How to get to Lago Miserin, the largest natural lake in Aosta?
Italy, europe
14.3 km
2,580 m
hard
Year-round
# Lago Miserin: Italy's Sky-High Alpine Adventure
Nestled in the Aosta Valley at a breathtaking 2,580m (8,464ft), Lago Miserin is one of Italy's most spectacular—and remote—alpine lakes. This is genuinely one of the highest drivable roads in the country, and the journey to get there is half the adventure.
The lake sits in the upper Champorcher Valley in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the stunning Graian Alps. You'll find a charming historic mountain hut (Rifugio Misérin) perched right on the shoreline, plus the remarkable Santuario Madonna delle Nevi, believed to be Europe's highest sanctuary. According to local legend, shepherds discovered a statue of the Virgin in nearby pastures, but it mysteriously returned to this spot—a sign, they believed, that a sanctuary should be built here. The original chapel went up in 1656, and the current structure (rebuilt in 1861) features beautiful decorated vaults and an impressive 1825 painting above the altar. The annual pilgrimage on August 5th is quite the spectacle, complete with a procession to a nearby sacred spring.
**Getting There (If You Dare)**
Starting from Chateau, the 14.3 km (8.88 miles) route climbs 1,164 meters with an average 8.13% gradient. Fair warning: you'll need a 4x4 vehicle. The first stretch is paved, but soon deteriorates into a rocky, bumpy dirt road that'll test your suspension.
The terrain gets progressively gnarlier. Beyond the Dondena parking lot, private vehicles are banned, and the final 4 km become genuinely challenging—steep, rough sections that might have even cyclists dismounting and walking. Parts of the route actually follow the historic Strada Reale di Caccia (Royal Hunting Road), once traveled by King Vittorio Emanuele II himself.
One crucial heads-up: this road is completely impassable in winter. Summer and early fall only—plan accordingly!
Where is it?
How to get to Lago Miserin, the largest natural lake in Aosta? is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.8690, 13.9202
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,580 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.8690, 13.9202
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Gorges de l'Aude?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Gorges de l'Aude in the Aude department of France is an unforgettable experience! This scenic canyon, south of Quillan in the Pyrenees, has been carved out by the Aude River over millennia. The D118 is your path, a fully paved but oh-so-narrow road snaking through the gorge. Be warned: rock slides are a real threat here, and the tight squeezes will test your driving skills. Expect to reverse around blind corners on roads barely wide enough for one car! This 23.1 km (14.3 miles) stretch runs from Notre-Dame d'Escouloubre in the south to the Gorges de Saint-Georges in the north. The canyon itself is a masterpiece of natural erosion, with sheer white limestone cliffs rising dramatically on either side. Ideally, ditch the car and explore on foot or by bike – that way, you can soak up the views without white knuckles gripping the steering wheel! If you do drive, factor in plenty of stops to truly appreciate the scenery. Trust me, you'll want to!
extremeDriving the scenic Puente de Montañana-Alsamora Road
🇪🇸 Spain
# Carretera Puente de Montañana-Alsamora: Spain's Hidden Canyon Gem Tucked along the border between Aragón and Catalonia in northern Spain, this 11.2 km balcony road is an absolute stunner for anyone who loves dramatic scenery. We're talking one of Spain's most spectacular canyon drives, perched high above the stunning turquoise waters of the Noguera Ribagorçana river. The route connects the small villages of Puente de Montañana (in Huesca, Aragon) and Alsamora (in Lleida, Catalonia), winding through the Pre-Pyrenees Serra del Montsec mountain range. The asphalt is decent for most of the journey, though you'll encounter some narrow sections that keep you honest while driving. Fair warning: rockslides are a real risk here, so stay alert. What makes this road truly special—and honestly, pretty rare in Europe—is the jaw-dropping scenery combined with the sheer engineering feat of it all. You're literally driving along a cliff face carved out of the gorge itself. If you're heading to the legendary Congost de Mont-rebei gorge, this is your gateway. But heads up: that particular section is a white-knuckle bridle path carved into the cliff that demands serious respect. One wrong move and, well, it's a long way down. Definitely not the place for anyone uncomfortable with heights or prone to vertigo. This is wild, untamed driving at its finest—pure adrenaline mixed with some of Europe's most breathtaking natural beauty.
hardLac de Pramol
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Maurienne Valley in the French Alps, heading towards a hidden gem called Lac de Pramol. This high-altitude lake sits pretty at 1,728m (that's 5,969ft!), just a hop, skip, and a jump past les Karellis ski resort. The road? Oh, it's a sweet, paved climb. Starting in Saint Jean de Maurienne, you've got about 18.8 km of winding asphalt ahead of you. You'll gain 1,168 meters in elevation, averaging around 6.2% grade – with some punchy sections hitting 11%! It’s usually a chill drive; not too much traffic unless it's a Saturday during ski season. And the reward? The serene waters of the lake perfectly mirroring the dramatic Croix des Têtes, which happens to be France's biggest limestone cliff. Trust me, you'll want your camera ready for this one!
hardThe inhumane climb to Cerro de la Mezquita with 28% ramps
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright adventurers, listen up! Nestled in the sunny Almería province of Andalusia, Spain, lies Cerro de la Mezquita, a mountain peak reaching a cool 959 meters (3,146 feet). Hidden within the stunning Sierra Cabrera mountains, the road to the top is a fully paved ribbon of asphalt (thanks to a 2012 makeover!), though it does get a bit narrow in places. Fun fact: this peak is named after Reinaldo de Almezquita, a former mayor of Mojácar. The climb from Turre is a 14.19 km adventure, and let me tell you, it's a workout! Expect an average gradient of 6.48%, but hold on tight because you'll encounter some seriously steep sections, with ramps hitting a whopping 28%! Get ready for incredible views as you conquer this challenging, yet rewarding, ascent.