We will be driving from Venice to Fussen and eventually Munich, Germany in late June. The mapping software plots a route through Verona up through Trento and Balzano. However, I am also interested in seeing the Dolomites and found a route north of Venice, through Belluno to Lake Misurino and eventually to Innsbruck. According to Google maps, it is a little longer drive but I suspect it is much more scenic. On the other hand, I have never been to Verona or Trento, so I do not know what I would be missing on that route. I would appreciate any suggestions for sites to see while traveling from Venice to Fussen in late June. I plan to spend two days in this section of our trip. Thank you in advance for your thoughts!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
I know well the area and I plotted a route that is EXTREMELY scenic (one of the most scenic in the developed World, on both sites of the Atlantic) Check it out on this Google Map link: http://goo.gl/maps/paoDC
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ, USA
7 posts
Sam, Thanks for your suggestion also. Please see the link below to see if I correctly mapped the route you had in mind. http://goo.gl/maps/FCibJ Please let me know if I missed something. I would be very interested in learning about the Battle of the Tunnels before I have the chance to be in the area. Thanks again for contributing to my itinerary!
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ, USA
7 posts
Thank you very much for taking time to map a route! I hate to admit this, but just yesterday, we began considering skipping Fussen and driving directly to our next stop in Lofer, Austria. I have mapped a route that would still go through Belluno and Lake Misurino, but then goes back to the east to Lienz and then north again to Lofer. (I would show you, but I haven't learned to save a Google map and send a link like you did.) Are you familiar with that area also? Would it be comparable, or would you suggest I take the longer route to Innsbruck before going to Lofer? Thanks again for your time and advice!
Posted by
Green Bay
21348 posts
Two suggestions on Andre's route, if you want to go to Lofer. Once you've been to Lake Misurina, double back to Cortina and get back on Andre's route. At the top of the pass west of Cortina (Paso Falzerego), stop at the cable car and learn about the Battaglia de Galleria (my Italian may be a bit rusty) or "The Battle of the Tunnels". This was the front line in WWI between Austria and Italy. Continue on Andre's route, but before you get the Selva Gardena Wolkenstein, hang a right on SS243 back to Corvara in Badia. Now you will have done the "Sella Ronda", a complete circuit of the Sella Massif. Normally this is done in the winter on skis, but you can do it in summer in your car. Near the top of Paso Pordoi, there is the Piz Boe cable car that is worth a 1 hour stop to ride the cable car and get a grand view of the Dolomites. When you are back in Corvara in Badia, head stright north to Brunico, then head east and a straight shot to Lienz.
Posted by
NYC area
3018 posts
Hi Jeff, I would go with Andre L.'s route, except I'd substitute the gardena Pass for the Pordoi and Sella Passes. I don't see why you'd head up to Brunico/Bruneck and east towards Lienz when the goal is to wind up in Innsbruck. The scenery along this route will pale in comparison to the scenery between Cortina and the Val Gardena/A22. I also don't see having the time for all this driving you have on your latest route. I'd go from Venice to Cortina, west into the Alta Badia and spend the night here. Do a cable car trip, walk/hike and really see the Dolomites. Actually enjoy being in the Dolomites instead of seeing them from the car window. Then the next day over the Gardena Pass into Val Gardena, to the A22 to Innsbruck. Just an opinion. Paul
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ, USA
7 posts
Thanks Paul. I think I may have confused some people with our indecisiveness. Initially, I asked for suggestions for a drive from Venice, through the Dolomites on my way to Fussen, Germany. Since then, we have decided that going that far northwest to Fussen is a long drive just to see a castle. We were planning to go to Lofer and Salzurg, Austria next. So, now, we THINK we will plan a route north from Venice to see the Dolomites, spend one night somewhere there and then go on to Lofer, Austria. I hope that makes sense. Thanks again for your help.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8371 posts
The easiest way from Venice to Fussen is west to the other side of Verona, then north on E45/A22 up to Brenero (the Brenner Pass) and into Innsbruck. This is 4 lane/controlled access all the way to Innsbruck. Note: You may have to stop to purchase a pass to get on the autobahn in Austria. Go west of Innsbruck (20 miles) to Telfs, and go north on B189. Go right on B179 and it'll take you right to Fussen. Austria B189 & B179 are very crooked roads, however they'll take you through breathtaking scenery.
It'll essentially be a whole day's drive.
Posted by
NYC area
3018 posts
Hi Jeff, I still think driving from Venice to Cortina and spending the night in the Alta Badia makes sense. Next day head to Lienz and drive the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrsse to Zell am See and on to Lofer or Salzburg. Paul