Self-Guided From Brixen to Cortina Hiking Tour

Tour type

Self-Guided

at your own pace

Hiking days

3 days

Total hiking distance

46 km

~15 km/day

Level

moderate

Start / End

Brixen

ends Cortina

Group size

2–12

participants

Accommodation

Casual+ Inns (4★)

Best season

Jun – Sep

This 5-day self-guided hiking tour takes you from the historic town of Brixen into the heart of the Dolomites, offering a relaxed yet rewarding alpine experience. You will walk along well-maintained trails through quiet forests, open meadows, and striking mountain landscapes, with ever-changing views of iconic formations like the Sciliar, Sassolungo, and Sella groups.

Along the way, cozy mountain huts and local South Tyrolean cuisine add warmth to each day’s journey. The route gradually leads you into the stunning Ampezzo Dolomites before finishing in Cortina, often called the Queen of the Dolomites. With no technical climbing sections and flexible transport options available if needed, the tour is ideal for moderately active hikers looking for scenic variety, comfort, and independence.

Highlights

Scenic Trails with Comfortable Accessibility

The route follows well-maintained paths, forest roads, and mountain trails without technical climbing sections. This makes it ideal for moderately active hikers who want rewarding views without extreme difficulty.

Authentic South Tyrolean Experience

Along the way, enjoy cozy mountain huts, local specialties, and warm hospitality. These authentic touches add a cultural and culinary dimension to the hiking experience.

Iconic Finish in Cortina

The journey ends in Cortina, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” offering a perfect finale with its alpine charm, scenic beauty, and vibrant atmosphere.

5 Days from $995

Free cancellation · Up to 60 days before group departure

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Day	Place	Casual+ Inns	Meals	Distance	Activity
01	Brixen	Hotel Grüner Baum (4 Star)	B	-
02	Bruneck	Hotel Corso am Graben (4 Star)	B	17 km / 11 mi	hiking
03	Prags	Hotel Erika	B	16 km / 10 mi	hiking
04	Cortina	Hotel da Beppe Sello	B	13 km / 8 mi	hiking
05	Departure	-	B	-

Meals: B = Breakfast · L = Lunch · D = Dinner

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Brixen

Your journey begins with an individual arrival in the historic town of Brixen, a charming gateway to the Dolomites. As you settle into your hotel, take time to absorb the relaxed alpine atmosphere and the cultural character of this episcopal town. Surrounded by mountain scenery and traditional South Tyrolean architecture, Brixen offers a gentle introduction to the landscapes that await.

You may choose to explore the town at your own pace, enjoying its streets, cafés, and welcoming ambiance. The day is intentionally unhurried, allowing you to prepare for the hiking experience ahead while easing into the rhythm of the tour.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Grüner Baum (4 Star)

Day 2: Bruneck

After a short morning transfer, you begin your first hike from Rodeneck, stepping onto the sunny high plateau of the Lüsn-Rodeneck Alm. The route unfolds across open alpine terrain with sweeping views over the Brixen basin, the Eisack Valley, and distant Dolomite peaks. Along the way, small mountain lakes and traditional inns create inviting rest points, adding charm to the journey.

Passing highlights such as the Black Lake and Walder Alm, the trail gradually transitions into a descent toward Montal. By evening, you arrive in Bruneck or Reischach, where the day concludes in a peaceful alpine setting.

Meals: B

Hiking Distance: 17 km / 11 mi

Accommodation: Hotel Corso am Graben (4 Star)

Day 3: Prags

The day begins with a cable car ascent to Kronplatz, a renowned hiking and ski mountain that offers expansive panoramic views. From here, your route descends via the Furkel Pass into the Fanes–Sennes–Prags Nature Park, one of South Tyrol’s most impressive protected landscapes.

The scenery shifts to a more dramatic alpine environment as you walk from the Fojedöra alpine pasture beneath the imposing Seekofel massif. The highlight of the day is the arrival at Pragser Wildsee, often described as the pearl of the Dolomite lakes, where serene waters reflect the surrounding peaks. An optional extension via Hochalpensee is available for experienced hikers.

