Dolomites' Gardena Pass to Ban Tourist Traffic for Five Months in 2026
South Tyrol's Dolomites Crack Down on Overtourism—Iconic Mountain Pass to Close in 2026
The Dolomites in South Tyrol are a beloved holiday destination. But mass tourism has not been an unmitigated blessing for local communities and residents. Traffic, in particular, brings noise, pollution, and litter in its wake. Now, one corner of this natural paradise has had enough.
Scenic Pass Road Over the Gardena Pass to Close in 2026
Starting in September, the road winding over the Gardena Pass will be closed to tourist traffic. The 15-kilometer route, which snakes through lush meadows and forests beneath the dramatic Dolomite peaks, is a coveted destination—whether as a stopover or a throughway.
On summer days, a flood of up to 11,000 vehicles rolls through this picturesque landscape. Local communities have reached their limit. A trial closure is set to begin in autumn 2026.
From September 1, 2026, the pass road over the Gardena Pass will be off-limits to cars, motorcycles, camper vans, and all holiday traffic. The restriction will initially last five months, until February 1, 2027.
Dolomite Towns Welcome the Plan
Ernest Cuccarollo, a municipal representative from Selva di Val Gardena—one of the affected communities—told Italian broadcaster Rai that discussions on a joint solution had been underway for 30 years. Now, he said, a concrete plan is finally on the table.
While Selva di Val Gardena and many other towns have already approved the concept, more municipalities are expected to follow suit soon.
"For us at the Alpine Club, this is a historic moment," Georg Simeoni, president of the South Tyrolean Alpine Association (AVS), told the news portal stol.it.
Permanent Closure Possible if Trial Succeeds
If the pilot proves successful, the Gardena Pass road could become a seasonal traffic-free zone from May to September starting in 2027.
Hiking Boots Over Engines—Gardena Pass Remains Accessible
Of course, the Dolomites' breathtaking beauty will still be open to all. Those eager to experience the majestic peaks around the Gardena Pass and its legendary road can still do so—just not by car or motorcycle. Instead, they'll have to rely on bicycles or hiking boots.
