Driving the curvy and narrow road to Cason di Lanza Pass in the Alps
Italy, europe
6 km
1,552 m
moderate
Year-round
# Passo del Cason di Lanza
Tucked away in northeastern Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, right near the Austrian border, sits Passo del Cason di Lanza—a seriously impressive alpine pass that peaks at 1,552m (5,091ft). Also known as Pas di Lance or Lanzenpass, this 30km stretch of fully paved road connects Paularo and Pontebba, making it a bucket-list ride for cycling enthusiasts and road-trippers alike.
The Giro d'Italia has tackled this beast multiple times, and once you experience it, you'll understand why. You've got two distinct routes to the summit: from Pontebba, it's a punchy 15.6km climb with 991m elevation gain (6.4% average), while the Paularo side offers a slightly easier 15.4km push with 912m of climbing (5.9% average). Don't let those averages fool you though—the final 6km ramps up brutally with gradients hitting 16%.
**Fair warning:** This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The narrow, twisty road clings to rock faces with plenty of blind corners, making oncoming traffic a genuinely nerve-wracking experience. You'll encounter some stretches of seriously rough pavement—think washed-out tarmac, loose drain covers, potholes, and the occasional rockfall or gravel section. The good news? These sketchy bits are marked with warning signs. Snow lingers until June, so plan accordingly.
It's demanding, it's scenic, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart—but that's exactly what makes it unforgettable.
Where is it?
Driving the curvy and narrow road to Cason di Lanza Pass in the Alps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.9914, 12.4163
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,552 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.9914, 12.4163
Related Roads in europe
hardPalombino Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Palombino Nestled in the stunning Carnic Alps of Italy, Passo Palombino sits at a breathtaking 2,035 meters (6,676 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass offers an exhilarating drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping—but fair warning, it's not for the faint of heart! The journey up follows Strada Val Digon, which is mostly paved and relatively straightforward... until those final two kilometers. That's where things get real. The last stretch turns into a gravel nightmare—narrow, steep, and scattered with loose rocks that'll test your nerves and your vehicle's grip. You'll definitely want to take it slow and steady on this technical finish, but the payoff? Absolutely worth it. The Carnic Alps deliver serious alpine scenery that'll make every white-knuckle moment of that final push completely worthwhile.
hardWhere is Tossal de Boada?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so picture this: you're in Catalonia, Spain, itching for an adventure. Head northeast to La Noguera comarca, and get ready to tackle Tossal de Boada! This peak isn't playing around, sitting pretty high up there. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! We're talking unpaved, narrow sections, and hairpin turns galore. Definitely leave your low-rider at home; you'll want something with some serious clearance. It’s a good climb of a few hundred meters over just a couple of kilometers, so expect a fairly steep gradient. But trust me, the views from the top are worth it! You'll be rewarded with a panorama that'll knock your socks off – the Urgell plain, Lleida, La Noguera, the Montroig mountains, and Montsec all spread out before you. Plus, there's a cool communication tower at the summit. Get ready for some amazing photos!
moderateWhere is Zlaté Návrší?
🌍 Czech Republic
Zlaté Návrší is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.391m (4,563ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Liberec and Hradec Králové regions of the Czech Republic. Where is Zlaté Návrší? The peak is located within the Krkonoše National Park, in the north of the country, near the border with Poland. Is Zlaté Návrší paved? The road to the summit is totally paved but the tarmac conditions are not great higher up the mountain. Is Zlaté Návrší open? Set high in the Krkonoše mountain range, part of the Sudetes mountain system, the road is closed to private vehicles and impassable in winters due to the snow. How long is Zlaté Návrší? The road to the summit is 10.6km (6.58 miles) long starting at Vítkovice. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 760 meters. The average percentage is 7.16%. Vyssi Brod Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide The unfinished Borovsko Bridge (or Hitler's Bridge) Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardL'Autapie
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about L'Autapie! Perched way up high in the French Alps, at nearly 8,000 feet, this peak in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a real stunner. Now, getting to the top isn't exactly a Sunday drive. We're talking a rocky, gravel road, basically a service trail for a chairlift. Imagine super steep slopes, loose stones under your tires, and the upper section gets even more gnarly! This isn't a year-round adventure either. You've got a tiny window – think late August – to even attempt it. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's practically a permanent fixture up there. Seriously, it's strong! And even in the summer, be prepared for a possible dusting of snow. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold is an understatement. Expect some serious inclines, some spots reaching a crazy steep 30%. But hey, the views? Totally worth it if you dare to try!