
Colle Plane
Italy, europe
N/A
2,222 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer route for you: Colle Plane, a high-altitude border crossing straddling Italy and France at a whopping 2,222 meters (7,290 feet)!
Nestled in the Ligurian Alps, this isn't your Sunday drive. Think narrow, think gravel, and definitely think 4x4. Seriously, you'll want the right vehicle for this one. The road connects the Alpes-Maritimes in France with Piedmont in Italy, offering some seriously stunning scenery along the way.
Word to the wise: plan your trip for summer or early fall. This pass is usually buried under snow from November to June. And if you make it to the top, you'll find Capanna Morgantini, a mountain hut built back in '77, perfect for a breather before you head back down. Trust me, this road is an experience you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,222 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the curvy road to Alto de La Nava Grande in the Sierra de Guadarrama
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de La Nava Grande: Spain's Hidden High-altitude Challenge Perched at 1,963m (6,440ft) in Madrid's stunning Sierra de Guadarrama, Alto de La Nava Grande is seriously one of the most rewarding unpaved climbs you'll find in central Spain. Nestled within the Regional Park Cuenca Alta del Manzanares, this peak basically acts as a natural viewing platform over the Lozoya Valley and Santillana reservoir—the views are absolutely worth the effort. Starting from Manzanares el Real, you're looking at a 20.8km climb with 1,114m of elevation gain. The first stretch treats you fairly well with relatively decent road conditions, but things get spicy pretty fast once you cross the Puente del Francés around the halfway point. From there, it's all about tackling "las famosas zetas de La Pedriza"—12 seriously tight hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. The final 1.5km? That's where it really tests your skills. Loose rocks and steep gradients mean you'll definitely need a solid high-clearance 4x4 to make it through. This isn't one of those casual drives. Beyond the technical challenge, there's real history here. Those stone trenches and old military positions scattered around the summit are remnants from the Spanish Civil War, when these heights were critical strategic points. One heads-up: vehicle access is often restricted due to the park's environmental protection rules, and it's primarily meant for authorized forest vehicles, mountain bikers, and hikers. Always check local regulations in Manzanares el Real before you go—it'll save you a frustrating trip!
hardHow long is the A27 road?
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! The A27 in Kazakhstan is calling your name—if you dare! This beast of a road stretches for a whopping 905 km (562 miles), connecting the tiny village of Zhezdi on the right bank of the Sarysu River near the Russian border to the bustling port city of Aktau. Now, let’s be real: paved it may be, but smooth sailing it ain’t! The A27 is notorious for its rough conditions. Think deep potholes and truck ruts that'll test your suspension (and your patience!). We're talking about 70% of the asphalt practically MIA. Forget speed— passenger cars are lucky to hit 40 km/h (25 mph). You'll probably see locals blazing their own trails alongside the "road." But hey, it's not all bad! The scenery is absolutely gorgeous. Plus, it's the most direct route from Aktau. Just be warned: this is a heavily trafficked route due to its importance, and the potholes can be crazy deep. Night driving? Exercise EXTREME caution, especially when the weather turns foul.
moderateWhere is Hitler's bridge?
🌍 Czech Republic
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Czech Republic, and you stumble upon something totally unexpected – the Borovsko Bridge, aka "Hitler's Bridge" or the "Czech Avignon." Nestled in the Benešov District, this concrete marvel is a seriously cool historical oddity. Back in 1939, Hitler kicked off this project as part of his grand highway plan, but things got a little sidetracked with, you know, World War II. Construction was on and off, and even though the bridge was eventually finished in the 50s, the highway leading to it never materialized! Now, here's the kicker: in 1976, they flooded the area, turning it into a reservoir. The lower parts of the bridge are now underwater! Talk about a forgotten piece of history. Sadly, you can't actually *drive* on it anymore. The whole lake district is off-limits to protect the drinking water, so this beauty is more of a "look but don't touch" kinda situation. Hidden in the Bohemian-Moravian Highland forests, it's a eerie reminder of a bygone era. Still, pretty awesome scenery, right?
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering the paved San Marco Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo San Marco Nestled in the Bergamo Alps of Lombardy, Passo San Marco is a stunning mountain pass that sits pretty at 1,985m (6,512ft) above sea level. Straddling the boundary between Bergamo and Sondrio provinces in northern Italy, this route is pure Alpine charm. The pass is served by Strada Statale 470, which was originally designated as Strada Provinciale 8 (SP8) until 2021. The road itself was built in the post-WWII years, but here's the cool part—it follows an ancient route that's been connecting Lombardy to the Grisons area since the late 16th century. Along the way, you'll find Ca San Marco, a historic refuge built around 1830m that once provided shelter and care to weary travelers braving winter conditions. It's a humble reminder of how adventurous (and dangerous!) mountain travel used to be. The 24.2 km (15.03 miles) route runs south-north from Mezzoldo in Bergamo to Albaredo per San Marco in Sondrio, and it's completely paved with gentle grades—the steepest section tops out at just 10%, making it surprisingly accessible. Heavy trucks are banned here, keeping the road quiet and enjoyable for regular travelers. The summit even has a couple of monuments worth checking out, and it's popular enough to have earned its spot in the Giro d'Italia cycling race.