How to Get by Car to Cinque Torri Refuge in the Dolomites?

How to Get by Car to Cinque Torri Refuge in the Dolomites?

Italy, europe

Length

4.2 km

Elevation

2,137 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Rifugio Cinque Torri: A Mountain Drive Worth the Curves

Perched at 2,137m (7,011ft) in the stunning Veneto region of Italy, Rifugio Cinque Torri is nestled between two legendary Alpine passes—Falzarego and Giau—in the heart of Belluno Province. Built way back in 1902 and welcoming guests since 1904, this mountain refuge has become a bucket-list stop for serious mountain enthusiasts from around the globe.

The road getting there? Buckle up—it's a thrilling 4.2km (2.60 miles) of tight, twisty asphalt that branches off Strada Regionale 48. You'll navigate hairpin turns and narrow passages that'll keep you focused and entertained in equal measure.

The setting is absolutely breathtaking. You're surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Nuvolao group within the Dolomiti Ampezzane—part of the Eastern Dolomites' jaw-dropping landscape. History buffs will appreciate that this area was a WWI battleground between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces. At the refuge itself, you'll find a charming chapel (Oratorio dedicato alla Madonna), a helipad, and a convenient parking area.

Fair warning: weekends and holiday seasons get crowded with fellow mountain lovers, so plan accordingly. Summer's your best bet for accessibility, though August has restricted hours (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. closures). Come winter, expect serious weather challenges—Mother Nature doesn't take it easy up here.

Where is it?

How to Get by Car to Cinque Torri Refuge in the Dolomites? is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.2370, 12.7797

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
4.2 km
Max Elevation
2,137 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
42.2370, 12.7797

Related Roads in europe

An epic enthralling road through Cherek Gorgehard

An epic enthralling road through Cherek Gorge

🌍 Russia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Kabardino-Balkar Republic of Russia, right in the shadow of the mighty Caucasus Mountains. You're about to dive into Cherek Gorge, a seriously gorgeous canyon carved out by the Cherek Balkarskiy river. The road, known as P291, is about 20.4km long, stretching from Babugent to Verkhnyaya Balkariya. It's totally paved, but don't get too comfy! This narrow road clings to the steep side of the rocks, so keep your eyes on the road. But trust me, the views are worth it. Prepare to be blown away by Goluboye Ozero, a small, mesmerizing lake. Cherek Gorge is one of those places where you completely lose track of time. Nestled under a cliff, you'll find Blue Lake. The water is so blue, it looks like a piece of the sky somehow fell to earth. It's an incredible sight that'll leave you speechless.

Where is Col du Sanetsch?extreme

Where is Col du Sanetsch?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Col du Sanetsch: Prepare for breathtaking views and a thrilling ride up to 2,250m (7,381ft) in the Swiss Alps! You'll find this hidden gem in the canton of Valais, nestled at the foot of the Tzanfleuron Glacier. This fully paved road, also called Route du Sanetsch, kicks off with a steep climb through vineyards before plunging you into a lush, waterfall-filled forest. But the real adventure begins with an 800m tunnel – pitch black, damp, and barely lit, but with occasional openings offering incredible views (or a place to dodge oncoming traffic!). Starting from Conthey, the 25.9 km (16.09 miles) Route du Sanetsch is not for the faint of heart! It’s known for being the most demanding climb in Valais, with sections hitting a brutal 14.5% gradient. Think of it as Switzerland's answer to some crazy-steep climb. Open only from June to September, the drive itself takes about 45-60 minutes. You'll pass the stunning Lac de Sanetsch (or Lac de Sénin) along the way, a man-made lake created during the road's construction. Once you reach the summit, park your car and brace yourself – the wind can be fierce! The reward? Panoramic views, including the majestic Diableret glacier.

The road to Col d'Errozate is not recommended to newbieshard

The road to Col d'Errozate is not recommended to newbies

🇫🇷 France

# Collado de Errozate-Col d'Errozate Nestled high in the Pyrenees along the Spanish-French border, Collado de Errozate-Col d'Errozate sits at a cool 1,076 meters (3,530 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass connects Navarre in northern Spain with the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in southwestern France, making it a pretty unique spot for border-hopping adventures. The action happens on the French side, where the D301 road climbs about 3.4 kilometers (2.11 miles) up to the summit, which actually reaches 1,281 meters (4,202 feet). Interestingly, there's no road access from the Spanish side, so this is a one-way kind of situation. Now, here's where things get spicy: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The narrow, single-lane tarmac demands serious respect from behind the wheel. Expect broken asphalt, hairpin curves, and some seriously steep drop-offs that'll keep your adrenaline pumping. The gradient maxes out at 18.5% in places—basically, you'll be climbing almost vertically at times. This road definitely isn't for the faint of heart or anyone who isn't comfortable with some serious reversing if needed. Even experienced drivers should bring their A-game to this one.

Where is Qafe Vranice?hard

Where is Qafe Vranice?

🇦🇱 Albania

Okay, picture this: Qafë Vranicë, a seriously epic mountain pass straddling Albania and Montenegro. We're talking serious altitude here, like 1,630 meters (that's 5,347 feet for my American friends!). You'll find this bad boy smack-dab in Prokletije National Park, connecting Plav in Montenegro with Kukës County in Albania. The views? Absolutely insane. Now, fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. This 12.5-kilometer (7.76-mile) stretch from Çerem in Albania to Hoti in Montenegro is completely unpaved. Translation? It's rough, rugged, and requires a 4x4, especially if it's been raining. Prepare for mud, and maybe a little white-knuckle driving, but trust me, the scenery is worth it.