Last Updated on: February 19, 2023

Motorcycle riding in The Dolomites is a breathtaking experience. It offers some of the most exhilarating rides in the world.

Winding roads, sharp turns, and stunning views. It’s no wonder that motorcyclists from all over flock to the Dolomites each year to experience the thrill. It’s no wonder I had to go back soon or later. Nor is it any wonder that I will be back again, if not in 2023 then in 2024.

Road up to Passo Pordoi, Dolomites Italy

Below some some of the more popular mountain passes in the Dolomites. All are a must-visit for any rider. And a must see-again for me. One never gets tired of the hairpins!

Riding Passo Gardena

The Passo Gardena is a popular mountain pass in the Dolomites that is known for its scenic beauty. Its location is in the heart of the range. Passo Gardena offers a road that winds through the mountains. While providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Riding along road Passo Gardena, or SS243

Passo Sella: also fun for experienced riders

The Passo Sella is a challenging mountain pass in the Dolomites that is popular among experienced riders. This pass offers a technical road with tight turns and steep inclines, making it a great option for riders who are looking for a more challenging experience.

The Passo Sella is known for its stunning views and its location in the heart of the Dolomites, making it a popular destination for riders of all skill levels.

Along SS242 near Sella pass. Sella Towers in sight

Passo Falzarego

The Passo Falzarego is another popular pass in the Dolomites. Known for location near the famous Marmolada glacier. This pass offers a winding road with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for riders of all skill levels.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed ride or a more challenging experience, the Passo Falzarego has something to offer for every type of rider.

Mountainview at Passo Falzarego

Passo Pordoi

Passo Pordoi is located between the Sella mountain group the north and the Marmolada group in the south. It has an altitude of 2 239 meters (or 7,346 feet), and the road crossing the pass connects Arabba with Canazei.

Passo Pordoi is the second highest surfaced road traversing a pass in the Dolomites, after the Sella Pass. The weather was just gorgeous when I passed over. Much less traffic and people than when I was here July 2017.

Motorcycle riding, can it get any better?

Well, that depends. For one thing, there are few gravel roads. They do exist, but you have to go looking for them. I missed these this year, more than partially because I did not know they existed. Now I do. So, “I will be back”. Then you have the tourism, the commercialism. But that does not have to destroy anything, unless it annoys you.

Lets call it a “I’ll be back” view from the Dolomites

When to go motorcycle riding in the Dolomites

The Dolomites do indeed offer some of the more exhilarating motorcycle rides in Europe. If not in the world. Countless turns, some pretty sharp, and the views! It’s no wonder motorcycle riding has grown to become a huge business for the region. In 2017 I was there late July. It was thoroughly packed. To avoid complete congestion you have to get up early.

Now I’ve been there in September. Try to avoid going there in the busiest weeks. Or during the weekends. If you visit The Dolomites in July, get up early! Or else get stuck in traffic ad infinitum. With countless caravans and buses in snail speed.

Below some of the routes.

Some of the routes from the Dolomites, September 2021