Great Dolomite Road

The Great Dolomite Road, Italy

This scenic Great Dolomite Road was completed in 1909 and hailed as a major tourist attraction as early as the 1920s.

The total distance from Bozen to Cortina d’Ampezzo is about 110km and provides amazing views all the way.

If you’re traveling through the northern parts of Italy, the famous Dolomites should not be missed. The Great Dolomite Road is one of the top Italian road trips loved by tourists and locals alike.

Why travel straight from Verona to Venice when you can take an even more scenic and out-of-the-way route?

Things to see on the Great Dolomite Road

If you start your drive in Bozen, you will need to travel towards the district of Kardaun. This is where you can turn onto the road leading to the Eggental Valley.

While traveling in the direction of Welschnofen, you will have a fantastic view of Rosengarten.

You can also enjoy some mesmerizing views of Lago di Carezza in this popular skiing location.

Hereafter, you can make your way to Lake Karersee. It can get pretty crowded here but it is worth stopping and stretching your legs before you continue on your adventure.

Navigate your way over Karerpass and you will reach Fassa Valley. At Vigo di Fassa you will need to turn and drive towards Canazei.

Before you continue, however, you may want to make the most of this part of your trip by enjoying a picnic at Val de San Nicolo, some skiing fun or visit scenic spots like Col Rodella and Pozza di Fassa.

In Canazei you will find a number of local resorts. If you make your reservations in advance, you could spend a night or two in this scenic and relaxing part of Italy.

When you are ready to continue, drive up the winding road that leads to Pordoi Joch.

Again, from here you will enjoy some amazing views of Rosengarten as well as Marmolada and Sassolungo.

Continue driving through the beautiful ski village of Arabba and navigate the steep Passo di Falzarego with care.

Feel free to stop here and visit the World War II museum and battlefields before driving down to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Cheap Car Hire in Northern Italy

Make your road trip even more enjoyable with a discount rental car by searching our site to compare low rate offers from big brands like Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz and Budget.

You could be driving the Great Dolomite Road in a stylish hire car while saving valuable dollars for the rest of your holiday.

Reserve a vehicle by booking in advance today, and pickup a deal on a Toyota, Fiat, Renault, Mazda, Peugeot or one of many other popular rentals.

Great Dolomite Road driving tips

This drive is wonderfully scenic with a number of places for you to stop and take in the views.

Drivers need to negotiate the passes and steep roads with care. Focus on the road while driving and save your sightseeing for the lookout points.

Traveling during the warmer months is advised and during favourable weather conditions. Try to avoid driving during conditions that reduce visibility.

There are places for you to pull over if another driver would like to overtake you. Stay in your lane and pull over if and when the opportunity presents itself.

Take a look at a map and try to plan your route. Be aware of sights you would like to see and where you would like to stop.

When reserving your rental car, consider requesting a GPS unit as mobile phone reception may be unreliable in such mountainous areas.

If you plan on making a stop halfway through, consider booking your accommodation online.  That’s one of the best ways to save more time and money!