
Monte Novegno
Italy, europe
N/A
1,672 m
hard
Year-round
# Monte Novegno
Nestled in the province of Vicenza in Italy's Veneto region, Monte Novegno sits at a respectable 1,672 meters (5,485 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—the road to the summit is almost entirely gravel, winding through a series of tight hairpin turns that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The steep gradient means you'll really feel the climb, and the narrow path doesn't leave much room for error.
Here's the catch: avoid this route if rain or snow is in the forecast. The conditions make it completely impassable, so timing is everything. The road itself is a relic of military history—it's an old military route that's been around for generations.
Once you reach the top, you'll find yourself at the ruins of Forte Rione da Santa Caterina, a WWI-era fortress that adds a haunting historical layer to your adventure. You might also see this pass referred to as Monte Cogolo or Malga Novegno by locals.
It's a challenging, character-filled road that rewards patient drivers with both stunning alpine scenery and a tangible slice of history.
*Photo credit: Stefano Donazzan*
Where is it?
Monte Novegno is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 45.7667, 11.3167
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,672 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.7667, 11.3167
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere Is Monte Croce di Comelico Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up for Passo Monte Croce di Comelico, a seriously stunning mountain pass straddling the border between Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol in Italy! This beauty sits at a cool elevation, right on the edge of the Dolomites. What awaits you at the top? Think picture-perfect: a quaint church, a cozy hotel, and a restaurant serving up delicious local fare. Fuel up and soak in those views! The road itself, part of the SS52, is a well-maintained, fully paved ribbon of asphalt stretching roughly 15 kilometers. You’ll wind your way from Santo Stefano di Cadore (Belluno province) in the south, all the way up to Sesto/Sexten (South Tyrol province) in the north. Expect some curves and climbs, but nothing your average car can't handle. Get ready for views that will take your breath away!
hardIs Road 745 (Skagavegur) unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: Road 745, also known as Skagavegur, hugging the rugged coastline of Northwestern Iceland. This isn't your average highway, folks. We're talking seriously stunning scenery, with crazy rock formations you won't see anywhere else. Yeah, it's a gravel road the whole way, and you'll have to watch out for some rocks poking up, but it's usually in decent shape, so you don't *need* a 4x4. This epic coastal drive stretches for about 82 km, linking Route 744 (Þverárfjallsvegur) to the charming fishing town of Skagaströnd. Just a heads-up: be super careful when there's fog; it can get crazy thick out here. Also, this road is usually closed for most of the year, typically from early September until late June, so plan accordingly! But, seriously, is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be winding along the Skagi peninsula with landscapes that will blow your mind. Keep an eye out for the incredible basalt columns near Kálfshamarsvík, some of the most spectacular in Iceland! And if you're feeling adventurous, detour to Skálar, an abandoned fishing village where a lone lighthouse still stands sentinel. Trust me, this is a road trip you won't forget.
hardIs the road to Leqet e Hotit paved?
🇦🇱 Albania
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Leqet e Hotit, a mountain pass nestled in the Shkodër County of Albania. You'll be cruising at a cool 750 meters (2,460 feet) above sea level. The road? Oh, it's paved now and in great condition, so you don't need a monster truck. This beauty stretches for 16.4 km (that's about 10.19 miles) from Rrapshë up to Tamarë, heading in a south-to-north direction. Now, don't get too comfortable. It's a steep climb, hitting a maximum gradient of 12.7% in places! Be prepared for hairpin turns galore! Plenty of cyclists and motorcyclists frequent this pass, so keep an eye out. If winter hits hard with heavy snow, this road might just be off-limits, so plan accordingly. But when it's open? Prepare for some seriously breathtaking views of northern Albania.
hardDriving the hairpinned road from Epos to Vrontados in Greece
🇬🇷 Greece
# Epos to Vrontados: A Thrilling Mountain Escape on Chios Tucked away on the eastern side of the Greek island of Chios, the road connecting Epos to Vrontados is a gloriously twisty mountain route that'll keep you gripping the wheel—you're rarely going faster than 50km/h here, and honestly, you won't want to. This fully paved road hugs the mountainside as it descends toward the charming coastal town of Vrontados. Don't let the short 4.4km distance fool you—this little stretch packs serious character with eight sharp hairpin turns that demand your full attention. The elevation drop is 209 meters, with an average gradient of 4.75% and some sections hitting a gnarly 10%. But here's where it gets magical: the views are absolutely worth every careful turn. Sea vistas open up as you wind your way down, making every hairpin feel less like a driving challenge and more like nature's way of forcing you to slow down and actually enjoy the scenery. While you're in Vrontados, don't miss the Monastery of Panagia Myrsiniotissa perched dramatically on the cliffs above the sea. Ships passing by traditionally sound their horns in greeting—a charming tradition that captures the soul of this place. The medieval charm and stunning coastal landscape make this winding descent feel like stepping back in time. It's the kind of road that delivers an unforgettable driving experience, one hairpin turn at a time.