Bocco Pass is an epic climb in the Apennines
Italy, europe
18.5 km
962 m
moderate
Year-round
# Passo del Bocco: A Mountain Pass with Stories to Tell
Nestled at 962 meters (3,156 feet) along the border between Emilia-Romagna and Liguria, Passo del Bocco is a gem hidden high up in the Apennines. This isn't your typical gentle scenic drive—expect steep climbs, plenty of hairpin turns, and a completely paved road that'll keep you alert the whole way up. When you finally reach the summit, you'll find a welcoming restaurant and parking area to catch your breath and soak in the views.
This pass has some serious cycling pedigree. It was the stage that made Yevgeny Berzin a champion during the 1994 Tour of Italy, but it's also marked by tragedy—it's where Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt tragically lost his life during the 2011 Tour of Italy in May.
**Two Ways to the Top**
There are two routes to choose from depending on where you're starting:
**Via SP26bis**: The shorter option at 18.5 km (11.49 miles), this route runs from Borgonovo up to the Emilia-Romagna border. Perfect if you want a quicker, more direct assault on the pass.
**Via SP49**: The longer route at 34.7 km (21.56 miles), this one winds from Varese Ligure through Borzonasca. More road time means more time to appreciate the stunning Apennine scenery.
Where is it?
Bocco Pass is an epic climb in the Apennines is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.4763, 12.9601
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 962 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.4763, 12.9601
Related Roads in europe
moderateAdventure along the wild road to Valico Poffa di Rondenino
🇮🇹 Italy
# Valico Poffa di Rondenino: An Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious mountain driving? Valico Poffa di Rondenino sits pretty at 2,012 meters (6,601 feet) in Brescia province, Lombardy, in the heart of northern Italy. This is alpine territory, folks. The road that conquers this pass is the Strada Provinciale 345B—locals call it "Delle Tre Valli" (Of the Three Valleys). This 17.4 km (10.81 miles) beauty stretches from the Passo del Maniva junction all the way to the SP 669 road, and you can tackle it from either direction. Here's the thing: it's paved at both ends, but the middle section? Pure gravel. Don't let that intimidate you though—it's totally doable, just keep your eyes peeled for rocks and rough patches, especially when you're navigating the hairpin turns. The posted speed limit is a cautious 20 km/h, and officials take their no-stopping, no-overtaking rules seriously (stick to designated parking spots only). What makes this route truly special is that you're basically hugging the mountaintops the entire way. You'll be cruising almost exclusively above the 2,000-meter mark, which means dramatic elevation and views that'll take your breath away. It's challenging, it's stunning, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
moderateIs Petrohan Pass in Bulgaria paved?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Petrohan Pass in Bulgaria is calling your name. Nestled way up in the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) on the Montana/Sofia border, this paved beauty sits at a cool 1,407 meters (4,616 feet). Think of it as your shortcut between Sofia and northwest Bulgaria (and onward to Romania!). Route 81 stretches for 41.2 kilometers (25.60 miles) from Barzia to Buchin Prohod, offering stunning views along the way. Word on the street is that they're planning a tunnel to make the journey even quicker, so keep an eye out for updates! Winter can be a bit wild, though, so check conditions before you go.
moderateWRC on skis? Watch this rapid mountain descent
🇳🇴 Norway
# Two Norwegian Legends Race Against Time on a Mountain Road When you're Aksel Lund Svindal, one of alpine skiing's greatest champions, or Andreas Mikkelsen, a rising star in world rally racing, speed is literally your business. Both these Norwegian athletes have built their careers on beating the clock and pushing limits. So what happens when you throw them together on a snowy mountain road with a ferry deadline? Pure adrenaline. These two teamed up for an epic challenge: could they make it down the mountain fast enough to catch the last ferry of the day on Lyseveien? The stakes were real, the conditions were gnarly, and the competition was fierce. Svindal attacked the descent like he was carving down a ski slope, launching over every obstacle without hesitation. Meanwhile, Mikkelsen absolutely shredded the same road in his VW Polo R WRC, hitting every turn with precision and aggression on the snow-covered, banked surface below. It's the kind of stunt that only works when you've got world-class drivers willing to push a perilous mountain road to its absolute limits. Watch these two Norwegian legends do what they do best – go impossibly fast and make it look effortless.
hardMonte Lozze
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Lozze: A High-Alpine Adventure in Italy Ready for some serious elevation gain? Monte Lozze sits pretty at 1,920 meters (6,299 feet) in the Vicenza province of Veneto, Italy—and the drive up is absolutely worth the climb. Most of the route is paved, which is great news, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. The road gets steep and narrow as you wind your way toward the summit, demanding your full attention and some solid driving skills. It's the kind of road that keeps you engaged the whole way up. The payoff? You're trading white-knuckle moments for stunning alpine scenery and the satisfaction of conquering one of Italy's mountain passes. If you're up for the challenge and love those twisty mountain roads, Monte Lozze delivers the goods.