MICHAEL DÖRRENBERG
SPECTACULAR
SUPERCAR DOLOMITE TOURS
THE CLASSICS OF THE DOLOMITES
INTRODUCTION
Some journeys are nothing more than routes from A to B. But there are roads that are far more than just asphalt and curves—they are made of experiences, stories, and legends. The Alps are one of the most fascinating regions for passionate drivers, with their winding mountain passes against breathtaking natural backdrops. Even in early history, the Alpine passes were more than simply routes connecting countries and cultures; they were proof of human ingenuity. Merchants, pilgrims, and armies used these routes, often rugged and once difficult and laborious to cross. As engineering advanced, the roads improved more and more, and by the twentieth century they became a paradise for motorsport fans and tourists alike. As more and more private cars took to the roads in the 1950s and ’60s, many of these passes gained legendary reputations. These once rough stagecoach tracks were transformed into carefully planned masterpieces of road construction, creating an almost balletic interaction between people, machines, and nature. This book is more than just a travelogue. It is a tribute to these roads as unique amalgams of driving pleasure, technology, and beauty. It is an invitation to everyone who understands the thrill of high-end
sports cars and revels in the excitement of nailing the perfect line. The Alpine passes are not just transport routes—they are arenas where technology meets nature, speed meets the wide open spaces. They tell stories of races, records, and the evolution of car culture. Back in the early days of motorsport, they were where engineers and drivers pushed their machines to the limit, long before there were proper racetracks. Private motorsport grew alongside these developments. In the early twentieth century, mountain races like the Klausenpassrennen or the Gaisbergrennen saw brave drivers battling it out in the first high-performance cars. The passes were testing grounds for technological advancements and became the arena for battles between car makers. After the war these roads changed again, from pure racetracks to favorite destinations for passionate drivers seeking to enjoy the art of precision driving. As automotive engineering advanced and supercars took off, many of these passes became veritable pilgrimage spots for car lovers. The most spectacular passes, the finest hotels, and the best restaurants have been brought together in this book—a tour that gets your fuel pump racing and your heart pounding. From the legendary Stelvio Pass to the smooth switchbacks of the Passo Giau
and hidden gems like Forcella di Monte Rest—every road has its own story. But this trip is more than a series of epic curves and hairpin bends. It’s a mix of high-performance machines, perfect road design, and the unbeatable feeling of freedom at the view from the top of a mountain pass over the endless expanses of the mountains. Drivers taking these roads feel the power of the engines, but also experience a deep connection to the tradition of travel and exploration. The Alps are a monument to driving, an arena for those who want to master and enjoy the art of perfect driving. These roads have made heroes, broken records, and inspired generations of enthusiasts. The routes described here stand for the purest essence of motorsport—not as a competition, but as an expression of technology, aesthetics, and precision. This book is intended as a tribute to those traditions, to the roads that make them possible, and to the machines that bring them to life. It offers an invitation to plunge into history, feel the gas pedal, and discover a new chapter of automotive passion at every curve. The Alps are waiting—ready for a journey that brings together all the ingredients of the perfect tour: speed, style, and the art of driving pleasure.
THE STELVIO PASS VIA THE BERNINA PASS
From the legendary Stelvio Pass over the remote Umbrail Pass to the impressive switchbacks of the Gavia Pass, this stage unfurls the full fascination of the Alpine passes. Every road, every hairpin is a work of art, shaped by nature and perfected by the engineering skills of times gone by. The wealth of dramatic rock formations, deep valleys, and the raw power of the mountains makes this route one of the most spectacular in the Alps.
The higher the altitude, the cooler the air; the view broadens out and the landscape is more breathtaking with every mile, Up here nature is wild, the sky is endless, and the peaks soar like monuments to time. In the evening the classy elegance, top restaurants, and luxury hotels of St. Moritz will add the glamorous finishing touch to this amazing day.
GIOGO DEL MANIVA
THE MAGIC OF THE MORNING
Early in the morning, we leave the elegance of Lake Como behind us as the first rays of sun slip over the water and bathe the lakeside promenades in golden light. Driving out of Como involves taking winding roads that gently climb into the hilly backcountry. The Giogo del Maniva is a hidden gem of the Lombard Alps, a wide mountain pass that snakes through the high plains in elegant curves. Unlike more famous Alpine passes, the road here is almost empty, making it a real insider tip for sports car fans. The first few miles through dense mixed forests only occasionally reveal glimpses of the landscape, but as the route climbs higher, panoramas open up: gently rolling meadows, crisscrossed by rugged rock formations, and wide, lonely roads extending over the mountain ridges. The asphalt is in excellent shape, the curves are wide enough for dynamic driving. In fact, it’s the perfect stretch for adjusting to the rhythm of the road. A real highlight here is the chance to explore the Tre Valli high road. This narrow, spectacular route is asphalted at the start with amazing views of the surrounding valleys, then turns into a gravel track after about six miles. For cars with low-slung sports suspension, that’s where this detour ends—but even getting there is absolutely worthwhile. And after turning back, you can enjoy the return trip as the perfect reprise of this unique drive.
CULTURE
Vittoriale degli Italiani: In Gardone Riviera, not far off the route, is the former home of Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. The estate includes a museum, gardens, and an open-air theater, giving insights into the poet’s life and work.
THE ROLLE PASS
A BROAD PANORAMA
The Passo Rolle is one of the most impressive and best-maintained passes in the Dolomites. The road runs across an Alpine plateau with fantastic views of the jagged, towering crags of the Pale di San Martino. The road is wide and in superb condition—one of the few passes in the region where that high-speed feeling is within reach. For the ultimate panorama, make a quick stop just before the summit and soak in the amazing view.
THE MOST SPECTACULAR ROUTES THROUGH THE DOLOMITES AND NORTHERN ITALY
BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES, FASCINATING SPORTS CARS AND EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP
Winding mountain passes, secluded roads, and legendary sports cars—pure driving pleasure with exclusive travel experiences. This Callwey book showcases the most stunning routes through the Dolomites and Northern Italy, from challenging high-altitude passes to leisurely drives along the shores of Lake Garda. In addition to detailed maps, it includes insider tips on the best hotels, restaurants, and scenic viewpoints. Striking photography captures the aesthetics of extraordinary vehicles set against breathtaking backdrops, making this the ultimate guide for car enthusiasts, adventurers and connoisseurs alike.
• Inspiring routes with expert tips, detailed maps, and must-see highlights
• Exclusive recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and special stops
• Stunning close-ups of extraordinary cars