close
The most beautiful scenic drives in the Dolomites
The most exciting roads to discover behind the wheel
Hairpin bends, mountain passes above 2,000 metres and landscapes that change around every corner: the Dolomites are made for a day on the road. 🚗 We've selected five of our favourite drives from La Cort – perfect for those who believe that the journey itself should be part of the experience.
The Four Passes around the Sella
The ultimate Dolomites driving classic
La Cort → Gardena Pass → Campolongo Pass → Pordoi Pass → Sella Pass → La Cort
This is the classic Dolomites drive and takes you right into the heart of the mountains. From La Cort, climb towards Gardena Pass at 2,121 m, where the road opens onto spectacular views of the Cir peaks and Sella Group. The descent leads into Val Badia before climbing again to Campolongo Pass at 1,875 m. From here, a series of sweeping bends takes you towards Pordoi Pass at 2,239 m, one of the most spectacular sections of the entire route. The final climb leads to Sella Pass at 2,240 m, directly between the Sella Group and Sassolungo, before returning to Val Gardena.
☕ Recommended stops: Chalet Gerard for a coffee with views of Sassolungo; Baita La Tambra at Campolongo for a traditional mountain lunch. At Pordoi Pass, consider taking the cable car to Sass Pordoi, almost 3,000 metres above sea level, for an incredible 360-degree panorama.
⏱️ Driving time: approx. 2 hours without stops
📏 Distance: approx. 80 km
🛣️ Road character: Alpine passes, hairpin bends and spectacular high-altitude scenery
⭐ Best time: early morning or late afternoon, when traffic is generally lighter.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GK4bqWh388FXzuSf7
The Dolomites Grand Tour
Fedaia, Giau & Falzarego – a full day on the road
La Cort → Tires → Val di Fassa → Fedaia Pass → Giau Pass → Falzarego Pass → La Cort
A true Dolomites road trip for a full day behind the wheel. From La Cort, head towards Tires and Val di Fassa, following some of the region's most spectacular mountain roads until you reach Fedaia Pass at 2,054 m, directly beneath the Marmolada. The road runs alongside the Fedaia reservoir, making the dam an unmissable photo stop with the Marmolada towering above it.
Continue towards legendary Giau Pass at 2,236 m, one of the most iconic mountain passes in the Dolomites, famous for its sweeping bends and spectacular scenery. From here, the route continues towards Falzarego Pass at 2,109 m and the Lagazuoi area, deeply connected to the history of the First World War.
🍽️ Recommended stops: Baita Flora in Pescul for lunch; Da Aurelio at Giau Pass for a memorable culinary stop. If you'd like to extend the drive, continue towards Cortina and stop at Dolomiti Lodge Alverà.
⏱️ Driving time: approx. 5 hours without stops
📏 Distance: approx. 200 km
🛣️ Road character: Winding mountain roads, hairpins and high-altitude passes
⭐ Highlights: Marmolada, Fedaia reservoir, Giau Pass, Falzarego and Lagazuoi
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JhCQR7WxWbmdzyqV6
💡 La Cort Tip: To shorten the route slightly, drive directly from Rocca Pietore towards Falzarego and skip Giau Pass.
South Tyrolean Wine Road & Lakes
Vineyards, mountain passes and two spectacular alpine lakes
La Cort → Appiano → South Tyrolean Wine Road → Mendola Pass → Lake Caldaro → Lake Carezza → Tires → La Cort
A road trip combining driving pleasure with food, wine and scenery. After heading towards Bolzano, continue to Appiano, where we recommend a first coffee stop at Golf&Country Appiano. From there, the route winds through vineyards, small villages and narrow country roads along the South Tyrolean Wine Road.
Climb towards Mendola Pass at 1,363 m, then descend towards Lake Caldaro, an ideal place for lunch, coffee or an ice cream. The route continues towards Lake Carezza, one of South Tyrol's most atmospheric alpine lakes, before returning to La Cort through Tires.
🍽️ Recommended stops: Gretl am See directly on Lake Caldaro, Panholzer for a gastronomic stop or one of the local wineries.
⏱️ Driving time: approx. 5 hours without stops
📏 Distance: approx. 220 km
🛣️ Road character: Vineyards, winding country roads and alpine mountain passes
⭐ Highlights: Appiano, South Tyrolean Wine Road, Mendola Pass, Lake Caldaro and Lake Carezza
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YSipKpQ7mybZATJT9
Jaufen Pass & Penser Joch
Two spectacular alpine passes in one day
La Cort → Val Passiria → Jaufen Pass → Vipiteno → Penser Joch → Val Sarentino → La Cort
A road trip designed for those who love mountain bends. After Bolzano, you can reach Merano via the MeBo expressway or choose a more scenic alternative through Meltina and Hafling. From Merano, enter Val Passiria and begin the climb to Jaufen Pass at 2,094 m, a spectacular road with numerous hairpins and increasingly impressive alpine views as you climb.
The descent leads to Vipiteno, whose medieval old town is well worth a short stop. From here, the second major climb begins: Penser Joch at 2,211 m, a quieter and more remote mountain road leading through the wild landscapes of Val Sarentino before descending towards Bolzano.
☕ Recommended stops: Merano, Jaufen Pass and Penser Joch. If time allows, take a short walk through the historic centre of Vipiteno.
⏱️ Driving time: approx. 4 hours without stops
📏 Distance: approx. 220 km
🛣️ Road character: Hairpin bends, alpine passes and long panoramic stretches
⭐ Highlights: Val Passiria, Jaufen Pass, Vipiteno, Penser Joch and Val Sarentino
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EbD5ewWaLtvK3kPj7
Mendola & Merano Grand Tour
From the Dolomites to vineyards, mountain passes and Merano
La Cort → Val d'Ega → Lake Caldaro → Mendola Pass → Merano → Meltina → La Cort
A wonderfully varied road trip where the scenery changes constantly. After Bolzano, leave the city behind and climb through Val d'Ega, passing Petersberg and Aldein on quieter mountain roads. The route then descends towards Lake Caldaro, a perfect place for a short photo stop, before climbing the famous Mendola Pass at 1,363 m. Its historic hairpin bends are a favourite among driving enthusiasts and open up beautiful views across the Adige Valley.
From the pass, continue towards Fondo, then return towards South Tyrol via Hafling and Meltina, before descending towards Bolzano and heading back to Ortisei.
🍽️ Recommended stops: Gretl am See on Lake Caldaro for a lakeside break; for a more refined lunch, Ristorante Miil; alternatively, Sapperlot for a more relaxed stop.
⏱️ Driving time: approx. 5 hours without stops
📏 Distance: approx. 240 km
🛣️ Road character: Scenic mountain roads, hairpins and smaller roads through villages and vineyards
⭐ Highlights: Val d'Ega, Lake Caldaro, Mendola Pass and the Montezoccolo plateau
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7VJYATbbW9hcAMkA8
