Traveling to the Dolomites region in northern Italy feels like stepping into a movie set. Among impressive peaks and lush valleys, Passo Sella stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers who love nature, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, it is located along one of the most iconic routes of the Italian mountains, and it not only connects valleys but also holds fascinating stories while offering activities for all types of visitors.
If you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites, keep reading. In fact, here you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting—practical tips, useful information, and suggestions of places to see. Therefore, planning ahead will make your itinerary easier and turn your Passo Sella experience into something truly unforgettable.
History of Passo Sella
Passo Sella has a long tradition connected to the alpine communities of the Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto regions. For centuries, it was an essential route for merchants and travelers crossing the valleys. But its worldwide fame grew mainly in the 20th century, when it became the stage for major sporting events, such as the famous Giro d’Italia, one of the most important cycling races in the world.
Additionally, here’s an interesting fact: the peaks surrounding Passo Sella are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, recognized not only for their beauty but also for their geological importance.
Where Passo Sella is Located
Passo Sella is located in the Italian Dolomites, between the provinces of Trento and Bolzano, in northern Italy. It connects Val di Fassa in Trentino with Val Gardena in South Tyrol. Its altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft) above sea level guarantees panoramic views that enchant tourists from all over the world.
What to Do in Passo Sella
There are plenty of trails, cable cars, and Refugi (mountain huts) to explore at Passo Sella. But do you know what “rifugi” are?
Mountain huts or Rifugi in Italian, are typical structures in the Italian Alps that function as restaurants, rest stops, and often lodging. Originally built to support mountaineers and hikers, they are now part of local culture. You can stop for a coffee, try traditional dishes, or even spend the night surrounded by mountains.
It’s important to remember that since they are in high mountains, rifugi are not open year-round. Many open only in summer (June to September) for hikers, while others reopen in winter (December to March) for skiers. Therefore, before visiting any rifugio at Passo Sella or in the Dolomites, always check their opening dates and operating hours. These can vary depending on the season, weather conditions, or even maintenance.
Trails in Passo Sella
At Passo Sella you’ll find trails for every type of traveler: from the classic and panoramic Sentiero Friedrich August, which is easy, to the challenging Giro del Sassolungo, a full loop around the mountain that takes about seven hours. For something lighter, the walk through Città dei Sassi is perfect, while the Sassolungo Cable Car up to the Forcella lets you start impressive descents toward Rifugio Toni Demetz or Rifugio Friedrich August. There are also direct routes to the charming Rifugio Comici, combining trekking with great food. On all of them, the reward is unforgettable Dolomites scenery.
Sassolungo Cable Car – Forcella
The two-seater cable car departs from Passo Sella and climbs to the Forcella del Sassolungo (2,685 m), the gateway to Rifugio Toni Demetz. In summer it operates 08:15–17:00; a one-way ticket costs €25 and round trip €35 (adult). There are junior fares and dog transport for a fee; for details see sassolungo.bz.
Gran Paradiso (chairlift/gondola)
An 8-seater lift with a windproof dome. Departing on the Selva/Plan de Gralba side, the Gran Paradiso Lift makes crossings and views of Sassolungo easier, providing quick access to viewpoints and trails.
In summer it runs 09:00–17:00; one-way tickets are €13 and round trip €15 (adult). For more details see sassolungo.bz.
Piz Seteur 1 (gondola)
The Piz Seteur gondola is useful for shortening ascents and linking trails above Plan de Gralba—a convenient connection with Passo Sella. This lift has 10 seats with heated benches. In summer it runs 09:00–16:30; round trip costs €15 (adult). For more details see sassolungo.bz.
Rifugio Toni Demetz (at the top of the Forcella)
Located between Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto, Rifugio Toni Demetz operates only during the summer season and can be reached on foot (about a 1-hour hike from Passo Sella) or by cable car. Visitors can enjoy the restaurant or opt to stay overnight, with dorms and panoramic rooms available.
Rifugio Friedrich August (Friedrich-August Hütte)
One of the most charming and accessible huts in the Passo Sella area, the Rifugio Friedrich August sits between Col Rodella and Passo Sella, with a terrace offering open views of Sassolungo. In summer it’s open daily from 07:30 to 17:30 and also serves dinners on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 19:00, by reservation.
It’s our favorite!! This hut serves those incredible sweet buns filled with cream. To get there, you can walk from the Sassolungo cable car parking lot. The hike is gentle, about 3 km, taking around 45 minutes each way. Another option is to go up on the Sassolungo cable car, descend toward Rifugio Toni Demetz, and continue along the trail that gently slopes down until it connects with the Rifugio Friedrich August. Following this route, you’ll reach the hut in about 1 h to 1 h 15 min. The path is easy, well signposted, and practically flat. The return from the hut to the parking lot can be done on foot or via the same cable car route. However, the latter is more demanding and requires attention to the cable car’s operating hours.
