La Corona Imperiale delle Dolomiti: twelve passes, two countries.
Red · demanding
From Ortisei over 12 Alpine passes, 2 countries and 3 regions — South Tyrol, East Tyrol and Friuli Venezia Giulia — and back to the Dolomites via Cortina, Falzarego, Valparola and Gardena.
The 12 passes, in order.
| # | Pass | Altitude | Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passo Eores | 1,863 m | 42 |
| 2 | Passo delle Erbe | 1,987 m | 48 |
| 3 | Passo Furcia | 1,789 m | 74 |
| 4 | Passo Stalle | 2,052 m | 110 |
| 5 | Gailbergsattel | 981 m | 191 |
| 6 | Passo di Monte Croce Carnico | 1,360 m | 211 |
| 7 | Sella di Cima Corso | 886 m | 273 |
| 8 | Passo della Mauria | 1,298 m | 296 |
| 9 | Passo Tre Croci | 1,809 m | 343 |
| 10 | Passo di Falzarego | 2,105 m | 375 |
| 11 | Passo Valparola | 2,192 m | 377 |
| 12 | Passo Gardena | 2,121 m | 405 |
Before you set off.
Who it suits
Riders used to long days: over 400 km and about 9 hours of riding. To enjoy it at a relaxed pace, split it over two days, for example with a night in Lienz or in Carnia.
When to go
From June to late September: the Staller Sattel and the other high passes are closed in winter. Always check they are open before setting off.
Start and finish
Ortisei. The route: Ortisei → Passo delle Erbe → Passo Furcia → Staller Sattel → Lienz → Plöcken Pass → Tolmezzo → Passo della Mauria → Passo Tre Croci → Cortina d'Ampezzo → Falzarego Pass → Valparola Pass → Gardena Pass → Ortisei.
Good to know
On the Austrian side of the Staller Sattel the road is narrow and runs one-way in alternating time slots: plan your timing accordingly.
The stage-by-stage story, recommended stops and tips on timing and fuel will come with the complete guide to this route. In the meantime you can download the free sheet with map and stages.
Download the free PDF sheet (Italian)Prefer to ride it with a guide? Guided rides in small groups, six bikes at most. 2027 season, waiting list open.
Join the waiting list