Mountain passes in South Tyrol

All Alpine and Dolomite mountain passes

In South Tyrol, the mountains have always shaped the pace of travel and interactions between cultures.

Alpine mountain passes connect valleys, towns and villages, crossing some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sweeping views and impressive mountain scenery make South Tyrol passes special destinations for anyone who wants to get closer to the mountains. Whether by mountain bike, road bike or on foot, this is a place to experience the peaks up close.

Dolomite passes, UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Dolomite mountain passes are every traveller’s dream, with their vertical peaks of pale rock that glow pink at sunset.

Grödnerjoch/Gardena Pass and Sellajoch/Sella Pass, together with Pordoijoch/Pordoi Pass and Campolongo Pass, make up the famous Sellaronda circuit. The Grödnerjoch Pass (2,121 m) offers one of the most beautiful views of the Cir Group, while the Sellajoch Pass (2,240 m) rises directly beneath the Sella Towers and the Langkofel Massif/Gruppo del Sassolungo.
Karerpass/Passo Costalunga: situated at the foot of the Latemar massif and Rosengarten massif (Catinaccio), this pass is famous for its proximity to Lake Carezza (Karersee), whose clear waters reflect the legend of King Laurin.
Würzjoch Pass/Passo delle Erbe: less crowded but exceptionally scenic, this mountain pass lies at the foot of the majestic Peitlerkofel mountain (Sass de Putia) and offers access to the Puez-Geisler/Puez-Odle Nature Park.
Furkelpass/Passo Furcia: connects the Val Badia Valley with the Pustertal Valley (Val Pusteria) (Kronplatz/Plan de Corones).
Kreuzbergpass/Passo Monte Croce: marks the border with the Cadore area of Veneto, set against a backdrop of dense forests and jagged peaks.
Valparola Pass: a rugged, almost lunar mountain pass linking Val Badia Valley with Falzarego Pass. It was the scene of fierce battles during the First World War, traces of which can still be seen today at the “Forte Tre Sassi” Museum.

IDM Südtirol/Alex Moling

Sustainable ways to reach the Dolomite mountain passes

The Dolomite passes are popular destinations and ideal starting points for experiencing the extraordinary landscapes of the Dolomites up close. It’s best to travel without a car. Whether on foot, by bike, cable car or public transport, you can experience the mountain passes responsibly and enjoy the Dolomites in a more sustainable way.

Leave your car at home and discover the alternative ways of reaching the Dolomite passes. There are a whole host of good reasons for doing so:

Avoid the stress of driving and sitting in queues of traffic on the winding roads to the passes and enjoy the amazing Dolomite landscapes to the full;
Reach the pass comfortably, in good time and affordably thanks to our efficient public transport network;
Actively contribute to safeguarding the delicate ecosystem of the Dolomites.

As in the rest of Italy, wild camping is not permitted on the Dolomite passes. There are many motorhome stopover sites in South Tyrol, where it is possible to stay for up to 72 hours. They are equipped with basic facilities (electricity supply, water supply and waste disposal). For longer (over 72 hours) and more comfortable stays, you will need to book a pitch at a campsite.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Manuel Ferrigato

Accommodations with the Guest Pass

Book your accommodation in South Tyrol and receive your Guest Pass upon check-in. Enjoy scenic views and easy access to holiday adventures, always with your Guest Pass at your fingertips.

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Accommodation with the Südtirol Guest Pass

Book one of these accomodations and you’ll receive your Südtirol Guest Pass, allowing you to make the most of public transport in the region.

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Alpine passes on the Austrian border: the gateway to the North

These passes are not just transport links, but cultural bridges connecting South Tyrol with North and East Tyrol.

Brenner Pass/Passo del Brennero (1,374 m): without doubt one of the most important and busiest mountain passes in the Eastern Alps. It links Sterzing/Vipiteno with Innsbruck and is a vital European transport artery. Although it is best known for the A13 motorway (where maintenance work is currently under way on the Lueg Bridge), the Brenner railway also runs across the pass, making it a key connection between north and south.
Reschen Pass/Passo Resia (1,504 m): located at the western end of the province, it links Vinschgau Valley/Val Venosta with the Austrian region of Tyrol. As well as its logistical importance, it is known all around the world for Lake Reschensee/Lago di Resia, where the submerged bell tower of Graun/Curon rises from the water, one of the most iconic symbols of the Vinschgau Valley and South Tyrol.
Timmelsjoch Pass/Passo Rombo (2,509 m): known as “the secret gateway to the Alps,” it links the Passeiertal Valley/Val Passiria with the Ötztal Valley. It is one of the most spectacular roads in Europe. Note: due to the high altitude, the pass is only open in summer (usually from June to October) and is subject to a toll on the Austrian side.
Staller Sattel/Passo Stalle (2,052 m): a hidden gem between the Antholztal Valley/Valle di Anterselva and the Defereggental Valley/Valle Defereggental. The distinctive feature of this pass is the narrow road on the Austrian side, where there is alternating one-way traffic controlled by traffic lights (15 minutes in each direction), making the journey a step back in time through alpine lakes and stone pine forests.

Alpine passes connecting to neighbouring regions: routes through the heart of the Alps

These passes link the valleys of South Tyrol with one another or with the Italian regions of Trentino and Lombardy.

StilfserjochPass/Passo dello Stelvio (2,758 m): although technically linking South Tyrol with Lombardy (Valtellina), it is known as the “King of Passes”. On the South Tyrolean side, it is one of the highest and most iconic roads in the world.
Penser Joch Pass/Passo Pennes (2,211 m): this pass links Sarntal Valley/Val Sarentino with the Sterzing/Vipiteno area. It is appreciated for its genuinely wild landscape, far from the mainstream tourist routes. It is a hidden gem, but one that is very popular with cyclists. It is closed in winter.
Mendelpass/Passo Mendola (1,363 m): a historic holiday destination for the Habsburg nobility, with its spectacular winding roads overlooking the Etschtal/Adige Valley, it connects Kaltern/Caldaro and Eppan/Appiano with the Val di Non Valley in Trentino.
Gampen Pas/Passo Palade (1,518 m): alternative to the Mendel Pass (Passo Mendola), it links the Meran/Merano area with the Val di Non Valley. It passes through woodland and is less rugged than other passes. Here, it is possible to visit the Gampen Bunker, an imposing defensive structure of the Second World War.
Jaufen Pass (2,094 m): the northernmost Alpine pass in Italy located entirely within Italian territory. It links Passeiertal Valley/Val Passiria with Sterzing/Vipiteno, offering a scenic, winding route. From the summit, the view stretches from the Ötztal Alps to the Dolomites.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Matt Cherubino

Travel tips

IDM Südtirol

Check the accessibility and condition of the passes

In South Tyrol, safety comes first. Many passes over 2,000 metres (such as the Timmelsjoch/Passo del Rombo, Silfserjochand/Stelvio and Penser Joch/Passo Pennes passes) are closed in winter, which can last from November until June. Other Dolomite passes, while remaining open, require winter equipment (snow tyres or snow chains on board).

Before travelling, check for any traffic restrictions or consult the South Tyrol Traffic Management Centre website for real-time updates on closures and road works.
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige

Clothing and weather

The weather at high altitudes can change suddenly. Even in the middle of August, temperatures on the passes such as Stilfserjoch/Stelvio or Timmelsjoch/Passo del Rombo can drop close to zero in bad weather. Always carry a windproof jacket with you and check the local weather forecast.