Ceresole Tunnel is the steepest tunnel in the Italian Alps

Ceresole Tunnel is the steepest tunnel in the Italian Alps

Italy, europe

Length

3.5 km

Elevation

1,172 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising through the Italian Piedmont region, just outside Turin, you'll find the wild Ceresole Tunnel. Nestled way up in the Graian Alps, right in Gran Paradiso National Park, this baby is a thrill!

Clocking in at 3.5km, this paved tunnel is part of the SP460 road. It's well-lit and roomy, but hold on tight because it's rumored to be the steepest tunnel in the Alps, with sections hitting a crazy 14-16% grade! You start at 1172m above sea level and climb to 1456m, gaining 284 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 8%!

If you're feeling adventurous, ditch the tunnel and take the old service road to the left. It's a repaved beauty (thanks, Giro d'Italia!) with three hairpin turns and views for days. Prepare for a challenging 10-15% slope, but the waterfalls, overhangs, and the Orco stream will totally make up for it. Get ready for an epic Alpine experience!

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Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
3.5 km
Max Elevation
1,172 m
Difficulty
hard

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