Discover what to do in Vodo di Cadore in the province of Belluno: Malga Ciauta, the Ru de Àssola waterfall, Rifugio Venezia. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Vodo di Cadore?
The municipality of Vodo di Cadore borders to the north with Borca di Cadore and San Vito di Cadore, to the south with Val di Zoldo, Zoppè di Cadore, Cibiana di Cadore and Valle di Cadore, to the east with Pieve di Cadore and Valle di Cadore, to the west with Borca di Cadore and Val di Zoldo.
From Villanova to Malga Ciauta
The starting point of the itinerary is in Villanova di Borca di Cadore, in the parking lot near the Madonna shrine (46.4432878630363, 12.189324709348854). From the shrine, we proceed gently uphill for about 30 meters, then keep left and follow the path that winds southeast along a wide trail that enters the majestic conifer forest, whose prickly crowns shade the lush undergrowth covered with ferns and, during spring and summer, wild buttercups.
The winding itinerary leads to a charming hut behind which towers the solemn peak of Monte Antelao. We follow the signs for Malga Ciauta until, emerging from the woods, we are faced with the imposing bulk of Monte Pelmo, whose summit, soaring to 3,168 meters above sea level, dominates the bright valley carved by the Boite stream.
From Ponte di Cancia to Malga Ciauta
Another trail to reach Malga Ciauta starts from the cemetery of Borca di Cadore. After crossing the Ponte di Cancia bridge, follow trail 476. Well-marked, the first part of the route that plunges into the woods runs along an asphalt road. After about fifteen minutes of walking, we follow the detour that in a few minutes takes us to the Ru de Àssola waterfall, whose scenic beauty is heralded by its unmistakable roaring sound.
Bordered by a wooden fence, the path is slightly difficult due to the thick roots covering the dirt track, but the effort of the hike is amply rewarded by the spectacular view of the waterfall, resembling from this perspective a thin white ribbon between steep rock walls.
After admiring the waterfall and the icy stream crossed by a small log bridge, we rejoin trail 476 which leads to the asphalt road. We turn left and tackle the climb, at times with a challenging gradient, until we reach a fork. We leave the asphalt road and venture into the woods following the signs for trail 476, for Malga Ciauta and Rifugio Venezia, an unmissable destination for those wondering what to do in Vodo di Cadore.
From Malga Ciauta to Rifugio Venezia
The route leads to a comfortable mule track along which trails 475 and 476 run. We keep left and proceed uphill until we reach Malga Ciauta, a sunny grazing area located at 1561 meters above sea level. From the dominant position of the mountain hut, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Monte Antelao, Monte Rite and Monte Penna.
At this point, we follow trail 475 to reach Rifugio Venezia. Perched on a green hill on the eastern slopes of Monte Pelmo, the welcoming alpine refuge stands at 1947 meters above sea level.
If you are wondering what to do in Vodo di Cadore, the pleasant hike from Borca di Cadore to Rifugio Venezia is ideal both for expert mountaineers intent on challenging the rugged walls of Monte Pelmo, and for novice hikers eager to venture into the heart of the Dolomites, admire sunny mountain pastures where cows and donkeys graze, and rest in hospitable alpine refuges framed by conifer forests.
