How to Visit Passo Gardena: Everything You Need to Know in 2025
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Tucked away in the heart of the Dolomites, Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch) is an absolute dream for mountain-loving travelers. Think stunning alpine views, amazing hiking trails, and plenty of adventure to keep you on your toes. This iconic mountain pass perfectly captures the magic of northern Italy's UNESCO-listed Dolomites.
While some may choose to drive straight through the winding Gardena Pass road, I would highly recommend carving out some time in your itinerary to stop at the top of the pass and explore! This area is much more than just a scenic drive.
Thinking about visiting to Passo Gardena this year? (You definitely should!) Whether it’s for the picturesque winding roads, stunning hikes, or just the general magic of the Dolomites, I’ve got you covered with a guide to make your trip unforgettable.
In this guide, we'll dive into how to get there, what to do and see, where to stay nearby, and some essential tips. Here's everything you need to know to explore Passo Gardena in the Italian Dolomites. Let's go!
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Where is Passo Gardena?
How to Get to Passo Gardena
Things to Do in Passo Gardena
The Scenic Drive
Hiking
Visit a Rifugio via Chairlift
Cycling
Winter Activities
Where to Stay Near Passo Gardena
Passo Gardena Webcam
FAQ
Final Thoughts
Where is Passo Gardena?
Passo Gardena, known as Grödner Joch in German, is located in the Dolomites, a stunning mountainous region in northern Italy (the Italian Alps). At an elevation of 2,136 m (7,008 ft), it connects Val Gardena to Val Badia, making it one of the Dolomites' most scenic mountain passes.
When you're in the pass, look west to spot the sharp peaks of Sassolungo, and then turn east to take in the stunning views of Val Badia. To the south lies the majestic Sella Group, and the rugged Cir Peaks dominate the north. With cliffs, meadows, and epic scenery all around, the views here are unforgettable no matter when you visit!
If you’re looking at a map, Passo Gardena lies within the greater South Tyrol region, offering travelers a unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultural influences.
Passo Gardena Map
Many GPS apps work well in the region, but having an offline map is always a good idea. Here’s a quick visual of where Passo Gardena fits into your Dolomites itinerary!
How to Get to Passo Gardena
By Car
Driving is the most convenient way to access Passo Gardena. This gives you the freedom to explore the pass and surrounding areas at your own pace.
From Bolzano (the largest nearby city): Take the SS242 road through Ortisei - roughly an hour drive.
From Venice: Passo Gardena is about a 3 hour drive via the via A27 and SP251.
From Innsbruck, Austria: Drive through the scenic Brenner Pass via the A13, and then take the SS242 past Ortisei. The drive is approximately 2 hours.
Tips for Driving through Passo Gardena:
The roads include sharp curves and steep climbs, so take your time and drive cautiously.
Arrive early during peak season, as parking spots at the top of the pass fill quickly!
Check weather updates before heading out - mountain roads can get icy in late fall / winter.
Parking Information for Gardena Pass:
Paid parking lots are available at Passo Gardena, and tend to fill quickly during peak season. This one is located right at the top of the pass, with over 50 spots. Roadside parking is not allowed.
By Guided Tour
If you're not renting a car, a guided tour is a great option! Many Dolomites-based operators offer day trips that pass through Passo Gardena. These tours often include transportation, a local guide, and scheduled stops for photos, hikes, and meals at traditional rifugios.
This exclusive private Dolomites tour includes stops at highlights like Passo Gardena, Seceda, and Ortisei (departing from Cortina d'Ampezzo).
This private taxi service can be booked as a half-day or full-day excursion, including Passo Gardena and various other scenic mountain passes / major location highlights.
Bonus: Opting for a tour means you can sit back, relax, and soak in the stunning scenery without worrying about navigating or driving on unfamiliar roads.
Views on the drive up through Passo Gardena
Things to Do in Passo Gardena
The majority of these recommendations are perfect for the peak season in the Dolomites, which runs from summer through fall. During this time, the weather is ideal for exploring, the rifugios and gondolas are open, and the trails and panoramic views are at their absolute best!
1. The Scenic Drive
Passo Gardena’s winding road is an attraction in itself. The drive across the pass is incredibly photogenic, offering sweeping views of alpine meadows, jagged peaks, and charming mountain huts along the way.
Pro Tip: Plan your drive during either sunrise or sunset golden hour to witness the Dolomites bathed in breathtaking hues of orange and pink. Here’s an Instagram video that I posted from sunset time during the summer.
