Col de la Traversette was Hannibal's route across the Alps
France, europe
2.5 km
2,369 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Traversette
Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France near the Italian border, Col de la Traversette sits at a breathtaking 2,369m (7,772ft) and comes with some seriously legendary bragging rights. This is allegedly where Hannibal and his entire army—including 37 elephants—made their famous crossing into Italy back in 218 BC. Pretty wild, right?
The road itself is pure adventure: a completely unpaved military track that's basically begging for a 4x4 or enduro bike. Starting from the D1090, you're looking at a gnarly 2.5km climb that packs in 324m of elevation gain and averages a steep 12.96% gradient, with some sections hitting a jaw-dropping 30%. But here's the thing—despite the brutality, it's actually rideable and rewards you with absolutely stunning alpine views.
Nestled in the Cottian Alps, this high-altitude gem sits just south of the Little St Bernard Pass and gets you close to Le Fort de la Redoute, a 17th-century fortress built by the House of Savoy in 1630 (though you can't actually visit it anymore due to structural concerns).
Fair warning: winter makes this place completely impassable, so plan your adventure accordingly. If you're up for a challenging, history-soaked drive with epic scenery, this legendary pass delivers on all fronts.
Where is it?
Col de la Traversette was Hannibal's route across the Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.5805, 2.8248
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,369 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.5805, 2.8248
Related Roads in europe
moderateResia Pass is one of the lowest crossings of the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Reschenpass-Passo di Resia: A Hidden Alpine Gem Looking for a way to cross the Alps without tackling the notorious Brenner Pass? Let me introduce you to Reschenpass-Passo di Resia, a stellar alternative sitting pretty at 1,522 meters (4,993 feet) in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, right near the Austrian border. This mountain pass has serious history. Built between 1850 and 1854, it's actually one of the lowest Alpine crossings around—which is exactly why smart travelers choose it over the busier Brenner to the east (the Splügenpass hangs out to the west, too). Fun fact: during WWII, Mussolini fortified this strategic spot with defensive barrages like the Passo di Resia and Plamort installations to guard against a potential Nazi invasion. The drive itself? Completely paved along the Strada Statale 40, running 22.4 kilometers (13.91 miles) from south to north between Malles Venosta and the Austrian border. Fair warning though—those steep sections crank up to an 8% gradient in places, so it's not a casual Sunday cruise. But with those Alpine vistas and the thrill of conquering a historic pass, it's absolutely worth the twists and turns.
moderateWhere is Belvédère du Cirque du Mont-Viso?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Hautes-Alpes, practically straddling the Italian border in the gorgeous Queyras Regional Natural Park. You're headed for the Belvédère du Cirque du Mont-Viso, a natural viewpoint that's a staggering 2,147m (7,043ft) above sea level. This Route du Viso was born to give access to the Haut Guil valley and let tourists soak up the views of Mont Viso’s north face. The locals kicked things off way back in 1864, and then everyone chipped in: the government, the army, even Michelin got involved! It officially opened in 1931. Now, heads up: this road's up in the Cottian Alps, inside the Ristolas Mont-Viso National Nature Reserve, so winter usually shuts it down with heavy snow. The road to the top? Mostly paved, but expect some rough patches and gravel sections. It's a leg-burning 19.3km (12 miles) climb from Aiguilles, gaining 676 meters. The average gradient is a gentle 3.5%, but don't be fooled, there are ramps of up to 11.5%! Expect some killer switchbacks, false flats, and occasional flat stretches to catch your breath. The views? Absolutely worth it. There's even a small parking lot at the top to reward your efforts. Mountain bikers, this climb is calling your name!
easyWhere is Alto de la Cruz?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alto de la Cruz is a hidden gem nestled high in the Montes de León mountains of northern Spain. You'll find this beauty in the northwestern part of the autonomous community of Castilla y León. The road itself? Totally paved, though you might encounter some rough patches here and there as you climb the "Alto de la Cruz." While typically open year-round, be aware that winter can bring temporary closures due to snow. But trust me, if you get a chance to drive this road, take it! It's not super long — just a few kilometers — and traffic is usually light, making for a peaceful and scenic drive. For a truly unforgettable experience, start your journey in Peñalba de Santiago, a stunning mountain village perched way up in the clouds. This place is postcard-perfect, boasting the ancient Iglesia de Peñalba de Santiago. From there, the road to the summit winds and twists for less than 3 km, packing in a serious climb with gradients reaching up to 17% in places. The whole route was freshly paved a few years back. However, be careful for rock slides. The views are absolutely breathtaking, showcasing the best of Castilla y León's natural beauty!
moderateWhere is Glaubenberg Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: the Glaubenberg Pass, a totally awesome road snaking up to 5,062 feet above sea level, right on the border between cantons, in central Switzerland. This pass has history, going way back, but the road as we know it took shape later on, and hey, even prisoners helped build it! It's all paved now, smooth enough that it's even been part of a cycling race. Expect some pretty steep sections—nothing crazy, but pay attention! The real challenge? Watch out for those cows! It’s nearly 19 miles of twisting, turning fun from Entlebuch (that's the district seat) to Sarnen (the capital of Obwalden, chilling by the lake). Heads up, though: winter puts the brakes on this beauty. Usually, it’s closed from November/December until April/May, totally weather-dependent. The road from the south stays open to Langis, but the rest is a no-go until spring.