Exploring SS51: The Mountain Road from Innichen to Cortina d'Ampezzo

The SS51 road is situated in the northeastern region of Italy, within the autonomous province of South Tyrol and the Veneto region. It connects the town of Innichen (San Candido) to Anpezo (Cortina d'Ampezzo), running through the Dolomites mountain range, part of the Alps. The route passes through several valleys including the Höhlensteintal (Val di Landro), Pustertal (Val Pusteria), and the Rienztal (Valle della Rienza). It also runs adjacent to the Rienz (Rienza) river for a significant portion of its length.

The road crosses the Im Gemärk mountain pass, also known as Passo Cimabanche, which sits at an elevation of 1530 m (5,020 ft). The area is notable for its proximity to several natural parks, including the Naturpark Fanes-Sennes-Prags, Naturpark Drei Zinnen, and the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo. These parks protect the unique alpine environment of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

An interactive map showing the SS51 road and its surroundings can be found at the end of this article.

The SS51 extends approximately 16.8 kilometers (10.4 miles) and is predominantly a two-lane road with wide lanes (about 99% of the road width). The road surface is asphalt and maintained at a high quality level, rated 4.6 out of 5. The route is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating of 0.72, offering a balance between gentle bends and some tighter turns, suitable for a comfortable yet engaging motorcycle ride.

The road's elevation ranges from 1212 m (3,976 ft) at its lowest point to 1534 m (5,033 ft) at its highest near the Passo Cimabanche. The maximum speed limit along the route is 50 km/h (31 mph), reflecting the road's mountain setting and safety considerations. Approximately 23.3% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including small settlements such as Höhlenstein, Landro, Schluderbach, and Carbonin.

The SS51 is a mountain pass road, crossing the Im Gemärk - Passo Cimabanche, which is a key feature of the route. The road also runs along the Rienz river for about 59% of its length, adding to the natural appeal of the ride. The route is well-suited for motorcyclists looking to explore the Dolomites with a mix of natural beauty and technical riding challenges.

The SS51 passes through or skirts several protected natural parks, including the Naturpark Fanes-Sennes-Prags, Naturpark Drei Zinnen, and the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo. These parks preserve the unique alpine ecosystems and geological formations of the Dolomites, offering riders opportunities to experience pristine mountain landscapes.

The road crosses multiple mountain ranges within the Dolomites, such as the Pragser Dolomiten (Dolomiti di Braies), Sextener Dolomiten (Dolomiti di Sesto), and the broader Östliche Dolomiten. It also skirts the Hohe-Gaisl-Gruppe and the Cristallo-Gruppe, known for their dramatic peaks and rugged terrain. The Dolomites are renowned for their distinctive pale rock formations and are a UNESCO World Heritage site, making this route particularly significant for riders interested in natural and geological heritage.

The SS51 traverses several valleys, including the Höhlensteintal (Val di Landro), Pustertal (Val Pusteria), and smaller valleys such as the Flodige Tal (Vallettina) and Birkental (Valle dei Baranci). These valleys provide varied terrain and scenic views, with the road often running close to the Rienz river, which flows into the Eisack (Isarco) river.

Along the route, riders can find multiple viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. These vantage points are ideal for breaks and photography, enhancing the overall riding experience. The road's proximity to natural parks and mountain passes makes it a valuable corridor for exploring the Dolomites' natural beauty.

The SS51 is a well-maintained mountain road with no current tolls or entrance fees, though riders should verify conditions before travel as policies may change. The road is open year-round but may be subject to seasonal weather-related restrictions typical for alpine passes.

For more detailed information about the road, mountain passes, and natural parks, riders can consult the following resources:

• Passo Cimabanche
• Naturpark Fanes-Sennes-Prags
• Naturpark Drei Zinnen
• Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo
• Rienz River
• Val Pusteria
• Dolomiti
• Dolomiti Natural Park Website