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 Luzzone Lake?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Luzzone Lake, a seriously stunning reservoir nestled high in the Swiss Alps. We're talking way up there, above sea level! You'll find this gem tucked away in the Blenio Valley, in the southern part of the country. Now, getting there is part of the adventure. The road is paved, but be prepared for some seriously steep climbs. And keep your eyes peeled – this area is known for the potential of rock avalanches! You'll be gaining some major elevation as you climb, so get ready for those hairpin turns. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are epic, plus you can check out the crazy-tall climbing wall built right onto the dam itself! For a bonus, explore the nearby Lago di Luzzone tunnel. And for the truly adventurous, there's a mule track beyond the reservoir that leads up to the Scaletta Pass. This is what road trip dreams are made of!
moderateBarbacana Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
Alright adventure-seekers, let's talk about Passo Barbacana! This wild ride straddles the Italian-French border in the Alpes-Maritimes, clocking in at a cool 2,180m (7,152ft). Here's the deal: you can drive up from the Italian side, but the French side is strictly for hikers. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps – this ain't your average Sunday drive. It's an old military road that's usually snowed in during winter. If you're an experienced off-roader, this is your playground! Newbies might want to sit this one out. Perched at the top is an abandoned military fortress steeped in history, a relic of the Franco-Hispanic campaign of 1744. You'll need a 4x4, and a good head for heights. The trail's pretty steep (think 13-15% inclines), and it can get muddy if it's wet. But trust me, the scenery is worth it! Picture stunning lakes and vibrant colors popping up all around.
hardA wild unpaved road to Palet
🇫🇷 France
Palet is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.749m (9,019ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. one of the highest mountain roads of the country. The road to the summit, located within the Vanoise National Park, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. It’s a chairlift access trail. The slope is very steep, consists of loose stones and becomes even steeper and rocky in the upper part. This trail can be done only a very narrow time-frame in the summer (end of August). The wind is usually quite strong at mountain areas. High winds blow here all year long. Even in summer you can confront with snowy days. Temperatures here in the winter are brutally cold. The road to the summit is a ski-station service road pretty steep, with some sections up to 30%. Pla de la Calma-Mollera dels Clots 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.
moderateA memorable road trip to Puerto de Somiedo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Somiedo Nestled high in Spain's stunning Cordillera Cantábrica mountain range, Puerto de Somiedo sits at a breathtaking 1,485 meters (4,872 feet) above sea level. This gorgeous pass cuts right through the heart of Somiedo Natural Park and serves as the gateway between Asturias and Castilla y León. The fully paved AS-227 road is your ticket to alpine adventure. Starting from La Riera, you're looking at a solid 19.8km climb that'll gain you nearly 1,000 meters of elevation—with an average gradient of just over 5%, it's challenging but totally doable for most drivers. The scenery? Absolutely spectacular as you wind your way up through this protected natural area. You can typically tackle this pass year-round, though winter sometimes throws a curveball with occasional closures when conditions get gnarly. Come prepared for mountain weather, and you'll have an unforgettable drive through one of northern Spain's most dramatic landscapes.