A visit to the Bai De Dones lake is a little adventure. Here you will get to know one of the places where many legends about springs, mountains and bodies of waters in the Dolomites were born. It is said that the lake was inhabited by the “Anguànes”, cloven-footed female water nymphs, who were servants of the god Sylvanus. Hence the name “Bai de Dones”, literally translated "The Woman's Bath". The lake is lying above an impermeable layer of clay that prevents the water from seeping down. On its lakeshores, you can admire very special vegetation and amphibians.
You can park your car in Cortina's district Bai de Dones (on the Great Dolomites Road - SS 48, a few minutes from the Falzarego Pass), at the valley station of the 5 Torri chairlift. The lake lies 5 minutes off the departure point of the chair lift.
First of all, we recommend a stop at the Baita Bai de Dones, which takes its name from the lake. It is no coincidence that the figure of an anguana hangs over the front door of the restaurant as if welcoming the visitors. In summer, the Baita Bai De Dones is the point of departure and arrival for many hiking routes. The owners’ passion is to care about the food preparing typical dishes from the Ampezzo region as well as from the Italian cuisine. You must try the wild game meat, such as wild boar and hare with homemade pasta or with polenta and mushrooms from the woods, the “Casunziei” with beetroot or with spinach and ricotta cheese: not to speak of the desserts, including the Sachertorte and Linzertorte.
You can reach the starting point of this hike also by bus.
Information about the timetables is provided by:
Servizi Ampezzo
Via G. Marconi n° 5 (at the bus station) – Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel. + 39 0436 867921
biglietteria@serviziampezzo.it
If you do not want to miss a relaxing walk before lunch, we suggest you the route that leads from Baita Bai De Dones to the Cinque Torri Refuge in about an hour.
Once you arrive at the Cinque Torri Refuge, you can easily reach the Scoiattoli Refuge in 15 minutes.