Plan Maison

Plan Maison

Italy, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,552 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Plan Maison, nestled way up in the Italian Aosta Valley, is calling your name. We're talking a dizzying 2,552 meters (8,372 feet) above sea level!

Now, this isn't your typical smooth tarmac cruise. Think rocky, think gravel, think chairlift access trail – because that's exactly what it is. This is seriously one of Italy's highest roads, so bragging rights are definitely on the table.

Be warned, though: "steep" doesn't even begin to cover it. We're talking loose stones, and it just gets steeper and rockier as you climb. The window to tackle this beast is tiny – late August, usually. The wind? Relentless. Seriously, pack layers because even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. Expect a ski-station service road with some insane sections clocking in at a 10% gradient.

But hey, the summit? Totally worth it. You'll find restaurants, hotels, and shops. A welcome oasis after that climb.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,552 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Testa Bassahard

Testa Bassa

🇮🇹 Italy

Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Testa Bassa, a stunning peak nestled high in the Italian Alps' Aosta Valley at a lofty 2,454m. Getting there? Buckle up, buttercup. The road is a rough-and-tumble mix of gravel, rocks, and bumps that'll have you tipping and swaying! It's essentially a chairlift access road, so expect rugged conditions, and bring your trusty 4x4. Heads up: it’s generally snowed in from October to June (mother nature decides). Not for the faint of heart, this route is steep and high. If you get vertigo easily, maybe skip this one. Also, keep an eye on the weather because thunderstorms can turn these unpaved roads into a serious challenge, or even make them impassable. And for the extra adventurous: near Testa Bassa's peak, another minor gravel road leads to Testa Crevacol (2,502m). This old military track is also a 4x4-only zone, with the very final stretch closed to vehicles. Oh, and FYI, the Ceresole Tunnel nearby is supposedly the steepest tunnel in the Italian Alps. Enjoy the views – if you dare!

Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motor sport venue in continuous use in the worldhard

Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motor sport venue in continuous use in the world

🇬🇧 England

Get ready for a wild ride at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, the granddaddy of motorsport venues! Tucked away in Worcestershire, England, on the western edge of Worcester, this place has been roaring since 1905! Forget your fancy modern tracks, this is proper old-school racing. We're talking a 1,000-yard (914 meters) sprint up a seriously steep hill. It climbs 328 feet (100 m), boasting an average gradient of 1 in 9.14 (10.9%) and a stomach-churning steepest bit at 1 in 6.24 (16%). Seriously, power is EVERYTHING here! The course is famed as one of the steepest hillclimbs worldwide, where the racing line is just 12 feet wide in places. Picture this: vintage beasts and modern rockets battling it out for the coveted "fastest time of the day." It’s a driver's dream and a spectator's paradise! Beyond the racing, Shelsley Walsh is like a living museum, showcasing automotive history with its collection of classic cars. So, whether you're a petrolhead or just fancy a day out with a twist, Shelsley Walsh is an absolute must-see! Check out the map on the Shelsley Walsh website to get your bearings.

Driving through a roundabout in a tunnel in Norwaymoderate

Driving through a roundabout in a tunnel in Norway

🇳🇴 Norway

# The Bømlafjord Tunnel Roundabout: Norway's Underground Marvel Tucked beneath the waters of western Norway, near Eidfjord in Vestland County, sits one of the world's most mind-bending driving experiences—a fully functional roundabout *inside* a subsea tunnel. Yes, you read that right. This incredible feat of engineering lives within the Bømlafjord Tunnel (Bømlafjordtunnelen), part of the E39 highway. The tunnel connects the islands of Stord and Bømlo to the mainland and holds the distinction of being one of the world's deepest subsea tunnels. Navigating a roundabout while underwater? That's peak Norway right there. **Getting There** Simply follow the E39 highway and drive straight into the tunnel—just stick to the speed limits and road signs like you would anywhere else. The tunnel is well-lit and designed for regular highway traffic, so it's a straightforward drive despite its unusual feature. **What to Know** There's no entrance fee for the roundabout itself, though tolls may apply on the E39 depending on where you enter and exit. Vehicle type affects pricing, so check before you go. If you're on a motorbike, you can safely snap a quick photo at the roundabout. Car and larger vehicle drivers should skip the photo stop and keep moving. And pro tip: make sure your vehicle is in good condition before tackling long subsea tunnels. **The Wow Factor** Here's the kicker—this isn't even Norway's only underground roundabout. The country boasts around 14 roundabouts tucked inside tunnels, with another nearby one just north across a bridge. It's a quirky testament to Scandinavian engineering creativity and the dramatic demands of fjord-region infrastructure. For adventurous drivers, this is a genuinely unforgettable stop that perfectly captures the spirit of Norway's wild, ingenious landscape.

Where is Col de Scalella?hard

Where is Col de Scalella?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're on Corsica, right in the heart of the island, tackling the Col de Scalella. This isn't just any drive, it's an adventure! We're talking serious elevation here, so buckle up. You'll find yourself snaking through villages, particularly in Asco, dealing with super tight, blind hairpin turns. And get this: often, there's nothing between you and a HUGE drop – no barriers, just air! The road surface is paved, thankfully. The whole thing stretches for about 21.5 km (13.35 miles), climbing from Ponte Leccia up to those incredible heights. It's a north-south route, a leg burner that boasts an average gradient of 7%. The views are, of course, totally worth the white knuckles. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!