How to get by car to Lago di Lei?
Italy, europe
15.2 km
1,981 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lago di Lei: A High-Alpine Adventure
Nestled at 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level, Lago di Lei is a stunning artificial lake straddling the Switzerland-Italy border. It sits in the heart of Valle di Lei, where the Italian Province of Sondrio meets Switzerland's Grisons region—though here's the quirky part: while the lake itself is mostly in Italy, Switzerland actually controls the whole thing. Back in the 1950s, the Swiss pulled off an impressive border adjustment to ensure the dam would sit on their territory, making it perfect for hydroelectric power generation. The dam itself was built between 1957 and 1962.
Getting there is a scenic 15.2-kilometer (9.44-mile) drive starting from Avers, winding through some seriously dramatic alpine landscape. The road is fully paved, though you'll hit some rougher patches depending on maintenance conditions. Fair warning: the route includes several tunnels, and the final one is a doozy—it's quite long with traffic lights controlling flow. If you're planning an evening trip, note that this last tunnel closes daily from 10 PM to 5 AM, so time your visit accordingly.
Once you arrive, the road ends right on the dam itself, where a spacious parking lot awaits. The whole area is surrounded by towering peaks and wonderfully remote valleys—perfect for a true mountain escape.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Lago di Lei? is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.0870, 13.3409
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,981 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 43.0870, 13.3409
Related Roads in europe
easyIn the Footsteps of the Grimm Brothers: Driving The Fairy Tale Route
🇩🇪 Germany
# The Fairy Tale Route: Germany's Most Enchanting Drive Ready for a road trip that feels straight out of a storybook? The Märchenstraße—or Fairy Tale Route—is one of Germany's most magical scenic drives, and it's basically a love letter to the Grimm Brothers and all those classic tales that shaped our childhoods. This 600-kilometer (370-mile) route stretches from Hanau in central Germany all the way to Bremen on the North Sea coast. Along the way, you'll hit over 60 stops, each one connected to the Grimm Brothers' lives and the stories they collected. You'll cruise through the towns where they were born, the places they studied, and the villages where they gathered inspiration for Cinderella, Snow White, and all the others. Here's the best part: the entire route is paved and totally doable for any vehicle. Sure, you'll encounter some winding sections as you snake through forests, picturesque villages, and past stunning castles, but nothing too intense. The route is super well-marked, so you won't get lost hunting for the next fairy tale landmark. Since its establishment in 1975, the route has become a cultural treasure, packed with museums, guided tours, and festivals that bring these beloved stories to life. Many towns along the way host events and performances inspired by the tales, so you're not just sightseeing—you're actually stepping into the stories themselves. It's the kind of road trip that'll have you believing in magic again.
moderateAn Awe-Inspiring Paved Road to Palade Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo delle Palade Ready to discover one of the Alps' best-kept secrets? Passo delle Palade, sitting pretty at 1,518m (4,980ft), is a mountain pass that'll make your heart skip a beat. Located in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano in Italy's stunning South Tyrol region, this beauty goes by a couple of names—Gampenpass or Gampenjoch, depending on who you ask. What makes this pass special? It's the perfect connector between the Adige Valley and the Non Valley, threading through some seriously gorgeous alpine landscape. The entire 38 km (23 miles) stretch runs north-south from Merano to Fondo, and every kilometer is completely paved along Strada Statale 238 (SS238). Beyond the scenic payoff, there's some fascinating history lurking here. Just before World War II, the Italian military went all-in, constructing an impressive bunker complex in just nine months. We're talking over 2,000 meters of corridors spread across four floors—wild, right? You can still spot the ruins today, adding an intriguing historical layer to your drive. The real draw? Motorcyclists and road cyclists absolutely flock here for the incredible valley views and fantastic riding conditions. Plus, you can tackle this beauty year-round—the pass stays open throughout the seasons, making it accessible whenever the mood strikes.
extremeHow long is the A682 road in England?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to central England to tackle the A682. This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's got a reputation, alright! Stretching for about 17.7 miles (28.48km) from Burnley in Lancashire up to Long Preston in North Yorkshire, this route will eat up between 35 and 50 minutes of your time, assuming you don't stop to admire the views. But heads up: while this paved beauty offers stunning scenery, it's earned a rep for being one of the UK's more "challenging" roads. Think narrow lanes, blind turns, hidden junctions, and (unfortunately) a high collision rate involving motorcycles. It's a single carriageway, and sadly, it has seen a lot of fatalities. It's a favorite for motorcyclists, and it's super popular on weekends, thanks to its fast and sweeping design. So, keep those eyes peeled, and your speed in check, and be aware of other users!
hardWhere is the Kaunertal Glacier Road?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: the Kaunertal Glacier Road, snaking its way up to a staggering 2,750 meters (that's over 9,000 feet!). You'll find this beast in the Austrian Tyrol, near the Italian border, just south of Landeck. Built back in 1980 to let everyone experience the magic of glaciers, this road is a 26-kilometer ribbon of asphalt that starts in Feichten at 1,273 meters. Prepare for 29 hairpin turns as you climb a whopping 1,500 meters! Yeah, it's steep, averaging a 10% gradient with spikes hitting 12%. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. This isn't just a road; it's an engineering marvel that feels like you're leaving the world behind. Plus, info panels along the way spill secrets about the local nature, history, and culture. Give yourself about an hour to soak it all in. Oh, and pro tip: if you're skiing, the toll road is free! The road’s open from 7am to 7:30pm during the summer months (June, July and August) and 7am to 5pm in all other months. Seriously, this road is an Austrian alpine experience you won't forget.