Challenging hairpin bends and breathtaking panoramas to fall in love with: the third Porsche Gipfeltreffen was all about “Amore Motore”. Joining the event were Porsche enthusiasts and members of various communities such as Porsche Club Deutschland, Heizr, Onassis, Petro Surf and Curves – along with their vehicles, from air-cooled classics to brand-new models. From the vibrant city of Bolzano, they set off towards legendary Alpine passes that make the heart race, experiencing curves, power and culinary delights.
After three intense days in the Alps, a true “Gipfeltreffen family” had formed – closely connected by the shared belief: it doesn’t matter what you drive, as long as you drive. Enthusiasts will be able to follow the three exciting routes themselves next spring: the exact routes are available in the Porsche Roads app.
Day 1 – Lake Garda: Alpine Voyage
Almost 300 kilometres, seven and a half hours of pure driving pleasure – Day 1 of the road trip leads from Bolzano to Lake Garda. After a gentle 30 minutes through countless Traminer vineyards, the route begins to climb noticeably and the fun of the curves begins. Soon, the first geographical highlight awaits: the Mendel Pass. From there, the route descends to Trento before climbing steeply once again: with each of the roughly 2,000 metres of elevation, the heart rate rises, the zigzags of the countless bends forming a matching ECG.
Riva del Garda is just around the corner now. On the northern shore of the lake, participants enjoy a leisurely lunch on the terrace of the Lido Palace Hotel, soaking up the sun. Refreshed, they begin the return journey to Bolzano, where dolce vita and urban flair await. At Waltherplatz, in the heart of the old town, the day draws to a close – with aperitivo, laughter and the feeling of having moved mountains behind the wheel.
Day 2 – Dolomites: Emotional High
Around 290 kilometres, five hours of pure driving time – Day 2 is a celebration for lovers of demanding curves. On this tour, a Porsche shows its strengths more than ever. From Bolzano, the route heads east towards the towering peaks of the Dolomites. The landscape impresses with rugged rock faces and monumental summits, the route strings together pass after pass: Niger Pass, Karer Pass, Passo Rolle, Passo Cereda, Passo Duran, Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella – resonant names that are music to the ears of connoisseurs. Where the road winds decisively into the heights, the true spirit of Amore Motore reveals itself: temperament, passion, endorphins. Every kilometre is a dialogue between human and machine.
For a late lunch – or early dinner – Chalet Gerard above Wolkenstein awaits. Here, heaven and earth meet, a delight for all the senses. In the afternoon, the return journey leads from the cooler heights back to warm Bolzano. Back at the hotel, the adrenaline is still palpable – as is the anticipation of the next day.
Day 3 – Austria: Curve Hunt
The final day – 280 kilometres and around five hours of pure Alpine magic. It’s time for a curve hunt: the route leads northwards over the Penser Joch, past quiet valleys, towards Austria. The Jaufen Pass offers sweeping curves before the Timmelsjoch, the “secret queen of Alpine roads”, opens up views of an endless sea of peaks. The panoramas differ from those of the previous day – here everything is more open and expansive.
In Sölden, a detour with the Gaislachkogel cable car to the gourmet restaurant ice Q is worthwhile, offering views of three-thousanders rising like stone sculptures. Scenes from the James Bond film “Spectre” were shot in this architecturally spectacular building. Back at the valley station, the route leads once again over the Timmelsjoch. Hafling and Jenesien mark the final act of this driving symphony before Bolzano comes back into view.
No matter the model, the year or the drivetrain – over these three days, Porsche vehicles had the opportunity to bring their precision and performance to the road. That’s Amore Motore – the love of driving in its most beautiful form.
