
Cappella Madonna del Cotolivier
Italy, europe
N/A
2,086 m
extreme
Year-round
# Cappella Madonna del Cotolivier
Nestled high in the Italian Alps at 2,086 meters (6,843 feet), this charming mountain chapel sits in Turin's province within Piedmont. Getting there? Well, buckle up—it's an adventure!
Starting from Borgata Vazon, you'll begin on smooth asphalt, but don't get too comfortable. The road quickly transforms into a rough gravel surface that winds up the mountainside with relentless hairpin turns. It's steep, narrow, and demands your full attention. The final stretch to the summit is gated off, so you'll need to park before the barrier and hike the last bit on foot.
The payoff? Stunning alpine scenery and the reward of reaching this remote, atmospheric little church perched impossibly high in the mountains. Not for the faint-hearted drivers, but absolutely worth the challenge if you're into off-the-beaten-path mountain adventures.
Where is it?
Cappella Madonna del Cotolivier is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.5178, 13.0738
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,086 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.5178, 13.0738
Related Roads in europe
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Rifugio La Baita
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio La Baita-Val di Rezzalo Perched at 1,860 meters (6,102 feet) in Sondrio province in northern Italy, this mountain refuge sits within the stunning Stelvio National Park. Getting here is definitely an adventure—and honestly, you'll need a 4x4 to make it happen, as the road is closed to regular vehicles. Starting from Frontale along Strada Statale 38, you've got a solid 10.2 km (6.33 miles) of climbing ahead of you. The paved section gets you partway there, but once you roll past Fumero, things get seriously rough and unpaved. Fair warning: there are basically no guardrails, and what little protection exists is more symbolic than practical. The average gradient sits at a punishing 8.91%, with 909 meters of elevation gain—so yeah, it's steep. But here's why you'd make the journey: the views from the hut are absolutely incredible, sweeping across the entire valley below. In summer, it's the perfect basecamp for hiking adventures like Corno di Boero-Savoretta and the Sobretta Glaciers. Come winter, if you're equipped with snowshoes or off-track skis, you can tackle even more peaks like Pollore and the Savoretta Glacier. This road demands respect and proper equipment, but if you're up for the challenge, the rewards are genuinely spectacular.
moderateHow to Get by Car to the Summit of Torreta de l'Orri in Lleida?
🇪🇸 Spain
Torreta de l'Orri is a seriously impressive high mountain peak sitting at 2,439m (8,001ft) above sea level in Spain's Lleida province. Also called Pic de l'Orri, this beast ranks among the country's highest driveable roads and sits in the Pallars Sobirà region of Catalonia, up in the northern part of the country. Want to visit? Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved—basically a chairlift access trail that demands a proper 4x4 vehicle to tackle. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in winter. At this elevation, the road becomes completely impassable once snow hits. Starting from Port-Ainé ski resort, you're looking at a 5.7 km (3.54 miles) push to the summit. You'll climb 436m of elevation over that distance, with an average gradient of 7.64%—steep enough to make you work for those views. At the top, you'll find communication facilities and a TV antenna building, a reminder that humans have conquered this beast for practical purposes too.
The iconic climb to Luz Ardiden
🇫🇷 France
# Luz Ardiden: A High-Alpine Climb Worth the Drive Nestled at 1,720 meters (5,643 feet) in the stunning Hautes-Pyrénées, Luz Ardiden is one of the Pyrenees' most iconic ski destinations. And here's the cool part—this place has serious cycling credentials, having hosted multiple Tour de France and Vuelta a España summit finishes. The paved road up to the resort opened back in 1975, and it's a thrilling roller coaster of hairpin bends and steep pitches. What makes it special? It's a dead-end road, so you'll never deal with heavy traffic—just you, the mountains, and those incredible panoramic views waiting at the summit. Cyclists absolutely love this place, and once you drive it, you'll understand why. The scenery is genuinely spectacular. **Coming from Luz Saint Sauveur?** Expect a 14.7 km climb gaining 1,010 meters of elevation. The average gradient sits at a manageable 6.9%, though you'll hit steeper sections maxing out at 10%. **Starting from Viscos or Saligos?** This route stretches 14.27 km with a 1,059-meter elevation gain. The average push is 7.4%, but watch out for that brutal 16% maximum slope—it'll definitely test your nerves on those hairpin turns. Either way, you're in for an unforgettable alpine adventure.
hardBakke Bro
🇳🇴 Norway
# Bakke Bro: Norway's Stunning Historic Crossing Bakke Bro is an absolutely breathtaking suspension bridge spanning the Sira River in Vest-Agder county, Norway. It's honestly one of the most jaw-dropping bridges you'll ever lay eyes on. This beauty dates back to 1844, featuring two impressive stone arches held up by naturally constructed towers. The bridge itself stretches 53.5 meters between those towers, with a modest width of just 4.35 meters—giving it that authentic, intimate feel of a historic crossing. Here's where it gets really intense: this bridge carries the legendary Tronåsen (Fv946), which ranks among the world's steepest roads with gradients hitting a mind-blowing 25-33%. The road's been pushing adrenaline junkies' limits since 1791, though the current version was formally completed in 1844 alongside the bridge itself. It's narrow, it winds like crazy, and it demands respect from anyone brave enough to take it on. If you're seeking a truly unforgettable drive that combines history, engineering marvels, and heart-pounding elevation changes, Bakke Bro and its legendary road are calling your name. This is the kind of journey that reminds you why road trips exist in the first place.