Overshadowed by its more famous Dolomite neighbours, the Passo delle Erbe rewards a long climb from Bressanone with some of the range’s most iconic scenery, passing directly beneath the jagged Odle peaks.
A long approach with a genuinely alpine finish
From Bressanone, it’s 27 km for 1,528 m of elevation gain, averaging 5.7%. The lower kilometres wind gently through orchards and forest before the road opens onto high pasture, climbing to the 1,993 m summit known in German as the Würzjoch.
Beneath the Odle
The final kilometres run in full view of the Odle/Geisler group, a jagged limestone ridge that ranks among the most photographed formations in the Dolomites, with the Val di Funes unrolling below.
Getting the ride right
A wind vest is worth packing for the descent — the exposed high pastures near the summit can turn cold fast even on a warm day lower down.
When to go
June to September — the pass sits close to 2,000 m and can hold snow well into late spring.
Good to know
Shorter, steeper alternatives climb from Longega/Zwischenwasser and San Martin de Tor on the southern side, both around half the distance of the Bressanone approach but noticeably steeper throughout.