An old military road to Colle Cologna

An old military road to Colle Cologna

Italy, europe

Length

100 km

Elevation

2,394 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Colle Cologna is a seriously impressive high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,394m (7,854ft) above sea level in Italy's Province of Cuneo. Nestled in the Piedmont region, it's about 100 km southwest of Turin and 40 km west of Cuneo, right up near the French border in the northern part of the country.

This wild ride stretches roughly 23.5 km (14.60 miles) from Gias Bandia all the way up to Acceglio. Fair warning though – the road is completely unpaved and rough in spots. It's basically an old military track, which means you're in for a proper adventure. Think narrow sections, clouds of dust, hairpin turns, and some genuinely exposed drop-offs. Oh, and you'll pass some eerie abandoned military barracks along the way, which adds a whole atmospheric layer to the experience.

If you're after an off-the-beaten-path Alpine challenge that'll test your driving skills and reward you with some seriously remote scenery, this is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.

Where is it?

An old military road to Colle Cologna is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.1960, 12.8301

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
100 km
Max Elevation
2,394 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
43.1960, 12.8301

Related Roads in europe

Where Is the Road from Aristi to Papingo?hard

Where Is the Road from Aristi to Papingo?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Nestled in the Ioannina region of Epirus, Greece, is a road that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. I'm talking about the legendary route from Aristi to Papingo! Where does this beauty take you? Picture this: You're cruising alongside the shimmering Voidomatis River, connecting the charming towns of Aristi and Papingo, right in the heart of the Pindos Mountains. It's the lifeline between these mountain gems! How long is this slice of driving paradise? Only 10.8 km (6.71 miles) of pure asphalt joy! You start in Aristi at 620 meters, steadily climbing to 930 meters in Papingo. The road averages a gentle 2.87% incline, but hold on tight because some sections crank up to a thrilling 10%! But here's the kicker: 23 hairpin turns! Yep, you read that right. This road will test your skills, but trust me, the ever-changing mountain views are the ultimate reward. Seriously, this is one of the most famous and twisty roads on the planet, and you NEED to experience it!

A Wild Unpaved Road to Golzentipp in the Austrian Alpshard

A Wild Unpaved Road to Golzentipp in the Austrian Alps

🇦🇹 Austria

# Golzentipp: Alpine Views Worth the Rough Ride Perched at 2,236m (7,335ft) in Tyrol, Austria, Golzentipp is a stunning high mountain peak that sits just a stone's throw from the Italian border in the southern part of the country. Here's the real talk: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit is completely unpaved and seriously steep—you'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle to tackle it. Plus, it's a chairlift access trail that's closed to regular passenger cars and basically becomes impassable once winter rolls around. Starting from the town of Rals, you're looking at an 8.6 km (5.34 miles) climb with 719m of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of 8.36%, so yeah, it's definitely a workout for your vehicle. But here's why it's totally worth the bumpy ride: Golzentipp is wedged perfectly between the Lienz Dolomites and the Carnic Alps, and the views are absolutely mind-blowing. The summit is crowned with an impressive cross, and on a clear day, you can see forever—the Lienz Dolomites, Hohe Tauern, the Carnic Ridge, the Sesto Dolomites, and even the Großglockner in the distance. If you're into alpine scenery and don't mind a challenging drive, this peak delivers the kind of panoramic views that make the rough journey completely worthwhile.

How difficult is the climb to Col de la Ramaz?extreme

How difficult is the climb to Col de la Ramaz?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, in the Haute-Savoie department to be exact, about to tackle the Col de la Ramaz. This legendary pass, often featured in the Tour de France, connects the Giffre valley to the Praz de Lys ski area, and it's got drama written all over it. Now, this isn't just a Sunday drive. The "classic" side, a 14 km climb, throws you straight into the deep end with relentless 10-12% gradients as you approach the Tunnel de Sommand. This is a workout for your vehicle, especially if you're hauling a campervan. Speaking of the tunnel, this is the pass's most iconic (and slightly terrifying) feature. It bypasses a ridiculously narrow stretch of road clinging to a sheer limestone cliff. The tunnel itself is tight, winding, and dimly lit, with openings that offer stomach-dropping views. It’s a real "balcony road" moment, demanding your full attention. Plus, the road is narrow and can be damp, so watch out for cyclists. But once you emerge from the other side, the landscape opens up into the beautiful Sommand Valley, offering a brief respite before the final push to the 1,619m summit. And the reward? Oh, the reward is *spectacular*. You’re treated to an exceptional vista of the Mont Blanc range. On a clear day, those snow-capped peaks feel almost within reach. From there, the road descends for a total of 23 km, eventually joining the Route des Grandes Alpes. Just a heads up: due to the altitude and its role in serving the Praz de Lys resort, this road is typically closed during winter storms, usually from late October to late May. And on the descent towards Mieussy, watch your speed – those steep ramps and tight turns before the tunnel can quickly overheat your brakes! Engine braking is your friend here. All in all, it’s a must-drive for anyone seeking alpine beauty with a side of adrenaline!

What’s the history of Alan Pass?hard

What’s the history of Alan Pass?

🇭🇷 Croatia

Cruising through Lika-Senj County, Croatia? You absolutely HAVE to experience Veliki Alan pass! Nestled in the Velebit mountains, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this road clocks in at 25.7 km (15.96 miles) of pure adrenaline. Okay, let’s be real – this isn’t your average Sunday drive. We’re talking a seriously narrow, mostly paved road with some pretty intense drop-offs. This is the highest point of the road, reaching 1,414m (4,639ft)! The pass has a crazy history, too! It's been used for thousands of years, even by the Romans! Then it was critical for trade, and timber transport... Even crazier, the road was built under terrible conditions by political prisoners. Heads up: this road isn't maintained in winter, and is generally open from June until the first snow. Just because the lower slopes look clear doesn’t mean you're in the clear either – huge drifts can build up. Important safety tip: stick to the road! This area saw some heavy fighting, and there are still minefield warning signs posted. Better safe than sorry, right? The payoff? Jaw-dropping views! The road winds mostly through the forest, but the summit is something else. Mountain huts dot the top, along with a monument honoring the Partisans who defended Velebit. And the panorama? Think endless sea, dotted with islands – absolutely unforgettable!