The Retic Way: 190 km on foot or by bike between the hidden Dolomites (inserted by the Nytimes among the Top destinations for 2025)

Could we ever reduce the concept of “journey” to the way only between a starting point and one of arrival? The answer is obviously negative, because a journey is a narrative made of meetings, emotions and landscapes that intertwine along the way. The Retic Way embodies this philosophy, inviting us to slow down, listen and immerse ourselves in the history, nature and flavors of an ancient land: the land of networks. A path that crosses hidden and not very explored places, where each step tells fragments of a pre-Roman past and reveals almost unknown beauties, far from the most crowded tourist circuits, which constitute the so-called Outmotorism.

The ancient history that accompanies the steps

The name itself, “Retic journey”, refers to a distant era, when the nets, a mysterious and fascinating people, occupied the lands that today we call Trentino, South Tyrol and part of the felt. Their culture, a mosaic influenced by ancient Venetians and meats, is still reflected in the archaeological finds and in the names of the places. Walking on these paths, it almost seems to hear the echo of their lives, a thin link between present and past that makes each step a journey through time.

A journey for explorers and dreamers

The Retic Way manages to project inside a world made of mountain landscapes, villages with timeless charm and culinary traditions that tell the soul of the territory.
From the highlands of Supramonte and Lamon, passing through the Tesino and the splendid Lake Corlo, up to the historic Feltre and the famous Birreria Pedavena, the journey gives a variety of places and experiences capable of conquering anyone, from travelers to history enthusiasts .

But do not think that everything is downhill, with Ben 191 kilometers of paths, the Retic Way is a challenge that requires discreet physical preparation.

The journey is designed to be completed in 7-8 days, considering differences in height and distances to guarantee a not too tiring experience. The most trained can end it in 5-6 days, but it is recommended to face it calmly, to appreciate the history, art and beauty of the places. Remember to stamp the credential to each stage or in the affiliated structures for its validity.

On foot or by bicycle: two ways of living the path

It doesn’t matter if you prefer to walk slowly or pedal vigorously: the rhetorical journey offers two variants, one for hikers and the other for lovers of two wheels.

The walking path It unfolds in seven stages, alternating mountain paths and dirt roads, crossing villages where time seems to have stopped. Starting from Aune, we arrive in San Pietro di Lamon, and then continue towards Castello Tesino, Fonzaso, Seren del Grappa, Cesiomaggiore and finally Feltre, before returning to the starting point.

For Lovers of two wheelsthere is the Retic Bike Way, 290 kilometers long, with a difference in height of 7800 meters. Between dirt roads and cycle paths, the path gives strong emotions and unforgettable panoramas, but requires good training and an adequate bike, such as a mountain bike, or a gravel with robust covers.

The best moments to leave

Each season has its own charm, but the ideal time to face the crime journey goes from spring to autumn.
Spring is the awakening of nature, characterized by paths that are tinged with greenery and skies with enchanting nuances. Summer brings longer days and a perfect climate for those who love walking in the mountains. But it is autumn that gives the real show: a riot of warm colors that surround woods and valleys, while the fresh air makes every step pleasant.
Winter, on the other hand, represents a challenge for the most reckless, with snowy roads and rigid temperatures.

What to see and points of interest

The Retic Way offers unmissable angles, such as the Sanctuary of the Martyrs Vittore and Corona, an extraordinary religious complex located in Elde, 3 km from Feltre, in the province of Belluno. It rises on a spur of Mount Miesna and includes a basilica and a cloister of 1495.

The village of Feltre, one of the most fascinating walled cities in Veneto, stands out for its characteristic streets and sixteenth -century buildings with frescoed facades. Among the places to visit also Mount Avena stands out, with its panoramic position on the Feltrina and Belluno valleys. Ideal for excursions between open pastures, it is a reference point for free flight enthusiasts.

Another attraction is the Lake Corlo, an artificial basin near Arsiè and Rocca, created in 1954. In Rocca you can still admire remains of the old village, as ancient houses and a church that is reflected in the waters of the lake. Here are three bridges, including the suggestive bridge of Vittoria, suspended on ropes.

A journey to live calmly

If there is advice to follow, this is this: don’t be in a hurry. The Retic Way is not a race, but an experience to be lived at a slow pace, letting himself be conquered by the beauty of the path. Stop to savor the typical dishes, take a photo at sunset, listen to the silence of the mountains.
And remember: for each stage, you can affix a stamp on the credential of the journey, a small memory that will keep the emotions of this journey.

A journey for those looking for authenticity

The Retic Way is not for everyone, but for those who love challenges and authentic contact with nature and history. It is a journey that leaves its mark, that teaches to appreciate the beauty of small things, which brings back to a simpler and more aware way of traveling.
If you are looking for an out of the ordinary adventure, which allows you to discover a land full of history and charm, the retic path awaits you. It does not promise easy ways, but will give you emotions that will last forever.