Explore the valley on the historic railway

The Val Gardena Railway Trail follows the gentle line of a former mountain railway through one of the most dramatic valleys in the Dolomites. It is not a long or difficult ride. Instead, it offers easy cycling, wonderful views and a fascinating piece of Val Gardena history — the sort of ride that leaves plenty of time to look around.

We based ourselves in Ortisei, a town we have returned to several times. From the centre, it is easy to roll onto the old railway route, known locally as La ferata de Gherdëina — “the Val Gardena railway” in Ladin — and in Italian as the Sentiero del Trenino.

The full historic trail climbs gradually from Roncadizza through Ortisei and Santa Cristina to Selva di Val Gardena. We rode the lovely middle section from Ortisei to Santa Cristina and returned the same way—a relaxed outing with mountain scenery in every direction and a gentle downhill roll home.

A Railway Through the Dolomites

The narrow-gauge railway was built for military use during the First World War, when this region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Construction began in September 1915 and the line opened in February 1916 — an astonishingly short build. About 6,000 Russian prisoners of war worked on it.

For the next 44 years, the little railway helped shape life in the valley. It carried supplies and building materials in, wooden carvings out, and eventually brought growing numbers of visitors to Val Gardena. The railway closed in 1960 as cars took over, but its graceful alignment was too useful — and too interesting — to disappear.

Today the old line is a broad, mostly paved multi-use trail. Historic photographs and interpretation panels tell the railway’s story along the way. Near Santa Cristina, the reconstructed station, stone bridge and old railway tunnel make the past feel wonderfully close.

Why You’ll Love This Ride

• Dolomite views — The valley opens around you, framed by forests, meadows and the jagged pale peaks that make this part of Italy unforgettable.
• A gentle railway grade — The climb toward Santa Cristina is steady and easy, and the return to Ortisei is a gentle roll.
• Living history — Old railway structures, a tunnel, the little Santa Cristina station and 14 interpretation panels turn a simple ride into a story.
• A sociable trail — You share the route with walkers, local families and other cyclists — it feels calm and friendly.
• Choose your distance — Ride a short out-and-back from Ortisei, continue to Santa Cristina, or follow more of the 12.2-km historic route toward Selva.

More Dolomites Adventures

• Alpe di Siusi ~ Edelweiss Loop

• La Lunga Via dell Dolomiti ~ Dolomites Cycleway

• Sellaronda