
Gardena Pass
Iconic Dolomite pass with breathtaking views, thrilling drives, and incredible hiking trails. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light

Gardena Pass
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Dolomite pass with breathtaking views, thrilling drives, and incredible hiking trails. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers.
"The views are INSANE! One of those places where you cannot believe your eyes."

🚗 Park Smart
Parking is available for around €2/hour, capped at €8/day. Arrive by 11 AM to find decent spots.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Bring a jacket, even in summer, as it can get chilly.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Drive
Gardena Pass Road (SS242)
Experience iconic hairpin bends and sweeping vistas of the Dolomites. A must-do for drivers and motorcyclists.

Breathtaking Mountain Views
Various viewpoints along the pass
Unbelievable scenery unfolds at every turn. Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer beauty of the Italian Alps.

Hiking Trails
Surrounding peaks and valleys
Challenging yet rewarding hikes, some with via ferrata elements. Trekking poles are recommended for stability.

Sunset Spectacle
Gardena Pass viewpoints
Witness the mountains bathed in golden light. A magical end to a day exploring the Dolomites.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Parking is available for around €2/hour, capped at €8/day. Arrive by 11 AM to find decent spots.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Bring a jacket, even in summer, as it can get chilly.
🥾 Hiking Essentials
Trekking poles are helpful for stability on loose rock sections during hikes.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible! Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Parking is available for around €2/hour, capped at €8/day. Arrive by 11 AM to find decent spots.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Bring a jacket, even in summer, as it can get chilly.
🥾 Hiking Essentials
Trekking poles are helpful for stability on loose rock sections during hikes.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible! Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos.
🏍️ Motorcyclist's Dream
The winding roads and views make it a paradise for motorcyclists. Early mornings offer empty roads.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the 'INSANE' and 'unbelievable' views at Gardena Pass, calling it one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites. The scenic drive, hiking opportunities, and sunset vistas are major highlights. Some note that it can get busy, especially during peak hours, and recommend arriving early.
"The views are INSANE! One of those places where you cannot believe your eyes. No matter where you turn you can see mountains. There are many cables around to get to the top of the mountains or to the walking hikes near the peaks. Parking on top is 2€/h max 8€/ day. We came around 11 AM and it was half full. It is quite chilly so bring a jacket"
Amita Jakulevičiūtė
"Gorgeous fun drive but sadly very popular so it can get busy but when you dive it or bike it, you will see why!"
Finca Bock Stacey
"A fairly interesting, but challenging hike. The ascent includes some light via ferrata elements, but no special equipment is needed. There’s a safety cable along the trail to help. For better stability on sections with loose rocks, I’d recommend bringing trekking poles"
Tetiana B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gardena Pass (Passo Gardena) is accessible by car via the SS242 road, connecting Val Gardena with Alta Badia. It's a scenic drive, popular with motorcyclists and drivers alike. Many visitors find it easy to reach by car and suggest it as a great place to end the day.
Absolutely! Gardena Pass is a highlight for many Dolomites road trips, offering stunning hairpin bends and panoramic views. It's often included in multi-day itineraries for the region.
While direct public transport to the very top of the pass might be limited, the surrounding Val Gardena area is well-served by buses. You can likely take a bus to a nearby town like Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei and then arrange local transport or a scenic walk.
For the best experience, consider an early morning drive to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise. Be prepared for tight curves and enjoy the exhilarating ride.
Yes, there are hotels and accommodations available in the vicinity of Gardena Pass, offering convenient access to the pass and surrounding attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access Gardena Pass itself. It's a public road. However, parking fees apply if you stop your vehicle.
Parking at Gardena Pass typically costs around €2 per hour, with a daily maximum of approximately €8.
Gardena Pass itself is a road, not a ski resort. However, if you plan to ski in the Val Gardena area during winter, you will need a ski pass for the resorts like Val Gardena or the Sella Ronda circuit.
Yes, the Val Gardena Guest Pass often provides free or discounted access to public buses and some cable cars in the Val Gardena region, which can be useful for exploring the area around Gardena Pass.
Yes, there are cable car and gondola options available near Gardena Pass that can take you to higher hiking areas or viewpoints. You can purchase tickets for these directly at the stations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Many visitors rave about the hiking opportunities. Trails range from moderate walks to more challenging routes, some with via ferrata elements. Trekking poles are recommended for stability on loose terrain.
Besides the scenic drive, you can enjoy hiking, photography, and simply soaking in the incredible mountain vistas. There are also hotels and restaurants for a break.
Absolutely! The dramatic peaks, winding roads, and changing light make it a photographer's paradise. Sunset is particularly spectacular.
Gardena Pass (Passo Gardena) is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,121 meters (6,959 feet) above sea level.
Expect unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks, lush valleys, and dramatic mountain landscapes. It's a place where you can't believe your eyes.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The 'golden hour' truly enhances the beauty of the Dolomites.
You can capture stunning shots of the serpentine roads, towering peaks, and expansive valleys. Drone photography is also popular here for unique aerial perspectives.
Many viewpoints along the pass offer incredible photo opportunities. Pulling over at designated spots or viewpoints like 'Passo Gardena, Mountain Viewpoint' allows for safe and spectacular shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can help isolate specific peaks. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, taking a cable car up offers a different perspective for photography, with sweeping views of the pass and surrounding mountains from above.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
🏍️ Motorcyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Driving the Gardena Pass
Parking is available at the summit, typically costing around €2 per hour with a daily maximum of €8. While the drive itself is the main attraction for many, the pass also serves as a gateway to numerous hiking trails and offers access to cable cars that ascend to higher viewpoints. The sheer beauty of the surrounding peaks, like the Sassolungo group, is a constant companion throughout the journey, making it an unforgettable experience.
Hiking and Via Ferrata Adventures
Popular hiking destinations accessible from Gardena Pass include areas within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The stunning vistas of jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and dramatic rock formations make every step worthwhile. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner looking for a scenic walk, the trails around Gardena Pass offer a profound connection with the majestic Dolomite landscape.
Photography Hotspots
For the best photographic results, aim for the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. During these times, the mountains are bathed in a warm, soft light that accentuates their textures and colors. Sunset, in particular, is a magical spectacle, painting the sky and peaks in hues of orange, pink, and purple. Many visitors recommend stopping at designated viewpoints or the 'Passo Gardena, Mountain Viewpoint' to safely capture these breathtaking moments. Drone photography also offers unique aerial perspectives of the pass and its surroundings, showcasing the scale and grandeur of the landscape.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit