Scenic Drives in the Dolomites
One of the best ways to experience the Dolomites is simply by driving.
The region is famous for its dramatic mountain passes, winding roads, and spectacular viewpoints. Many of the most iconic Dolomites landscapes can be seen directly from the road or with only a short walk.
If you enjoy scenic drives, the Dolomites offer some of the most beautiful routes in the Alps.
These are some of the most scenic drives in the Dolomites.
Gardena Pass (Passo Gardena)
Gardena Pass connects the valleys of Val Gardena and Alta Badia and is one of the most beautiful drives in the Dolomites.
The road winds between dramatic rock formations with incredible views of the Sella Group and surrounding peaks.
There are several viewpoints and small parking areas along the road where you can stop to enjoy the scenery.
This pass is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
If you're staying nearby, both Ortisei and Corvara are excellent base towns for exploring this area. See Best Dolomites Bases for Non-Hikers for more on choosing where to stay.
Passo Giau
Passo Giau is widely considered one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Dolomites.
The road climbs above Cortina d’Ampezzo to a high mountain pass surrounded by dramatic peaks and wide open views.
You don’t need to hike to enjoy the scenery here. Simply stopping at the pass offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
This area is also close to Cinque Torri, which can be reached by chairlift.
Valparola Pass
Valparola Pass connects Alta Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo and is another beautiful Dolomites drive.
The road passes alpine meadows, historic fortifications from World War I, and dramatic mountain scenery.
One of the highlights is Lago di Valparola, a small alpine lake located near the pass.
From here you can continue toward Cortina or explore nearby viewpoints and mountain huts.
Sella Pass (Passo Sella)
Sella Pass connects Val Gardena and Val di Fassa and offers incredible views of the Sassolungo and Sella Group.
The drive itself is stunning, with towering rock formations rising above the road.
This pass is also known for the famous Sassolungo “coffin” cable car, which lifts visitors high into the mountains.e.
Tre Cime Scenic Road
One of the most famous drives in the Dolomites leads to Rifugio Auronzo, the starting point for visiting the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks).
The road climbs high into the mountains and offers dramatic views even before reaching the parking area.
From the top, short walks provide spectacular views of the famous peaks.
If you're staying in the area, Sesto and San Candido are excellent bases for exploring the Three Peaks region.
Why Scenic Drives Are One of the Best Ways to See the Dolomites
Many visitors are surprised by how much of the Dolomites can be experienced without long hikes.
Mountain passes, scenic roads, and cable cars make it possible to reach incredible viewpoints quickly.
If you’re planning a trip and want to see the best scenery without committing to long hikes, scenic drives are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore the region.
Planning Your Dolomites Trip
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is trying to see too much of the Dolomites in one trip. Choosing the right base town and focusing on a few nearby highlights will make your trip far more enjoyable. If you're trying to decide where to stay, this free guide explains the different regions of the Dolomites and how they fit together. Download the free Dolomites base guide.
More Resources:
• Best Viewpoints in the Dolomites without Hiking
• Scenic Drives in the Dolomites
• The Most Scenic Viewpoints in the Dolomites for Photography
Choose Your Base:
If you'd like help deciding where to stay, you can use my Choose Your Base planning service, where I review your trip and recommend the best Dolomites base for your itinerary.
