Bolzano to Cortina over three passes below jagged pale peaks. That is what Great Dolomites Road promises, and it delivers. At about 68 miles (109 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 1–2 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Bolzano
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Bolzano is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Lago di Carezza. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Lago di Carezza, Canazei and Passo Pordoi. Each one makes a natural break, and Canazei sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Passo Pordoi.
Arriving in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Save energy for the final stretch: Passo Falzarego is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Lago di Carezza, Passo Pordoi and Passo Falzarego, and you will understand why Great Dolomites Road belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is June–September. Plan on 1–2 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Check route weather and fuel stops on the Plan tab before you go.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
