Grödner Joch Pass
The Grödner Joch or Gardena Pass lies at 2,121 metres, nestled between the Sella Group to the south, the Cir Group to the north, Mt. Langkofel to the west and the Val Badia mountains to the east. The pass connects Wolkenstein in Gröden with Kolfuschg in Val Badia and is an absolute must for fans of the Dolomites. The Grödner Joch Pass is more than just a mountain road: it is a jewel of the Dolomites that enchants with its natural beauty, fascinating history and rich culture.
How do you reach the Gardena Pass?
The picturesque village in Alta Badia offers a wonderful panoramic position in the heart of the Dolomites as well as many outdoor activities during all seasons.
Internet Consulting - Benedikt Trojer
Wolkenstein is located in the back of Gröden valley as well as at the foot of Mt. Sella and of Grödner Joch mountain pass.
Internet Consulting - Benedikt TrojerThere are a number of ways to reach the alpine pass Grödner Joch/Passo Gardena:
- In summer by car, without tolls. However, caution is advised as there is a lot of traffic, parking is limited, and you cannot park on the roadside. To protect the environment, we strongly recommend travelling to the pass by public transport, which is faster and more sustainable (more information on public transport can be found here www.suedtirolmobil.info).
- On foot on the numerous hiking trails, starting in the villages of Gröden and Alta Badia.
- By bike: Whether by MTB or with a comfortable rental e-bike (almost all huts in Gröden offer charging stations for electric bikes). The local tourist offices will be happy to give you tips on routes suitable for your level.
- By cable car: Take the Dantercepies cable car from Wolkenstein and the Plans - Frara cable car from Kolfuschg.
An ode to the beauty of the Dolomites
The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.
DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
Christmas Crib from Gröden
DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.
DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.
DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.
DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
The woodcarving art in Gröden is known far beyond the national borders. The handmade cribs are particularly impressive.
DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden - Andreas Senoner
Skier on Seceda with Mt. Sasso Lungo in the background
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Picturesque Dolomites in Gröden
DOLOMITES Val Gardena / GrödenThe Grödner Joch Pass offers visitors spectacular views of some of the most famous peaks in the Dolomites, such as the Mt. Langkofel, Plattkofel and Piz Boè. The Alpine pass is one of the four passes of the famous Sellaronda tour: in summer by bike, in winter on skis.
In the summer months, the blooming alpine meadows and hiking trails invite you to enjoy adventures in nature, from panoramic walks to challenging climbing tours. Mountain bikers feel like they are in paradise here. The trails lead through forests and alpine pastures and offer unforgettable thrills. Gröden valley has also been a stage of the Giro d'Italia several times.
In winter, the area around the Grödner Joch mountain pass is transformed into a magical landscape with perfectly groomed ski slopes and excellent conditions for ski touring and snowshoeing. The Ladin culture with its unique language, traditions and culinary delights gives this mountain region a special charm.
History & culture
Passo Gardena
PixabayThe Grödner Joch Pass is not only a natural paradise, but also a crossroads of history and culture. This crossing point was already used by people in ancient times, the Middle Ages and early modern times. The alpine huts scattered along the mountain slopes are a reminder of the thousand-year-old tradition of alpine farming that still characterises life in the surrounding valleys today. Fortresses and trenches from the First World War are also reminders of the turbulent history of this region, which has been characterised by conflicts with devastating consequences over the centuries.
The first road up the Joch was built in 1915, during the First World War, to supply the troops. From the middle of the 20th century, the pass became increasingly important as a tourist destination in South Tyrol. The current road was built in 1960 and the ski lifts were built in the following years.