Overview
Map
Introduction
This relaxing walk starts in the locality of Fiames and ends in Cadin di Sopra. It's a short and easy trail that can be done by everybody, especially on hot summer days, both because the route is mostly shaded by trees and also because it partly runs along the banks of Boite Stream.
You can find the route on the Tabacco Map 003 - Cortina d'Ampezzo Dolomiti Ampezzane, along Path 417. Alternatively, you can see our route on Google Maps by clicking here.
This is a really simple hike, short, and with a really low height gain, so it can be done by anyone, even small kids and the elderly.
Path of the Hike
This relaxing walk to Cadin, as we imagined it for you, 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 sign for Ponte de Ra Sia and follow the directions for Path 417, heading towards Cadin. Make sure not to take the paved road towards Lake Ghedina.
The first part of the trail is a well-maintained gravel path in the shade of the trees. Along its entire length, it is always easy to spot and follow.
After a few minutes, you'll see the Boite stream on your left. On warmer days, the fresh air coming from the river makes the walk even more enjoyable.
After a few more minutes you'll reach the first uphill stretch; it's short, nothing to worry about. The path goes beneath an overhanging rock wall, where you may sometimes spot climbers training.
After a short descend the path levels out, and the forest opens up a little. When the trees begin to thicken again, you’ll reach the second uphill stretch, this time a bit more demanding, and will bring you you close to Cadin.
Just a few more minutes and you'll come across a small junction. Whichever direction you choose makes no difference, as the two paths merge again after just a few meters. The one on the left is less steep, while the one on the right is shorter.
Continue for another ten minutes, until the forest opens up into a wide green meadow full of flowers. From here, you're just a short distance away from the village of Cadin.
The one you are about to cross is one of the most beautiful meadows in Ampezzo, offering a truly enchanting view of Cortina and Mount Faloria.
During the summer months those lucky enough may spot some Lilium bulbiferum, better known as St. John’s lilies. This beautiful flower blooms between May and July and is a protected species: it must not be picked in any way, neither the flower nor the bulb.
The walk ends at the far side of this beautiful meadow, with a barrier that blocks vehicle access to the road you've just walked.
If you wish, you can take a short walk around Cadin di Sopra. Unfortunately, the village doesn't offer much to visitors, as it's basically only a bunch of private houses.
To return to Fiames, simply follow the same route back. On the way back you can appreciate one of the most beautiful views of Mount Pomagagnon in all of Cortina.
If you have no reason to go back to Fiames, you could decide to proceed towards the center of Cortina. This walk would take around forty minutes.
Continue to Cadin di Sotto, keeping right at the junction towards Cadelverzo. From there, follow the only paved road, using the bell tower as your reference point; you can't go wrong.
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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 backrest 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 2500 m, or 8,200 ft, in height, almost nothing compared to the 3,244 m, or 10,600 ft, of the Tofane or the 3264 m, or 10,700 ft, 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 of Cadin, after the third house, take the path on the right. From here you will have to walk about three kilometers, or two miles, all on a steep 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 fifteen-minute drive from the center.
Another solution might be to take Bus n° 1 from Tennis Apollonio bus stop and get off at the stop at Camping Olympia. For more information and to purchase tickets, you should contact the ticket office, which is located in the same office as the Tourist Information Center. It may be closed during lunch.
If you want to make this walk more challenging, you may get there walking from the town center. Along the road known as the former railway, you can reach Fiames in about an hour and a half. In Italian we call it Ex Ferrovia.
We have described this pleasant walk on a specific page, which you can visit by clicking below:
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 in Roma Square or you can visit the official taxi 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 packed 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 territory of 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.
Always be responsible, and when in doubt, stop. CiaoCortina cannot be held responsible for any damage to things or people, variations, wrong paths, errors, or inconveniences that may occur along the route.
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.
If you want to thank us, you can read the page Support Us. If you only want to suggest a change, propose something, or just say hello, in the section Contacts and Info, you'll find all the ways to reach us.