Why this road
The fastest way to Cortina is only about 15 minutes quicker and goes through Val Gardena and over the Sella and Gardena passes, beautiful too, but busier and not the classic line. This road was built more than a hundred years ago to link the valleys for travellers, and it still strings together the best views: the green Lago di Carezza under the Latemar, the Rosengarten above the Costalunga, the wide Fassa valley, the hairpins up to the Pordoi with the Sella group beside you, and finally the high, rocky Falzarego before the long descent into the Ampezzo basin.
The route
- ABolzano
Leave Bolzano to the east and turn into the Val d'Ega (Eggental). The road squeezes through a deep gorge with tunnels, then climbs past Nova Levante.
- 1Lago di Carezza
The small green lake below the Latemar. Park at the car park by the road and walk the few steps to the shore.
- 2Passo di Costalunga
Karerpass, 1,752 m. Behind you the Latemar, to your left the Rosengarten walls. Then down into the Val di Fassa.
- 3Canazei
The main village of the Fassa valley, busy in summer. Here the climb to the Pordoi begins.
- 4Passo Pordoi
A long staircase of hairpins up to 2,239 m, with the Sella group right above you and the Marmolada glacier to the south. Cable car up to Sass Pordoi.
- 5Passo Falzarego
Down to Arabba and up again through Andraz to 2,105 m. Rocky and wild, with the Lagazuoi cable car and the Cinque Torri nearby.
- BCortina d'Ampezzo
The long descent opens onto the Ampezzo basin with the Tofane and Cristallo around the town.
Stops worth it
Twenty minutes for the lake and the Latemar reflected in it. Early in the morning the water is calmest and the path emptiest.
Stretch your legs at the top and look at the Sella walls. If you have time, take the cable car up to Sass Pordoi.
A last high stop before Cortina, with old war tunnels on the Lagazuoi and wide views to the Tofane.
Light and the best time
Start in Bolzano by 8. You drive mostly east, so in the early morning the sun is in front of you, but in the gorge and at Lago di Carezza that hardly matters: the lake is calmest early and the Latemar behind it is softly lit from the side. By the time you reach the Pordoi and the Falzarego it is late morning and the sun is high over the passes, before the afternoon clouds build up. If you want the famous pink glow on the rock, the Dolomites light up at sunset: from Cortina the walls to the west, like the Tofane, glow last.
June to September is best, when all the huts and cable cars are open. The passes on this road are usually kept open in winter too, but snow chains or winter tyres are needed then and short closures are possible. July and August are very busy, especially around Lago di Carezza, the Pordoi and Cortina. September brings clear air and fewer people.
By vehicle
Some of the best riding in Europe: long hairpin climbs, good tarmac, stops everywhere. On summer weekends there is a lot of traffic, so start early.
Wonderful with the roof down, but bring warm layers: the passes are above 2,000 m and it can be cold in the morning even in August.
Easy for any car. The roads are wide enough, just use a low gear on the long descents.
Doable with a camper, the road is a main route and buses use it too. Take the hairpins slowly and plan where you park: the car parks at the lake and the passes fill up early.
Good to know
No tolls on the route. Parking at Lago di Carezza and at the passes is often paid. Fuel is available in the valleys (Canazei, Arabba, Cortina), not on the passes. In winter you need winter equipment. Expect lots of cyclists on the climbs and give them room.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does the Great Dolomite Road take?
About 2 hours 15 of pure driving from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo. With the lake and stops on the passes, plan a full day.
Is the Great Dolomite Road open in winter?
The passes on this route are usually kept open in winter, but you need winter tyres or chains and there can be short closures after heavy snow. Check before you go.
Is there a toll on the Great Dolomite Road?
No, the road is free. You only pay for parking in some places and for cable cars.
Where is the best viewpoint on the Great Dolomite Road?
Lago di Carezza for the reflection of the Latemar, Passo Pordoi for the Sella and Marmolada, and the Falzarego for a wild, high mountain feel.