A delightful yet challenging drive to Forcella Chiandolada
Italy, europe
110 km
1,582 m
hard
Year-round
# Forcella Chiandolada
Hidden in the scenic mid-Boite valley, Forcella Chiandolada (also called Forcella Ciandolada) sits at 1,582 meters (5,190 feet) and serves as a stunning gateway between two Dolomites giants—Antelao and Pelmo. Located in Belluno province in Veneto, it's about 68 miles north of Venice and just 30 kilometers from Belluno town.
The 6.3-kilometer climb from Vodo di Cadore is no joke—expect an average gradient of 12%, with some sections pushing past 17%. The steepest pitches hit a brutal 25-26%, so bring your A-game. The road is mostly paved with stretches of gravel, but here's the thing: it gets *narrow*. Like, uncomfortably narrow for passing other vehicles. If you're not confident reversing a car, you might want to reconsider or time your visit carefully.
Once you reach the top, you'll find Rifugio Giampietro Talamini waiting for you—recently rebuilt and perfect for catching your breath and refueling. It's the kind of reward that makes the white-knuckle drive absolutely worth it.
Where is it?
A delightful yet challenging drive to Forcella Chiandolada is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.2659, 13.4230
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 110 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,582 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.2659, 13.4230
Related Roads in europe
hardOrcieres Merlette is an iconic Tour de France climb
🇫🇷 France
# Station de Orcières Merlette Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Orcières Merlette is a ski resort perched at 1,823 meters (5,980 feet) in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The drive up to the station is a proper alpine adventure. The D76 road climbs steeply from the village of Orcières for just 5.8 km (3.60 miles), gaining 405 meters of elevation along the way. You're looking at an average gradient of about 7%, though it ramps up to 9% in the trickier sections. The whole route is paved, which is a relief, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a casual drive—there are 8 hairpin turns keeping things interesting as you snake your way upward. What makes this climb truly special is its Tour de France pedigree. The pros have tackled this road multiple times as a summit finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its character. Plus, the location is absolutely stunning: you're practically on the doorstep of Ecrins National Park, so the scenery is genuinely world-class as you climb. It's the kind of road that offers both challenge and beauty in equal measure.
hardHow Long is the Versamerstrasse?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, buckle up for the Versamerstrasse, a quirky little mountain road tucked away in Graubünden, Switzerland! You'll find yourself hugging a rocky cliff face on one side, with nothing but open air and a serious drop on the other. Talk about an adrenaline rush! This fully paved ribbon of road stretches for about 8.3 kilometers (or just over 5 miles) and, yeah, it gets a bit snug in places. Starting near Bonaduz, in the Imboden district, it winds its way eastward to Versam in the Surselva district. Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise through a few tunnels and galleries, all while following the stunning Vorderrhein River, one of the Rhine's headwaters. The highest point is around 907 meters (almost 3,000 feet) near the end. Word of warning: keep an eye out for rockslides – they're a real possibility here. The views, though? Totally worth it!
extremeWhere is Anamas Plateau?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're in Turkey's Mediterranean Region, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Anamas Yaylası, a high-altitude plateau chilling around 6,500 feet, might just be your spot. Where exactly? Head towards Isparta Province, practically kissing Konya Province in southwest Turkey. Getting there is half the thrill! The road, lovingly named Çayır Yaylası Yolu (Çayır Plateau Road), is a beast. Think all-dirt, super steep inclines, nail-bitingly narrow sections, and drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Tiny bridges and hairpin turns galore? You bet. Perched way up in the Taurus Mountains, this road's usually open year-round, but winter can throw curveballs with sudden closures. The adventure kicks off in Aksu, winding 13.8 miles up to the plateau. A trusty SUV is your best friend here, and after a good rain, you might be wishing for a 4x4! Get ready for epic scenery and an unforgettable ride.
hardThe inhumane climb to Collado Fancuaya with 16% ramps
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado Fancuaya: A Steep Alpine Challenge in Asturias Ready for a proper mountain adventure? Collado Fancuaya is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,088 meters (3,569 feet) in the heart of Asturias, Spain's rugged northern region. Nestled in the Montes de Yernes y Tameza within the Cantabrian Range, this pass—also known locally as Cuevallagar—sits right at the foot of the impressive Loral peak. The climb itself is no joke. Starting from the AS-311 road, you're looking at 6.9 kilometers (4.28 miles) of relentless climbing with 591 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of 8.56%, though you'll encounter some truly brutal sections hitting 16.2% that'll test both your car and your nerve. The good news? The entire route was freshly paved in 2019, so you're not battling a rough gravel nightmare. The not-so-good news? The road is genuinely narrow, and weather here can turn gnarly in a heartbeat. When storm clouds roll in, conditions become seriously tricky. If you're into pushing your driving skills on spectacular mountain roads with serious elevation and epic Cantabrian scenery, Collado Fancuaya absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list. Just time your visit right and respect the mountain's moods.