What’s Forte del Gran Serin?
Italy, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Italy, near Turin, itching for an off-road adventure. Forget the crowded tourist spots and head for Forte del Gran Serin.
First things first, this isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking about the Strada Militare del Gran Serin, a completely unpaved track that demands a proper 4x4 with some serious clearance. Seriously, leave the Fiat at home.
This wild road climbs to a lofty elevation, making it one of the highest routes you'll find in Italy. The track stretches for , so buckle up for a slow and steady ascent with an average gradient of .
Keep in mind, access to the fortress is often blocked by a barrier, and you can forget about it in winter – heavy snow makes it impassable. Assuming you can get through, this former military road leads to the ruins of the Forte del Gran Serin. It has artillery positions, barracks and is overall a sight to see in the wilderness. While the fort is crumbling, the views are absolutely stunning. It's a raw, rugged, and unforgettable experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe Old Military Road through the Wicklow mountains of Ireland
🌍 Ireland
Hit the Old Military Road (R115) for a ridiculously scenic drive right through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains! This beauty straddles Dublin and Wicklow, and get this – it's one of the first purpose-built roads *ever* in Ireland. Built way back between 1800 and 1809, mainly by soldiers (cool, right?), you'll even spot four old barracks from the road's construction crew along the way. Locals also call it An Bóthar Míleata. It’s paved the whole way, stretching nearly 40 km (almost 24 miles) from Rathfarnham, a Dublin suburb, down to the cute village of Laragh in Wicklow. Now, fair warning: this route is narrow, winding, and can get a bit bumpy. Think permanent roller coaster! The bogs sometimes make the road sag, which is part of the fun, honestly. There are a couple of cliff edges, but nothing too crazy, so just drive smart. Visibility can be tricky on those curves. Oh, and it's been used in the Circuit of Ireland car rally, so that should tell you something! Located inside Wicklow Mountains National Park, plan for at least an hour to an hour and a half if you’re driving straight through. Trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are incredible, no matter the weather. The landscape is rugged, and even in summer, be prepared for some serious crosswinds. The road climbs up to Sally Gap, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 500m (1,640ft). In winter, be aware of potential road closures due to snow and ice. You might also find flooding or fallen trees sometimes. When it rains, the area turns into bogs and marshes, and yep, sometimes the road sinks a little! Adventure awaits.
hardCol de la Replanette
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Col de la Replanette in the French Alps (Savoie department) is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking a serious 4x4 trek to a whopping 2,328 meters (7,637 feet) above sea level. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy ride. You'll need a good 4x4, and even then, be prepared for a steep climb. Starting at Parking du lavoir (1,914m), it’s about 3.1km to the top, gaining 414 meters in elevation — that's an average gradient of 13.35%! The road is usually closed from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. At the top, you'll find old military installations dating back to the 19th century. The views? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive.
hardWhere is Alpage d'Eison?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Swiss Alps, Canton of Valais, headed to Alpage d'Eison, a legit high-altitude pasture where the cows chill all summer. We're talking classic Swiss vibes here, people! This place is tucked away in the Val d'Hérens, southwest of Sion, hanging out on the slopes above the village of Saint-Martin. Think postcard-perfect Pennine Alps with 4,000-meter peaks all around. Once you reach the top, it's like stepping back in time. Think old-school stone and wooden buildings, including the super cute Chapelle de L'A Vieille (you gotta snap a pic!). Some of the huts have been turned into cozy little guesthouses. Plus, there's a shop slinging local goodies – cheese, anyone? – and a snack bar to refuel after the drive. Speaking of the drive, buckle up! The road is unpaved and narrow – like, squeeze-by narrow. In fact it's practically a one-lane track. Get ready for some serious technical driving because you'll be navigating about 12 hairpin turns on a bumpy, rugged surface. The climb starts in Saint-Martin and stretches for about 10.7km. It’s a solid ascent of 952 vertical meters, with an average gradient of almost 9%. But keep in mind, some parts are steeper than others!
moderateA sensational paved road to Misurina Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo di Misurina is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,756m (5,761ft) in the Province of Belluno, Italy. Located in the Veneto region up north, this spot is an absolute gem for anyone craving alpine scenery. The real showstopper here? Lago di Misurina at the summit – a crystal-clear lake that earned its nickname "Pearl of Cadore" for all the right reasons. The views are seriously postcard-worthy, and you'll find plenty of hotels and restaurants up there, making it a solid tourist destination. Nestled in the Dolomites-Alps, the road up is completely paved – we're talking Strada Provinciale 49 di Misurina (SP49). The drive itself is 8.7 km (5.40 miles) long, running from the SR48 road at Carbonin (Schluderbach) northward to the summit. The good news? You can tackle this route year-round. Just keep in mind that winter weather can occasionally force temporary closures, so it's worth checking conditions before you head out during the colder months. But when conditions are good, this is one scenic ride you won't want to miss.