Dolomite Road,  Italy:
One of the World's Best Scenic Drives

Dolomite Road, Italy

The Dolomite Road in Italy is a stunningly beautiful, alpine highway with rugged, hugging cliffs, sharp hairpin turns, and limestone walls.

The scenic Dolomite Road in Italy is a 100 km or 62 mile drive from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo that cuts through the Dolomites in the Italian Alps. It can be driven in three hours although to really appreciate the scenic beauty, it is recommended that you stop off and take a detour and complete the drive in two days.

In the northern most area of Italy, the Alps, ( a popular destination for skiing), has become a series of ancient coral reefs that rise several thousand feet above sea level and have the appearance of craggy peaks.

Driving This Scenic Route

The gateway to the Dolomites ( A popular hub for Skiing) is Bolzano, or Bozen as sometimes referred in German, is the main city of the South Tyrol, sitting at the crossroads of the two cultures.

As you stop off in many of the charming towns, you will experience a mountain culture where the the locals speak both German and Italian.

Completed at the beginning of the 20th century, the route is designated as SS 241 and SR 48, and and runs east-west, as it meanders through the giant peaks and dramatic views.

Begin your journey in Bolzano on SS 241 and pass through a beautiful nearly vertically walled canyon then continue your climb into Vigo di Fassa where you join SS 48 for the rest of the trip to Cortina.

A recommended side trip is from Canazei to Ortisei on SS 242 and down SS 641. Stop off at Malga Ciapela and take the cable car up the mountain at a height of 3,265 meters or 11,000 feet. Well worth the detour. Canazei is a small town half way between Bolzano and Cortina is a good place to spend the night.


Places to Stay

Note: The peak season is the wintertime when skiing is in full swing

Hotel Greif
Bolzano, Italy
This 33 room hotel is set in the main square of Bolzano. It is located nearby the Cathedral of Bolzano, Museo Archeologico dell'Alto Adige, Monument of Walther von der Vogelweide, Piazza Walther, and City Gallery. It offers a complimentary breakfast, a seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary bicycles,

Hotel Hanny
Bolzano, Italy
A 34 room modern, value priced hotel with views of old castles and ruins.

Hotel Park Dolasilla
Vigo di Fassa, Italy
Located in the historic center of Vigo di Fassa, this is a good base to enjoy nearby tourist attractions. It has 35 recently renewed rooms with a balcony for taking in view s on the Fassa Dolomites. Free on-site parking.

Family Hotel La Grotta
Vigo di Fassa, Italy
This family hotel offers plenty of kids activities

Rosapetra Spa Resort
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
This new 29 room hotels is minutes far from the Centre of Cortina D'Ampezzo and the lifts, adjacent to the promenade (formerly railway) in a beautifully landscaped property elegantly furnished rooms with natural materials: wood, stone, glass and steel.

Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
This historical luxury Hotel is popular with high income visitors who are looking for all the amenities of a first class resort with golf, a spa, and more