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A walk amongst marmots and grazing cattle

Cortina d'Ampezzo

An itinerary set amidst the peaks and grasslands of the famous Giau Pass

Hiking Easy

Distance
1.1 km
Ascent
13 m
Descent
13 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.2 km
High Point
2.2 km
Gradient
A walk amongst marmots and grazing cattle Map

From the Giau Pass car park, take track n° 436 until you reach the Col Piombin gully, about 20 minutes’ walk away. From here, you will see a lot of cattle grazing, and if you are lucky, you will hear the marmots whistling, and perhaps see a few.

Description

The Giau Pass is an incredibly beautiful location, set amidst grassland and surrounded by some of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites: you can look over the Ampezzo valley from high above, and see Mount Gusela in the Nuvolau group, Croda da Lago, Lastoi de Formin and Mount Cernera. The pass is historically important: in centuries past it marked the frontier between the Most Serene Republic of Venice and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In addition, it is an absolutely unmissable location for cyclists and motorcyclists.

To return to the starting point, take the same route back. Don’t miss a stop at the traditional restaurant Berghotel Passo Giau.

By bus: From the bus station in Cortina, take the bus towards the Giau Pass, and get off at the Pass (check the timetables published on the Dolomiti Bus website).

By car: From the centre of Cortina, take the state road towards the Falzarego and Giau Passes. After the village of Pocol (you will see the large Hotel Argentina on your right), about 20 minutes from the town centre, turn left towards the Giau Pass.

Difficulty

Easy

Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Alpine
  • Picturesque
  • Family friendly

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area