28.7
PDI
15.9 mi
DISTANCE
5,034 ft
GAINED
5.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch in German) is a 25.6 km (15.9 mi) climb in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, gaining 1,534 m (5,034 ft) at an average grade of 5.7% from Fermata di Funes, at the mouth of the Val di Funes, up to the 1,989 m (6,524 ft) pass.
The road climbs gently for the first 8 kilometers up the valley floor, passing through a narrow gorge and along the river before reaching the village of San Pietro di Funes. From there, the climb turns sharply uphill onto a narrow, largely untraveled lane with several stretches over 13%. The Val di Funes itself is one of the most photographed corners of the Dolomites, framed by the jagged Odle/Geisler peaks of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Passo delle Erbe is one of several separate paved approaches to the same summit, but it's also one of the quietest - riders consistently describe minimal traffic, even in August when the Dolomites' more famous passes are jammed with cars.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. This climb averages 5.7% over 25.6 km (15.9 mi), gaining 1,534 m (5,034 ft) from Fermata di Funes to the summit at 1,989 m (6,524 ft). The grade is uneven rather than steady: the first 8 kilometers up the valley floor are gentle, but the climb through and above San Pietro di Funes kicks up hard, with the steepest half-kilometer averaging 13.5% and the steepest quarter-mile hitting 14.8%.
Roadway: Paved the entire way. The lower valley road is smooth and well-maintained; above San Pietro di Funes the lane narrows to a single stripe-free lane, and riders report some patchy, rougher pavement in short stretches higher up - nothing serious, but worth being alert for if you're descending fast.
Traffic: Light. This is one of the quietest paved routes to Passo delle Erbe; expect the occasional local car or motorbike but nothing like the traffic on the Dolomites' better-known passes.
Parking: Park in Santa Maddalena / Fermata di Funes at the free lot near the valley's public bus stop, or in San Pietro di Funes further up the valley if you'd like to shorten the ride slightly - Google Parking Map.
There are no provisions on the steep upper section, but San Pietro di Funes has a few small shops and cafes, and the rifugio at the Passo delle Erbe summit itself serves food and drinks in season. Fill up in Santa Maddalena or San Pietro before starting the steep part of the climb.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
If you have an extra hour, the short walk from Santa Maddalena to the Church of St. Magdalena viewpoint - the classic postcard shot of a tiny chapel backed by the Odle peaks - is one of the most photographed views in the Dolomites and worth the detour before or after your ride. The Zannes trailhead, a bit further up the valley, is the starting point for hikes into the Puez-Odle Nature Park if you want to extend the trip beyond the bike. See other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, with our Routes in the Area tool.
ROUTE MAP
MEMBER RATING
CURRENT WEATHER
PJAMM TRIPS ADVENTURE STARTER BUNDLES
Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure.
NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
FROM No Climbs Found
MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
Let us know what you thought of this climb. Signup for our FREE membership to write a review or post a comment.
Already have an account?
LOG IN HERE
