
Coletto di Laus
Italy, europe
N/A
1,948 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Coletto di Laus! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in the Italian Piedmont region, clocking in at 1,948 meters (that's 6,391 feet!).
The road? Well, it's not exactly a smooth ride. Think gravel, bumps, and a real "off the beaten path" vibe. Word to the wise: the final stretch is hike-only. Expect a steep climb with hairpin turns, a narrow track, and some rough patches where the elements have taken their toll. Oh, and snow makes it a no-go zone from September to June. But hey, at the top, you're rewarded with the stunning Lago di San Bernolfo. Just remember, it's a seriously steep and rugged road to get there.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,948 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the road to Forcella Luson unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Italian Dolomites, heading for Forcella Luson, a mountain pass that tops out at a breathtaking 7,818 feet! The locals call it Lüsner Scharte, and trust me, the views are worth the climb. Speaking of the climb, it's a wild one! Most of the road, known as Via Panoramica Dolomiti or Dolomiten Panoramaweg, is unpaved, adding a real adventurous vibe. Get ready for some seriously curvy and narrow stretches, especially as you near the top. Heads up, this beauty is usually closed during the winter months. The adventure starts from Strada Provinciale 29 (SP-29), and from there, it's about 5.09 miles (8.2 km) of steep climbing. Once you're up there, check out the gravel chairlift trail that leads to Monte Telegrafo (Plose) on the north side. And don't miss the Plosehütte (Rifugio Plose) near the summit – perfect for a quick breather and soaking in those incredible panoramic views. You won't regret this drive!
hardStralegg
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Stralegg Pass: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Nestled in the stunning Appenzell Alps of Switzerland's St. Gallen canton, just a stone's throw from the Liechtenstein border, Stralegg Pass sits at a breathtaking 1,675 meters (5,495 feet). This isn't your average mountain drive—it's an adrenaline-pumping experience that'll test both your skills and nerves. Fair warning: this road is seriously steep and cramped. You'll be navigating hairpin turns and switchbacks with a gnarly 18% gradient that'll have your hands gripping the wheel. Most of the route is paved (thank goodness), but brace yourself for the final 2.5km where the road transitions to gravel. It's rough, it's rustic, and it's absolutely wild. If you're after jaw-dropping Alpine scenery combined with an edge-of-your-seat driving experience, Stralegg delivers on both fronts. Just make sure you're confident behind the wheel before tackling this beast—it's not for the faint of heart!
extremeStrada degli Alpini
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy's Veneto region, Treviso province to be exact, ready to tackle the Strada degli Alpini. This isn't just any road; it's a wild, zigzagging climb that's as thrilling as it is scenic! The road's paved, which is great, but be warned – it gets super narrow in spots. Think "squeeze by" narrow. And if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe give them a heads-up (or Dramamine!). Seriously, the hairpin turns come fast and furious. Let's talk elevation. You'll start at about 267 meters above sea level and then, over just 6.7 km, you’ll climb a whopping 809 meters! That's an average gradient of 12%, but be prepared for stretches that hit a crazy 20%. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops along almost the entire route? But hey, think of the views from Chalet de l'Épée Refuge!
moderateDriving the wild road to Col de Joux
🇮🇹 Italy
# Col de Joux: A Hidden Alpine Gem Tucked away in northwestern Italy's Aosta Valley, Col de Joux (also called Col du Mont-Joux) sits pretty at 1,930m (6,332ft) and is absolutely worth the detour. Starting from Fossaz, you'll cruise along mostly paved roads until the final 550m, where you transition onto a well-maintained gravel section that adds a bit of adventure to the climb. Seriously, bring your camera for this one. As you wind up from Avise, Mont Blanc makes frequent appearances, stealing your breath with its sheer majesty. Keep climbing and the views just get better—you'll find yourself surrounded by the dramatic peaks that cradle the entire Aosta Valley. It's the kind of scenery that makes you pull over just to soak it all in. When you finally reach the summit, you'll discover a convenient parking lot and a charming small lake that's perfect for a quick stretch and some well-deserved photos. The whole experience feels like a rewarding secret that most travelers completely miss.