Overview
Map
Introduction
This walk from Fiames to "Cadin di Sopra" is a relaxing stroll that can be done by everybody. It is ideal on hot summer days both because the route is mostly shaded by trees and because it partly runs along the banks of Boite river.
This hike can be found on Tabacco Map 003, "Cortina d'Ampezzo e Dolomiti Ampezzane," and goes along Path 417. Alternatively, you can see our route on Google Maps by clicking here.
This is a really simple hike with a really low height gain, so it can be done by anyone, even small kids and elderly.
Path of the hike
Whis walk starts at this free parking lot, near the Camping Olympia. If you need more information on how to get there, we'll describe it in depth down on the page in the chapter "How to Get There."
From here, look for the wooden sign named "Ponte de ra Sia," then follow the indication Path 417 which will make you enter the woods, towards "Cadin." Be sure to not follow the paved road to Lake Ghedina.
The walk follows the "Boite" River for about half an hour, never presenting particularly steep climbs or descents.
After about twenty minutes you'll encounter a small crossroads, but the two roads meet again a few meters ahead, so the direction you decide to follow will change nothing. If you have any doubts, simply follow the trail signs on the trees.
Continue for another 10 minutes, until the forest leaves space to a green and wide meadow, full of flowers. You are now really close to "Cadin."
Here there's one of the most beautiful meadows in Ampezzo, which offers a truly enchanting view of Cortina and Mount Faloria.
During summer months you can spot some wild Red Lilies, scientifically known as Lilium bulbiferum This beautiful flower grows between May and July, it is a protected specie, so it should not be harvested in any way, either as a flower or as a bulb.
This walk ends at the end of this beautiful meadow, when you will see a metal pole that blocks the cars.
Unfortunately Cadin doesn't have much to offer to the tourists, so you could take a short visit, but you'll probably leave soon as there are only private houses.
To return back to the starting point you can take the same route you did before, which will give you one of the best views on Mount Pomagagnon you can find in Cortina.
If you have reached Fiames by public transportation, you may prefer to walk to the center of Cortina. This stroll will take you about forty minutes, in which you can easily use the bell tower as a reference for the direction to follow.
Curiosities
Before reaching the village of "Cadin" you'll find a picturesque wooden bench, from which you can observe the panorama and relax in the sun. On the back of the bench Kurt Wierer sculpted a Madonna, who observes Cortina with a blissful smile, perhaps she too is enchanted by the view of Mount Faloria.
Mount Pomagagnon, as seen from Cadin, is one of the most majestic mountains in the whole valley. In reality its hugeness is only an illusion due to its particular proximity. The highest ridges of this mountain, the "Croda Longes," the "Croda of Pomagagnon," and the "Testa del Bartoldo," don't even reach 2500mt, or 8,200ft, in height, almost nothing compared to the 3244mt, or 10,600ft of the Tofane or the 3264mt, or 10,700ft of Mount Antelao.
If you want to walk more, from "Cadin di Sopra," you can also take Path 410, to reach Lake Ghedina. This is a fairly demanding detour which, in about half an hour, allows you to visit the suggestive lake and the restaurant of the same name. From the metal pole ot "Cadin," after the third house, take the path on the right. From here you will have to walk about three kilometers, two miles, all uphill, until you reach the lake.
How to get there
This walk to "Cadin" starts in the locality of "Fiames." It can easily be reached both by car and by bus.
If you have a car, the best place to park is this free parking lot, near the Olympia Camping. It is rather small and well known, so if you can't find free parking you can proceed along the road and park in one of the many free parking lots nearby the former airfield, from which you will easily reach the starting point. Fiames is about a 15 minute drive from the center.
Another solution might be to take Bus No. 1 from Cortina's bus station and get off at the stop at Camping Olympia. For more information or to purchase tickets, you can contact the ticket office at the bus station. It may be closed during lunch hours.
Finally, you could take a taxi. From Cortina to Camping Olympia the cost should be approximately €25. Considering that prices could vary a lot, both for the type of vehicle and the number of people, you should always ask for a quote. Taxis can be found both in Roma Square and at the bus station, or you can visit the Taxi official website.
If you need any information there is a tourist information office. It is located in the town center, near the church.
Useful information
The walk from "Fiames" to "Cadin" is not ideal in winter, because the snow is not groomed nor beaten. Usually, the most suitable months for this hike are those that go between May and November. This is a slightly conservative estimate, as every season is different. It is not possible to know exactly when it will snow nor when the snow will melt.
Even though this is a really easy walk, we suggest choosing appropriate clothing, starting with your shoes, which should be sturdy. Always carry a backpack with, at least, some water, a snack and a rain jacket. If you are new to hiking, we recommend you read the page we wrote on how to tackle a mountain outing:
We want to emphasize that, in the Dolomites, there are rules to be followed. The main ones are:
- It is strictly forbidden to light fires.
- It is strictly forbidden to pick plants and flowers.
- Free camping is prohibited.
- It is prohibited to abandon garbage.
- It is mandatory to keep pets on a leash.
Conclusion
We hope you liked this page about the walk from Fiames to the meadows of "Cadin di Sopra." Before saying goodbye, we would like to mention that you can find other amazing hikes in Cortina and its surroundings by clicking here.
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