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How best do I reach the Grödnerjoch pass?

The Grödnerjoch pass (2,121  m a.s.l. - Ladin: Jëuf de Frea, Italian: Passo Gardena) is located between the Sella massif and the Cirspitzen peaks and connects Val Gardena with Val Badia. It  is a popular destination for those  keen to experience the unique landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. The  best way is without a car: that’s because on foot, by bike, via cable car or public transport, you can conquer the passes in a sustainable manner whilst enjoying the  superlative backdrop of the Dolomites

Wild camping is prohibited on the Dolomite passes in South Tyrol and throughout the rest of Italy. There are, however, many RV parks where you can stay for up to 72 hours. They serve as a stopover, offering essential amenities such as electricity connections and supply and disposal facilities. For stays exceeding 72 hours, we highly recommend booking a pitch on a campsite. Campsites provide a wide range of amenities and facilities that will improve your experience.

Reaching the Grödnerjoch pass on foot

One foot after the other is the best way to reach the pass. In addition to sporting activities in the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites, hikers can also experience the flora and fauna of this fascinating mountain world up close and personal.

Tip: Before setting off, inform yourself about safety in the mountains, the current weather conditions and whether the hiking trail of your choice is open.

From Calfosch/Colfosco-Corvara:
duration: 2 h, altitude difference: 500 m ↑, length: 7 km
From the village, reach the Grödnerjoch pass via hiking trail no. 650 or via hiking trail no. 8 B and then no. 8.

From Plan/Val Gardena:
duration: 2 h, altitude difference: 516 m ↑, length: 3.5 km
From the village of Plan in Val Gardena, take trail no. 654 to the Grödnerjoch pass.

From Calfosch/Colfosco-Corvara:
duration: 20 min., altitude difference: 101 m ↓, length: 1 km
From the centre of Calfosch, take the Plans-Frara cable car to the Jimmy-Hütte mountain inn at 2,222 m. The hut is located exactly 101 m above the Grödnerjoch. To reach the Grödnerjoch, now follow hiking trail no. 2.

From Sëlva/Selva in Val Gardena:
duration: 20 minutes, altitude difference: 101 m ↓, length 1 km
First take the Dantercepies gondola cable car to the Dantercepies mountain hut, then take the Cir Giara trail, ascending gently and never steeply through the terrain to the Grödnerjoch pass.

Tickets for the cable cars and lifts can be purchased directly on site. In addition to one-way tickets, the following advantage cards are available:

  •  Gardena Card: using this card, enjoy unlimited access to all 17 cable cars & lifts in Val Gardena for three or six consecutive days (from the first day).
  •  Alta Badia Summer Card: With the Summer Card, enjoy unlimited use of all cable cars and chairlifts in Alta Badia for the purchased days (day pass/3 in 4 days/5 in 7 days/12 in 14 days).
  • The Supersummer Card: take advantage of 120 cable cars and lifts in the Dolomites (day ticket/3 in 4 days/5 in 7 days).

Note: You may not use the cable cars and lifts with the  Val Gardena Mobil Card  . Dogs can be transported only when muzzled (5 €/journey).

The most scenic hikes to Grödnerjoch pass

The Grödnerjoch pass is accessible via both leisurely and more challenging routes. Either way, magnificent panoramic views of the  Sella massif, the peaks of the Cirspitzen, Langkofel and  Plattkofel mountains, the legendary Fanes group and surrounding Dolomite massifs are guaranteed!

From La Villa to the Puez Nature Park – UNESCO World Heritage

From La Villa to the Puez Nature Park – UNESCO World Heritage

Hike from the Gardena Pass to the Puez - Odle Nature Park

Hike from the Gardena Pass to the Puez - Odle Nature Park

Reaching the Grödnerjoch pass by bike

Easily reach the Grödnerjoch pass viaracing bike,mountain bikeor e-bike.  We recommend finding out in advance if the route of your choice is open in addition to the current weather. Also, please obey fair and safe cycling practices. According to the local road code, the pass is passable via bike using the provincial road (SS242) without restrictions.

  • Please note: It is not possible to take bicycles on public transport around the Dolomite passes.

From the Grödnerjoch pass:
Frara single track mountain-biking route:
Length: 4.1 km, altitude difference: 16 m ↑, 456 m ↓, duration: 16 minutes, degree of difficulty: medium
Start: Grödnerjoch pass. The trail leads from the Grödnerjoch pass via the ski slope and various jumps, bumps and curves to Calfosch/Colfosco and to the valley station of the Plans-Frara cable car.

From Sëlva/Selva in Val Gardena:
Grödnerjoch pass mountain-biking tour:
Length: 4.15 km, altitude difference: 843 m ↑, 650 m ↓, duration: 2 h, degree of difficulty: medium
Start: Dantercepies cable car. After taking the cable car to Dantercëpies, enjoy a flowing  trail starting directly below the Cirspitzen peaks, which leads to the Grödnerjoch pass. Using the Trail Arena ticket, the Cir Tiera Trail and  other trails in the Trail Arena Val Gardena can be repeated as often as you like. 

