Gardena Pass

The scenic drive through Gardena Pass connects the towns of Selva di Val Gardena in Val Gardena with Corvara in Val Badia. The entire route is approximately 25 km and can be completed in about an hour without stops, but you’ll likely want to take your time to fully appreciate the scenery and make various stops along the way.

We began our journey in Selva di Val Gardena, a charming alpine village known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant cultural scene. As we left Selva, we immediately started ascending, and the views began to unfold.

Our scenic drive ended in the picturesque town of Corvara in Val Badia. This village is another gem of the Dolomites, offering a mix of outdoor activities, charming shops, and excellent dining options. It’s worth spending some time exploring Corvara before heading back or continuing your journey.

Here are some key stops we made and would recommend:

1. Panorama at Dantercepies:
Shortly after leaving Selva, you’ll reach Dantercepies, a popular stop with a cable car that offers stunning panoramic views. This is a great spot to stretch your legs, take in the scenery, and even consider a short hike if time allows.

2. Mountain Peaks and Meadows:
As you drive higher, the road winds through lush alpine meadows and past dramatic rock formations. The towering peaks of the Sella Group and Sassolungo become prominent features in the landscape. There are several pull-offs where you can stop to take photos and enjoy the views.

3. Pass Summit:
The summit of Gardena Pass is marked by a small parking area and a couple of mountain huts. Here, you can take a break, enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the huts, and soak in the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. This is an excellent spot for photos and a great place to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Dolomites.

4. Descent into Val Badia:
As you start descending towards Corvara, the landscape changes subtly. The road meanders through dense forests and past quaint alpine farms. The descent offers different perspectives of the mountains and valleys, making it equally captivating as the ascent.

Such beautiful cintrast between green and rocks and the views are amazing

Very beautiful and definitely worth a visit. If you have a steady foot and aren't afraid of heights I can recommend climbing to the top of the Gran Cir. It is only a 1.5 hour hike up to the peak. It is very much worth it.

Breath taking views
limited parking space

Stunning place for a hiking surrounded by amazing mountains

Gardena Pass is a must-ride for motorcycle enthusiasts. This scenic route in the Dolomites offers an exhilarating experience with its winding roads, smooth asphalt, and breathtaking views. Each turn reveals stunning vistas of jagged peaks and lush valleys, making it a visual feast.

The pass is well-maintained and the ride is a perfect mix of thrilling curves and straight stretches, allowing you to fully appreciate both your bike’s performance and the surrounding beauty. Despite its popularity, it’s never too crowded to enjoy a smooth ride.

OMG! Absolutely amazing! Loved driving there, amazing roads full of hairpin turns (not for the faint heart). If you've not a confident driver, avoid going through the pass. If you enjoy a bit of adventure, this will deliver. To add icing to the cake, the views are incredible. This is one of the roads that are must see/drive on before you die. Sadly the pictures don't do justice.

Amazing views, especially when you drive through Gardena Valley, SS242 and next through SS243 to Gardena Pass itself.

Must visit!! Everyone’s dream. If you are a mountain/alps lover, this place is heaven for you. Closer view of Dolomites and you get the best road trip feeling. Views are breathtaking♥♥♥ will go back for sure. I want to see how it will look in autumn and winter.

Really exceptional: spectacular. Absolutely recommended.
Gardena Pass (Italian: Passo Gardena; German: Grödnerjoch; Ladin: Ju de Frara or Jëuf de Frea) is a high mountain pass in the Dolomites of the South Tyrol in northeast Italy.
At an elevation of 2,136 m (7,008 ft) above sea level, the pass connects Sëlva in the Val Gardena on the west side with Corvara in the Val Badia. The road over it comprises part of the famous Sella Ring, in which four linked passes (Gardena, Sella, Pordoi, and Campolongo) encircle the spectacular Sella group. The route becomes busy with tourists, motorcyclists, and cyclists during the summer. One of the nicest things about Gardena Pass is the fact that there are accommodations for visitors right on the pass itself. This means not only can you traverse this lovely pass and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding magnificent Dolomite Mountains but you can also stay there. The road over the pass makes up part of the famous Sellaronda and it connects Val Gardena with Val Badia. During the summer there is a lot to do, including hiking, climbing and cycling. You can also walk the local paths said to be home to the Salvan, a mythical little man who lives the forest of Passo Gardena. The area itself is host to a number of intriguing legends that have been passed down for generations by those who call the mighty Dolomites their home. Colder weather brings snow and plenty of opportunity to ski, snowboard and enjoy other winter sports on the surrounding mountains.

Its was an amazing view. We manage to see the sunrise and the changing color of the mountain. Its was an breathtaking view. You can relax and clear your mind for the fantastic view

The most beautiful place I’ve ever visited in dolomiti. I must go back again

So scary the first time I drove this but it became so much fun to drive and so thrilling afterwards. Not for the faint hearted. I stayed near Corvara which is at the end of the Gardena pass so driving it was a necessity rather than just a fun activity.

One of the best passes in northern Italy with wonderful scenic spots and amazing high mountains. I would recommend anyone visiting northern italy to pass by these scenic views.

One of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The road surface was very good.

Just wonderful place to be when the weather allows, amazing scenery. Climbing, hiking, everything an adventure soul needs 🙂

Scenic route 🧭 Brixen to Venice (A27) 🤩 absolutely worth an extra 1,5 hour drive. Very small but breathtaking mountain road ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amazing 360 view of dolomite..Best in the area

You can camp wild camp there. I mean i didn't, but i guess you can 👀

Beautiful ride and view's all the way 🚲🚲🇮🇹