The historic paved road to Brocon Pass
Italy, europe
27.8 km
1,616 m
moderate
Year-round
Passo Brocon is this incredible high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,616m (5,302ft) in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol in northern Italy. Nestled in the stunning Dolomites, it's the scenic connector between the Vanoi valley and the Tesino plateau – and yeah, there's actually a restaurant and hotel right at the summit, which is pretty handy!
The pass has some serious history too. During both world wars, it was a major strategic location, and the road itself was carved out between 1905 and 1908. Pretty impressive engineering for the time!
Now, here's the fun part: the 27.8 km (17.27 miles) drive from Castello Tesino to Ronco-Chiesa is completely paved (Strada Provinciale 79, if you want to get technical), and it's absolutely gorgeous. Fair warning though – it gets narrow in spots and the gradient cranks up to a gnarly 15.2% on some of the steeper sections. But those views? Totally worth navigating the twisty bits. This is exactly the kind of Alpine road trip that'll have you pulling over constantly just to snap photos.
Where is it?
The historic paved road to Brocon Pass is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.9551, 13.7510
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 27.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,616 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.9551, 13.7510
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving a military road to Colle di Chavannes in Valle d’Aosta
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle di Chavanves: A Hidden Alpine Gem Want to test your driving skills at nearly 8,600 feet? The Colle di Chavannes in Italy's Valle d'Aosta region is calling your name. This unpaved mountain pass is one of Italy's highest roads, and trust me—it's an adventure worth taking. Starting from Strada Statale 26 della Valle d'Aosta, you'll climb 12.2 kilometers of pure alpine drama. The ascent cranks up 1,003 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 8.22%, so come prepared. Fair warning: this is a narrow, steep, unpaved road—an old military route that demands respect and careful maneuvering. But here's where it gets magical. As you wind upward, you'll spot historic military fortifications carved right into the mountainside, relics from a bygone era. And when you finally reach the summit? The panoramic views are absolutely breathtaking—sweeping vistas across to Col de la Seigne and the entire Mont Blanc massif stretching before you. It's the kind of moment that makes every hairpin turn worth it. This is classic alpine driving: remote, challenging, and unforgettable.
extremeOkha-Nogliki Road
🌍 Russia
Cruising the far north of Sakhalin Island in Russia? Then you HAVE to check out the road connecting Okha and Nogliki! Officially known as 64H-1, this 226 km stretch is an adventure from start to finish. You'll find mostly asphalt, but keep an eye out for gravel sections that can get seriously muddy and slick after a downpour. Trust me, this track turns into a challenge when wet, and sometimes it's just impassable, even with a 4x4! This route links Okha, the hub of the Okhinsky District, with Nogliki, the heart of the Nogliksky District. A word of caution: skip this road in bad weather. With a harsh subarctic climate, avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and icy patches are real threats. It's super remote, so be prepared for a wild ride! The landscape is epic, the winters are long and cold, and the summers are short and cool.
extremeWhere is the D219 road?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the D219! This 9km stretch of pure adrenaline is carved into the French Alps east of Grenoble, near epic spots like Alpe d'Huez and Les Deux Alpes. Think balcony road, but amped up! This baby's paved, but don't let that fool you. We're talking super narrow sections hugging the side of a cliff above the Romanche River, so if you're afraid of heights, maybe grab a postcard instead. Oh, and did I mention the 9 hairpin turns and 4 unlit tunnels? Yeah, bring a flashlight (and maybe a change of underwear). You can drive it year-round, weather permitting, but snow can shut it down in winter. And leave your RV at home – it's only open to vehicles under 15 tons, 7 meters long, and 3 meters wide. But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Towering mountains, sheer drops, and that feeling of being right on the edge. Just a tiny stone wall separates you from the void, making for some seriously stunning photos. After emerging from the tunnels, the views just keep on getting better! This road is a must-drive for anyone craving an unforgettable alpine experience!
hardTravel guide to the top of Vatnsskarð
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: Vatnsskarð, a mountain pass hanging out at 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level on the Reykjanesskagi Peninsula in southwest Iceland. The road to get there, Route 42, is a bit of a bumpy ride – all gravel, baby! Fair warning, this pass gets hammered with snow in the winter, so it's often closed. You'll definitely be climbing some pretty steep sections, so be prepared! But seriously, the views are totally worth it!