Sellaronda mountain-biking route clockwise:
Length: 59.7 km, altitude difference: 440 m ↑, 4130 m ↓, duration: 6-7 h, degree of difficulty: medium
Start: Dantercepies lift. Take the cable car to the mountain station, then follow the orange Sellaronda mountain-biking route signs .

Sellaronda mountain-biking route counterclockwise:
Length: 56.7 km, altitude difference 1020 m↑, 3660 m ↓, duration: 6-7 h, degree of difficulty: hard
Start: Ciampinoi cable car. Take the cable car to the mountain station, then follow the green Sellaronda mountain-biking route  signs.

From Calfosch/Colfosco-Corvara:
Sellaronda mountain-biking route clockwise:
Length: 56.6 km, altitude difference 440 m↑, 4060 m ↓, duration: 6-7 h, degree of difficulty level: medium
Start: Col Alto  and Braia Fraida lifts. Take the cable car to the mountain station, then follow the orange Sellaronda mountain-biking route signs.

Sellaronda mountain-biking route counterclockwise:
Length: 57.3 km, altitude difference 1120 m↑, 3670 m ↓, duration: 6-7 h, degree of difficulty: hard
Start: Plans - Frara cable car. Take the lift to the mountain station, then follow the green Sellaronda mountain-biking route signs.

Tickets for the cable cars and lifts can be purchased directly on site. 5€/bike will be charged if not already included with the cable-car ticket. In addition to one-way tickets, the following advantage cards are available to cyclists:

  • The Supersummer Card: 120 cable cars & lifts in the Dolomites can be used with the Supersummer Card (day pass/3 out of 4 days/5 out of 7 days/season pass), including bike transport. The ticket is valid for all cable cars and lifts on the aforementioned Sellaronda tours.

Note: You may not use the cable cars and lifts with the  Val Gardena Mobil Card . Some lifts cannot transport bicycles, i.e. in Val Gardena the  Sonne, Col Raiser and Langkofelscharte cable cars & lifts do not permit the transport of bicycles.

The most scenic bike tours to Grödnerjoch pass

Are you keen to pedal on the mountain pass road, or would you prefer a flowing mountain-bike trail? There are plenty of tours on two wheels up to and around the Grödnerjoch pass.

Well equipped & fully charged

To make sure that nothing gets in the way of your cycling experience around the Grödnerjoch pass, there are numerous bike rental shops and e-bike charging stations nearby.

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Arriving to the Grödnerjoch pass by bus

Using the Mobilcard or the regional Guest Cards  (e.g. Val Gardena Mobil Card), guests can travel by bus free of charge (validation required at the beginning of each journey). Alternatively, tickets can be purchased directly on the bus. Children younger than 6 do not need a ticket.
Dogs must be kept on a leash and muzzled if necessary. Small dogs travel free of charge. 

The Grödnerjoch pass can be reached in summer with  bus line no. 473 (Val Badia - Grödnerjoch pass - Val Gardena).
Buses run every hour. From Val Badia, the bus line starts in Corvara, whilst in Val Gardena it starts early in the morning in Urtijëi/Ortisei. Later it also starts from Plan de Gralba (to get to Plan de Gralba, take bus lines no. 350, no. 352 and no. 473). 

Reaching the Grödnerjoch pass by private vehicle

Although it is permitted to drive to the  Grödnerjoch pass  in summer by private vehicle, we advise against it due to road congestion and for reasons of sustainability. Parking at the pass  is limited. Parking on the side of the road is sanctioned by law enforcement officers according to the road code.
PLEASE NOTE: Traffic jams and other inconveniences can be expected at any time during the summer months. For the current traffic situation or possible pass closures, we recommend consulting the traffic information centre.  

In South Tyrol, sustainable transportation is a top priority. For this reason, it is recommended that visitors use sustainable forms of transport whenever possible and use public transport to get to the desired starting points for hikes or other activities.

Question:  Are there public toilets at the Grödnerjoch pass?
Answer:  There are no public toilets on the Grödnerjoch pass, but there are several places to stop at the top of the pass and along the hiking and biking trails (huts, bars and restaurants) where toilets can be used by those who make a purchase.

Question:  When is the best time to visit the Grödnerjoch pass?
Answer: The road to the Grödnerjoch pass is passable in summer. Due to the large crowds especially during the summer months, we recommend visiting the Grödnerjoch pass outside of core hours (9:00 am - 11:00 pm).

Question:  Where can I get more information about the Grödnerjoch pass and the surrounding area?
Answer:  In the relevant Tourist Infos: 
-Tourist Info Val Gardena: Tel. +39 0471 777 777,  info@valgardena.it, www.valgardena.it
-Tourist Info Alta Badia: Tel. +39 0471 836176, info@altabadia.org, www.altabadia.org

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