Colle San Zeno

Colle San Zeno

Italy, europe

Length

16.65 km

Elevation

1,434 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Colle San Zeno: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Lombardy

Nestled in the province of Brescia in Lombardy, Italy, Colle San Zeno (also called Colma di San Zeno) sits at a respectable 1,434 meters (4,704 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to tackle some seriously fun alpine driving.

The road up—officially known as Via Case Sparse Mondaro—is a narrow, steep asphalt ribbon that'll definitely keep you on your toes. Most of it's a single lane, and while you'll spot the occasional pothole here and there, the overall condition is genuinely excellent. It's the kind of road that rewards careful driving with stunning mountain scenery.

You've got two solid options for reaching the top. Coming from Pisogne? Prepare for a 16.65 km climb that'll pump 1,244 meters of elevation gain into your legs (or your engine). That works out to an average gradient of 7.5%—nothing outrageous, but definitely respectable.

Prefer a slightly gentler approach? Start from Lavone instead. This route stretches 13.8 km with 936 meters of elevation gain, averaging a more forgiving 6.8% gradient. Either way, you're in for a memorable drive through some spectacular alpine landscape.

Where is it?

Colle San Zeno is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.3881, 13.5527

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
16.65 km
Max Elevation
1,434 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.3881, 13.5527

Related Roads in europe

Where is Buzi Pass?hard

Where is Buzi Pass?

🇬🇷 Greece

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Buzi Pass! This epic mountain road straddles the Ioannina and Grevena regions of Greece, snaking its way through the Pindus mountains in the northwest. We're talking serious altitude here—one of the highest roads in the country, topping out way above sea level. The route from Buzi to Smixi is paved, but don't let that fool you. This is one defiant stretch of road! And while I can't put an exact number on the length from village to village, it's a winding journey you won't soon forget. You'll be cruising through the Kleidi Gorge, past incredible scenery that'll have you pulling over every five minutes for photos. Keep an eye out for the Aradena bridge, too. Just a heads-up: this road is narrow and can be challenging. But the views from up here are worth every white-knuckle moment, especially knowing you are so close to some of the highest villages in the country!

Where is Colle dell'Assietta?moderate

Where is Colle dell'Assietta?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Colle dell'Assietta, a seriously epic mountain pass chilling at 2,472m (that's 8,110ft!) in the Turin area of Italy. You'll find this gem nestled in the Piedmont region, up north, as one of the many passes on the SP173 between Susa and Sestriere in the western Italian Alps. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is all gravel, baby! It's an old military road hugging the ridge from Pian dell’Alpe to Sestriere. We're talking a 30 km/h speed limit, no passing, and parking only in designated spots. It can be a bit rocky and rough, especially on the turns, but totally doable! Important note: this beauty is only open from June 1st to October 31st, so plan your trip accordingly!

The extreme 33% Gradient to Rosedale Chimney is one of the steepest climbs of Europehard

The extreme 33% Gradient to Rosedale Chimney is one of the steepest climbs of Europe

🇬🇧 England

Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Rosedale Chimney Bank in North Yorkshire is a ride you won't soon forget! This crazy climb sits in the North York Moors National Park, south of Middlesbrough, and tops out at 312m (1,023ft). It gets its name from a now-demolished, hundred-foot chimney that once served a local ironstone mine. This paved road, all 5.95km (3.7 miles) of it, stretches from Rosedale Abbey to Hutton-le-Hole and is famed for being one of the steepest in the UK - maybe even Europe! We're talking gradients of up to 33%! Expect wind and rain – this exposed road doesn't hold back. It's also a no-go zone for lorries, caravans, and pretty much anything during the winter. The surface starts rough and gets steep right away. You'll hit a cattle grid (just to add to the fun), then brace yourself for hairpin turns where the inside is so steep you'll be hugging the far right. Then, it's a ridiculously tough stretch where sheep spectate, waiting for cyclists to lose the battle with the Chimney. Eventually, it eases to a more manageable gradient, letting you gain some momentum and reach the moor. The views are incredible, but this climb demands respect. Watch those brakes on the crazy steep turns! Leaving Rosedale Abbey, there's a sign warning of the climb ahead. The steepest 1.47 km section climbs 175 meters, averaging almost 12%. "Brutal" doesn't even begin to describe it!

Mitsikelihard

Mitsikeli

🇬🇷 Greece

# Mitsikeli: A Peak Worth the Drive Towering at 1,693 meters (5,554 feet) above sea level in Greece's stunning Pindus Mountains, Mitsikeli is a must-visit for anyone craving mountain adventure in the heart of Epirus. The road to the top is mostly paved concrete, but don't let that fool you—this is no leisurely scenic drive. Prepare yourself for a narrow, winding route with seriously steep grades and some pretty gnarly drop-offs along the way. Honestly, if mountain driving isn't your thing, you might want to skip this one. But if you're up for the challenge? You're in for an incredible experience. Once you've conquered the climb, you'll pull up to the summit where a communication tower stands guard. And here's the payoff: those 360-degree views are absolutely mind-blowing. Thanks to the peak's distinctive pointed shape, you get panoramic vistas stretching in every direction—mountain ranges, valleys, and sky meeting at the horizon. It's the kind of view that makes every white-knuckle moment of the drive totally worth it.