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
hardWhere is Collada de Beixalis?
🌍 Andorra
Okay, adventure awaits in Andorra! Let's talk about Collada de Beixalis, a mountain pass reaching a cool 1,806 meters (5,925 feet) high. You'll find it smack-dab in the middle of the country, marking the border between La Massana and Encamp. Heads up: this road's not for the faint of heart! Expect some tight squeezes, super steep climbs, and a bit of a bumpy ride. Most of the route is paved, but there's a roughly 2.5 km stretch of unpaved road near the top that adds some extra challenge. Sitting pretty in the eastern Pyrenees, the pass is usually open year-round, but be prepared for potential short-term closures during winter weather. The full route stretches for about 13.2 km (8.20 miles), winding its way from Anyós in the west to Encamp in the east. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Road R440 to Dossaun Mountain
🌍 Ireland
Okay, so you're heading to Ireland? Forget the tourist traps and point your car towards the Slieve Bloom Mountains, smack-dab in the middle of the country, where you'll find Dossaun Mountain. This isn't just any road; it's an adventure that straddles the line between Laois and Offaly counties. Clocking in at about 22 miles (35.9 km), this paved route connects the villages of Birr and Mountrath. Don't let the pavement fool you; this 'Slieve Bloom Road' is a wild ride! We're talking steep inclines and a seriously narrow path that climbs to 1,486 feet (453m) above sea level. If you're not a fan of heights or squeezing past oncoming traffic, this might not be your cup of tea. But for the adventurous souls, the views are totally worth the white-knuckle moments. Just take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and maybe say a little prayer as you navigate those tight corners!
moderateSS1 Via Aurelia is One of the Main Roads of the Roman Empire
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada Statale 1 Via Aurelia (SS 1) Ready for an epic coastal road trip? The SS1 is basically the Italian answer to scenic highway perfection—a legendary route that hugs the coastline from Rome all the way to the French border near Ventimiglia. This isn't just any road; it's got serious historical cred. We're talking about a route that literally traces the ancient Roman Via Aurelia, originally built way back in 241 BC by Gaius Aurelius Cotta. It's one of Italy's most crucial state highways and a genuine piece of Roman Empire legacy. Stretching 697 kilometers (433 miles) of fully paved bliss, the SS1 connects Rome to Ventimiglia in the northern Liguria region, following both the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas as it winds past nine provincial capitals. Fair warning: this is *the* road to drive during peak season, so expect company if you're hitting it during holidays. The real magic happens between Genoa and the French border. This section literally clings to the coastline, serving up absolutely stunning sea views that'll make you want to pull over constantly. The scenery is genuinely distracting—in the best way possible. Plus, here's the bonus: while most Italian highways will drain your wallet with tolls, the SS1 is completely free. Some sections operate as a dual-carriageway highway, but you won't pay a dime for this incredible drive.
moderateIs Road 9552 unpaved?
🌍 Finland
Okay, buckle up for an unforgettable Finnish adventure on Road 9552! Nestled in the wilds of northern Finland, this road is a real mixed bag of pavement and gravel, but they're slowly paving the whole thing. The southern section is smooth sailing on asphalt, but in the middle, you'll hit some pretty decent gravel. Up north, be prepared for a rougher ride on unpaved sections – a high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here. Stretching for about 75 kilometers (46 miles), running from Road 955 close to , this beauty is lightly trafficked, so you'll mostly have the wilderness to yourself. Think lush forests and seriously stunning views. Autumn is when this road truly shines – the colors are absolutely unreal! Just remember, this is a remote area, so come prepared. You'll feel the true solitude of this uninhabited landscape. If you have car trouble, help could be a while away.