
Driving the unpaved road to the summit of Vaia Pass
Italy, europe
20 km
2,114 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo di Vaia: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure
Ready for one seriously epic mountain drive? Passo di Vaia sits way up at 2,114 meters (6,935 feet) in Brescia province, and it's not for the faint of heart. This remote corner of Lombardy in northern Italy is home to the notoriously challenging SP345B—also called Strada Delle Tre Valli—and honestly, it's one wild ride.
The 17.4 km (10.81 miles) route stretches from Passo del Maniva's Anfo Ridge Road to the SP 669 junction, and pretty much the entire drive keeps you above 2,000 meters elevation. You'll be navigating narrow, steep sections with towering cliff faces that, yep, lack protective guardrails. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention.
Here's the quirky part: the route is mostly paved at the start and finish, but the middle section turns into gravel—rocks, deteriorated surfaces, the whole package. Tight curves mean you really need to watch your speed and your footing. There's a strict 20 km/h speed limit for good reason, and the local rules are clear: no overtaking and no stopping anywhere except designated parking areas.
Despite its rough-and-tumble reputation, the road is totally passable in both directions if you've got the skills and nerves. The reward? Stunning high-altitude mountain scenery that'll take your breath away—though the altitude might do that too. This is definitely one for experienced drivers seeking an unforgettable mountain adventure.
Where is it?
Driving the unpaved road to the summit of Vaia Pass is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.4188, 13.1207
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,114 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 43.4188, 13.1207
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