How Long is Sella dell’Auccia?
Italy, europe
17.4 km
2,108 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Let's talk about Sella dell’Auccia, a seriously epic mountain pass nestled high in the Italian province of Brescia. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks.
We're talking about Strada Provinciale 345B – the "Delle Tre Valli" – a wild 17.4 km (10.81 miles) stretch that’ll have you holding your breath. You'll be cruising mostly above 2,000 meters, with the summit hitting 2,108m (6,916ft). Expect stunning panoramic views... and maybe a little vertigo, because in some spots, the road narrows to a single lane right next to some seriously steep, unguarded drops.
Now, here's the kicker: this beauty is part paved, part gravel. The middle section is pure, unadulterated gravel. Rocks and weathered surfaces will keep you on your toes, especially around the curves. They have a speed limit of 20 km/h for a reason! And pro tip: overtaking and stopping are big no-nos unless you're in a designated parking spot.
So, if you're craving a heart-pumping, scenery-drenched adventure in the Italian Alps, Sella dell’Auccia is calling your name. Just be prepared for some serious mountain driving!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,108 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateA sensational paved road to Misurina Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo di Misurina is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,756m (5,761ft) in the Province of Belluno, Italy. Located in the Veneto region up north, this spot is an absolute gem for anyone craving alpine scenery. The real showstopper here? Lago di Misurina at the summit – a crystal-clear lake that earned its nickname "Pearl of Cadore" for all the right reasons. The views are seriously postcard-worthy, and you'll find plenty of hotels and restaurants up there, making it a solid tourist destination. Nestled in the Dolomites-Alps, the road up is completely paved – we're talking Strada Provinciale 49 di Misurina (SP49). The drive itself is 8.7 km (5.40 miles) long, running from the SR48 road at Carbonin (Schluderbach) northward to the summit. The good news? You can tackle this route year-round. Just keep in mind that winter weather can occasionally force temporary closures, so it's worth checking conditions before you head out during the colder months. But when conditions are good, this is one scenic ride you won't want to miss.
extremeColle della Boaria is a challenging drive in the Cottian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Col de la Boaire-Colle della Boaria Sitting pretty at 2,102m (6,896ft) above sea level, this international alpine pass connects France and Italy right on their border. It bridges the Queyras valley in the French Hautes-Alpes with the charming Italian town of Pontechianale in Piedmont's Cuneo province. This isn't just any mountain road—it's got serious history. Originally carved out in the Middle Ages to haul salt from Ventimiglia to Turin via Limone Piemonte, the route was later expanded during WWII with military purposes in mind. The French and Italians beefed it up to connect the string of border forts, and you can still feel that military heritage as you wind through. Here's the real talk: the entire road to the summit is unpaved—a proper dirt track called the Via del Sale. We're talking genuinely gnarly conditions that demand serious respect. This isn't a casual Sunday drive; a 20km/h speed limit tells you everything you need to know. Regular cars? Not recommended. You'll want something with proper clearance and nerve. Nestled in the Cottian Alps, the pass shuts down from November through March every single year. Winter here is no joke—avalanches, heavy snow dumps, and treacherous ice patches can appear without warning. Conditions shift fast and can turn brutal in a heartbeat. But here's the payoff: when conditions allow, this wild dirt ribbon hugs the Maritime Alps ridges with jaw-dropping views that stretch from the sea to the mountains. It's raw, it's remote, and it's absolutely stunning for those brave enough to tackle it.
extremeWhere is Col d'Andrion?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col d'Andrion, a seriously stunning (and slightly scary) mountain pass tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France! We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur scenery at its finest as you climb from the Vésubie River valley to the Tinée River valley. The D332 is your path, and yes, it's paved. But don't let that fool you! This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Think narrow, like "hope you don't meet another car" narrow. Add in some potholes for good measure, and a climb that maxes out at a butt-clenching 13.3% grade, and you've got yourself an adventure! The road stretches for about 19.7 km (12.24 miles) from La Tour to Les Granges de la Brasque. And speaking of Les Granges de la Brasque, at the top, you'll find an old military camp. So, yeah, this drive is all about the views, the challenge, and a little bit of history thrown in for good measure. Not for the faint of heart, but totally worth it for the bragging rights!
hardAlto de La Camperona
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de La Camperona: A Spanish Mountain Challenge Tucked away in León's rugged landscape in northwestern Spain, Alto de La Camperona is a high-altitude pass sitting at 1,597 meters (5,239 feet) that'll test your driving skills and reward you with seriously impressive views. The road itself? It's paved, which is the good news. But don't let that fool you—this route is wickedly narrow and relentlessly steep. You're looking at 8.5 kilometers of climbing with an average gradient of 7.4%, but here's where it gets gnarly: some sections hit a brutal 25% gradient that'll make your stomach do backflips. Once you crest the summit, you'll find a welcoming bar where you can celebrate surviving the ascent, plus a cluster of communication towers marking the peak. This pass has serious credentials too—it's been conquered by professional cyclists in the Spanish Vuelta, so you'll be following in some pretty impressive tire tracks. Bring your A-game and a vehicle you trust. This isn't your typical Sunday drive, but it's absolutely worth the white-knuckle adventure.