# Great Dolomites Road

> The Great Dolomites Road links Bolzano with Cortina d'Ampezzo over about 110 km, crossing the Costalunga, Pordoi and Falzarego passes. It opened in 1909.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/great-dolomites-road/

The Great Dolomites Road links Bolzano with Cortina d'Ampezzo over about 110 km, crossing the Costalunga, Pordoi and Falzarego passes. It opened in 1909.

- **Region:** South Tyrol, Trentino and Veneto, Italy
- **Length:** About 110 km
- **Start / end:** Bolzano / Bozen – Cortina d'Ampezzo
- **Passes:** Costalunga 1,745 m, Pordoi 2,239 m, Falzarego 2,105 m
- **Best season:** Summer; passes usually open in winter, with winter gear

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €12 (Italy).

## What should you know before visiting Great Dolomites Road?

- The three passes lie between 1,745 m and 2,239 m. According to the South Tyrol tourism board, the Dolomite passes mostly stay open in winter, with winter tires or snow chains depending on weather.
- On a few days each year, Dolomite passes are closed to motor vehicles for a time during bike days or cycling races. Check dates beforehand.
- Wild camping is not permitted on the Dolomite passes or in Italy generally. Motorhome stopovers usually allow up to 72 hours; for longer stays a campsite is the better choice.

## The drive

The road starts in Bolzano, climbs over the Costalunga Pass (1,745 m) into the Val di Fassa and on via Canazei to the Pordoi Pass (2,239 m). Beyond Arabba and Andraz it crosses the Falzarego Pass (2,105 m) to Cortina d'Ampezzo. It was built by 1909; the section to Vigo di Fassa was finished in 1895. Today it is driven over just over 110 km with many bends and viewpoints. Allow at least a day for driving and stops.

## Planning

In winter the Dolomite passes are mostly drivable, but depending on weather winter tires or snow chains are needed. In summer, bike days such as the Sella Ronda Bike Day or cycling marathons can close passes like Pordoi, Sella, Gardena and Campolongo to motor vehicles for a time; Falzarego and Valparola were also affected on one bike day. Dates change every year, so check beforehand with the South Tyrol or local tourist or traffic office.

## Camping

The South Tyrol tourism board notes that wild camping is not permitted on the Dolomite passes, as in all of Italy. Designated motorhome stopovers usually allow stays up to 72 hours and often have electricity and waste disposal. For longer or more comfortable stays, a campsite is recommended. If you sleep in the vehicle on a public car park, heed local bans and keep awning, chairs and levelling supports stowed.

## FAQs

**How long is the Great Dolomites Road?**
It is about 110 km long and runs from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo. With photo stops and viewpoints, allow at least a day.

**Which passes are on the route?**
Three: the Costalunga Pass (1,745 m), the Pordoi Pass (2,239 m) and the Falzarego Pass (2,105 m). At 2,239 m the Pordoi is the high point of the route.

**Is the road open in winter?**
According to the South Tyrol tourism board, the Dolomite passes mostly stay open in winter. Winter tires or snow chains may be required depending on weather; check current traffic information before driving.

**How much are the tolls on Great Dolomites Road?**
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €12 (Italy). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.

## Places to see

- [Tre Cime di Lavaredo](https://camping-spirit.com/places/tre-cime/)
- [St. Johann in Ranui](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b11-ranui/)
- [Seceda](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b11-seceda/)
- [Alpe di Siusi](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b11-alpe-siusi/)
- [Lago di Braies](https://camping-spirit.com/places/braies/)
- [Passo Giau](https://camping-spirit.com/places/passo-giau/)
- [Lago di Carezza](https://camping-spirit.com/places/carezza/)
- [Passo Pordoi](https://camping-spirit.com/places/pordoi/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Italy](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/italy/)