A steep road to Lago del Naret in Ticino
Switzerland, europe
21.9 km
2,310 m
hard
Year-round
# Lago del Narèt: A Alpine Adventure
Nestled at 2,310m (7,578ft) in the Vallemaggia district of Swiss Ticino, Lago del Narèt is a stunning high-altitude reservoir worth the challenging drive. Starting from Lavizzara, this fully paved route (built back in the 1950s) stretches 21.9 km (13.60 miles) and climbs a whopping 1,570 meters—that's an average gradient of 7.16%, though don't let that fool you.
The road gets serious with several sustained pitches hitting 10-12%, and some brutal ramps that spike up to 18%. You'll snake through dense evergreen forests with tight hairpin bends that keep things interesting. The narrow track demands your full attention, but stick with it and you're rewarded with killer views of Lago del Sambuco and the surrounding peaks. As you approach the summit, there's even a short dip before you reach the dam—a nice surprise after all that climbing.
Save the best for last: the final stretch reveals three charming alpine lakes (Lago di Sassolo, Lago Superiore, and Lago Scuro) before you finally arrive at the crystal-clear waters of Lago di Narèt itself. It's a genuine alpine gem that combines challenging driving with some seriously spectacular scenery.
Where is it?
A steep road to Lago del Naret in Ticino is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8087, 7.7222
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,310 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.8087, 7.7222
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere is Gurnigel Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, buckle up, because Gurnigel Pass in the Swiss canton of Bern is a stunner! Perched at a lofty elevation, this mountain pass winds its way through the gorgeous Gantrisch region in western Switzerland. Heads up for bitumen strips along certain sections of the road! Once you hit the summit (which has seen its share of World Cup cross-country skiing and biathlon events!), peek to your right for mind-blowing views of the Swiss Plateau, with the Bernese Alps providing an epic backdrop. Yep, the road is paved, so your ride should be mostly smooth. Officially known as Gurnigelstrasse, the road surface is generally in good nick. Get ready for a solid trek – we're talking about 33.9 km (21.06 miles) of pure driving bliss. The route stretches from Zollhaus (in the Fribourg district of Sense) all the way to Rüeggisberg (in the Bern-Mittelland district).
moderateWhere is Gorges de la Bourne?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising the Gorges de la Bourne in France is an absolute must-do if you're anywhere near the Isère and Drôme departments. Seriously, this canyon road is carved right into the side of the Vercors Regional Nature Park, and it's a wild ride. They call it one of France's balcony roads, and it's easy to see why! This 22.6km (14 mile) stretch of the D531, running from Pont-en-Royans to Villard-de-Lans, took over a decade to build back in the 1800s, and you can feel the history in every twist and turn. Speaking of twists and turns, be prepared! The road is narrow in spots, with unlit tunnels adding to the adventure. Keep an eye out for rock slides – they can happen anytime. This place gets crowded during the summer months so be prepared for traffic! But trust me, the views are worth it! Driving through this limestone gorge is like entering another world. The road hugs the river, winding through ravines with jaw-dropping scenery at every corner. And don't miss the Choranche cave – those stalactites are something else!
moderateWhere is Coll de la Creueta?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Coll de la Creueta in Barcelona province is calling your name! Nestled in the Pyrenees, this pass carves its way through the Catalan region of northern Spain. We're talking a fully paved adventure here, folks, but don't let that fool you—it's not for the faint of heart! This route clocks in at a challenging distance, with sections that will really test your mettle. Prepare for some seriously steep inclines, hitting a max gradient of 12% in places. Starting from a lower elevation, you'll climb to the top—so yeah, expect some incredible panoramic views! Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, because while the scenery is stunning, this pass demands your full attention. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardGorges d'Omblèze, a French balcony road
🇫🇷 France
Get ready for the Gorges d'Omblèze, a mind-blowing canyon road carved by the Gervanne River in the Drôme region of France. Seriously, this is one of those famous "balcony roads" that France is known for. The D578 winds right through the gorge, following the river's path. It's all paved, but super narrow, clinging to the cliffs carved out by the Gervanne River. I'm talking single-track in sections, so watch out for oncoming traffic! Rock slides are a real risk here, so keep your eyes peeled. Surrounded by the stunning Vercors Regional Natural Park, this 8.1 km (5 mile) stretch runs from Plan-de-Baix to Omblèze. Even looking at pictures will get your adrenaline pumping. The views are insane, especially considering there weren't always guardrails! Definitely a heart-racer! And don't forget to check out the Cascade de la Druise waterfall, a massive 72-meter drop! As far as balcony roads go, this is one of the most famous. Hairpin turns, narrow, unlit tunnels... you name it! It is not for the faint of heart. There's no room for error here, so take it slow, enjoy the incredible scenery and keep an eye out for those little parking spots to pull over!