A paved curvy road to the summit of Cimabanche Pass in the Dolomites
Italy, europe
30.8 km
1,533 m
moderate
Year-round
# Passo di Cimabanche: A Dolomite Adventure
Perched at 1,530 meters (5,029 feet) in northeastern Italy, Passo di Cimabanche—also called Gemärkpass—sits right on the border between Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige. This 30.8 km scenic route connects the legendary ski town of Cortina d'Ampezzo in the south to the charming village of Toblach-Dobbiaco in the north, winding through some seriously stunning Alpine terrain.
The drive itself, via the Strada Statale 51 di Alemagna (SS51), is mostly smooth and rewarding, though you'll encounter a few rough patches where the asphalt has seen better days. Don't let that deter you though—the sweeping bends make for a genuinely enjoyable cruise. Just after the summit, keep an eye out for the right-hand turn toward Passo Tre Croci if you're up for more mountain magic.
The real highlight? The views near the top are absolutely breathtaking. You'll catch glimpses of the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, those jagged limestone spires that define the Dolomites. A few hundred meters south of the pass sits a cluster of three small lakes—Lake Bianco (now dried up), Lake Nero, and Lake Rufiedo—adding another picturesque layer to the landscape.
History buffs will appreciate the quirky detail: tucked into the mountainside near the summit is Strong Point No. 4, a massive bunker built into the rocks as part of Mussolini's Alpine Wall defense line. It's equipped with three machine guns and serves as a fascinating reminder of WWII-era mountain fortifications.
Where is it?
A paved curvy road to the summit of Cimabanche Pass in the Dolomites is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.6513, 12.5141
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,533 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.6513, 12.5141
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe Ultimate Guide to Mount Voras
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Voras-Kajmakčalan: A High-Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of the Balkans' most thrilling mountain passes? The Mount Voras-Kajmakčalan road sits at a breathtaking 2,524 meters (8,281 feet) right on the border between Greece and North Macedonia—making it one of the highest roads you can drive in this region. The roughly 20-kilometer route connects Petalino on the Macedonian side with the Voras-Kaimaktsalan ski resort in Greece, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. The entire summit road is unpaved and seriously rugged, so you'll absolutely need a sturdy 4x4 with serious ground clearance to make it work. Summer is really your only window—accessibility drops dramatically once the snow arrives. But here's where it gets really interesting: two small churches crown the summit, each with their own fascinating stories. The Macedonian side hosts a memorial chapel honoring Serbian soldiers who fell during the brutal 1916 Battle of Kajmakčalan against Bulgarian forces. Inside, you'll find a remarkable relic—an urn containing the heart of Archibald Reiss, a legendary Swiss forensic scientist. Meanwhile, the Greek side features the Church of Profitis Ilias. Nestled in the dramatic Voras Mountains, this high-altitude passage offers incredible alpine scenery and a genuinely unique cultural experience—if you've got the right vehicle and the courage to tackle an unpaved mountain road at extreme elevation.
hardWhere is Añisclo Canyon?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Aragon, Spain, itching for an adventure. Head to Huesca province and find the Cañon del Añisclo! This canyon road is seriously one of Spain's most scenic. We're talking about the Sobrarbe region, nestled inside the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The HU-631, carved by the Bellos River, is your path. Keep in mind, this road is paved, but it can be rough, especially after rain. Think slippery! And some sections are *narrow*. You might even find it's one-way during certain times. The whole shebang stretches 34.3 km (21.31 miles) from Escalona to Puértolas. Expect some steep climbs, topping out at 1,360m (4,461ft). You'll hug the Bellos River through Valle de Añisclo, los Sestrales, and Desfiladero de las Cambras. Look up, and those canyon walls will make you feel *tiny*. Oh, and keep an eye out for unlit tunnels! Starting in Escalona, you'll hit a fork in the road about 2km in. HU-631 takes you straight through the gorgeous canyon. The other route is south of the HU-631 that bypasses it on a small, bumpy, and winding street. Word to the wise: this road can close suddenly due to unstable geology, so be prepared. The pavement's bumpy, so if you're rocking a low-rider, think twice. There are no gas stations, patchy cell service, and you're pretty far from help if you break down. But the views? Absolutely incredible. If you're a motorcyclist who loves to explore, not speed, this is your jam. Hiking, canyoning, rafting, swimming – the whole region is an outdoor playground in summer!
hardLago di Rochemolles
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Rochemolles: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Piedmont's stunning Susa Valley, Lago di Rochemolles sits at a breathtaking 1,982 meters (6,502 feet) above sea level. But getting there? That's half the fun. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is a gravel and rocky adventure that'll test your driving skills with its narrow, bumpy stretches and genuinely steep sections. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, you might want to skip this one—seriously. The winding path demands respect and, ideally, a capable 4x4 tucked beneath you. Winter? Forget about it. This route becomes basically impassable when snow and ice move in, so save this adventure for warmer months. And if heights make you queasy, the exposed sections might have you gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual. Here's the plot twist though: much of the gravel road is actually surprisingly well-maintained and relatively flat for a mountain route. The real challenge comes when wet conditions turn it into a muddy obstacle course—that's when you'll really appreciate having all-wheel drive. Bottom line? This is prime territory for experienced off-road drivers who crave that adrenaline rush and want bragging rights to a genuinely epic mountain crossing. Come prepared, come confident, and come ready for an unforgettable ride.
moderateThe Ultimate Road Trip From Rogachevo to Belushya Guba
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna experience the wild, untamed beauty of the Russian Arctic? Then get ready to rumble on the road connecting Rogachevo and Belushya Guba on Yuzhny Island, part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago. Seriously, this is one of the most northerly roads *on the planet*, sitting pretty in the Arkhangelsk Oblast. Forget smooth asphalt – this 17.5 km (10.87 mile) stretch is all about that raw, unpaved life! Winding from Rogachevo to Belushya Guba (aka Belushye), you'll be cruising through seriously remote territory. Word to the wise: this area hosts the world's northernmost military base and, historically, a bunch of nuclear test sites, so soak in the scenery, but maybe avoid straying *too* far. Also, keep your eyes peeled for polar bears (seriously!). Summer's the only time to tackle this beast, and even then, be prepared for some seriously gusty winds and visibility that can vanish faster than your phone signal. But hey, that's all part of the adventure, right?