Passo Gardena
Selva di Val Gardena, Italy
The 2,121-metre pass between Val Gardena and Val Badia, with the pale towers of the Cir group on one side and the Sella massif on the other. There are lay-bys on both sides of the summit.
The Gardena Pass (Passo Gardena, Grödner Joch) at 2,121 m links Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein) with Colfosco and Corvara in Val Badia. The Sella massif rises to the south and the Cir peaks to the north; you can also see the Sassolungo (Langkofel) and Piz Boè. A track was built here only in 1915, laid out during the First World War to supply the front; the paved road SS 243 was finished in 1960. Together with Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi and Passo Campolongo, the Gardena Pass forms the Sellaronda around the Sella massif.
The pass road is very popular with motorcyclists and cyclists; in July and August traffic jams are common. Parking at the top is very limited, and roadside parking is penalised. It is more comfortable to reach the summit by the Dantercepies cable car from Selva or the Plans-Frara lift from Colfosco; from there, hiking trails lead in all directions. Traffic restrictions had been planned for autumn 2026; according to the authorities there will initially be only a virtual test run without closures, and details remain open (as of August 2026).
- Nearest town
- Selva di Val Gardena, Italy
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 46.5495, 11.8075
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
© This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder. Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me… · CC BY-SA 3.0Val di Funes, Val Gardena and the Sella passes
© Maurizio Napolitano · CC BY 4.0Hairpins, limestone spires and alpenglow: driving the Great Dolomite Road and the Dolomite passes by motorhome
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Colfosco - CalfoschCampsite4 km from Passo GardenaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Parking OdlinaCampsite8 km from Passo GardenaCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Campeggio MiravalleCampsite10 km from Passo GardenaTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Sass DlaciaCampsite12 km from Passo GardenaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- VidorCampsite16 km from Passo GardenaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- RosengartenCampsite17 km from Passo GardenaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Passo Gardena?
Passo Gardena is in Selva di Val Gardena, Italy, at GPS 46.5495, 11.8075. It is about 5 km from Corvara in Badia.
Can you camp near Passo Gardena?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Colfosco - Calfosch, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 32 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Passo Gardena?
Passo Gardena is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Val di Funes, Val Gardena and the Sella passes and Hairpins, limestone spires and alpenglow: driving the Great Dolomite Road and the Dolomite passes by motorhome.
What is there to see near Passo Gardena?
Places worth a stop nearby: Passo Sella (6 km), Passo Pordoi (7 km), Seceda (8 km) and St. Johann in Ranui (11 km).
When is the best time to visit Passo Gardena?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)