
The mule track to the top of Passo della Mulattiera
Italy, europe
N/A
2,412 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo della Mulattiera: A Wild Alpine Adventure
Ready for a serious mountain adventure? Passo della Mulattiera sits at a breathtaking 2,412m (7,913ft) in the Province of Turin, tucked in the Piedmont region of Italy near the French border. This gem is located in Bardonecchia, a charming Italian town nestled in the western Susa Valley.
Fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth mountain drive. The road to the summit is unpaved, littered with loose rocks, and narrow as they come. Originally built as a military road way back in 1939, it's now more of a mule track—demanding and unforgiving. You've got options for starting your journey: head up from Bardonecchia through Mount Colomion, or if you're feeling adventurous, begin from the French side at Beaulard and join the route halfway up.
The trail climbs through seriously remote terrain, so pack smart and come prepared. Once you reach the top, you'll spot the haunting ruins of a massive barrack—a fascinating piece of history frozen in time. But honestly? The real reward is the view. Perched just below the stunning cliff face of Punta Charra (2,844m), the pass opens up to panoramic vistas that'll take your breath away. You're gazing down at Valle Stretta and sweeping mountain views across all the surrounding valleys of Bardonecchia, Beaulard, and Oulx. Absolutely incredible.
Where is it?
The mule track to the top of Passo della Mulattiera is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.5656, 11.8393
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,412 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.5656, 11.8393
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Dosso dei Galli?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Dosso dei Galli! Nestled high in the Italian province of Brescia, in the Lombardy region, this mountain pass sits at a breathtaking 2,188m (7,178ft). You'll find yourself cruising along Strada Provinciale 345B (aka Delle Tre Valli) for about 17.4 km (10.81 miles). Be warned: this isn't your average Sunday drive! Most of the route hovers above 2,000 meters, clinging to mountaintops with seriously exposed drops. We're talking hundreds of meters down, and sometimes with no guardrails! The SP 345B connects to the SP 345 and ends at the junction with the SP 669 road, so you can tackle it from either direction. While the start and end are nicely paved, get ready for a gravelly middle section! Don't let that scare you off, though. It's totally doable, just watch out for rocks and rough patches, especially on the curves. Keep it slow (20 km/h is the limit), and remember, no passing or impromptu stops unless you're in a designated spot. The scenery is unreal, so take it all in, but keep your eyes on the road!
moderateWhere does the Archipelago Ring Road start and end?
🌍 Finland
Okay, picture this: the Archipelago Ring Road in Southwest Finland. It's a 250-kilometer (155-mile) loop weaving through a bunch of cool islands. Think of it as your coastal road trip dream come true! You can kick off this adventure from pretty much anywhere along the route, hopping in your car, grabbing your bike, or even cruising on a motorcycle. Just remember, you're not just driving; you're also ferry-hopping! There are three main ferries to catch, and most of them are free! You'll only need to pay a small fee for the one between. Don't expect to be alone out there – around 20,000 people make this trip every year. So, what's on the itinerary? You've got about 190 kilometers (118 miles) of roads and 50 kilometers (31 miles) of waterways. And while you *could* rush it in a day, seriously, take your time! Two to three days is the sweet spot. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, tack on a day trip to. Best time to go? Definitely between when the ferries are running daily. You might catch some ferries in early September, but winter? Brrr, better bundle up—or wait for warmer weather!
moderateHow to Get by Car to Cinque Torri Refuge in the Dolomites?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Cinque Torri: A Mountain Drive Worth the Curves Perched at 2,137m (7,011ft) in the stunning Veneto region of Italy, Rifugio Cinque Torri is nestled between two legendary Alpine passes—Falzarego and Giau—in the heart of Belluno Province. Built way back in 1902 and welcoming guests since 1904, this mountain refuge has become a bucket-list stop for serious mountain enthusiasts from around the globe. The road getting there? Buckle up—it's a thrilling 4.2km (2.60 miles) of tight, twisty asphalt that branches off Strada Regionale 48. You'll navigate hairpin turns and narrow passages that'll keep you focused and entertained in equal measure. The setting is absolutely breathtaking. You're surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Nuvolao group within the Dolomiti Ampezzane—part of the Eastern Dolomites' jaw-dropping landscape. History buffs will appreciate that this area was a WWI battleground between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces. At the refuge itself, you'll find a charming chapel (Oratorio dedicato alla Madonna), a helipad, and a convenient parking area. Fair warning: weekends and holiday seasons get crowded with fellow mountain lovers, so plan accordingly. Summer's your best bet for accessibility, though August has restricted hours (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. closures). Come winter, expect serious weather challenges—Mother Nature doesn't take it easy up here.
extremeA sensational paved road to Col de la Llose in the French Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Llose: A Pyrenean Adventure Looking for a thrilling mountain drive in France? Col de la Llose sits pretty at 1,866 meters (6,122 ft) in the Pyrénées-Orientales, right in the heart of the Pyrenees that separate France and Spain. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise—it's a proper mountain experience. The fully paved D4C road winds its way through 9.3 km (5.77 miles) of scenic terrain, stretching from La Llagonne to Ayguatébia-Talau in a south-to-north direction. Don't let the pavement fool you—this route is seriously curvy with hairpin turns and sections that get genuinely narrow. Encounters with oncoming traffic can be sketchy, so stay alert. Expect gradients hitting 9.5% on the steepest bits, with the initial 3 km climb from La Llagonne gaining 167 meters at an average of 5.57%. At the summit, you'll find Site de ski de fonds du Capcir, a cross-country ski resort with ample parking. If you're up for extra exploration, a rough unpaved road branches off toward Puig de la Tossa and Pic de Figuéma for some serious off-the-beaten-path vibes. This is the kind of pass that rewards careful driving with stunning Pyrenean scenery and genuine mountain thrills.