If you love to drive, you will love the road to Mauria Pass
Italy, europe
21 km
1,298 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo della Mauria
Ready to tackle one of Italy's most scenic mountain passes? Passo della Mauria sits at a cool 1,298m (4,259ft) right where Veneto and Friuli shake hands in northern Italy.
This 21km (13-mile) stretch of the Strada Statale 52 runs north-south connecting Pelos di Cadore to Forni di Sopra, and honestly, it's a proper adventure. The road is paved but keep your wits about you—it's fairly narrow with some serious 10% gradients and a whopping 12 hairpin turns that'll keep your hands busy on the wheel. The good news? It stays open year-round, so you can experience this beauty in different seasons.
Once you reach the summit, you'll find a peaceful parking area and a restaurant where you can catch your breath and grab some fuel. But the real heart of this place is the wrought iron cross standing at the top—a moving memorial to partisans Arrigo Papazzoni "Linda" and Peis Sparin Pio "Brusco" who lost their lives here during WWII on June 14, 1944. It's a sobering reminder of the region's rich history.
Nature lovers, take note: the source of the Tagliamento River lies just south of the pass, adding another layer of natural beauty to your journey through these incredible Alps.
Where is it?
If you love to drive, you will love the road to Mauria Pass is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.4145, 12.2573
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,298 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.4145, 12.2573
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Passo Campo Carlo Magno?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and you stumble upon Passo Campo Carlo Magno. Legend says Charlemagne himself crossed this spot way back in 800 AD on his way to becoming emperor! The name stuck, and it's been a must-see ever since. The SS239 road stretches for about 30.6 km (19 miles), winding its way from Pinzolo to Dimaro. Fair warning, this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Parts of it are pretty steep! The Giro d'Italia loves this climb for a reason. From Pinzolo, you're looking at a gain of 716 vertical meters over 15.1km, which works out to an average gradient of 4.7%. If you're tackling it from Dimaro, you'll climb 709 vertical meters over 11.6km with a 6.1% average. But hey, all that effort is rewarded with stunning views of the Adamello-Brenta mountain region. The road surface is generally in good shape, so you can focus on the scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure!
extremeWhich is the highest pub in England?
🇬🇧 England
Craving a pint at the UK's highest pub? Then set your GPS for the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire! This isn't your average pub crawl – the journey is part of the adventure. You'll be cruising Regional Route 71 (aka Pennine Way), a fully paved road stretching just over 20 miles (32.83km) from Reeth to Brough (or Brough under Stainmore, if you're feeling fancy). But don't let the "paved" part fool you. Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, this road throws some challenges your way. Think steep climbs, narrow sections, and weather that can turn on a dime. Seriously, fog, snow, and biting cold are regular visitors. Reaching the pub, perched at 1,732 feet (528m) above sea level, is a reward in itself. The views are breathtaking, showcasing the wild beauty of Swaledale. Just be prepared for an isolated drive through a desolate but gorgeous landscape. This trip isn't for the faint of heart, but the bragging rights (and that well-deserved pint) are totally worth it!
moderateAlto del Golobar: enjoy a road among the clouds
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto del Golobar: Spain's Hidden Mountain Gem Nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains within the stunning Fuentes Carrionas and Fuente Cobre-Montaña Palentina Natural Park, Alto del Golobar is a mountain lover's dream destination. This peak sits at 1,778 meters (5,833 feet) and claims the title of Palencia province's highest paved road—quite the bragging right! The route up is entirely paved via the PP-2203, which might sound easy until you realize just how steep things get. Starting from Brañosera (Spain's oldest town, no less), you're looking at a 6.5-kilometer climb with 417 meters of elevation gain. Don't let the relatively modest 6.41% average gradient fool you—this ascent is seriously intense in places. Once you reach the top, you're greeted with a massive 250-vehicle parking lot and the quirky ruins of an abandoned mountain refuge. There's an interesting backstory here: back in the late 1960s, someone had big dreams of building a ski resort complete with lifts and a luxury Parador hotel. The project never quite came together, leaving behind these atmospheric relics of ambition. The road stays open year-round, though winter storms occasionally force temporary closures. Weather permitting, it's accessible whenever you need your mountain fix. And if you're up for more exploring, a hiking path from the summit leads onward to Valdecebollas peak—the adventure doesn't have to stop at the parking lot.
hardKunkels Pass: Tunnels, Drop-offs, and Very Narrow
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Kunkelspass: Switzerland's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive Ready for an adrenaline rush? Welcome to Kunkelspass, a jaw-dropping alpine pass sitting at 1,363m (4,471ft) in Switzerland's Graubünden canton. This isn't your typical mountain road—it's a white-knuckle adventure carved straight into the mountainside. The journey starts in the village of Vättis (St. Gallen canton) and winds its way to Tamins in Graubünden via the Riedstrasse. Fair warning: you'll need permission from the City of Tamins to drive through with any motorized vehicle, and there's a toll required. Also, the road's only 2.3m wide, so leave the massive RV at home. What makes this route absolutely legendary? Tunnels with actual windows built into the rock face. Seriously. As you wind through the mountain, you'll catch glimpses of stunning Glarus Alps scenery through strategically carved openings—it's like nature's own drive-in theater. And those 300m drop-offs? They're real, and they're definitely noticeable on those hairpin turns. Built during World War I, this narrow strip of asphalt (with some gravel sections mixed in) climbs steeply at gradients up to 18.5%. The twisting, turning road demands respect and focus, but the payoff is unforgettable. Once you reach the summit, grab a well-deserved meal or drink at the bar and restaurant while you process what you just drove. This is bucket-list territory for serious road warriors.