Driving the scenic Strada del Lumiei, the Italian road of the tunnels
Italy, europe
19.5 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Strada del Lumiei in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Imagine a ribbon of asphalt carved into the mountainside near the Austrian border. This is Strada Provinciale 73, and it's a total thrill!
This fully paved road stretches for about 19.5 kilometers from Ampezzo to the Beneto border. Construction started way back in 1919, finally opening up to the public in 1934. The road was redone in 2021.
Now, don't think this is a Sunday drive. We're talking countless tunnels (some a bit tight and dark), a dizzying 25 hairpin turns, and a real risk of rock slides. Seriously, leave the RV at home; this road is not for high vehicles.
Nestled in the Carnia mountains, expect a 35-45 minute white-knuckle ride (if you don't stop). And you *will* want to stop because the views of Lago di Sàuris and Lumiei Gorge are mind-blowing. Just be careful, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.5 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col Tze Core?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Col Tze Core is a high-altitude stunner nestled way up in the country's northwest! We're talking serious elevation here. And when you finally conquer it, you'll find a at the summit – perfect for bragging rights and panoramic pics. The road? Paved, thankfully! But don't get complacent. It's pretty darn narrow in places, and those inclines? Let's just say your car's gonna feel it, with some sections clocking in at . This epic stretch runs for , connecting near Sommarese to Orbeillaz. Translation? Get ready for hairpin turns, breathtaking vistas, and maybe a slight case of vertigo. But hey, that's what makes it an adventure, right?
hardDriving the wild unpaved road to Vladeasa Peak in Cluj County
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Vârful Vlădeasa, a hidden gem nestled high in Cluj County, Romania! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest points you can reach by road in the whole country, topping out at a cool 6,000 feet! Tucked away in Apuseni Natural Park, you'll find Vlădeasa Peak and its twin, Vlădeasa Sud. This is the second-highest peak in the Apuseni Mountains, a true haven for hikers and nature lovers. At the very top, you'll find a weather station (Stația Meteorologică Vlădeasa 1800), but the real draw is the panoramic views. Seriously, prepare to be blown away! On a clear day, you can soak in Stanea with Buteasa Peak, Padiș and Bihor, Muntele Mare, and even the distant Huedin Depression. And if you're lucky enough to be there in December, the Retezat Mountains might just show off their ridges! Now, about that road... It's 4.47 miles (7.2km) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun! Starting from Rogojel, you'll climb over 2,600 feet (814m), averaging a steep 11.3% gradient. Think rocks, hairpin turns, narrow squeezes, and seriously steep sections. We're talking unpaved the whole way, so after Rogojel, head up the rugged track toward Cabana Vlădeasa. The last stretch can be a real challenge for cars with low ground clearance – a 4x4 is highly recommended. Perched in the Vlădeasa Massif, this road is usually a no-go in winter due to heavy snow. It's a chilly spot year-round, but winter? Brace yourself for bone-chilling winds and a landscape straight out of a fantasy novel.
moderateKarabet Geçidi is one of the highest paved roads of Turkey
🇹🇷 Turkey
# Karabet Geçidi: Turkey's Sky-High Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Turkey's most thrilling drives? Head to Karabet Geçidi, a stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,994m (9,822ft) in Van Province. This is seriously high-altitude driving territory. The fully paved route—also known as Krapet Geçidi—stretches 42.7 km (26.53 mi) from the village of Bahçesaray westward to the Gevaş Çatak Yolu Road. What makes this drive legendary? Those adrenaline-pumping hairpin bends that'll keep you gripping the wheel and grinning the whole way up. The pass generally stays open year-round, which is pretty impressive for somewhere this high. That said, winter can be sketchy—heavy snowfall and nasty weather conditions occasionally force temporary closures, so check conditions before you go in the colder months. But here's the magical part: when spring rolls around, the entire landscape explodes with wildflowers in every color imaginable. Locals have this beautiful saying that these blooms "belong to God for half the year." If you're hunting for an unforgettable road trip through dramatic Eastern Turkish scenery with some serious elevation gains, this pass absolutely delivers.
hardMount Mosor
🇭🇷 Croatia
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through central Dalmatia, Croatia, heading towards Mount Mosor. The road? Well, let’s just say it’s seen better days – think asphalt that’s a little rough around the edges with a few gravel patches thrown in for good measure (about 3km of it!). Starting near Stobreč, a charming village right on the Adriatic Sea, the road winds its way up for 14 kilometers. It's a steady climb, gaining 678 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of around 5% and some sections hitting double digits. Keep your eyes peeled for some seriously tight hairpin turns as you get higher! But trust me, the views are SO worth it. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and the shimmering Adriatic islands dotting the horizon. And the grand finale? The Zvjezdano selo Mosor observatory at the summit, offering breathtaking views of Split and the sparkling islands beyond. At 678m (2,224ft), you'll feel on top of the world!