PART 1: My European Mountain Pass Obsession

I’ve seen and experienced most of the usual famous tourist destinations. Of course, I love museums and historical places, but coming out of the pandemic, my choices and the way I see the world — in traveling — has changed. The well-trodden tourist paths hold less allure these days. Instead, my journeys are fueled by a desire to discover the hidden gems, the places where nature reigns supreme. European mountain passes embody this spirit — each with its own unique character, history, and breathtaking scenery. From the rugged beauty of the Swiss Alps to the majestic Dolomites, these routes have left an indelible mark on my travel memories.

August 2022

Vršič Pass: A Stepping Stone on the Journey to Grossglockner

Vršič Pass, nestled in the breathtaking Julian Alps of Slovenia, stands as the country’s highest mountain pass. This iconic route boasts stunning scenery and a winding road that attracts adventurers from all over the world. Originally built during World War I for military purposes, Vršič Pass has transformed into a beloved destination for hikers and road trippers alike.

In the vibrant city of Ljubljana, where we set out early to make the most of our day. Our first stop was the enchanting Lake Bled, followed by a scenic drive to Kranjska Gora, the gateway to Vršič Pass. We ventured onto the winding curves of Vršič Pass, eager to cross into Austria and experience the famed Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

As we traversed the Julian Alps and entered Austria, approaching the town of Lienz, a realization struck. Autumn’s shorter days meant an early closure for Grossglockner High Alpine Road, making our goal unreachable. Rather than risk a disappointing journey, we made a practical decision. In Lienz, we stocked up on groceries and continued our route towards Kastelruth.

Traveler Tip: When exploring mountain passes during the fall season, double-check operating hours. Factors like weather and daylight can lead to unexpected closures, impacting your itinerary.

Exploring the Sella Group: A Dolomite Driving Adventure

Nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites lies the Sella Group, a majestic plateau-shaped massif renowned for its breathtaking passes. With Kastelruth as our starting point, we embarked on a scenic drive through this iconic landmark, eager to witness its beauty before heading to the enchanting Lago di Braies.

The winding roads of the Sella Group unveiled a series of stunning passes, each boasting its own unique charm. Our journey continued towards the picturesque Tre Cime, where we traversed the Tre Croci Pass to reach the renowned town of Cortina D’Ampezzo. Time constraints prevented us from venturing onto the Giau Pass towards Selva di Cadore, leaving a sense of longing for a future adventure.

Traveler Tip: The Dolomite passes offer spectacular scenery but often have limited operating windows due to weather conditions. Plan your route carefully, factor in ample travel time, and always check the current status of the passes you intend to cross.

Conquering Zugspitze: Germany’s Highest Peak

One sunny morning, our goal was to reach the summit of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. Located in the Wetterstein Mountains on the border with Austria, Zugspitze offers breathtaking panoramic views and a range of ways to experience its peak. Our journey from Kastelruth took us through the scenic Brenner Pass, a key route through the Alps connecting Italy and Austria.

About Zugspitze

• Elevation: 9,718 feet (2,962 meters)
• How to reach the top: The Bavarian Zugspitze Railway (a cogwheel train), the Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car, or the Eibsee Cable Car.
• Things to do: Enjoy panoramic views, visit the summit museum, dine at a mountaintop restaurant, or experience the thrilling “Peak-to-Peak” gondola crossing between Zugspitze and Eibsee.

Traveler Tip: Book your Zugspitze tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long lines and ensure your preferred ascent method.

To be continued…(go to PART 2)