
Driving the Paved Road to Cibiana Pass in Veneto
Italy, europe
20.7 km
1,535 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo Cibiana: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure
Tucked away in Belluno province in Italy's Veneto region, Passo Cibiana (also called Forcella Cibiana) sits at a respectable 1,535 meters elevation in the southern Dolomites. This 20.7 km paved route connects Forno di Zoldo to Venas di Cadore and delivers some seriously rewarding scenery and riding.
The road itself is characterful—narrow, winding, and genuinely challenging in places. You'll encounter grades hitting 13.3% at their steepest, though the average hovers around 7-8% depending on which side you're climbing from. The northern approach (from Forno di Zoldo) spans 10.34 km with 724 meters of elevation gain, while the southern side covers 9.8 km with 762 meters of gain. It's no casual cruise.
One thing to keep in mind: the road's prone to rockslides, so stay sharp. Also, if you're driving an RV or truck, note there are restrictions for vehicles over 11 meters long or 17 tons—this isn't a highway, it's a proper mountain pass.
The real magic? Head up the gravel track from the summit to Monte Rite via an old WWI military road. You'll spot fascinating wartime fortifications still standing on the mountainside—a haunting reminder of history nestled in these dramatic peaks.
Cyclists know this route well; it's featured in the Giro d'Italia. The pass typically stays open year-round, making it accessible for most of the year. Whether you're chasing elevation, history, or just stunning alpine views, Passo Cibiana delivers all three.
Where is it?
Driving the Paved Road to Cibiana Pass in Veneto is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.8153, 13.6097
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,535 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.8153, 13.6097
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