Region: Cortina d’Ampezzo — Ampezzo Valley, Dolomites, Italy
Places To Stay: Stay central in Cortina d’Ampezzo for buses, shops, and easy starts. If you’d rather be somewhere quieter, villages like Pocol or San Vito di Cadore also work and are handy for nearby trailheads.
Looking for more Dolomites trails? Head to my ‘Dolomites Hiking Guides‘ page to see all regions and routes.
Below are a few ideas for day tours and transfers around Cortina d’Ampezzo, with GetYourGuide offering great discounts and easy booking + see more here.
For a wider choice of accommodation in the Dolomites, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
This loop is a proper crowd-pleaser: steady forest paths, a pretty alpine lake, and a simple ridge link with big views. From the trailhead you climb to Lago Federa and Rifugio Croda da Lago – Palmieri, then carry on over Forcella Ambrizzola before dropping back through larch and spruce. Nothing technical, just a good day out with an easy lunch stop at the hut.
Getting There: Directions, GPX and Map
- Start/Finish: Cortina bus or drive to “Ponte de Ru Curto” (SP638 to Passo Giau) → Croda da Lago Circular → head back; the trailhead has limited spaces.
- Transport: Seasonal buses from Cortina towards Passo Giau stop near the start; check times in town.
- Download the GPX file here.
- Follow this route on my Outdooractive profile.
Travel Data: I use eSIMs to stay connected — quick setup and no roaming faff. Sim Local has been solid in Italy/Europe with good prices and coverage.
Hike Profile
- Distance: 10–13 km (loop variations).
- Duration: 4–5.5 hours with stops.
- Ascent/Descent: ~890 m.
- Highest Point: Forcella Ambrizzola ~2,500 m (Lago Federa ~2,046 m).
- Difficulty: Moderate — good paths; some stonier zigzags on the climb, good fitness needed.
- Terrain: Forest tracks, rocky mountain paths, lakeside section, meadow descent.
Route Overview (Clockwise from Ponte de Ru Curto)
| Section | From → To | Trail No. | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ponte de Ru Curto → Lago Federa | 437 | 4–5 km | Steady forest climb with a couple of bridges and clear waymarks. |
| 2 | Lago Federa → Rif. Croda da Lago (Palmieri) | 436/around lake | 0.5 km | Easy lakeside stroll; perfect coffee/strudel stop. |
| 3 | Palmieri → Forcella Ambrizzola | 436 | 1–1.5 km | Shorter, steeper push; wide views over Cortina side. |
| 4 | Return to trailhead | 434 → 437 | 3–4 km | Back through larch and spruce to the road/bus stop. |
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Hike Description
It starts gently. From the roadside sign at Ponte de Ru Curto you’re straight into the trees on Path 437. The gradient is friendly but constant and what added to the beauty was the sound of running water, and the bridges over them are really gentle and very picturesque, some zigzags, and the odd clearing where you get a peek up to the peaks, which is a stunning view. It’s cool in the forest and a nice warm-up if you’ve just arrived in Cortina.
When the trees thin, Lago Federa pops into view with Rifugio Croda da Lago – Palmieri at the other end of the lake. It’s a great spot for coffee or an early lunch, and you’ll have to go a long way to get better views, especially with the clear blue lake to its side. Walk the easy lakeside section, take the photos everyone takes, then leave the Rifugio and keep walking on heading towards Forcella Ambrizzola.
The climb to the saddle is the steeper bit of the day, but it’s short and on a clear path. From the top you get a wide look across to Cinque Torri and the Tofane. If you want to stretch it, tag on the quick out-and-back to Forcella Roan before starting the descent.
The descent is the other side of the mountain, and you’ll head down on Path 434 into the larch and spruce. It’s straight forward underfoot with a couple of short, stonier patches. The last stretch picks up the route you came up on from the start, so you then take your time heading back to the road and the bus stop/parking. Obviously when you get back after this walk, Gelato back in Cortina is pretty much mandatory.
Places to Stay in the Dolomites – My Picks
I’ve put together a few guides to make choosing a hotel in the Dolomites easier. If you’re after a romantic break, I’ve found some cosy hideaways. If it’s hiking that’s front and centre, I’ve rounded up the best hotels with trails right from the door. There are also ski-in ski-out favourites, family-friendly bases, and hotels with those wow-factor mountain views or even hot tubs to sink into after a long day.
- Most Romantic Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels for Hiking in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Ski-In Ski-Out Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Family Friendly Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels with Mountain Views in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in the Dolomites ⇢
Places to Stay in Cortina
For a wider choice of accommodation in the Dolomites, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
Recommended Stays
Central spot near bus stops and cafés — handy for early starts.
Good value and walkable to the centre; simple access to buses.
AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails Plans – Read my ‘Full Review‘ for more details.
Practicalities
- Season: Late June–October for full hut service; shoulder months possible depending on snow.
- Footwear: Light boots or grippy trail shoes.
- Water & food: Rif. Croda da Lago – Palmieri on the lake; carry water for the climb.
- Weather: Storms can build in the afternoon — early start helps.
- Options: Skip Forcella Roan to keep it shorter; anti-clockwise works too if you prefer a steeper descent.
Croda da Lago / Lago Federa FAQs
How long is the loop?
Usually 10–13 km and 4–5.5 hours with breaks.
Is it hard?
Moderate. The climb to the lake is steady, then there’s a short steeper push to the saddle.
Which direction is best?
Clockwise from Ponte de Ru Curto for a steady climb and shorter steeper section near the saddle.
Do I need a bus or can I drive?
Both work. Parking can be tight; the seasonal Cortina→Passo Giau bus stops by the start.
Can I swim in Lago Federa?
No, please don’t swim — it’s an alpine lake and protected area.
Are there huts open?
Rifugio Croda da Lago – Palmieri is open in season for food and drinks; carry some cash.
Any exposure or via ferrata?
No ferrata and no airy ledges — just standard mountain paths with a few rocky steps.
Is it family friendly?
Yes for active kids used to a 500–700 m climb, with the lake as a good halfway goal.
Dogs allowed?
Yes on a lead; be considerate around the hut and lakeside.
How can I extend the day?
Add Forcella Roan or continue towards Mondeval trails if time and weather allow.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.
I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.
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