
Corno della Paura
Italy, europe
30 km
1,525 m
hard
Year-round
# Corno della Paura: A White-Knuckle Alpine Adventure
Ready for a real mountain challenge? Corno della Paura sits pretty at 1,525 meters (5,003 feet) in Trentino, nestled in Italy's stunning northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's the real deal.
The road up is fully paved, which sounds promising until you realize just how *exposed* it is. We're talking dramatic drop-offs and seriously narrow sections where two cars passing each other is basically a game of high-altitude chicken. Some stretches are so tight that if you meet another vehicle, one of you might need to reverse for several kilometers through those winding passages just to find a spot wide enough to squeeze by.
The speed limit of 30 km/h isn't just a suggestion—it's a lifeline. The road also has some restrictions worth noting: vehicles over 7 tons aren't allowed, and here's the kicker—the pass is closed during specific hours. You can't drive it between 8pm and 6am, and it's also shut down from 10am to 4pm. So plan your timing carefully if you want to tackle this beast.
If you're looking for a road that'll test your driving skills and nerves in equal measure, Corno della Paura delivers.
Where is it?
Corno della Paura is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.1993, 11.9601
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,525 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 43.1993, 11.9601
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