Are you looking for a destination that’s perfect for a full weekend? We recommend a visit to Dobbiaco in Val Pusteria. This beautiful South Tyrolean town is known as the“Gateway to the Dolomites” and is nestled in a fairytale setting between the Sesto Dolomites Nature Park and the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park.
It will take you a little over a couple of hours to get there from Trento (so we recommend leaving early in the morning!). There are so many attractions in and around this beautiful village; here’s a quick guide with a few tips for your visit.
SPORTS AND NATURE
LAKE DOBBIACO
Lake Dobbiaco is an ideal destination for families: along its shores, there is an interesting themed trail that highlights the flora and fauna of the protected area. It is an easy, flat dirt path—suitable even for strollers—that’s about 4.5 kilometers long. In the summer, you can take a rowboat or pedal boat out on the lake. In the fall, you can witness the migration of birds to warmer climates. In the winter, horse-drawn carriage rides are organized. Find all the information HERE.
GUSTAV MAHLER WILDLIFE PARK
The wildlife area, not far from the town of Dobbiaco, is truly well-maintained and unique, and is open both in summer and winter. Inside, there are plenty of animals to admire and pet: goats, fawns, piglets, geese, and llamas, as well as buffalo, wild boars, lynx, and raccoons. The kids will be enchanted! At the ticket booth, you can also buy food for the animals for two euros. All the information is HERE.
Dobbiaco-Lienz Bicycle Path
This bike path, which stretches over 40 kilometers, winds through countryside, woods, valleys, playgrounds, and postcard-perfect scenery—and is truly accessible to everyone. Find all the information HERE.
NORDIC ARENA
This climbing gym features walls up to 28 meters high with 80 routes ranging in difficulty from 4b to 9a, as well as a bouldering area (routes below 6c are reset once a month). It allows you to climb year-round. There may be occasional closures, so always check to make sure it’s open. More information HERE.
PLAYGROUNDS
GRIESWALDILE
In the heart of Old Dobbiaco lies a vast green space that is a true paradise for young and old alike. We’re talking about South Tyrol’s largest playground: the Grieswaldile. It’s very shaded and features various balance, climbing, and water play structures, as well as classic slides and swings. Rounding out the experience is a small pond you can cross by raft and a relaxation area. Find all the information HERE.
THE MAGICAL WORLD OF THE DOBBIACO FOREST
The Magical World of the Forest is a large park in the woods, located behind the Grand Hotel in Dobbiaco, divided into three themed areas. The first features a large wooden structure with a slide, animal dens, informational panels, and other play activities. Next is the Tree Village, featuring three large wooden structures connected by walkways and housing various exhibits about this material. And finally, there’s the Celtic horoscope, where you can discover which tree you’re connected to based on your date of birth. Find all the information HERE.
If you’re in Val Pusteria in a RV, we recommend the Prato alla Drava rest area or the Sesto Caravan Park.
For any other information, please contact the local tourism office at 0474-913 156.
Check out the complete guide to Val Pusteria HERE.