Cycling Destination wants to inspire. Not only with information about undiscovered areas, but also with the classics. That’s why we are introducing the ‘Classic Rides’: bucket-list climbs or routes that you should actually have done once in your life. Famous climbs, historical routes, crazy challenges. The list is endless, but we’re sure we’ll get started. One of the routes that absolutely must be included in the Classic Rides is the Fietsroute Sellaronda. Only 53 kilometers long, but with four different mountain passes that you’ll encounter. Campolongo, Gardena, Pordoi, and the Sella, from which this route takes its name. If you’re going to cycle the Sellaronda, be sure to read this article!
The Sella Ronda at a glance
- Four passes around the Sella group: Passo Sella (2,240 m), Passo Gardena (2,121 m), Passo Campolongo (1,875 m) and Passo Pordoi (2,239 m).
- Length: around 55 kilometres with about 1,700 to 1,800 metres of climbing, depending on where you start.
- Starting points: Canazei, Selva di Val Gardena, Corvara or Arabba. You can ride the loop clockwise or anticlockwise.
- Sellaronda Bike Day: on a few days a year, usually in June and September, the passes are closed to motor traffic.
- Best time: mid-June to mid-September.
The route is in our route database with GPX; you’ll find it at the bottom of this story.
Updated in October 2026 with the key facts, routes and practical tips. The story below is our original ride report.
Classic route
The classic version of this round (because you can drive it in different ways) is with a start in the village. Corvara in Badia. The place is already spectacular in itself. You are surrounded by the Dolomites, the famous pointed peaks of rock. The reason the Sellaronda can be labeled a ‘classic’ is also because it is included in the Marathon of the Dolomites, one of the most beautiful, best-organized and most challenging Gran Fondos there is. Here, the classic route is also included, starting at Campolongo, then the Pordoi, the Sella and the Gardena as the finale.
This route literally runs around the Torri del Sella. The characteristic and distinctive shape of these points consists of five stone towers that are connected to each other by a so-called Lokomotive (locomotive), at an altitude of over 2,400m. It is a unique place and not for nothing this section is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. When you go cycling on the Sellaronda, don’t forget to look around you carefully.
Campolongo
It’s nice that this classic round starts with the relatively easy climb of Campolongo. It depends a little on where you measure, but the climb is about six kilometers long, with an average of 5.9%. That doesn’t really make you feel hot or cold, provided you’re a bit trained. Nowhere is the climb really steep and it winds beautifully up to an altitude of 1,875 meters. It’s lovely to warm up to in the morning and it’s actually a delight from the very beginning. Don’t forget to look back, too.
At the summit you can really take a look at both sides. Both valleys are clearly visible from the summit. The descent is nice and long and easy to follow. It’s a double bonus to start from here.
Passo Pordoi
After the descent from Campolongo you reach the village of Arabba. During the Marathon you have to turn left here after the second time you pass Campolongo towards the monster called Passo Giau. The first time you pass Campolongo leads you to the right towards Passo Pordoi. The warming up with Campolongo is certainly useful if you start at the bottom of the Pordoi. With more than nine kilometers of climbing at an average of 7% per kilometer, this is not an easy climb. Especially because it climbs to an altitude of 2238 meters, just slightly lower than the Sella Pass. You are thus being put to a huge test here, because it is above 2000 meters and it is steady uphill. When we were doing this climb, it was indeed a big challenge in the Sellaronda. But the views here are also stunning. The roads are beautiful, wide, and winding. It’s such a pleasure to be in this part of the world.
The descent on the other side of the Pordoi is 12 kilometers long and is a fraction steeper than the climb itself. You can certainly descend nicely here, so keep your hands on the reins and go!
