Venetian

Day 5 (23.9.): Cortina - Lago di Santa Croce 80 km 500 hm

As in the previous days, the sun shines in the morning today as well. Throughout the day, clouds gradually gather. During our departure, we can admire the Monte Cristalino in all its majestic glory. Unfortunately, the opposite trio of the Tofana, where the alpine ski competitions are held, is also shrouded in clouds today. With a splendid view of famous Dolomite peaks such as Monte Pelmo or ... Today, we cycle on a former railway line, which was serviced by a narrow-gauge railway until 1964. From this time, the many narrow bridges and viaducts, around ten tunnels, and the beautifully maintained stations still remain. This bike path, 'The Long Way of the Dolomites,' is also part of the well-known cycling route Munich - Venice, which fellow cyclists from Berlin enthusiastically told us about. We can now enjoy this together. After 40 km, we descend rapidly into the valley of Pieve, which we will follow for the next 35 km to Lago di Santa Croce. We make a stop in Longarone because there is said to be good ice cream there. In the process, we learn about the Vajont disaster. On October 9, 1963, a massive earth block from the slopes of Mount Toc fell and crashed into the lower artificial basin of the Vajont dam. A gigantic wave swelled over the dam; all of Longarone and some nearby villages were flattened by a powerful wall of water (70 m high and at a speed of 96 km/h); the victims of this disaster numbered 1,909. The few survivors worked towards the rapid reconstruction of their city, which could soon begin.