Passo Falzarego
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, 32043
Once the site of heavy fighting in World War I, this mountain pass between Agordo and Cortina d’Ampezzo is a popular cycling and motorcycling destination along the magnificent Great Dolomite Road, and where the Giro d’Italia bicycle race passes through the area. At the site of the pass, a simple chapel memorializes the historical fighting, and a gondola rises to Mt. Lagazuoi.
The basics
Dolomites-area tours typically pass into the Badia Valley and Cortina d'Ampezzo (the eastern area of the mountain range) via the Falzarego Pass, sometimes stopping to visit the chapel and take the gondola up Lagazuoi to the refugee of the same name, depending the time of year. Skiing and hiking trails snake across the mountain nearby, and the WWI-focused Open Air Museum of the 5 Torri draws travelers to the area.
Things to know before you go
The pass lies at 6,900 feet (2,010 meters) above sea level.
Look for a fresco and poem inscription inside the chapel at the pass.
The name Falzarego means "false king" in Ladin, the local language (in addition to Italian and Austrian) of the Dolomites.
Overnight accommodations are generally available at the Rifugio Lagazuoi from December to Easter and June to October.
How to get there
Falzarego is easily accessible by car and offers a scenic drive through the Dolomites. The pass is roughly 11 miles (18 kilometers) west of Cortina d'Ampezzo via the SS48 road and about 60 miles (95 kilometers) east of Bolzano via the A22 and SS242 roads. Alternatively, you can take the Cortina Express bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo. The pass is typically open year-round, though snow chains or winter tires may be required in winter.
When to get there
Visit Lagazuoi Pass in the Dolomites' peak hiking season between June and September. Summer offers stable weather, minimal snow, and clear views, perfect for exploring trails and the WWI-focused Open Air Museum of the 5 Torri. The cable car operates seasonally in summer and winter.
The highest sauna in the Dolomites
One of the greatest joys of visiting the Dolomites region is visiting—or spending the night at—one of its many affordable mountain refuges. The Rifugio Lagazuoi (open seasonally) has a restaurant, bar, dorms, private rooms, and a high-altitude Finnish sauna. A 30-minute session with a bathrobe and shower token will set you back about €25—more if you’re not an overnight guest.
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