Can you drive through Forcella Lavardet?
Italy, europe
10.4 km
1,547 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Forcella Lavardet, tucked away in the Veneto region of Italy, is a wild ride through the Dolomites. This old military road, officially SP465, climbs up from the tiny village of Campolongo towards the Strada Statale 465.
The climb is about 10.4km (6.46 miles) long, with an elevation gain of 599 meters, averaging a 5.75% gradient, and hitting a max of 13% in some spots. At 1,547m (5,075ft) above sea level, it’s not just the altitude that takes your breath away.
Now, here’s the kicker: the road is mostly unpaved, with a few paved sections. It's actually closed to vehicles due to past landslides and floods, especially from way back in '93, but it's open for biking or hiking. You’ll be navigating some seriously tight squeezes, crossing wooden bridges (new ones, thankfully!), and keeping an eye out for landslides. This baby is known for its 14 hairpin turns – the *Tornanti della Forcella del Lavardet* – they are super tight and scenic! It's steep, narrow, and you definitely need to take it slow around those blind corners, because you won't see cars coming! So, if you're up for an adventure on two wheels or two feet, Forcella Lavardet promises views and thrills you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,547 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateColl de Pradell
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Coll de Pradell! Nestled high in the Catalan Pyrenees, in the province of Lleida, Spain, this mountain pass climbs to a breathtaking 2,135 meters (that's 7,004 feet!). You'll find it snuggled within the Serra d'Ensija-els Rasos de Peguera park, a gorgeous pre-Pyrenean setting. Now, fair warning: the road isn't paved; expect some dirt and even a bit of grass under your tires. The fun starts near the small mountain town of Esterri de Cardós, and the climb is around 10 kilometers. Plan your trip between late spring and early fall – this is high country, so snow can be a factor! But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be immersed in that classic, stunning Pyrenees mountain scenery. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
hardA thrilling (scary) off-road experience to Clot de l’Alpe
🇫🇷 France
# Clot de l'Alpe Ready for an epic alpine adventure? Clot de l'Alpe sits pretty at 2,361m (7,746ft) in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, and honestly, the journey up is half the fun. Starting from the charming village of Vars, you're looking at a 13.9 km (8.63 miles) wild ride that'll test your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Fair warning: this is a 4x4-only zone, folks. The unpaved, bumpy road with its patched sections climbs relentlessly—we're talking 10.5% grades that'll make your heart race as you navigate past Col de Chérine, Col de Valbelle, Col du Vallon, and Col de Saluces. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely mind-blowing. As you ascend, you'll drink in panoramic vistas stretching across the Queyras, Embrunais, and the jaw-dropping Pelvoux Massif. It's the kind of scenery that makes every bump worth it. Once you reach the summit, you can refuel at two mountain restaurants—Eurl les 3 Ours and L'Homme de Pierre—perfect spots to catch your breath and soak in the alpine atmosphere. **Pro tip:** Save this drive for summer and early fall. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes completely impassable, so this is strictly a fair-weather adventure.
hardIs the Road to Frătoșteanu Mare Unpaved?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in Romania's Vâlcea County, south of Sibiu, lies Frătoșteanu Mare, a mountain pass punching through the clouds at a whopping 1,914m (6,279ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive – forget the pavement! This is the legendary Via Strategica, a seriously spectacular unpaved road built by the Germans way back in WWI. This 8.7km (5.40 miles) stretch is no joke. Think rough, rocky terrain with steep climbs, large stones and multiple water crossings! You’ll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer this beast, from the DN7A Road up to Saua Repezi, passing by that incredible natural viewpoint at 1,994m (6,541ft). The views? Absolutely mind-blowing. The challenge? Totally worth it. Just a heads up – Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Expect this road to be snowed in and impassable from late October to late June/early July. Plan your adventure accordingly!
extremeRuta Urdon-Tresviso is a challenging mule track
🇪🇸 Spain
# Ruta Urdón-Tresviso: A Spectacular Mountain Trek Through Spain's Picos de Europa Nestled in the stunning Liebana zone between Asturias and Cantabria, the Ruta Urdón-Tresviso is a legendary mule track that'll test your legs and reward your soul. This 5.9 km (3.66 miles) east-west route climbs a jaw-dropping 895 meters from the N-621 road at Desfiladero de La Hermida all the way up to the charming village of Tresviso perched high in the mountains. Fair warning: this isn't a casual stroll. Built back in the 1800s by a mining company called 'La Providencia' to haul materials to the Andara mine, this rocky, unpaved path means serious business. With a brutal 37% maximum gradient in places and a relentless 15.16% average climb, you'll be earning every step. The track's also known by several names—Subida a Tresviso, La Senda de La Peña, or Ruta a Tresviso—and it's permanently closed to vehicles for good reason. Expect countless hairpin turns and genuinely hair-raising drop-offs that demand your full attention and respect. Even Spanish Civil War soldiers knew this route's challenges. Timing matters too: winters bring heavy snow while summers get scorching hot, so pack accordingly and bring way more water than you think you'll need. But here's the payoff: the scenery is absolutely unreal. As you climb through names like Ahileras, Entrelospuentes, and el balcón de Pilatos—where you'll encounter a stomach-dropping 600-meter vertical drop with panoramic views of the Urdón river—you'll understand why this trek is worth every breathless moment.