Italian Pass to Limit Access Amid Tourism Surge
Gardena Pass, Italy – Authorities are planning to restrict vehicle access to the Gardena Pass in the Italian Dolomites starting in the summer of 2027, a move aimed at curbing overtourism that has seen daily traffic reach as high as 11,000 vehicles during peak season. The pass connects Val Gardena and Val Badia, popular destinations in the South Tyrol region.
The plan, reported by the Italian news agency ANSA and currently awaiting approval from the provincial government, would allow access only to residents of Val Gardena and Val Badia between May and October. Non-residents wishing to access the pass by car will need to reserve one of 150 paid parking spaces online.
Exceptions will be made for work-related travel, guests staying in hotels along the route, and other valid reasons. Public transportation will be bolstered with buses running every 15-20 minutes, and standard regional transport fares will apply to cable cars accessing the pass.
The restrictions are a response to growing concerns about the impact of mass tourism on the fragile alpine environment and the quality of life for local residents. Without the restrictions, drivers traveling between Val Gardena and Val Badia would face significantly longer journeys, adding either 21 kilometers via the Sella and Pordoi passes, or a much longer 100-kilometer detour through Val Pusteria.
The Gardena Pass, situated at 2,121 meters (6,959 feet) above sea level, offers stunning views of the Sella Group, Cir Peaks, Sassolungo, and the peaks of Val Badia. https://www.val-gardena.com/en/dolomites/gardena-pass/
This initiative follows a broader trend of destinations grappling with the challenges of sustainable tourism and seeking ways to balance economic benefits with environmental protection.
