How long is Vecchia Strada della Fricca?

How long is Vecchia Strada della Fricca?

Italy, europe

Length

2 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy, there's this crazy-cool, totally abandoned road called Vecchia Strada della Fricca. Seriously, this place is a relic!

We're talking a super-narrow, 2km (1.24 miles) stretch of road, clinging to the side of the Venetian Prealps. This isn't just any road – it’s carved straight into the rock. And get this: there are 9 dark tunnels along the way!

Built way back when, this road was crucial during World War I, funneling troops and supplies. Imagine Austrian soldiers retreating along it in 1918! The views connecting the highlands to Valsugana and Trento must have been incredible.

Now, for the sad news: Vecchia Strada della Fricca is currently closed. Massive rockfall risk! Barriers are up, so no cars, bikes, or even walking. It's been bypassed by the super-long Fricca Tunnel on the SS349. Still, you can admire this testament to military engineering, while staying safe!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
2 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Where is the B3135-Cheddar Gorge?hard

Where is the B3135-Cheddar Gorge?

🇬🇧 England

Cruising the B3135 through Cheddar Gorge? Yes, please! This gem is tucked away on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, and trust me, it's a drive you won't forget. We're talking Cheddar Gorge, the UK's largest gorge, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Think dramatic limestone cliffs, carved by glaciers during the Ice Age. They create England's deepest natural canyon! Seriously, these cliffs rise almost 400 feet, towering 138m above the winding road below. The B3135, also known as Cliff Road, is about 14 miles (23km) long with a wild 22 bends! It connects the village of Cheddar to Ashwick. Give yourself around 30-40 minutes if you're driving straight through, but you'll probably want to stop for photos. This road is a real rollercoaster! The first section is the most intense, twisting and turning right through the gorge with rock faces on either side. Think agility, not speed! After about four miles, the gorge opens up, and you'll enter a middle section with trees and sweeping bends. The final stretch is all about long straights and gentle gradients – perfect for soaking in the views. Keep an eye out for buses, tourists, tractors, and maybe even a sheep or two! The road can get packed, and it’s also pretty steep, with a maximum gradient of 16%. Also, be aware that after heavy rains or flooding, it can be closed. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The B3135 offers some of Britain's most stunning scenery. It was even named the best driving road in the UK in 2018. Plus, you can explore the gorge itself.

A steep paved road to the summit of Collado El Gavilan in Teruelmoderate

A steep paved road to the summit of Collado El Gavilan in Teruel

🇪🇸 Spain

# Collado El Gavilán: A Spanish Mountain Adventure Tucked away in Teruel's stunning Aragon region, Collado El Gavilán is a seriously scenic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,517 meters (4,977 feet) above sea level. This northeastern Spanish gem is one you'll definitely want to add to your bucket list. The TE-V-6006 is your ticket to the top—a 16.6-kilometer (10.31-mile) paved route that winds its way from Camarena de la Sierra over to La Puebla de Valverde, running west to east across the majestic Sierra de Javalambre mountain range. Fair warning: you'll encounter some seriously steep sections pushing up to 10.7%, so come prepared with good brakes and an adventurous spirit. Here's the best part: this pass stays open year-round, so you can tackle it whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're a road-tripper chasing mountain views or a driver who loves a good challenge, Collado El Gavilán delivers on both fronts with breathtaking scenery and a road that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping.

Coll de Baretjahard

Coll de Baretja

🇪🇸 Spain

# Coll de Baretja: A Wild Alpine Adventure Sitting pretty at 1,753 meters (5,751 feet) on the Spanish-French border, Coll de Baretja is not your average mountain pass. Nestled in the stunning Aran Valley, this is pure, unapologetic alpine terrain that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Fair warning: the road up here is gravel and rock all the way, with plenty of bumpy, tippy sections that'll test your driving skills. You're looking at a seriously steep climb, so this definitely isn't the place to conquer your fear of heights. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle—there's no way around it. The window to drive this route is tight. October through June? Forget about it. Mother Nature pretty much shuts this place down, though occasionally a break in the weather might open a brief window. Even during the "open" season, thunderstorms can roll in without warning and transform the unpacked dirt into an impassable bog in minutes. This is hardcore stuff. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, save yourself the stress and pick a different route. But if you're an experienced off-roader with solid mountain driving credentials and nerves of steel? Coll de Baretja will reward you with an unforgettable ride through some of the Alps' most dramatic landscape.

Where Is Col du Lein?moderate

Where Is Col du Lein?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Alright, thrill-seekers, let’s talk about the Col du Lein, a seriously awesome mountain pass hanging out at a lofty altitude! You’ll find this gem nestled in the heart of [location], not far from [nearby landmark]. What awaits you at the summit? Pure awesomeness! There's a charming little mountain hut (Buvette du Col du Lein) where you can grab a bite and soak in the views. Plus, a chapel adds a touch of serenity to the scene. Now, let’s be real about the road itself. Picture this: it's narrow. Like, squeeze-by-another-car narrow, so take your time. The good news? The surface is generally in good shape overall, although not entirely paved, so expect some variation! How long is this epic adventure? The road stretches for [length], giving you plenty of time to soak in the jaw-dropping scenery. Get ready for some serious photo ops!