Motorcycling in the Dolomites

As a motorcyclist, there are many places you simply must visit at least once, but a ride through the Italian Dolomites is at the top of many motorcyclists’ lists. In Italy, the Dolomites are perhaps the most beautiful destination for a motorcycling holiday.

About the Dolomites

The Dolomites are situated in northern Italy and form the southern part of the Alps. The Dolomites are characterised by their steep rock faces and peaks. These were formed by erosion and create a unique landscape. The Dolomites are therefore officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highest point in the area is the Marmolada, at 3,342 metres.

In this blog, we’ll be covering the following topics:

• Mountain passes in the Dolomites
• A beautiful motorbike route in the Dolomites
• The most beautiful spots in the Dolomites
• Eating, drinking and staying overnight in the Dolomites
• Hire a motorbike to visit the Dolomites

Mountain passes in the Dolomites

When you’re out on your motorbike in the Dolomites, you’ll regularly cross a mountain ridge via what’s known as a mountain pass. Such a pass is usually the highest point on your route, and it’s a truly special experience to take in the view from the summit. The road over a mountain pass is a mountain pass road, and roads of this kind – with plenty of hairpin bends – are the dream of many motorcyclists. Here’s a list of our three favourite passes.

1. Stelvio Pass

The Stelvio Pass takes you from the north, via 48 hairpin bends, to an altitude of 2,758 metres. Over a distance of 20 kilometres, you climb almost 2,000 metres, giving the pass road an average gradient of 7.7 per cent! If you leave the Stelvio Pass via the southern route, you’ll tackle a further 39 hairpin bends. The views along the way are breathtaking!

2. Gavia Pass

The Passo Gavia is just a stone’s throw from the Stelvio Pass, but is far less well known. That’s a shame, because the scenery on the way to the summit is breathtakingly beautiful. The climb up the Gavia starts in Ponte di Legno. It becomes particularly stunning from Sant’Apollonia onwards. The road climbs steeply via a large number of hairpin bends. Initially, it winds through the trees and then past green alpine meadows. Just before the summit, you pass through a dark tunnel. The final stretch of road isn’t in the best condition, but the views along the way more than make up for it!

3. Pordoi Pass

The climb to this pass in the Sella massif has no fewer than 33 hairpin bends from Arabba. From Canazei, you’ll negotiate 27 hairpin bends before reaching the highest point (2,239 metres). This pass road has an excellent surface and, along the way, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the impressive landscape. Driving this pass can easily be combined with driving the Sella Pass, the Campolongo Pass and the Gardena Pass. Driving all four passes is known as the Sella Ronda.

A lovely motorbike route in the Dolomites

The Sella Ronda is a route taking in four mountain passes that link the valleys surrounding Mount Sella. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful circular routes you can cycle in the Alps. The ride takes about half a day – without cycling too fast and including plenty of breaks.

The passes you’ll encounter on this route are the Sella Pass (2,244 metres), the Pordoi Pass (2,239 metres), the Campolongo Pass (1,875 metres) and the Gardena Pass (2,121 metres). You’ll be cycling all day against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the Dolomites. Rugged rocks, cliffs, sweeping views, but also roadside cafés. An incredibly beautiful route that starts in Salva. You’ll then complete the loop in an anti-clockwise direction.

The most beautiful spots in the Dolomites

On a motorbike ride through the Dolomites, you’ll be constantly amazed by the stunning natural scenery and spectacular views. However, there are a few places you really must visit. Here’s our top three in the Dolomites:

Lake Garda

The northern part of Lake Garda lies on the edge of the Dolomites. You’ll find hardly any tourists here, but there are some lovely little villages and stunning views across the blue lake.

Visiting Belluno

The old town of Belluno is the main town in the eastern Dolomites. Here you’ll find a historic centre with palaces built in the Venetian style.

Church of Val Venosta

In 1950, the village of Val Venosta had to make way for the construction of a reservoir. All the buildings in the village were demolished. Except for the church tower. A church tower that now rises out of the lake, with mountains in the background. The perfect setting for a special photo opportunity…

Eating, drinking and sleeping in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are a real holiday destination in both summer and winter. You’ll therefore have no trouble finding a cosy terrace, restaurant or hotel to stay in. There are also plenty of campsites in the area. Nevertheless, below we’ve listed three places where you can always send us for a cup of coffee, lunch or a night’s stay. The order is random!

Hotel Lory in Molveno

Centrally located in the Dolomites with excellent facilities for motorcyclists. Among other things, you’ll find a large lockable garage, tools, a drying room for clothing, a high-pressure washer and plenty of great route suggestions.

Hotel Cristallo in Levico Terme

This sports and wellness hotel is ideally situated for visiting the Dolomites and Lake Garda. Secure motorbike garage, lovely routes.

Hotel Evaldo

This hotel is situated in Arabba, in the heart of the Dolomites. It has a large garage with a high-pressure cleaner, excellent food and a stunning location.

Hire a motorbike to visit the Dolomites

Are you already looking forward to spending a few days touring the stunning countryside of the Dolomites on your motorbike? What’s stopping you? Visit the MotoShare website today to choose your favourite motorbike. You can hire it directly from the owner. Find out how it works here!