The road to Lago di Teleccio: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles

The road to Lago di Teleccio: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles

Italy, europe

Length

11.66 km

Elevation

1,918 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Lago di Teleccio: A Mountain Drive That'll Test Your Nerves

Tucked away in the Metropolitan City of Turin in Italy's Piedmont region sits Lago di Teleccio, a stunning artificial reservoir perched at 1,918 meters (6,292 feet) above sea level. But fair warning: getting there is an absolute beast of a drive.

The Strada al Lago Teleccio has earned its reputation as a humbler of overconfident drivers. This paved mountain road (upgraded in 2006) is relentlessly narrow—so tight that two regular-sized cars literally cannot pass each other. You'll need nerves of steel, solid driving skills, and zero ego to tackle this one. Novices, this isn't your road.

Starting from Casetti-Rosone, you're looking at 11.66 kilometers (7.24 miles) of pure climbing. That elevation gain? A hefty 1,189 meters, averaging a brutal 10.1% grade. But certain sections ramp up to a white-knuckle 15.7%, and you'll navigate 20 hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Expect to creep along at cautious speeds and be ready to pull over and yield to oncoming traffic at a moment's notice.

Set within the spectacular Gran Paradiso National Park, the road typically opens May through October when snow clears. Just a heads-up: the final 6.3 kilometers are off-limits to private vehicles.

If you're a confident driver craving an unforgettable alpine challenge, Lago di Teleccio delivers. Just approach it with respect.

Where is it?

The road to Lago di Teleccio: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.3614, 11.5034

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
11.66 km
Max Elevation
1,918 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.3614, 11.5034

Related Roads in europe

Cerro de la Escusahard

Cerro de la Escusa

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cerro de la Escusa in Ávila, Spain is calling your name. This peak hits an altitude of 1,952m (6,404ft) and the road to get there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta "hold on tight" moments, especially on some of those trickier sections. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically essential. And pro-tip: only tackle this beast when it's dry. Trust me on this one. The weather up here in the Sierra de Gredos can flip on a dime, so be prepared for anything. But, if you play it smart, the views are absolutely worth it. Imagine panoramas of the Valle Iruelas Natural Reserve and the Tietar Valley stretching out before you – pure magic! The road is generally open year-round, though winter storms can shut things down temporarily. So, keep an eye on the forecast and get ready for an unforgettable ride.

The road to Lake Karachay, the most polluted place on Earthextreme

The road to Lake Karachay, the most polluted place on Earth

🌍 Russia

Okay, buckle up for a seriously off-the-beaten-path "adventure" – if you can even call it that! I'm talking about a trip to Lake Karachay, nestled in the southwest Chelyabinsk region of Russia, near the Kazakhstan border. So, picture this: you're in the southern Ural mountains, and you decide to take a detour north from Novogornyi. You'll find yourself on an 8.7 km (5.4 mile) stretch of road – mostly concrete slabs, by the looks of it. This road leads to what used to be a natural lake, now completely filled and surrounded by concrete. This is Karachay, also known as "black water" in some Turkic languages. But here’s the kicker – and this is a BIG one. This lake is no ordinary scenic spot. This is actually a near-surface permanent and dry nuclear waste storage facility! Seriously, folks, forget swimming. Forget dipping your toes in. This area is strictly off-limits, guarded by checkpoints. Why all the fuss? Well, let's just say it's considered one of the most polluted places on Earth. Even a short visit can be incredibly dangerous. The radioactivity levels are insane, and it's definitely not a place you want to linger. The water is extremely dangerous. So, if you happen to be in the area, admire it from afar, if you must, but for your own sake, stay away! This is one sight-seeing trip that comes with a very serious health warning.

Driving the old military road to Schlusseljoch in South Tyrolextreme

Driving the old military road to Schlusseljoch in South Tyrol

🇮🇹 Italy

# Schlüsseljoch: A Bucket-List Alpine Challenge Perched at 2,212m (7,257ft) in the stunning Zillertal Alps, Schlüsseljoch is one of those legendary passes that separates the adventurous from the faint-hearted. Known locally as Col della Chiave or Passo della Chiave, this mountain gateway sits right on the border between Italy's South Tyrol and Austria, bridging the Val di Vizze to the west with the Valle Isarco to the east. Here's where it gets interesting: the entire 14.1 km (8.76 miles) route is unpaved. This old military track, built with strategic purposes in mind, isn't your typical smooth mountain pass. We're talking narrow, rough, seriously damaged surfaces with steep sections and teeth-rattling hairpin turns. If you're bringing wheels, you'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4—and even then, you might want to reconsider. The drive starts near the village of Borgone on the SP508 Road and finishes at the SS12 near Terme di Brennero. It's slow going, demanding every ounce of your vehicle's (and your) capability. **Fair warning though:** many high mountain tracks in South Tyrol are now off-limits to regular vehicles. Before you pack the car, check local regulations around the Sterzing/Vipiteno area first. If it's closed to cars, don't worry—the Schlüsseljoch has become a legendary (and brutal) playground for mountain bikers and hikers. Also worth knowing: this pass gets buried under snow from late October through June, and there's zero winter maintenance. Winter driving? Not happening.

Col de Furfandehard

Col de Furfande

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Furfande: A High-Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Col de Furfande sits at a respectable 2,500m (8,202ft) above sea level and serves up a proper mountain challenge for those ready to take it on. Fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth alpine pass. The road to the summit is gravel and rocky, with plenty of bumpy stretches that'll keep you on your toes. It's steep too—no gentle climb here. That said, the track is well-maintained, so at least you're not dealing with complete chaos. Just be prepared for some serious terrain. Winter essentially closes this route from October through June, so plan your visit for the warmer months when conditions cooperate. Once you make it to the top, there's a small parking area where you can catch your breath and take in the views. Here's the real talk: this is one for experienced off-road drivers only. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, do yourself a favor and pick a different route. The southern section of the summit is closed off anyway, so there's a natural endpoint to your adventure. If you've got the skills and the nerve, though, Col de Furfande offers genuine alpine adventure in one of France's most dramatic mountain regions. Just come prepared and respect what this pass is asking of you.