2. Hiking
Whether you’re up for a relaxing stroll or a more challenging hike, Passo Gardena has trail options for everyone.
Easy: Try the short hike up to Rifugio Jimmi (Jimmi Hütte). It’s an easy uphill climb with rewarding views, and ends at the mountain hut where you can dine with an epic view. Here's a downloadable trail map of this side of the pass.
Moderate: The Grande Cir hike offers slightly steeper terrain and impressive panoramic views along a moderately difficulty loop trail. It's a very popular trail (for good reason) and is most spectacular at sunrise or sunset for that glowing light hitting the surrounding peaks.
Hard: For seasoned hikers, Cima Pisciadù and Lake Pisciadù is a challenging via ferrata with unbeatable views at the top. You can even pop into Rifugio Pisciadù for a little rest, a meal or an overnight stay beside the alpine lake. To shorten the hike, take the out-and-back trail to just the rifugio and Lake Pisciadù.
Signage leading up to various rifugios
Passo Gardena views at sunset
3. Visit a Rifugio via Chairlift
Rifugio stops are a Dolomites must! Take a chairlift ride up to mountain restaurants like Dantercepies Mountain Lounge or Jimmi Hütte (as mentioned above) to enjoy traditional alpine meals paired with some of the most stunning mountain views. Rifugios are the perfect spot to recharge before or after a hike, or even after simply riding the chairlift / gondola up to explore.
>> Cir chairlift information (connects Passo Gardena up to Dantercepies Mountain Lounge)
4. Cycling
Passo Gardena is a cyclist’s paradise. This stretch of the Dolomites is part of the famous Sellaronda Bike Day, which attracts cyclists from around the globe. Even outside of the event, the winding mountain roads are a thrilling route for anyone who likes to explore on two wheels.
>> Need to rent a bike in the Dolomites? Check out this rental shop in Corvara (east of Passo Gardena), or this list of rental shops in Val Gardena (west of Passo Gardena).
5. Winter Activities
Passo Gardena is a winter paradise for adventure lovers. Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in the Dolomiti Superski area, and then cozy rifugios offering warm meals by the fire after a day in the snow.
Start of the via ferrata Cima Pisciadù trail
Where to Stay Near Passo Gardena
If you want to soak up the beauty of the area, staying right near Passo Gardena is the way to go. Here are some awesome places to stay within a very short drive of the top of the mountain pass:
Luxury (5 ⭐)
Boutique (4 ⭐)
Mid-Range (3 ⭐)
Hotel Cir (right at the top of Passo Gardena!)
Passo Gardena Webcam
Before heading out, check the webcam at Passo Gardena for real-time weather conditions. This is especially handy for last-minute changes in weather or seasonal closures.
Webcam in Passo Gardena (summer season)
(Winter ski season)
FAQ
Is Passo Gardena Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Passo Gardena is located right within an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering countless activities for adventurous travelers during nearly any season. Be sure to include Passo Gardena in your larger Dolomites itinerary, especially if you already plan to visit Val Gardena or Alta Badia.
Is Passo Gardena Open in Winter?
Passo Gardena remains accessible in winter, but for skiing and snowboarding rather than hiking. Be aware that heavy snowfall may temporarily close roads.
Can I Get to Passo Gardena Without a Car?
Yes! You can take regional buses to Val Gardena, or book a guided tour with transportation options included.
During the summer season, you can take bus 473 (Val Gardena to Passo Gardena to Alta Badia) right into Passo Gardena. There is one bus every hour, and you can check the current timetables here (look for bus line 473).
What Should I Bring When Visiting Gardena Pass?
In the peak summer/fall season, pack some sturdy hiking boots (ps. these are my personal favorite pair) for the trails, a lightweight jacket for those unpredictable mountain weather shifts, and plenty of water to keep hydrated. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. That alpine sun is no joke, even when it’s cool out. And of course, bring a travel camera - the views are absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset!
Looking up towards the Dantercepies Mountain Lounge (far left)
Final Thoughts
Ready to plan an epic visit to Passo Gardena? Use this guide to spark some ideas, pick the best trails to explore, and map out an adventure in the heart of the Dolomites!
Whether you’re hitting the trails for a hike, treating yourself to some amazing local food at a rifugio, or just taking in those jaw-dropping mountain views, this is truly a can't-miss stop on any trip to the Italian Alps. Looking for more Dolomites trip ideas? Check out these must-visit locations next: Lago di Braies and the iconic Seceda ridgeline.
Buon viaggio!
Have a nice trip!
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How to Visit Passo Gardena: Everything You Need to Know
