Tonale Pass: Driving on Italy's Scenic Road in the Dolomites

Tonale Pass: Driving on Italy's Scenic Road in the Dolomites

Italy, europe

Length

56.1 km

Elevation

1,883 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Passo del Tonale is a stunning high mountain pass sitting at 1,883m (6,178ft) on the border between Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Lombardy in northern Italy.

This fully paved beauty, known as Strada Statale 42 (SS42), winds its way through the dramatic Rhaetian Alps with plenty of curves, hairpin turns, and narrow stretches to keep you engaged. The 56.1 km (34.85 miles) journey runs west to east, connecting the charming town of Edolo in Brescia (Lombardy) to Dimaro in Trentino.

If you're into cycling, you might recognize this pass – it's famously featured in the legendary Giro d'Italia race, which tells you something about its iconic status. The views are absolutely breathtaking as you climb higher, with mountain scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn.

Once you reach the summit, you'll find a proper little hub with hotels, restaurants, and shops to refuel and rest. There's also a poignant World War I memorial worth exploring if you're interested in the region's history. Come winter, this place transforms into a haven for skiers and snow sports enthusiasts, making it a year-round destination worth experiencing. Whether you're after a thrilling drive or a mountain adventure, Passo del Tonale delivers on all fronts.

Where is it?

Tonale Pass: Driving on Italy's Scenic Road in the Dolomites is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 40.8799, 12.6664

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
56.1 km
Max Elevation
1,883 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
40.8799, 12.6664

Related Roads in europe

Where is Mount Tymfristos?extreme

Where is Mount Tymfristos?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Greece, nestled between some hard-to-pronounce prefectures, you'll find Mount Tymfristos. Locals also call it something else, but trust me, you’ll be too busy staring at the views to worry about the name. This peak boasts a ski resort right at the summit, complete with lifts and slopes for all skill levels – think après-ski with a serious view! The paved road to get there? Oh, it’s a fun one! Starting near, the town, you’ll climb for about 10.2km, tackling 9 hairpin turns that’ll have you gripping the wheel. We're talking a hefty 881 meters of elevation gain, making for a seriously steep average gradient. But wait, there’s more! Want to REALLY conquer Mount Tymfristos? A gravel road west of the ski area will take you even higher to the true summit at over 2,192m! Be warned: this rugged track is typically closed from November to June. But if you catch it at the right time, the panoramic views, including distant mountains to the southwest, are absolutely worth it. It’s truly one of the highest roads you can find in Greece. Get ready for an epic drive!

How long is the road through Gorges de la Restonica?hard

How long is the road through Gorges de la Restonica?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in Corsica, cruising the D623 into the heart of the Haute-Corse region. This is the Gorges de la Restonica, one of the island's absolute must-sees! The road itself? It's about 15 km (around 9 miles) of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of a challenge!). Starting in Corte, it winds its way up to a parking spot nestled at the top of the Restonica Valley. Now, fair warning: the road gets pretty tight in spots, barely wider than your car. So, you'll need some decent driving skills and a whole lot of patience, especially when the gorge walls close in. Keep your eyes on the road, and maybe leave the RV at home – vehicles over 4.5 meters long or 1.9 meters wide aren't allowed. But the views? Totally worth it, even with the steep drops. Just make sure you're comfortable with mountain roads before you go! Heads up: this road is popular, so expect some traffic, especially in the summer. But hey, there are restaurants and rest areas along the way where you can grab a bite or even take a dip in the river. And for the adventurous souls? Hike for about two hours, and you'll reach the stunning Lac de Mélo, a mountain lake sitting pretty at 6,528 feet. Keep going, and you'll find Lac de Capitello, often with snow still clinging to its edges, even outside of summer. Trust me, this drive is an experience you won't forget!

Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route is a road with breathtaking viewsmoderate

Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route is a road with breathtaking views

🇳🇴 Norway

# Aurlandsfjellet: Norway's Jaw-Dropping Mountain Drive Ready for one of Norway's most spectacular road trips? Road 243 winds through Vestland county as a National Tourist Route, stretching 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Aurlandsvangen to Lærdal. Opened back in 1967, this legendary drive has since been complemented by the Lærdalstunnelen—the world's longest road tunnel at a massive 24.5 kilometers. ## The Challenge Ahead Fair warning: this isn't your average leisurely cruise. You'll navigate 20 hairpin turns on roads that get seriously narrow—think single-car-wide stretches that demand respect. Buses over 12.4 meters? They're not welcome here. Keep your vehicle in low gear and go easy on the brakes, especially on the steeper sections. Traffic can get thick heading toward Aurlandsfjorden, so stay alert. ## Winter? Not Here This road earns its nickname "Snow Road" honestly. The entire upper section shuts down completely during winter once you hit the 1,305-meter (4,281-foot) summit. You can drive year-round from Aurlandsvangen up to the Stegastein viewpoint, but beyond that? Forget it from November through spring. ## Why It's Worth Every Hairpin Turn The real magic? Once you crest that barren, desolate plateau of snow and rock, the views on the descent toward Aurland are absolutely mind-blowing. The landscape shifts dramatically from sparse alpine terrain to lush fjord scenery. And then there's Stegastein—an architectural marvel of timber and steel that juts 30 meters out into thin air, 650 meters above the fjord. It's the kind of viewpoint that stops you in your tracks. Waterfalls, forests, and cascading fjord views await at numerous pull-offs along the way. This is quintessential Norwegian scenery at its finest.

Where is Tremalzo Pass?moderate

Where is Tremalzo Pass?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're in northern Italy, near the stunning Lake Garda, and you're itching for an off-road adventure. Tremalzo Pass is calling your name! This isn't your typical Sunday drive, though. We're talking a rugged, unpaved road – the "Strada della Grande Guerra" – that climbs to a whopping 1,845 meters (6,053 feet). Built during World War I, this 10.6 km (6.58 miles) stretch of dirt and history connects Rifugio Garda to Rifugio Alpini Passo Nota, hugging the border between Trento and Brescia. Forget your sports car; you'll need an all-terrain beast like an old-school Panda 4x4 or a trusty Jimny to tackle this beast. Word of warning: the southern side has been closed to motorized vehicles since 2015, so stick to the northern flank. Also, this road is only open in the summer months. Snowfall keeps it buried from November to April. Even in summer, be prepared for rock slides – the road's seen better days. Rocks fallen onto the road are not removed, and broken sections of road are not renewed. Approach with caution and take it slow. Some of the ramps max out at a steep 22%! But the views of Garda Lake are absolutely breathtaking, and there are even a few short rock tunnels to spice things up. Average speed? Think more like 5 mph (8-10 kph) – you'll want to savor every moment (and avoid those rocks!).