Great Dolomite Road: Bolzano to Cortina

The historic road over the Costalunga and Pordoi passes, past Lake Carezza, ending in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Distance: 93 km (58 mi)
Driving: 1 h 17 min
Suggested days: 3
Stops: 6
Countries: Italy
Updated: September 12, 2026

At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 93 km (58 mi) with 6 stops, from Bolzano to Passo Giau. About 1 h 17 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Bolzano

Route description

From Bolzano, the SS241 enters the narrow Val d’Ega gorge and climbs towards the Latemar. Lago di Carezza, a small green lake below the Latemar spires, is one of the most photographed in the Dolomites, and a short path circles it.

The road crosses the Passo di Costalunga into the Val di Fassa and reaches Canazei, a mountain village below the Sella group. From there the SS48 climbs to the Passo Pordoi, a 2,239 m pass on the Sella ring road, where a cable car lifts you to the Sass Pordoi terrace at almost 3,000 m.

On the far side, the road descends to Arabba and then climbs over the Passo Falzarego before dropping into Cortina d’Ampezzo. A short side trip leads to the Passo Giau, a 2,236 m pass with tight hairpins and a wall of peaks at the top; come at sunrise.

The passes are usually open from June to October but can close briefly after snowfall at any time. The Val d’Ega road is narrow, with tunnels, and the passes are busy with cyclists and motorbikes on summer weekends, so start early.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Bolzano
Italy
Start
2

Lago di Carezza
NatureNova Levante, Italy
A small green lake below the Latemar spires, one of the most photographed in the Dolomites. A short path circles it.
25 km
3

Canazei
Italy
21 km
4

Passo Pordoi
ViewsCanazei, Italy
A 2,239 m pass on the Sella ring road. A cable car lifts you to the Sass Pordoi terrace at almost 3,000 m.
4 km
5

Cortina d'Ampezzo
Italy
32 km
6

Passo Giau
ViewsCortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
A 2,236 m pass with tight hairpins and a wall of peaks at the top. Come at sunrise.
11 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Bolzano → Lago di Carezza · 25 km · 0 h 20 minOvernight nearby, for example: Rosengarten (9 km); Vidor (10 km).
Day 2: Lago di Carezza → Passo Pordoi · 25 km · 0 h 21 minOn the way: Canazei.Overnight nearby, for example: Campeggio Miravalle (6 km); Camping Colfosco - Calfosch (8 km).
Day 3: Passo Pordoi → Passo Giau · 43 km · 0 h 36 minOn the way: Cortina d'Ampezzo.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Cortina (8 km); Camping Rocchetta (8 km).

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

Practical notes for the road

Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.

FAQs

How long is Great Dolomite Road: Bolzano to Cortina?

3-day road trip of about 93 km (58 mi) with 6 stops, from Bolzano to Passo Giau. About 1 h 17 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Great Dolomite Road: Bolzano to Cortina?

We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 17 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Great Dolomite Road: Bolzano to Cortina start and end?

It starts in Bolzano and ends in Passo Giau.

Which countries does Great Dolomite Road: Bolzano to Cortina pass through?

Italy.

Where can you camp along Great Dolomite Road: Bolzano to Cortina?

OpenStreetMap lists 70 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Moosbauer, Camping Steiner and Camping Chalet Salten.

When is the best time for Great Dolomite Road: Bolzano to Cortina?

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)