of Cortina on the North-South axis. It is located in the centre of the valley, East of the Boite river. It runs along the main road “Strada Statale” (Google map here for most of the trail).
The Trail is accessible from every road it crosses, and it runs by hundreds of houses. A major access point is the Cortina bus station (former train station) and the car parking around it.
The elevation of the path rises minimally as it goes North.
Planning a longer trip? Check out our ideas and itineraries in Italy!
The views from the Old Dolomites Railway
As it winds along the Ampezzo valley, the views of the Dolomites are extraordinary.
On the horizon, the Becco di Mezzodí and the Croda da Lago
Tips for walks on the “passeggiata” Railway Trail
The trail is one of the most popular bike itineraries in the Dolomites, but there is just a painted line on the asphalt to separate cyclists from pedestrians: watch out!
During the winter, the path may be covered in snow, but it’s not too hard to access it with a stroller (it may take 1-2 days to clean it). On the other hand, it’s perfect for sleighs and for playing in the snowy meadows.
The tar stops here (Google Maps), North of the city centre, and the trail becomes gravel and crushed stone. If you plan to walk there, wear comfortable shoes with a good sole, and use a stroller with large wheels.
While benches are comfortable for breastfeeding, consider taking a blanket with you and sitting on the grass, if you prefer some peace and privacy.
Most of the path is free of trees: be prepared to put on and take off clothes – it can be really warm in the sun, and pretty chilly in the wind!
There are no public toilets along the trail. However, there are some fountains of pure and fresh mountain water.
There are no restaurants or cafes along the old railway, as they are mostly located in the city centre.
A few hotels are just next to the trail, such as Hotel Trieste, Hotel Menardi, Hotel Serena (still quite close to the centre), Hotel Des Alpes and Rosapetra Spa Resort (a little farther away). From these hotels, you can easily walk to the centre and avoid the nightmare of finding a parking spot. Book directly with the hotels to contribute to the local economy.
To sum up, is the Old Railway suitable for families?
Yes, the Former Railway in Cortina d’Ampezzo is perfect for families with a pram, for children on foot and on bikes, as well as for grandparents who want to walk with little effort.
Did you enjoy a walk on the Old Railway? Let us know in the comments!
