Lavarella Refuge
Italy, europe
10.3 km
2,045 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Dolomites, smack-dab in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. You're heading to Rifugio Lavarella-Berghütte Lavarella, a mountain hut chilling at 2,045 meters (that's 6,709 feet!). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The 10.3-kilometer road up from Strada Provinciale 27 is unpaved and rugged – think 4x4 territory only! Private vehicles aren't allowed, so plan accordingly. The road climbs 391 meters, with an average gradient of around 3.79%. Keep your eyes peeled; the scenery is epic, and the hut, built way back in 1912, has some serious history!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,045 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardRoad trip guide: conquering Lake Gruebu
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Grüebusee: Switzerland's Hidden Alpine Gem Tucked away in the Valais region of southern Switzerland, near the Italian border, sits the stunning Grüebusee—a pristine alpine lake perched at a breathtaking 2,862 meters (9,389 feet). The name itself tells a story: in Swiss German, "Grüebu" derives from "Grube," meaning "pit" or "hollow," so you're basically visiting a lake nestled in nature's own depression. Pretty cool, right? Ready for an adventure? The 13.9-kilometer (8.6-mile) drive from Saas-Balen to the lake via Heimischgarten is definitely not your typical Sunday cruise. Starting at the bridge over the Vispa, you'll gain a serious 1,336 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 9.61%—and that's just the average. The steepest sections hit a punishing 20%. Here's the real deal: only the first four kilometers are paved. After that, buckle up for a wild ride featuring 26 hairpin turns on a narrow, unpaved track. Loose gravel, cramped passages, and steep drop-offs make this one a true test of driving skill. This route is strictly 4x4 with high clearance only—no exceptions. One of Switzerland's highest roads, Grüebusee is a serious mountain challenge. Plan your visit carefully though: the road is typically closed from October through June, weather permitting. Time your trip right, and you'll be rewarded with some of the most jaw-dropping alpine scenery imaginable.
hardCol de la Traversette was Hannibal's route across the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Traversette Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France near the Italian border, Col de la Traversette sits at a breathtaking 2,369m (7,772ft) and comes with some seriously legendary bragging rights. This is allegedly where Hannibal and his entire army—including 37 elephants—made their famous crossing into Italy back in 218 BC. Pretty wild, right? The road itself is pure adventure: a completely unpaved military track that's basically begging for a 4x4 or enduro bike. Starting from the D1090, you're looking at a gnarly 2.5km climb that packs in 324m of elevation gain and averages a steep 12.96% gradient, with some sections hitting a jaw-dropping 30%. But here's the thing—despite the brutality, it's actually rideable and rewards you with absolutely stunning alpine views. Nestled in the Cottian Alps, this high-altitude gem sits just south of the Little St Bernard Pass and gets you close to Le Fort de la Redoute, a 17th-century fortress built by the House of Savoy in 1630 (though you can't actually visit it anymore due to structural concerns). Fair warning: winter makes this place completely impassable, so plan your adventure accordingly. If you're up for a challenging, history-soaked drive with epic scenery, this legendary pass delivers on all fronts.
hardThe road to Kehlsteinhaus, a teahouse for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday
🇩🇪 Germany
# Eagle's Nest Road: A Mountain Marvel in the Bavarian Alps Nestled high in Bavaria's Berchtesgaden Alps sits the Kehlsteinhaus—or Eagle's Nest, as it's commonly known. This historic chalet perches at a stunning 1,685m (5,528ft) above sea level on the Obersalzberg Mountain in southeastern Germany, and getting there is half the adventure. Built in 1938 as a 50th birthday gift for Adolf Hitler, the building has since been transformed into a restaurant and tourist hotspot with absolutely jaw-dropping panoramic views. These days, visitors flock here during summer months (typically mid-May through October) to soak in the scenery and the historical significance of this alpine retreat. The real star of the show, though? The Kehlsteinstrasse road itself. This engineering masterpiece was blasted straight out of solid rock in just 13 months—seriously, only 13 months to carve 6.5km (4.03 miles) of paved perfection through the mountainside. The road climbs an insane 736m in elevation with an average gradient of 11.32%, peaking at a white-knuckle 24% on some sections. You'll navigate through 5 tunnels and 5 hairpin turns as you ascend the steep northwest face of Kehlstein mountain. In 1952, the road closed to regular traffic and was replaced by a special mountain bus service—a decision that's proven wise given the extreme conditions. The final ascent to the chalet actually requires taking an elevator blasted through the rock. Before each season opens, crews meticulously clean the rock walls to prevent dangerous rockfall. It's one of Germany's highest roads and a genuine architectural wonder.
easyDriving the abandoned streets of Doel
🌍 Belgium
Ever wanted to wander through a real-life ghost town? Then head to Doel, a fascinatingly abandoned village in East Flanders, Belgium, practically spitting distance from the Dutch border! Think just a short jaunt from Antwerp, the ever-expanding port that's kinda...gobbling up smaller towns. Doel is steeped in history, over 700 years worth, but it's facing demolition thanks to the port's relentless growth along the Scheldt river. Word to the wise: officially, you're not supposed to poke around inside the buildings, but…let's just say some people manage. Once buzzing with over a thousand residents, Doel's streets are now eerily deserted, save for a handful of die-hards refusing to leave. Expect a serious dose of creepiness as you wander through this silent, empty place. Just a heads up: you can't drive directly into Doel unless you're a resident.