Driving the breathtaking road to Bellecombe is not a piece of cake
Italy, europe
12 km
2,602 m
moderate
Year-round
# Bellecombe: A High-Alpine Adventure
Craving an adrenaline rush at seriously impressive altitude? The road to Bellecombe delivers. Sitting pretty at 2,602m (8,536ft) above sea level, this peak is one of France's highest roadside destinations—and trust me, you'll *feel* that elevation.
This scenic route connects Savoie in southeastern France with Italy's Aosta Valley, running as a rugged parallel neighbor to the famous Little Saint-Bernard Pass. You're basically driving straight through the heart of the Alps, just south of the mighty Mont Blanc Massif.
Fair warning: this isn't your typical paved highway. The 12km (7.45 miles) of road from France's D1090 to Italy's SS26 is completely unpaved, serving primarily as an access route to the Bellecombe ski lift. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle it—this terrain doesn't mess around.
The scenery? Absolutely worth it. But here's the catch: winter basically shuts this place down entirely. Once snow hits, the road becomes completely impassable. So plan your adventure for the warmer months if you want any chance of actually making the drive.
Where is it?
Driving the breathtaking road to Bellecombe is not a piece of cake is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.9312, 12.7121
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,602 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.9312, 12.7121
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the steepest road of Poland (24%) to Karkonoska Pass
🌍 Poland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Polish-Czech border, you CANNOT miss Przełęcz Karkonoska, aka the Karkonosze Pass. Perched high in the Giant Mountains at a whopping 1,263m (4,143ft), this international pass is a wild ride. Stretching 12.2 km (7.58 miles) between Sobieszów (near Jelenia Góra, Poland) and Špindlerův Mlýn in the Czech Republic, it's a true border crossing with views for days. Fair warning: the Polish side is a little rough around the edges road-wise, but that doesn't stop the mountain bikers who flock here. Speaking of wild rides, this baby is said to be Poland's steepest road. We're talking a gut-busting 24% gradient in some spots, averaging 15% over 820m. So, yeah, maybe double-check those brakes. Weather can be a factor too, so expect some rough patches. But trust me, the scenery in Karkonoski National Park is absolutely worth it!
moderateConquer Stirovnik: A Road to Montenegro's Lovcen Range Summit
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, adventure awaits in Montenegro! Let's talk about Štirovnik, a mountain peak chilling at 1,675 meters (that's 5,495 feet!) in the Cetinje Municipality. Tucked way up in the Lovćen range, getting to the top is an experience in itself. The road stretches for about 10.9 kilometers (or 6.77 miles for you mile-lovers). Picture this: you start on smooth pavement for about 6 kilometers, then things get a little wild with 4 kilometers of gravel. Expect sharp curves and hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Honestly, it's a bit of a challenge, so if you're not super confident behind the wheel, maybe grab a taxi for this one. You'll kick things off on the scenic P1 road at 943 meters above sea level. From there, it's a 732-meter climb over those 10.9 kilometers, averaging out to a 6.71% gradient. Located inside Mount Lovćen National Park in southwestern Montenegro, the Štirovnik road delivers big time with incredible views. It's a fun, quirky drive and because it's inside the park, it tends to be less crowded than the road to Jezerski Vrh. If you love amazing landscapes, you seriously can't beat this.
moderateHow long is the ice road from Haapsalu to Pürksi?
🌍 Estonia
Okay, picture this: You're in Estonia, ready for a seriously cool adventure. Forget the boring old land route from Haapsalu to Pürksi—there's an ice road waiting! Seriously, you can drive across the frozen Väinameri Sea. This isn't your average shortcut. It's only about 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) long, the baby of Estonia's ice roads, but it slices your travel time from 40 minutes to a mere 10. You'll cruise from the charming seaside town of Haapsalu, the hub of Lääne County, straight to Pürksi, nestled in the heart of the Noarootsi peninsula. Talk about a unique road trip! Just be sure to check conditions before you go; ice roads are awesome, but safety first! Plus, imagine the incredible scenery – a vast expanse of frozen sea stretching out around you. It's an experience you won't soon forget!
moderateHow to drive the Havoysund National Tourist Route in northern Norway?
🇳🇴 Norway
# Havøysund National Tourist Route If you're looking for one of Norway's most stunning drives, head to Finnmark County and tackle County Road 889 between Smørfjord and Havøysund. This 85.7 km stretch is a fully paved adventure that'll have you gripping the wheel—in the best way possible. The road hugs the coastline like it was made for it, weaving between naked rock formations and the Arctic Ocean. You'll pass through some seriously dramatic, barren landscapes where it feels like you're at the edge of the world. There's nothing but raw, untamed nature surrounding you—rocky outcrops on one side, endless water on the other, and barely a sign of civilization for miles. The drive includes a few steep climbs across the fell (topping out at 233 meters), but most of the action stays right along the coast. Expect sweeping fjord views, mountain vistas, and beaches that'll make you want to pull over constantly to snap photos. The scenery is absolutely epic and constantly shifting. Fair warning: this is the Arctic, so weather can turn on a dime. You might experience sudden storms, and high winds combined with heavy rain or snow can make conditions treacherous. The road stays open year-round, but winter closures do happen during particularly nasty weather spells. Plan your trip accordingly, and you're in for an unforgettable ride.