Two magnificent lakes, Lake Landro and Lake Dobbiaco, are located in the municipality of Dobbiaco, the “Gateway to the Dolomites”
Nature parks, mountain lakes and peaks characterise the landscape of Dobbiaco, the first village in the 3 Zinnen Dolomites region. The Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park ends where the Three Peaks Nature Park begins.
Gustav Mahler recognised how beautiful it was in Dobbiaco in the Upper Val Pusteria back in 1908 and subsequently spent three summers here. Today, the Gustav Mahler Music Weeks continue to commemorate the composer. You can admire his little composing hut in Carbonin Vecchia, where he created his last three important works: "The song of the Earth", his 9th Symphony and the unfinished 10th Symphony.
This is just one of the reasons why Dobbiaco is the cultural centre of the Upper Val Pusteria. Another is the Grand Hotel Dobbiaco: Where high society relaxed in a magnificent setting a century ago, it is now a cultural meeting point. Its rooms host concerts and interesting exhibitions.
The two lakes in the area also deserve special attention. They show just how far Dobbiaco extends: To the north of Dobbiaco village are Santa Maria and Valle San Silvestro, which marks the entrance to the eponymous valley. To the south, the route goes past Lake Dobbiaco to Carbonin in the Valle di Landro, which continues as far as Lake Landro and then towards Misurina in Belluno. Events such as the Dolomiti Balloon Festival, the Dobbiaco-Cortina cross-country skiing marathon, the International Choir Festival, and the Dolomiti Superbike are key dates in the calendar.
Other attractions worth visiting include the Wood Wonder World, the Three Peaks Show Dairy, and the Bunker Museum. The disused railway line to Cortina and the Pusterbike Cycle Path are ideal for cycling tours, while the oldest Way of the Cross in Tyrol is recommended for a contemplative walk. In winter, skiers flock to the Rienza Ski Centre. Three lifts take you to the practice slope and the Trenker training slope, which are part of the 3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort. Cross-country skiers, on the other hand, are drawn to the prepared trails around the Nordic Arena Dobbiaco.
Notice: Due to the construction of the Riggertal loop and safety-related works, sections of the Val Pusteria Railway will be closed until January 2026. A rail replacement bus service will be in operation.
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