Driving the curvy road to Serru Lake in the Alps
Italy, europe
N/A
2,275 m
moderate
Year-round
Lago Serrù is a stunning high-altitude reservoir perched at 2,275 meters (7,464 feet) in the Province of Turin, nestled in the heart of Italy's Piedmont region.
This gem sits in the eastern Graian Alps, straddling the border between Aosta Valley and Piedmont. It's actually part of the magnificent Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso and sits alongside several other man-made lakes—Lake Agnel, Lake Ceresole, Lake Teleccio, Lake d'Eugio, and Lake Valsoera—all built to power hydroelectric plants in the region.
Getting there means tackling Strada Provinciale 50 (SP50), a paved road that definitely keeps you on your toes with some serious elevation gains reaching up to 12.3%. Fair warning: this route gets absolutely packed during summer weekends since it's your gateway to the famous Colle del Nivolet pass. If you're planning a visit, note that the road closes from mid-October through mid-May. And here's a heads-up for those summer trips—on Sundays in July and August, the final six kilometers are off-limits to vehicles, so plan accordingly.
Where is it?
Driving the curvy road to Serru Lake in the Alps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.7775, 12.3413
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,275 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.7775, 12.3413
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Rifugio Angelo Bosi al Monte Piana?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're heading up to Rifugio Angelo Bosi al Monte Piana, a mountain hut perched way up high at 7,257 feet! You'll find it in northeastern Italy's Dolomites, not far from the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks. History buffs, take note: this whole area saw some heavy fighting between Italian and Austrian troops in World War I, and there are still relics to be found. Now, about the road... it's an old military route that's been resurfaced, but don't let that fool you. It's a skinny, steep climb! Think mostly smooth asphalt, but with a couple of flat spots thrown in, plus some seriously gravelly patches on the sides. The road's only 3.41 miles long, starting from Misurina on the south side of Monte Piana. Just a heads-up, regular cars aren't allowed – it's taxi-only, though cyclists are welcome to tackle the climb! Get ready for some breathtaking views and a bit of a workout.
hardA winding unpaved road to the historic Loibl Pass
🇦🇹 Austria
# Loibl Pass: A Historic Alpine Challenge Perched at 1,367m (4,485ft) on the Austria-Slovenia border, Loibl Pass is one of Europe's most legendary mountain crossings—and for good reason. This ancient route through the Southern Limestone Alps has been connecting travelers for thousands of years, from Roman merchants linking Emona and Virunum to modern adventurers seeking an adrenaline rush. The 5km (3.10-mile) journey to the summit is not for the faint of heart. The unpaved, narrow road climbs steeply through 16 dramatic hairpin turns, making every moment feel like a genuine alpine adventure. It's the quickest way between Austria's Ferlach and Slovenia's Tržič, though "quick" is definitely relative here. History seeps from every corner of this pass. During WWII, the strategic importance of this route led to the construction of the Ljubelj Tunnel (1,570m long, sitting at 1,068m elevation), carved to bypass the treacherous upper sections. A sobering memorial on the Slovenian side honors those who lost their lives at the nearby forced labor camp during 1943-1945. Today, the original mountain road summit is closed to vehicles—you'll need special permission from Ferlach police to drive the Austrian portion, and even then, you'll have to turn back at the border. But if you're on foot or pedaling a bike, the entire top section is yours to explore. On clear days, grab a meal or stay at the renovated mountain hostel and soak in spectacular views across the Ljubljana and Klagenfurt basins. This isn't just a drive; it's a walk through centuries of European history.
hardWhere is Col de la Met?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Col de la Met in the Savoie region of France. This peak soars to a whopping 2,750 meters (that's over 9,000 feet!), and the views from the top? Seriously stunning. You're looking at the gorgeous Lac de Mont Cenis and a panorama of surrounding mountains that'll blow your mind. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the summit is completely unpaved – think rugged, wild, and totally 4x4 territory. This is basically a chairlift access trail that's only open during the summer months. It's a rough ride, super steep in sections, and ranks as one of the highest roads you'll find in France. The climb starts from the D1006 and clocks in at just 6 kilometers (a little under 4 miles), but don't let the short distance fool you. You're gaining 679 meters in elevation, which means an average gradient of over 11%! So, if you're up for a challenge and have the right wheels, Col de la Met promises an unforgettable experience.
moderateThe road to Omey Island off the coast of Connemara gets swallowed by the sea
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: you're in County Galway, Ireland, on the edge of Connemara, near the adorable village of Claddaghduff. Look out toward the Atlantic, and you might just spot Omey Island, playing hide-and-seek with the mainland. The real adventure? Getting there! The Omey Tidal Road is a 700-meter (that's about half a mile) causeway that only appears when the tide's out. It's a white-knuckle drive across the seabed, weaving through potholes and little puddles left by the retreating ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for the marker poles sticking out of the sand – they're your guide! But seriously, check the tide tables *before* you go. This isn't a road you want to linger on; at high tide, the water gets deep enough to swallow a car whole! It's an exhilarating (and slightly nerve-wracking) experience you won't soon forget!