The Wild Road to Selleries Refuge
Italy, europe
5 km
2,023 m
moderate
Year-round
# Rifugio Selleries: A Mountain Adventure in Northwestern Italy
Tucked away in the Metropolitan City of Turin, near the French border, Rifugio Selleries sits pretty at 2,023m (6,637ft) in the stunning Piedmont region. This relatively new refuge—opened in 2006—is a year-round gem nestled within Parco Naturale Orsiera Rocciavrè, where alpine meadows and dramatic ravines create an unforgettable landscape.
Getting there is half the fun. Starting from Strada Provinciale 23 del Colle di Sestriere (just south of Fenestrelle), you've got a 12.9km (8.01 miles) drive ahead. The journey begins on smooth asphalt with a series of sweeping bends as you steadily climb toward the old Agnelli Sanatorium. After a couple more curves, things level out briefly—but don't get too comfortable. At the Forte turnoff, keep your eyes peeled for the Selleries Refuge crossroads and hang a right.
Here's where it gets real: that final 5km transitions to dirt track, and the ascent in the middle section is no joke. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it demands respect and attention. But push through, and you'll be rewarded with mountain air, alpine scenery, and a refuge that feels like a proper adventure destination rather than just another pit stop.
Where is it?
The Wild Road to Selleries Refuge is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.4376, 12.7298
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,023 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.4376, 12.7298
Related Roads in europe
hardEstanys de la Pera, one of the highest roads of Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Estanys de la Pera: A High-Alpine Adventure Nestled in Catalonia's northern mountains, Estanys de la Pera sits at a breathtaking 2,363m (7,752ft)—one of Spain's highest mountain roads. Located within the stunning Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, this route is absolutely not for the faint of heart. The road itself is a proper mountain challenge: gravel, rocky, and bumpy with steep grades that'll test your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Winter? Forget about it—this place becomes completely impassable when snow rolls in. You'll need a serious 4x4 to tackle this beast, and honestly, experienced off-roaders only should attempt it. The real deal-breakers? Sketchy weather and those vertigo-inducing drop-offs. Wet conditions turn the muddy track into a slippery nightmare, and if heights make you squeamish, this isn't your road. But if you're the adventurous type with real mountain driving skills and proper equipment, you'll be rewarded with incredible alpine scenery. Top it off by reaching the mountain hut at the summit—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views. This is the kind of drive that separates casual weekend adventurers from genuine mountain explorers. Come prepared, or don't come at all.
hardAlp Mandelon
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Alp Mandelon: A High Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Pennine Alps of Switzerland's Valais canton, Alp Mandelon sits at a serious 2,066 meters (6,778 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical leisurely drive—the road climbing up there is properly alpine: narrow, steep, and definitely not for the faint of heart. The route itself is paved, which is a bonus, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's easy. Winter is the real challenge here. At this elevation, snow doesn't just dust the pass—it can completely shut the road down without warning. If conditions get gnarly, the authorities won't hesitate to close access until everything's been cleared. So if you're planning a visit, timing is everything, and checking conditions beforehand isn't just recommended—it's essential.
moderateWhere is Balos Beach?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, so you're headed to Balos Beach in western Crete, famous for its unreal turquoise lagoon? Awesome choice! But listen up, getting there is half the adventure...and maybe a *little* bit of a headache. The "road" (and I use that term loosely) from Kaliviani is about 9 km of pure, unadulterated Cretan wilderness. It's unpaved, rocky, and narrow, with some concrete patches thrown in for kicks. You'll be crawling along at a snail's pace, probably averaging around 30 km/hour, so budget about 40 minutes for the drive. Definitely worth it for the views, though! Think dramatic drop-offs, switchbacks, and hairpin turns aplenty. Oh, and did I mention the goats? These little guys are everywhere, and they have zero fear of cars. Keep your eyes peeled! A 4x4 is recommended, but any car can make it if you take it super slow. Check your rental agreement first; some companies have a "no Balos" clause in their contracts, which is something to keep in mind. You'll need to pay a toll to use the road. The rugged, dusty scenery is incredible. Think thyme-covered hills, wildflowers, and distant sea views of Kissamos Bay. The hike down from the parking area takes about 90 minutes; the hike back up is a little longer. Arrive early in the summer, because this place gets *packed*.
hardAlpe Colina
🇮🇹 Italy
# Alpe Colina Tucked away in the Province of Sondrio in Lombardy's Italian Alps, Alpe Colina sits at a seriously impressive 2,076 meters (6,811 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an adventure for those who crave mountain thrills. The road itself is beautifully rough and raw, mixing asphalt, concrete, and gravel in a patchwork that demands respect. You'll want a 4x4 under you for this one, seriously. Winter? Forget about it—the pass becomes completely impassable when the snow rolls in. Even in better conditions, expect narrow stretches that'll test your nerve, slippery sections that appear after rain, and ridiculously steep grades that hit 20% in spots. But here's the payoff: near the summit, you'll find Lago di Colina, a tiny alpine lake that makes the white-knuckle drive absolutely worth it. This is the kind of road that'll have you grinning (and probably gripping the wheel tightly) all the way up.