
The paved road to Valbona Pass in the Venetian Prealps
Italy, europe
7.7 km
1,781 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo Valbona
Perched at 1,781m (5,843ft) in Italy's Province of Vicenza, Passo Valbona is a mountain pass that'll make your heart race—in the best way possible. This stunning route sits in the Veneto Region, tucked into the northeastern corner of the country, right in the heart of the Venetian Prealps.
What makes this drive truly special? It's fully paved. Strada Provinciale 92 takes you all the way to the top, making it the southernmost asphalted pass over 1,700m in this part of the Alps. Buckle up though—this 7.7 km (4.78 miles) east-west climb is no casual Sunday drive. You'll navigate sharp hairpins, squeeze through tunnels, tackle some seriously steep grades (up to 11%), and experience plenty of heart-pounding turns. It's the kind of road that gets your adrenaline pumping in the most exhilarating way.
Starting from Strada Provinciale 64, the pass winds its way to the boundary with Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. If you're feeling adventurous, there's an unpaved road heading north toward Forte Campomolon (1,848m/6,062ft), but fair warning—that one's closed to regular vehicles.
This is one of those passes that stays with you long after you've conquered it.
Where is it?
The paved road to Valbona Pass in the Venetian Prealps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.6852, 13.1792
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,781 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.6852, 13.1792
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