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
hardMines de Liat
🇪🇸 Spain
# Mines de Liat: A Wild Ride to an Abandoned Mountain Gem Ready for one seriously intense mountain adventure? Head to the Val de Toran in Val d'Aran, tucked away in the Pyrenees of northwestern Lleida, Catalonia, and you'll find the Mines de Liat—an abandoned mine that's become a bucket-list destination for hardcore road trippers. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The Camín de Liat, an old mine road, is narrow, gravel-covered, and absurdly steep—think challenging conditions that demand a proper 4x4 vehicle. You'll be climbing to 2,324 meters (7,624 feet) above sea level, making this one of Spain's highest roads. The journey winds between Estanh de Pica Palomèra, a stunning alpine lake, and the town of Bagergue, though the mine itself has sat abandoned since 1956. Here's the reality check: this road comes with serious hazards. Rockfalls and avalanches are genuine risks, with some dropoffs plunging a stomach-churning 500 meters. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes impassable and closures are common when weather turns nasty. The endless twists and turns mean this route absolutely isn't for anyone prone to car sickness (seriously, skip the heavy meal beforehand). But here's why people do it: the Pyrenees views are utterly breathtaking. If you've got the nerves, the right vehicle, and genuine respect for mountain driving, this is an unforgettable experience that'll make you feel truly alive.
hardWhere is Dordona Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Dordona Pass sits high in the mountains at a lung-busting elevation. You'll find this beauty nestled in the Bergamo Alps of northern Italy. It's a wild ride connecting the upper Val Brembana and Val di Scalve valleys. Heads up, adventurers: the road to the top is entirely unpaved. This route, also known as Strada del Passo Dordona and Strada della Val Madre, officially opened sometime in the past. Trust me, the views are worth it. Close to the summit, you can find a cozy mountain refuge. As you ascend, keep your eyes peeled for old military constructions. Right at the pass, there's even a bunker carved right into the rock, offering incredible views over a huge chunk of the surrounding landscape. Keep in mind that winter conditions may make this pass impassable. This is a journey for experienced drivers. While the road is unpaved, the payoff is a mind-blowing high alpine landscape. Clocking in at 21.5 km (13.35 miles), this route requires some serious focus. You might encounter a military paved road to Teglia Pass along the way.
hardBuvette d'Arolla
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Buvette d'Arolla: A Summer Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the Swiss Alps at a breathtaking 2,879 meters (9,445 feet), Buvette d'Arolla sits as one of Switzerland's most impressive mountain restaurants. Located in Valais's Pennine Alps, this place is seriously not for the faint of heart. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself. The route is a chairlift access trail that doubles as a ski-station service road—think rocky, loose gravel, and steep grades that can hit 30% in places. The upper sections get even gnarlier, with the terrain becoming increasingly rocky and relentless. This is legitimately one of the country's highest roads, which tells you something about what you're in for. Here's the catch: you've got a *really* narrow window to tackle this. We're talking end of August as your golden opportunity. The rest of the year? Forget about it. Even during summer's supposed "best" weather, snow can catch you off guard. Winter temperatures are brutally cold, and the wind? It's relentless year-round, with particularly fierce gusts at altitude. The payoff, though, is standing atop one of the Alps' most extreme accessible peaks. If you're an experienced driver with serious mountain credentials and you're visiting in late summer, this is the kind of road that becomes an unforgettable story. Just come prepared for anything.
hardCroce Arcana Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo della Croce Arcana Tucked away in Italy's Pistoia province within the Apennines, Passo della Croce Arcana sits at a respectable 1,669m (5,475ft) and makes for one seriously epic mountain adventure. Starting from Cutigliano, you're looking at a 16km climb that'll gain you a whopping 1,030 meters of elevation – averaging out to a 6.4% grade, though some sections crank up to a gnarly 13.6%. Here's the reality check: this is a gravel road all the way, narrow and bumpy, so come prepared. Rain or snow? You're basically not getting through. Even in good conditions, the steep pitches and rough surface demand respect and a vehicle that can handle it. But if you've got the wheels and the nerve for it, the payoff is absolutely worth it – you'll be rewarded with some seriously stunning Apennine scenery that'll have you remembering this drive for years.