
Forcella Bassa
Italy, europe
5.3 km
1,880 m
extreme
Year-round
# Forcella Bassa: Italy's Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure
Nestled in the stunning Dolomites of northeastern Italy, Forcella Bassa sits at a jaw-dropping 1,880m (6,167ft) elevation, and trust me—getting there is half the adventure. This isn't your typical scenic drive; it's a white-knuckle experience that'll have your palms sweating and your camera ready.
The road here is genuinely intense. We're talking nail-bitingly steep, ridiculously narrow in places (sometimes barely wide enough for two cars to pass), and featuring some seriously exposed sections with nothing but air—and a few hundred meters of it—between you and the valley below. No guardrails either, so you'll definitely want your eyes on the road. This gem started as an old military route, but thankfully it's been resurfaced in recent years and is now fully asphalted... well, mostly.
Here's where it gets tricky: while the road itself is smooth, you'll encounter some gnarly 29% gradient ramps caked with loose gravel outside the tire tracks. Not ideal, but manageable if you stay focused.
The full experience stretches 5.3km from the town of Misurina (or 6.3km if you push to where the gravel begins), climbing through three passes—Forcella Bassa, Forcella de Mèdo, and Forcella Àuta—before ending at Rifugio Bois at Monte Piana.
The payoff? Incredible scenery near the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, plus fascinating WWI history scattered across Monte Piana. Seriously, don't skip the camera.
Where is it?
Forcella Bassa is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.3168, 13.2619
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,880 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 41.3168, 13.2619
Related Roads in europe
hardA balcony road through the Gorges de Trente-Pas
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de Trente-Pas: France's Most Heart-Pounding Canyon Drive Picture this: a stunning limestone canyon carved by the Ruisseau de Trente-Pas river, winding through the Drôme department in southeastern France. Welcome to one of the country's most famous "balcony roads" — a thrilling drive that'll absolutely test your nerve. The 12-kilometer D70 twists and turns from Bouvières to Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas, hugging the mountainside like a ribbon of asphalt clinging to the cliffs. Yeah, your palms will sweat. The road is paved, but don't let that fool you — it's a narrow, single-track beast that carves into the canyon walls with zero passing opportunities. One vehicle at a time, folks. Rockslides are a real concern here, and there's a 4.2-meter height limit, so even buses need to think twice. Surrounded by mountains and forests in the heart of Drôme Provençale, the views are genuinely stunning. But here's the thing about balcony roads: they demand respect. There's barely any margin for error on these cliff-edge lanes. Drive carefully, use those handy parking spots that line the route, and embrace the adrenaline. Oh, and a fun fact: this area's been inhabited since around 825 BC — ancient ruins prove it. Today, the village of Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas is famous for its goat cheese, olives, and lavender. So you get history, natural beauty, and serious thrills all rolled into one unforgettable drive.
moderateIs the road to Alto de las Tres Cruces unpaved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Spain, right on the border between Castile and León and La Rioja, ready for an off-road adventure. You're about to tackle Alto de las Tres Cruces, a mountain pass that tops out at a cool 6,223 feet! Yep, it's high! This isn't your Sunday drive; the Ruta Alto de las Tres Cruces is completely unpaved, so a 4x4 is a must. The road snakes for about 5.65 miles through the Iberian System mountain range. As you crawl along, get ready for insane views of the Urbión and Castejón peaks. Seriously, the scenery is epic! Just take it slow and steady, and you'll be rewarded with some unforgettable views.
hardDriving the D22, a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# The D22: A Thrilling Ride Above the French Riviera Picture this: you're perched high above the glittering Côte d'Azur, winding your way through one of France's most famous balcony roads. Welcome to the D22, a legendary stretch in the Alpes-Maritimes that's earned its reputation as an icon among serious cyclists and drivers alike. This isn't your average scenic drive. Starting right from the seafront in Menton (near the Italian border), the D22 climbs a jaw-dropping 18.5 km through a relentless series of sharp, narrow switchbacks. You'll tackle three notable cols—Bausson (732m), Madone de Gorbio (927m), and Saint-Pancrace (673m)—each one narrowing the road even further as you ascend. The gradient hits a brutal 12% in places, and thanks to the razor-sharp blind corners and near-nonexistent guard rails, this isn't a road to take lightly if you're afraid of heights. Fair warning: the road is barely wide enough for two cars to pass, there are no center lines, and you'll encounter five unlit tunnels carved straight into the rock. The asphalt is solid, but there's virtually no reprieve—it's relentless climbing all the way. Come summer, expect scorching heat and packed roads as tourists flock to Menton in July and August. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely stunning. As you wind higher, the Mediterranean unfolds beneath you in breathtaking panoramas, with Monaco sparkling in the distance. The road stays open year-round, making it the perfect pilgrimage for anyone wanting to test themselves on one of Europe's most spectacular mountain drives. Just bring your camera—you'll want to capture every moment.
hardIs the Old N-320 Road paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Antigua Carretera N-320 in Spain, a total hidden gem bypassed by a newer highway but still kicking. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Mother Nature calls the shots here; landslides can happen anytime, potentially blocking the road. Yep, this baby is paved (mostly!), but it's seriously narrow, hugging the mountainside like it's trying to win a hugging contest. Built way back when, it’s got character for days. Heads up, though! You might see a "road closed" sign at the beginning, but locals and brave adventurers (including, get this, even a Top Gear car!) still use it. The real kicker? The risk of rockfalls is definitely real. This roughly 2.8-kilometer (1.73-mile) stretch in central Spain's Castilla-La Mancha region runs east to west, climbing from the Embalse de Pálmaces to the town of Pálmaces de Jadraque. The toughest section? Definitely "El Sombrerete" (Peaked Cap), known for its crazy-narrow squeezes along the Embalse de Pálmaces. The views are killer, but focus up! You'll likely be performing some serious reversing gymnastics around blind corners to let other cars pass. Worth it? Totally!