How long is Strada Provinciale 96 in Basilicata?
Italy, europe
55 km
872 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! SP96 in Basilicata, Southern Italy, is not for the faint of heart. This 55 km (34-mile) stretch of pure, paved adrenaline runs from Bivio di Tricarico all the way to the border of Apulia, winding its way through the mountaintop town of Tolve.
Located north of the stunning Parco Regionale di Gallipoli Cognato Piccole Dolomiti Lucane, this road is a wild ride. We're talking seriously steep climbs, squeezes through super-narrow sections, and a never-ending series of twists and turns.
Speaking of turns, hold on tight – this route boasts a staggering 56 hairpin bends! Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale or just skip this one.
The views? Incredible! But you'll be too busy wrestling the steering wheel to fully appreciate them. SP96 tops out at 872 meters (2,860 feet), so you know you're in for some serious elevation. Get ready for an unforgettable, white-knuckle adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 55 km
- Max Elevation
- 872 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Cairnwell Pass?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: You're in Scotland, right? Smack dab in the central Highlands, cruising between Perthshire and Aberdeenshire. You're on the A93, heading for the Cairnwell Pass. This isn't just any road; it's the UK's highest main road, topping out at 684 meters (2,244 feet)! The pass stretches for about 24 kilometers (almost 15 miles) from Glen Shee up to Braemar. The traffic is light, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. This route isn't for the faint of heart though – it's seriously steep! We're talking double-digit gradients, with some ramps hitting a wild 17%! Historically, this route was used to move cattle and sheep, following a military road built way back in the 1750s. Nowadays, it's paved but be warned: even though it's usually open year-round, winter can bring heavy snow, especially overnight on the long southern approach. A mile before the summit, you can even check out the original, bypassed Devil's Elbow with its hair-raising double hairpin bend. These days, the summit area is home to the Glenshee Ski Centre, Scotland's biggest and oldest ski resort!
moderateDriving the Wild P25 Highway in Komi Republic
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: you, a car, and 206 miles of pure, unadulterated Russian wilderness. That's what you get with the P25 highway, smack-dab in the Komi Republic. Starting in Syktyvkar - ever heard of it? It’s the capital, way up near the Ural Mountains, and its name literally means "town on the Sysola River" in the local lingo. From there, you'll cruise through places like Yemva before finally hitting Ukhta, an industrial hub. The whole trip clocks in at around 4.5 hours, minimum. The road's paved, which is a plus, but be warned: you’re seriously remote out here! Forget about lane markings and prepare for some seriously long, straight stretches of road. This is a drive for those who like their scenery served with a side of solitude.
easyIs Hochtor Tunnel paved?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, right on the border of Salzburg and Carinthia in Austria. You're surrounded by the majestic Hohe Tauern mountains, part of the main chain of the Central Eastern Alps. Suddenly, you plunge into the Hochtor Tunnel, which clocks in at 311 meters – the highest point on the whole road at a whopping 2,504 meters above sea level! This tunnel is totally paved, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. The road up to it from Pockhorn is a 17.4 km climb with an average gradient of 8%, so expect some serious uphill action as you gain 1,400 meters in elevation. The tunnel was built back in the mid-1930s. Keep in mind the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (and therefore the tunnel) is generally open from early May to the end of October. But, because you're way up in the mountains, always check conditions before you go – Mother Nature can be unpredictable at these heights!
moderateHelgeland Coast National Tourist Route
🇳🇴 Norway
# Helgelandskysten: Norway's Coastal Masterpiece Ready for one of Norway's most jaw-dropping scenic drives? The Helgelandskysten (FV17/County Road 17) in Northern Nordland is an absolute must-do for any road trip enthusiast. This 433-kilometer coastal adventure winds from Holm to Godøystraumen, hugging the shoreline with stunning views at practically every turn. The route is mostly asphalted, though you'll encounter some narrow sections that'll keep you on your toes. Fair warning: this journey includes several ferry crossings, so factor those into your travel time. And if you've got the time, definitely take the scenic detour to Torghatten—it's worth every kilometer. Expect some genuine thrills along the way, especially at Fantesteinen Pass, where you'll navigate winding roads with a few seriously fun hairpin turns that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The highest point tops out at 346 meters, so while it's not extreme elevation-wise, the scenery more than makes up for it. The good news? This route is open year-round, so you can experience it whenever inspiration strikes. Just keep in mind that winter weather can occasionally close sections temporarily when conditions get rough—typical Norwegian drama, really. Overall, combining routes 17, 76, and 54, this is an unforgettable coastal escape that showcases everything that makes Northern Norway special.