An old military road to Cima di Morissolo
Italy, europe
1.7 km
1,311 m
moderate
Year-round
# Cima di Morissolo: A Historic Alpine Adventure
Tucked away in Piedmont's Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, right near the Swiss border, sits Cima di Morissolo—a 1,311m (4,301ft) peak that's basically a time capsule of WWI military history. The summit is crowned with the Fortificazione del Morissolo, and you're surrounded by the remnants of the Cadorna Line, an entire defensive network of trenches, artillery positions, and mule tracks built in 1916 to guard against a potential German invasion through Switzerland.
The 1.7 km (1.05 miles) journey from Piancavallo to the top takes you along the Sentiero Strada Cadorna—an unpaved military road that feels authentically rugged and atmospheric. Just heads up: it's closed to regular cars, and those old unlit tunnels carved into the mountainside add a genuinely eerie vibe to the experience.
Once you reach the summit's famous "three crosses," you're rewarded with absolutely stunning views stretching across Lake Maggiore. On a clear day, you can take in Cannero, Luino, and the entire southern shore of the lake—a view that definitely justifies the trek through that historic, tunnel-laden path. It's the kind of drive that blends adventure, history, and natural beauty into one unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
An old military road to Cima di Morissolo is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.8139, 12.6715
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,311 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.8139, 12.6715
Related Roads in europe
extremeDal Piaz Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Dal Piaz: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 1,993 meters (6,538 feet) in the Belluno province of Veneto, Rifugio Dal Piaz sits deep in the stunning Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi in northern Italy. Getting there? That's half the adventure. The track leading up to this mountain shelter is definitely not your typical drive. We're talking gravel, seriously steep grades, and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. This old military road winds its way through some jaw-dropping terrain, but here's the thing—in many spots, there's nothing between you and a drop of hundreds of meters except thin air. No guardrails to catch you. Yeah, it's legitimately nerve-wracking, and honestly, plenty of people decide it's just too intense. The final stretch? That's reserved for hikers and adventurers on foot—vehicles aren't allowed up there. If you're the type who gets a rush from challenging yourself on mountain roads and soaking in some seriously dramatic Alpine scenery, this could be your next bucket-list drive. Just make sure you're prepared for the intensity.
extremeIs the road to Soganli Gecidi unpaved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Soğanlı Geçidi in Turkey's Bayburt Province is calling your name, if you dare! We're talking about a sky-high climb to 2,372 meters (that's 7,782 feet!). Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is rough, unpaved, and seriously narrow, hugging the mountainside with some major drop-offs. It's a true test of driving skill (and maybe a little bit of bravery!). One wrong move, and well, let's just say it's a long way down. Heads up, winter warriors: this pass is usually a no-go zone when the snow flies. Even in June, you might find yourself in a winter wonderland, and fog can roll in anytime. Up top, you'll find a lonely, abandoned building – a spooky reminder of the elements up here. Ready for the climb? Starting from Kılıçkaya, you've got 7.8 kilometers (about 4.84 miles) of steep, winding road ahead, packed with 12 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. You'll gain 594 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7.61%. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
easyDriving the gravity-defying Electric Brae in Ayrshire
🇬🇧 Scotland
Cruising the A719 in South Ayrshire, Scotland? Get ready for the Electric Brae, or Croy Brae as the locals call it! This isn't your average coastal drive, though the views across to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig are stunning. A quick detour lands you in the charming village of Dunure, complete with castle ruins. Just south of Dunure, the road takes a sharp turn inland, and that's where the magic happens. For about a quarter of a mile, you'll find yourself on a gravity hill that'll mess with your head. The name "Electric" comes from old theories about magnets and electricity, but it's really an optical illusion. Even though the inland end of the road is actually 17 feet higher than the coastal end (a 1 in 86 gradient), the surrounding landscape tricks your eyes. Pop your car into neutral, and it looks like you're rolling uphill! It's wild, and the illusion is so strong you can even capture it in photos. The good news is, the road is fully paved and well-maintained, so it's an easy drive. Plus, there's a layby where you can safely pull over and test the illusion for yourself. A stone marker explains the whole thing, so you can understand the science behind the weirdness. It's a short stretch, only a quarter mile, but definitely one of the most unique driving experiences you can have in Scotland.
extremeIs the Road to Pico el Puntal paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you find yourself kicking around the Almería province of Andalusia in southern Spain, you HAVE to check out Pico el Puntal. This beast of a peak tops out at 1,286 meters (that's 4,219 feet!), and it's nestled right in the Sierra Alhamilla Natural Park, practically hugging the Tabernas Desert – Spain’s driest and sunniest spot. Now, getting there is half the fun... or maybe the whole fun, depending on your perspective! The road? Well, let’s just say it’s seen better days. Think broken asphalt and enough potholes to swallow a small car. Seriously, a high-clearance vehicle or SUV is your best friend here. The road stretches for nearly 15 kilometers (9.2 miles) from the N-340a near Mini Hollywood, and let me tell you, the scenery is epic. You'll wind your way through the same desert landscapes where legends like *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly* were filmed. As you climb, the views over the Tabernas Desert just keep getting better and better. The road ends by the communication towers at the very top. Don’t think it’s going to be a leisurely cruise though. You're looking at a 985-meter climb with an average gradient of 6.6%, but there are sections that are much steeper. Get ready to work that engine and keep an eye on your traction on the rough road surface.