Passo Sella
Get ready because after the descent from the Pordoi, the road turns sharply right towards the Passo Sella. After the regularity of the Campolongo and the Pordoi, the Passo Sella is a completely different experience. It is really hard to get into a rhythm and especially between kilometers four and eight of this 2,244-meter-high behemoth, it is really hard work. In total, you climb 7.2% meters up in 11 kilometers. You slowly climb up between the trees to the top. You really do have some beautiful hairpin bends, which are also well-numbered. The last stretch is where you see the Torri del Sella very nicely. Above it is a kind of post office/coffee shop that you really want to stop by, even if only to catch your breath after this unpleasant ordeal.
Passo Gardena
The final stage of this classic round is the Passo Gardena. This climb is relatively short and actually consists of two parts because there is a section of over a kilometer on the 5.7-kilometer road to the top that is flat/sloping. As a result, the total average of this climb is only 4.4%, but that is distorted by the section of descent. On the steep sections, it is still 7-8% up, but the final climb is only 5 to 6%.
The descent to the village of Corvara is delightful. Average 7% km and nine kilometers take you back to the start of this classic round. At the bottom, you can sit down on an Italian terrace with an espresso or enjoy a (hearty) pasta while you absorb the surroundings once more. You can do that at the central roundabout, where the round begins or at Pasticceria Dorigo For example. It’s also a classic to take a photo with the letters of Corvara, which make a beautiful backdrop.
Tip of the day
Would you like to cycle the Sellaronda too? Normally this trail is open to all traffic. That means that, especially in summer, it will be very busy with motorcycles, tourist buses and other cyclists. Therefore, it is very nice if you have the road to yourself. There are two options for that (and actually three). The biggest guarantee for a great experience is the aforementioned Maratona dles Dolomites. The downside: it is difficult to obtain a ticket for this trip unless you are willing to pay the top price. Via CycloSportive you can book Guaranteed start certificates for the Marathon come.
Another option is to ride a stage of the Giro Delle Dolomiti, which usually includes the Sellaronda. Bolzano. Two disadvantages: 1. it’s a really long stage (160km) and 2. you ride the Sellaronda via Gardena or Sella, which is a bit different for the experience. Besides, the route isn’t completely car-free either.
The best option, which is accessible to everyone, is the Sellaronda Bike Day. For two days, one in the summer and one in the autumn, the Sellaronda is completely free of traffic and the cyclist is in charge. No entrance fee, just enjoy the ride. Fantastic, really. Check the organization’s website for all the info!
Hotels
Several hotels in the area have a ‘Bike Friendly’ or ‘Bike Expert’ label. The most famous (and perhaps the best) in the area is Melodia del Bosco. Plenty of space for all your bike gear, a pasta meal is always available and the owner himself is a fan of two-wheeled travel. Check out the perfect cocktail for a great cycling adventure when you go cycling over the Sellaronda and the rest of the Dolomites.
Another very good alternative is La Perla in Corvara. Also a classic cyclist hotel, With very good facilities, and especially the (star-)restaurant, you’d better include it in your menu.
Do you want more tips for hotels in the region? Then take a look at our article with hotel tips for South Tyrol/Alto Adige
Classic Rides: Sellaronda cycling route
Below are the Classic Rides: Sellaronda Cycling Route. Check out these classic and even more beautiful route inspirations on our Komoot channel!
Questions about the Sella Ronda
Clockwise or anticlockwise?
Both work. Clockwise (from Canazei, the Sella first) the climbs are slightly more gradual; anticlockwise the descents are more spectacular. Pick what you like best, or ride both on two days.
How hard is the Sella Ronda?
None of the climbs is extremely long, but four passes above 1,800 metres in one ride add up. For a fit amateur it is a solid half day.
Are the passes busy?
In July and August, yes, with cars and motorbikes. Start early in the morning, or pick a Sellaronda Bike Day if you want to ride without traffic.
Read more about cycling in the Dolomites on our destination page: Dolomites.
The route from this story
- Sella Ronda (racefiets) vanuit Canazei62.3 km · 2,038 hmGPX ↓
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.