Kreuzbergpass
(aka pso. di M Croce Comelico)
Highest Point: 1636m
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Eastern Approach: |
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from Santo Stefano (909m) |
727m |
22km
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Western Approach: |
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from Innichen (1187m) |
449m |
15+1/2km |
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Kreuzbergpass has a very different character on each side.
The east side up the valle Padola and S Stefano has a
traditional southern feel to it and involves considerable
climbing. The western approach goes through modern ski
resorts that have a more sterile feel to them. Although
there is not much climbing involved from Innichen (S Candido),
far views of the most popular dolomite peaks make this
approach interesting.
Approaches
From East. A whole series of picturesque
villages make this approach interesting. Soon after leaving S
Stefano, the first one comes into view. The eye is focused by a
church tower up on a bare hillside slope. The village clusters
around it. The road turns right into a side valley and the eye
searches the slopes above for a possible pass. But it's much too
early for that and the road soon turns back in the next
switchback, now focusing attention of a range of sharp dolomite
peaks behind S Stefano. The next two villages are very linear
affairs. They seem to line the road, even though there really is
very little room between the road and precipice below. Meanwhile
the road has resumed its north westerly course. Choosing a very
selective view of field (like in pic 1) Padola has an almost
medieval appearance, while cycling through it. Now the villages
end and still quite a climb remains through forest to the summit
of the road and the base of dolomite towers.

From South. After an extended roll, which is really
not very steep, when compared to most passes in the dolomites,
the road reaches S Guiseppe, a ski circus town, which also has
incredible views of a whole series of dolomite peaks in the
Sesto Group, including the Drei Zinnen, which stick up like
three remaining fingers from a hand. From here it's a gentle
ride down to Innichen (S Candido). Irregardless of which way you
turn here, left to Toblach, or further downhill to Lienz, a
meticulously paved bike path is perfect for skinny tire bikes.

A Dayride with this pass as intermediate summit is on
page: Tilliacher Joch.
The last day with different start and end points on this Extended
Tour is on page: Ploeckenpass

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Passes in Europe
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