Meals: B

Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi

Accommodation: Hotel Erika

Day 4: Cortina

Today’s route leads you through one of the most scenic sections of the journey, beginning with the ascent to Plätzwiese, a renowned hiking area celebrated for its unique flora and tranquil alpine lakes. Surrounded by notable peaks such as Hohe Gaisl and the Kreuzkofel group, the landscape feels both expansive and intimate.

From Plätzwiese, the trail continues toward Helltal via Strudelkopf, offering remarkable views of iconic Dolomite landmarks including the Three Peaks, Tofana, and Monte Cristallo. The day concludes with your arrival in Cortina, where the alpine charm of this celebrated destination provides a fitting end to the hike.

Meals: B

Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi

Accommodation: Hotel da Beppe Sello

Day 5: Departure

Your final morning begins in Cortina, often referred to as the Queen of the Dolomites. After breakfast, your tour concludes with an individual departure, allowing flexibility based on your onward travel plans. You may choose to extend your stay and further explore the surrounding mountains or enjoy the town’s alpine atmosphere before leaving.

Reflecting on the journey, the route from Brixen to Cortina offers a rich combination of landscapes, from gentle meadows to dramatic peaks, along with memorable cultural and natural highlights. The experience ends with a sense of accomplishment and a lasting impression of the Dolomites.

Meals: B

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Accommodation

Each accommodation has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

Essential Info

Inclusions

Lodging

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

Meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Additional Inclusions

• Accommodation in hotel • Breakfast Included • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel • Transfer to Reischach • Cable car tickets according to the program • Well planned routes • Detailed documents (maps, route description, places to visit, important telephone numbers) • Telephone service hotline for the entire tour • Navigation App

Exclusions

Airport Pickup

We recommend to book directly from airport.

Airport Drop

We recommend to book directly from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Start

Brixen

Finish

Cortina

Fly-In

Innsbruck Airport (INN)

Fly-Out

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

ARRIVAL

Your tour begins in Brixen (Bressanone), which does not have its own airport, so you will need to arrive via a nearby international airport and continue by train or road. The most convenient option is Innsbruck Airport (INN), located around 1.5 hours away. From Innsbruck, you can take a direct train to Brixen or arrange a private transfer.

Alternatively, you can fly into Verona (VRN) or Venice (VCE) and take a train via Bolzano to reach Brixen. Trains are reliable and well connected, making them a preferred option. Ensure your arrival time allows enough buffer for onward travel to your first hotel.

DEPARTURE

Your tour ends in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which also does not have a direct railway station or airport. The most convenient departure option is via Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Treviso Airport (TSF). From Cortina, regular bus services connect you to Venice in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. You can also book a private transfer for a more direct and comfortable journey.

It is recommended to plan your departure with sufficient buffer time, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure a smooth connection to your flight.

The best time for this hike is from June to September, when trails are clear and weather is stable. Daytime temperatures typically range from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F), ideal for long walks without extreme heat. July and August are warmest, while June and September offer slightly cooler conditions and fewer crowds. Spring and early autumn can bring mixed weather with cooler temperatures around 8 to 18°C (46 to 64°F).

Winter is generally unsuitable due to snow and trail closures. Overall, summer provides the most reliable and enjoyable hiking conditions in the Dolomites.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Mixed

May

Mixed

June

Best

July

Best

August

Best

September

Best

October

Good

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.

Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear

Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
Hiking poles if you prefer extra support on uneven terrain.
Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
Headlamp or small flashlight.
Light gloves and a beanie for early mornings or higher altitudes.

Clothing

Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
Extra socks, preferably synthetic or wool.

Other Necessities

Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.

Pro Tips

Pack light. You'll appreciate it on the trail.
Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
Keep rain gear easy to access in your daypack.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

UK Residents: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Travel Advice.
US Residents: US Department of State Travel Advice.
Australian Residents: Smartraveller.
Canadian Residents: Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories.
New Zealand Residents: SafeTravel.
Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Check for updates close to departure to avoid last-minute issues.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance, including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.