Pordoi Pass is one of the highest roads of the Dolomites
Italy, europe
15.6 km
2,242 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo Pordoi
Want to tackle one of the Dolomites' most iconic mountain passes? Passo Pordoi sits pretty at 2,242 meters (7,355 feet) above sea level, making it the second-highest paved pass in the entire range. Located right on the border between Trentino and Veneto in northern Italy, this legendary route cuts through some seriously stunning Alpine scenery.
The 15.6-kilometer (9.69-mile) stretch runs east-west between Arabba and Canazei, snaking between the Sella group to the north and the dramatic Marmolada massif to the south. Built back in 1904 as part of the Dolomites Road project, it was designed to connect Bolzano with Cortina and open up tourism in the charming Ladin valleys.
Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise. You're looking at 33 hairpin turns and grades that max out at 9.7%, plus you'll be battling serious wind exposure the whole way. Most drivers tackle it in 30 to 40 minutes of pure concentration.
The fully paved road stays open year-round, though winter can throw some curveballs—occasional closures happen when weather gets gnarly, and heavy vehicles are banned from November through April. Summer? Expect crowds, especially July and August. Your best bet? Get there before 10:00 AM or visit in June or September instead.
This isn't just any mountain pass—it's cycling legend territory. The Giro d'Italia regularly finishes here as the Cima Coppi (the race's highest point), and a memorial to the legendary Fausto Coppi marks the summit. Add in its fascinating WWI history, and you've got a road with serious soul.
Where is it?
Pordoi Pass is one of the highest roads of the Dolomites is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.8851, 12.9238
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,242 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.8851, 12.9238
Related Roads in europe
hardLago Layet
🇮🇹 Italy
Lago Layet is a stunning high mountain lake sitting pretty at 2,273 meters (7,457 feet) above sea level in the Valle d'Aosta region of northwestern Italy. Fair warning: the road to this alpine gem is no joke. You're looking at a gravel and rocky route that's narrow, winding, and seriously bumpy in stretches. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it demands respect and serious off-road credentials. We're talking 4x4 required, no exceptions. The steep grades will make your palms sweat, and if heights aren't your thing, you might want to reconsider this adventure altogether. The road is pretty much off-limits from October through May due to snow and weather conditions, so summer is your window. Wet conditions can turn this already challenging terrain into a muddy, slippery nightmare. This trail is built for experienced wheelers who know their way around unpaved mountain roads. If high-altitude, technical driving isn't in your skillset, save this one for another bucket list worthy enough to justify the skill upgrade.
hardRufford Ford is the river crossing that went viral on YouTube and TikTok
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Nottinghamshire, in the East Midlands of England, right near Sherwood Forest, south of Ollerton. You're on Rufford Lane, a paved road cutting through some seriously beautiful scenery. Suddenly, you hit Rufford ford, an ancient river crossing on Rainworth Water, just east of Mansfield. Most days, it's a cute, shallow trickle – no biggie. But wait for a downpour! This little stream transforms into a raging river, swelling to several feet deep and up to 30 feet wide. It's less charming stream and more "log flume gone wild". For a while, it became *the* place to be, with drivers lining up to splash through. And, well, let's just say things didn't always go according to plan. Picture this: a motorcyclist being launched over his handlebars. Yikes! Eventually, things got so dicey that the authorities had to shut it down to keep everyone safe. So, for now, Rufford Ford is closed.
hardWhere is Mont Fallere?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a trek for you in the northwestern part of the country near Mont Fallère that'll take your breath away – literally! This 7 km (4.34 miles) beast of a road winds its way up to a mountain refuge with an elevation gain of 684 meters! We're talking hairpin turns and seriously steep sections, with an average gradient of almost 10%. You'll be climbing to a whopping 2,377 m (7,798 ft) above sea level, and if you're feeling extra ambitious, a trail north of the hut will take you even higher, to 2,404 m (7,887 ft). A word of caution: this isn't a drive for your average car. A 4x4 vehicle is a MUST. The road is usually open from late June to the end of September but closed to private vehicles. Prepare yourself for some insane scenery, heart-pumping climbs, and memories that will last a lifetime.
hardDriving to Col de La Madeleine in Savoie is Pure Adventure
🇫🇷 France
# Col de La Madeleine Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de La Madeleine sits pretty at 2,716m (8,910ft) in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley. Fair warning though—if you're thinking of the famous Tour de France version, that's a different pass entirely. This one's the real deal for adventurers. Here's the thing: this isn't your typical alpine road. It's basically a service track for a chairlift, and it's completely unpaved. We're talking 6.1 km (3.79 miles) of raw, rugged terrain running north-south from the paved D902 straight up to Col des Lésières. The catch? You'll need a serious 4x4 to even think about attempting it. What makes this route genuinely gnarly is the terrain itself. Narrow sections combined with some serious grades—we're talking slopes up to 25%—mean this isn't a Sunday cruise. The track demands respect and actual driving skills. Winter? Forget about it. This place becomes completely impassable when the snow rolls in, which makes sense considering it's one of France's highest accessible roads. But in the right season, if you've got the vehicle and the nerve, it's an absolutely unforgettable high-altitude alpine experience set against some genuinely stunning mountain scenery.