Gravel in the Dolomites: Sellaronda and Lake Braies

The Dolomites are a classic cycling destination we’ve wanted to visit for ages. This was Ania’s first time riding in such high mountains, so our plan was all about finding a happy medium: some serious climbing, but with a relaxed, vacation pace above all else.

Sellaronda, totally doable on a gravel bike

This was Ania's first trip of this kind and her first real taste of so much elevation on a single loop. The Sellaronda, the iconic loop around the Sella Massif, is an absolute must-do in the cycling world. It needs no introduction, drawing hundreds of riders every day who want to test themselves against this legend. As you're going up the climbs, few people stop to think that these pale rock faces are actually prehistoric coral reefs.

We started out in Corvara, heading toward Arabba via Passo Campolongo. Why this direction? Simply because it’s a bit easier, and after all, we came here for our cycling dolce vita. We made sure to take a well-deserved break at the top of every pass.

From Arabba, we climbed up Passo Pordoi. It's right around the midway point of this climb that the views become absolutely incredible, completely taking your mind off the fatigue.

Next up was a steep climb under the baking sun to Passo Sella. The landscape turns incredibly raw and rugged here, with the dramatic, vertical rock formations of Piz Sella, while the Marmolada glacier looms in the background.

Right after the descent from Sella, we needed a sweet energy boost, so we treated ourselves to a traditional Tyrolean Apfelstrudel. Then we pushed on toward Passo Gardena, where the end of our climbing was finally in sight. After a quick break, we enjoyed a long, rewarding descent all the way back to Corvara.

From Brunico to Lake Braies

After tackling the Sellaronda, we needed something a bit lighter. We opted for a route starting out of Brunico.

The bike path turned out to be beautifully laid out, seamlessly blending paved sections with smooth, white gravel. Along the way, you ride through old railway tunnels converted into bike paths, which offer some welcome shade on a hot, sunny day.

Our main goal for the day was the famous Lake Braies. It’s a massive tourist hotspot, meaning driving there by car requires tickets and booking well in advance. On a bike, you don't have to worry about any of that, we just rolled right in straight from the trail.

Once we arrived, it was packed with crowds, exactly as we expected. But the view makes up for everything. The mountain beach, wooden rowboats floating on emerald water, and towering rocky peaks in the background create an incredible atmosphere.

After a quick stop, all we had left was the return trip, a pleasant, easy descent almost the entire way back down.