Driving the narrow road to Vivione Pass in the Italian Alps
Italy, europe
32.2 km
1,836 m
extreme
Year-round
# Passo del Vivione
Nestled in the heart of Bergamo Province in Lombardy, Passo del Vivione sits at a breathtaking 1,836 meters (6,023 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass has quite the backstory—it was carved out during World War I to supply troops heading to the Adamello region, and it's still standing strong today.
Here's the thing: the road (SP294) is fully paved, which is great, but it's *seriously* narrow—we're talking barely 2 meters wide. Two regular-sized cars simply cannot pass each other, so you'll need nerves of steel and probably a prayer or two if you're not comfortable on tight mountain roads. This is definitely not the route for the faint-hearted.
Fair warning: the pass shuts down from December through May due to heavy snow, though it can close unexpectedly anytime conditions get sketchy. Assuming you visit during the warmer months, you'll find Rifugio Passo Vivione (a cozy mountain hut) and a small alpine lake waiting for you at the top. The hut operates from May through October.
The 32.2-kilometer (20-mile) stretch runs east-west between Forno Allione and Schilpario, climbing through some seriously steep sections—the max gradient hits 12.7%, which explains why this pass has become legendary during Giro d'Italia races. Stunning views and an adrenaline rush guaranteed, but only if you're ready for the challenge.
Where is it?
Driving the narrow road to Vivione Pass in the Italian Alps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.8690, 12.0642
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,836 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 41.8690, 12.0642
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