On iconic passes (Slovenia, Dolomites)

We depart early in the morning from Budapest with our minibus. The trip takes 6-7 hours, depending on traffic, and we arrive at the accommodation around noon. We unpack and start on one of the most beautiful Slovenian roads that day. We warm up on relatively flat terrain, then slowly start climbing towards the Predil Pass. Predil is an easy, smaller pass, short and not steep, we reach its top at the Italian-Slovenian border post. From there we roll down a bit, then start climbing Mangart. Mangart is both a peak and a saddle in one, the road does not take you all the way to the top of the mountain (2679m), but ends below in a saddle (2072m). Incidentally, the Mangart Saddle has the highest asphalt road in Slovenia, built in 1938 and is one-way, meaning it does not take you down the other side, but you come down the way you came up. Wherever you start, the road is at least 20 km continuously uphill, with an elevation gain of more than 1300 meters, and an average gradient of 6.5%.
The pass is not too difficult, as there are more relaxing parts of 5-6%, but the beginning and the end are constantly around 10%. It is ideal for pass climbers who are not yet used to 10-15km continuous climbs of around 10%. Compared to the following days, it is not too difficult, but it is a significant challenge, but the view is phenomenal, one of the most beautiful “pass” road in Europe. We come back on the same road.

Distance: 52km, elevation: 1550m

The Vrsic pass is the highest pass in Slovenia wich can be cycled, built in the 19th century. It connects the valley of the Soca river with that of the Sava river, and the town of Bovec with Krajnska Gora. On our second day, we will make a nice loop, which also includes a part of the Millennium cycle path. We warm up on the former railway line to Kranjska Gora, then start with the Vrsic pass. Vrsic is a classic, highest pass in Slovenia (1611m). Can be climbed from both directions, but the section from Kranjska Gora called the classic, and it is worth climbing from there. Also because, although it is more difficult than this (shorter and steeper), it is more beautiful and it is better to go over the cobblestones in the hairpins up than down. The climb is 9.2 km, 761 m ascent, 8.2%), approx. one hour. From the top of the pass, we descent to Bovec, after the serpentines, next to the Soca river, whose turquoise color enchants everyone. After Bovec, there will be an ascent to the Predil pass, from there we cross into Italy and then down towards Tarvisio.

Distance: 88km, elevation: 1925m

On our rest day we move to the Dolomites. The road is approx. 4.5 hours. If we arrive at the accommodation in time, we can reach the set goal: Passo Fedaia from the accommodation. Fedaia is a famous pass and not an easy one. 15 km from Caprile and 1200m level. The most famous part is the 3.5 km straight section after Malga Ciapela, where the average is 10+%. The last 5km is quite rough (average 11%). Fedaia above is beautiful, very photogenic with the lake and glacier.

Distance: 30 km, elevation: 1200 m.

After the transfer, we continue in the Dolomites. On our first day, we will ride one of the most beautiful and classic Dolomites tours. The Sellaronda (which means a circuit around the Sella peak) is one of the best-known and most popular circular tours in the Dolomites, as it takes you through four relatively easy passes, while the road offers one of the most beautiful views along the way. Read our separate article about an older ride on the Sellaronda and the Giau).
This year, it depends on where we start from, but we will ride the circuit clockwise. We will either start from Corvara (or Arabba). The first pass from Corvara is Campolongo (1850m). This is an easy pass (6km, 300m, 5%), it will be good for an introduction! After the pass, we will roll into Arabba, another popular local town. From Arabba, the Passo Pordoi (2239m) follows. This is a moderately difficult pass (9.4km, 637m elevation, 6.8%), leading all the way under the Sella, with beautiful views. From here we roll down, then comes the Passo Sella (2230m), in my opinion the most beautiful pass in the circuit (5.5km, 400m, 7.3%).
The climb is not easy, but it is relatively short, and the environment is indescribable. From here comes a cool descent, we don’t lose many levels, and then we climb to the Gardena pass (2119m). This is a relatively easy climb (6km, 250m, 4.2%), the best in the round, because it is broken by a relaxing descent. After Gardena comes the best slope of the circuit to finish, you can go very well all the way to Corvara.

Distance: 52 km, elevation: 1700 m.

The destination of our last day’s tour is one of the most beautiful passes in the Dolomites, Passo Giau (2236m). We start depending on this year’s accomodations, but the starting point of the climb will be Caprile. From Caprile we take a short climb to Selva di Cadore, the starting town of the Giau. Giau is the most difficult pass of the tour, this is the heavyweight division. The climb in the “short, but hearty” category, is 10km continuously ascent, with an average of a 9.1% increase (922m level). However, a magnificent view awaits you at the top. We descend from the pass to Cortina d’Ampezzo, the former Olympic city, which lies in a beautiful valley. After a breather, we arrive home through the second pass of the day (Passo Falzarego, 2117m) Falzarego is not a difficult pass, just long (16.5km, 913m, 5.6%). After reaching the top, we descend on a nice incline to Caprile.

Distance: 60 km, elevation: 2000 m.

On our last day we travel home.