
How challenging is the road through Vaia Pass?
Italy, europe
20 km
2,114 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Passo di Vaia, nestled in the Italian province of Brescia! This baby climbs to 2,114m (6,935ft), so get ready for some serious altitude. You'll be cruising along Strada Provinciale 345B, aka Delle Tre Valli, but don't let the name fool you. This is no Sunday drive.
Picture this: sheer cliffs, zero guardrails, and a road that spends most of its time hanging out above 2,000 meters. Yep, it's narrow and steep in sections, really adding to the thrill. The road starts and ends paved, but watch out for a gravel section in the middle. It's totally doable, but be ready for rocks and some rough spots, especially on the curves. And remember to keep your speed down (20 km/h max!) and stick to the designated parking areas.
This epic stretch of road, also known as Alpe di Vaia, clocks in at 17.4 km (10.81 miles) long, winding its way to the junction with the SP 669. The scenery is incredible, so while you're gripping the wheel, take a moment to soak it all in. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,114 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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