The Great Dolomite Road topless

The Great Dolomite Road is one of the most impressive alpine roads in Europe – a true paradise for everyone traveling in a convertible or roadster. Stretching approximately 110 winding kilometers, the route meanders through the bizarre rock towers of the Dolomites, past alpine meadows, narrow valleys, and imposing passes. The high alpine backdrop, combined with well-developed roads, makes this convertible journey an unforgettable experience. Ideal for a sporty convertible road trip or a leisurely convertible tour with many scenic stops.

On this convertible route, you will encounter spectacular transitions like the Pordoi Pass, the Passo Gardena, or the Falzarego Pass – always accompanied by views that are perfect for the joy of open driving. The region also offers much in terms of culture: Ladin traditions, alpine cuisine, and charming mountain villages await you along this magnificent route.

Route Overview

The classic route begins in Merano, leads over Bolzano into the Eggental valley, crosses the great Dolomite passes, and ends after a wide arc over Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Val Gardena, and Kastelruth back in Merano. It is ideally divided into three stages and offers everything that makes for a dream convertible tour – from cozy town passages to alpine panoramas above 2,000 meters.

Stage 1: From Merano via Bolzano to Eggental

The start in Merano couldn’t be more picturesque. The traditional spa town offers Mediterranean flair at the foot of the Alps, with palm trees, historic arcades, and thermal gardens. From here, the first stage takes you through wine-filled valleys towards Bolzano. The South Tyrolean capital combines Italian lifestyle with alpine warmth. A detour into the old town or a visit to the Archaeological Museum is particularly worthwhile.

From Bolzano, the road winds into the Eggental valley – a quiet, wild romantic valley with dense forests and steep rock faces. The route is enjoyable for drivers, with many curves and short inclines – perfect for a relaxing convertible tour with a view of the Latemar group. The goal of this stage is the Karer Pass, where the emerald-green Karer Lake invites you to take a break in a fairy-tale landscape.

Stage 2: Through Val di Fassa to Pordoi Pass and Arabba

The second stage begins spectacularly: From the Karer Pass, it descends into Val di Fassa, which delights with its rustic village character and the view of the Rosengarten group. Particularly charming is Vigo di Fassa, where traditional architecture meets Ladin culture. A short walk through the village or a small stop for South Tyrolean specialties is worthwhile here.

After Canazei, one of the highlights of this convertible route begins: the ascent to the Pordoi Pass, one of the most famous Dolomite passes. At over 2,200 meters, a grand panorama awaits – with the convertible top down, the view stretching far beyond the Sella group, this is what freedom feels like. The mountain road spectacularly winds down into the mountain village of Arabba, where you can make a stop amidst the peaks of the Dolomites.

Stage 3: Over Cortina d’Ampezzo back to Merano

The final section of the tour leads over the Falzarego Pass to Cortina d’Ampezzo – a glamorous winter sports resort that also impresses in summer with its mountain backdrop, chic cafes, and boutiques. The further drive over the Valparola Pass is particularly scenic before you reach Val Gardena.

In St. Ulrich in Gröden, a walk through the artisan-centered town, known for its wood carving art, is worthwhile. From here, you head towards the Panider Saddle and further on to Kastelruth, a popular holiday resort with a historic village center and fantastic views of the Seiser Alm. Finally, you reach Merano again – the perfect loop for an intense, scenically outstanding convertible road trip.

Tips for Your Convertible Tour on the Great Dolomite Road

This route leads through alpine elevations with changeable weather. Thus, checking the weather report before departure is essential. It’s best to travel with several layers of clothing – what is pleasantly warm in Merano in the morning can be icy at the pass. Good sunscreen and sunglasses are also worthwhile, as the sun shines particularly intensely in the mountains. Moreover, you should take enough time to truly enjoy the route: Frequent breaks, spontaneous photo stops, or a short detour to an alpine hut are always worth it. The best travel time is high summer, but late summer often brings stable conditions and little traffic. Charming guesthouses or mountain hotels are recommended accommodations, especially in Canazei, Cortina, or Kastelruth.

Driving the Convertible on the Dolomite Road

The Great Dolomite Road is much more than just a beautiful road through imposing mountains – it is an experience full of contrasts. The convertible route combines high alpine adventures with relaxed ease, Italian flair with Tyrolean down-to-earthness. It is equally suitable for an intensive day trip as for an extended convertible journey over several stages. Those traveling with the top down will experience every curve more intensely, enjoy every view more immediately, and drive through each valley more consciously. Whether traveling sportily or leisurely with many breaks – this convertible tour belongs on the list of everyone who loves alpine roads. The Great Dolomite Road is not just a destination; it is an invitation to be on the move.