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
hardWhere is Col de la Bailletta?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Col de la Bailletta, nestled in the Savoie department of France, is calling your name. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a whopping 2,852 meters (9,356 feet)! You'll find this beauty in the Rhône-Alpes region, specifically within the Bailletaz Nature Reserve. The journey begins near Lac du Chevril, just below Val d’Isere, where you'll veer off the main D902. The road is paved at first, all the way to Lac/Barrage du Saut (one of France's highest paved roads!). But after that, things get real as the road turns to gravel. From the D902, you're looking at a 9.4 km (5.84 miles) trek to the top. This old military road is mostly gravel and wide enough, but the higher you go, around the 2700 meter mark, the road becomes more of a hiking trail due to landslides. So, be warned: the final stretch is not suitable for vehicles. But trust me, the views are totally worth it! Just take your time and soak in the scenery. It's an experience you won't forget!
moderateZekari Pass: Ultimate 4wd destination
🇬🇪 Georgia
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Zekari Pass in Georgia! This wild ride straddles the Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions, hitting a lofty 7,076 feet above sea level. Forget smooth asphalt – this is a 24.35-mile rollercoaster of a dirt track winding from Sairme in the north to Abastumani, the old Soviet sanatorium area, down south. We're talking SH14, folks! Seriously, you'll want a proper off-road vehicle for this one. The road is rough, like REALLY rough, and heavy rain can turn it into a mud bath. Allow 2-3 hours to crawl your way through. Keep an eye out for the Georgian Academy of Sciences observatory near the pass, a relic from the USSR days. You can even hitch a ride up via cable car (hit them up to register first). Expect shepherd camps dotting the landscape as you weave through the Meskheti Range. Word to the wise: this route is usually snowed in from October to June, weather depending. But when it's open? Prepare for some amazing mountain vistas and seriously epic off-roading. The highest point is actually *north* of the pass itself, peaking at 7,463ft.
hardSella dell’Auccia is worth the white-knuckle drive
🇮🇹 Italy
# Sella dell'Auccia: Italy's Most Thrilling Alpine Challenge Ready for an adrenaline rush? The SP345B winds through Sella dell'Auccia, a jaw-dropping mountain pass perched at 2,108 meters (6,916 feet) in Brescia province, Lombardy. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an adventure that'll make your heart pound. Stretching 17.4 km (10.81 miles), this road (officially Strada Provinciale 345B, aka Delle Tre Valli) is pure mountain magic. The route clings to the ridgeline above 2,000 meters for almost its entire length, offering spine-tingling views and stomach-dropping drops of hundreds of meters. Here's the kicker: most of those edges? Completely unguarded. In some sections, the road barely fits two vehicles side-by-side, making every curve an exercise in concentration. The journey kicks off from Passo del Maniva along the Anfo Ridge Road and wraps up at the SP 669 junction. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces—pavement at both ends, but gloriously rough gravel through the middle section. Expect rocks, potholes, and deteriorating surfaces, especially around bends. Despite the gnarly terrain, it's totally doable if you respect the rules: stick to the 20 km/h speed limit, keep your eyes forward, and never stop outside designated areas. Traversable in both directions, this road is for serious drivers only. Buckle up—you're in for the ride of your life.
moderateWhere is Pas de la Confession?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, and you stumble upon the legendary Pas de la Confession. This mountain pass, sitting pretty at a lofty elevation, got its name for a reason. Back in the day, it was so treacherous that travelers were encouraged to confess their sins before braving it! You'll find this fully paved beauty (D211B) clinging to the mountainside way, way above the valley – hence its nickname, the "balcony road." Buses are a no-go, and rockfalls are a real threat. This route isn't for the faint of heart; a single slip-up could be disastrous with those sheer drops. Is it worth it? That depends. You’ll need laser focus behind the wheel, making it tough to soak in the views. But if you can steal a glance at the few viewpoints along the way, prepare to be wowed. Perched high above the valley, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. The whole experience clocks in at just under 4 kilometers. Until 1980, this was the *only* way into Villard-Reymond, before it was finally connected to Le Bourg-d'Oisans. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!