Rifugio Salei
Located near the Passo Sella road, Rifugio Salei is an excellent stop for lunch and to enjoy the sunset. You can also stay overnight. In summer the hut is open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. The restaurant operates from 11:30 to 16:00 and from 18:30 to 21:00 (with appetizer and buffet), which is very convenient if you want to dine without going back down to the valley. If you walk from the Forcella del Sassolungo parking lot to the Rifugio Friedrich August, you will pass through this hut.
Rifugio Vicenza (Langkofelhütte)
A strategic base for those seeking trails in the Sassolungo group. You can combine the Forcella/Toni Demetz descent down to Rifugio Vicenza, or reach it via Comici/Ciaulong in approximately 2 hours.
Rifugio Sasso Piatto (Plattkofel Hütte)
At the base of Sasso Piatto, the Rifugio Sasso Piatto is a popular stop on the loop around Sassolungo. From the Passo Sella parking area, the walk takes about 2 hours along the Sentiero Friedrich August.
Rifugio Carlo Valentini
A classic of Passo Sella, it’s a great spot for a pre-hike coffee. Rifugio Carlo Valentini is easy to access from the Forcella del Sassolungo parking lot. It’s generally open from June to October and reopens in winter for skiers.
Rifugio Sandro Pertini
Set on a grassy slope perfect for a break with views of Sassolungo, Rifugio Sandro Pertini lies along the Sentiero Friedrich August path. From Passo Sella, allow about 1 h 15 min on a well-marked trail.
Rifugio Emilio Comici
Famous for its cuisine and photogenic setting, Rifugio Emilio Comici sits near Passo Sella (Selva/Plan de Gralba side) and makes a great half-day hiking target.
Città dei Sassi (easy nature trail)
For an easy, scenic walk, cross the boulder field known as Città dei Sassi, located just below Sassolungo. The route is approximately 7 km and takes around 1 hour in the Passo Sella → Plan de Gralba direction, with minimal elevation gain.
How to Get to Passo Sella
Getting to Passo Sella is relatively simple, but it requires a bit of planning.
If you’re coming by train, you can get off at Bolzano or Trento and then continue by regional bus to Val di Fassa or Val Gardena.
By bus, there are seasonal routes that connect the main towns in the Dolomites directly to the pass, especially in summer, when tourist flow is highest.
By car, the trip is more flexible. Well-marked roads lead to the pass, but note that in summer traffic restrictions may apply at certain times to reduce environmental impact. Parking near the pass costs on average €10–15 per day, and it’s important to arrive early to secure a spot.
If you plan to rent a car, we recommend DiscoverCars, where you’ll find the best options, plus reviews and price comparisons.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
When to Visit Passo Sella
Passo Sella can be visited year-round, but the experience changes depending on the season.
In summer, from June to September, the trails are open, cable cars operate regularly, and the weather is ideal for hiking. In winter, from December to March, the area transforms into a paradise for ski lovers, with abundant snow and full infrastructure.
If you want to avoid crowds, June and September are perfect months, combining pleasant weather with fewer tourists.
Where to Stay to Visit Passo Sella
The best lodging options are in Canazei, in Val di Fassa, and Selva di Val Gardena, in Val Gardena. These areas offer a wide range of hotels, apartments, and chalets, as well as great tourist infrastructure. Canazei is better for those looking for good value for money, while Selva usually offers more sophisticated stays, perfect for those seeking comfort and proximity to ski slopes.
Bolzano, the capital of the province, also stands out with excellent infrastructure, plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation. The city is a strategic base for exploring several Dolomites highlights, including Passo Sella. The distance to Passo Sella is about 54 km. We chose to stay in Bolzano, downtown, which allowed us to walk everywhere. We found this very convenient since we could explore both the Dolomites and the city of Bolzano itself, which is beautiful and full of activities.
Other Useful Tips
If you plan to hike, always bring a jacket, even in summer, as the temperature can drop quickly and the peaks are often windy. Another key detail is to check in advance the schedules of cable cars, buses, and rifugi, as they vary by season. And of course, get ready for lots of photos, Passo Sella is one of the most photogenic places in Italy.
Our Opinion
Visiting Passo Sella means experiencing the essence of the Dolomites. With unforgettable landscapes, cows crossing the paths, well-marked trails, traditional food, and options for all seasons, this destination deserves to be at the top of your Italy itinerary. With careful planning, your trip will be even more special, and you’ll surely want to return to uncover more of this enchanting region’s secrets.
For more tips about Dolomites in Italy, read:
Lake Braies, Dolomites: What to Do, When to Go & How to Visit
Monte Seceda Dolomites: How to Get There, Prices and Tips
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trail: Complete Guide to the Dolomites Classic
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