When was the road to Passo Gardena built?
Italy, europe
15 km
2,123 m
moderate
Year-round
Gardena Pass, nestled in the South Tyrol region of Italy, is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 2,123m (6,965ft) and winds its way through the Dolomites, connecting Val Gardena with Val Badia.
The road, Strada Statale 243 (SS243), was initially built as a driveway in 1915, but the first real road to the summit came in 1960. It stretches for 15 km (9.32 miles) from Plan De Gralba to Colfosco. Be warned, it's steep in sections, with gradients hitting 11%! This has even made it a favorite in the Giro d’Italia.
Keep in mind, winter can bring snow and occasional closures. Plus, summer months (especially July and August) see lots of tourists, motorcyclists, and cyclists. Also, watch out for rock slides!
But, oh, the views! With the majestic Sasslong / Sassolungo mountain range in the background, you'll be treated to classic Dolomite scenery. The drive includes some punchy ramps on its southern slopes and one of the best descents you'll ever experience through the lush meadows on its eastern side. Trust us, this is one road you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,123 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardSS18 from Sapri to Acquafredda, an Italian road for James Bond
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada Statale 18: Italy's Most Cinematic Coastal Drive If you're looking for one of the most jaw-dropping drives on the planet, look no further than the Strada Statale 18 in southern Italy. This legendary stretch connects the Campania and Basilicata regions, hugging the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea along the southwestern coast. We're talking pure coastal magic here. The star of the show is the 8-kilometer section running from Sapri to Acquafredda—a thrilling ribbon of asphalt carved right into the cliffside. Built back in 1928 and seriously upgraded in 1953, this road is an engineering marvel that had to get creative to handle the dramatically rugged terrain. Expect plenty of sharp curves that'll keep your hands busy on the wheel (and your passengers might want to skip this one if they're prone to motion sickness, just saying). The drive itself is narrow, so watch out for oncoming traffic and think twice before overtaking. But honestly? The tighter lanes are worth it for the views. Towering sea cliffs, panoramic vistas, and the sparkling Mediterranean spread out beside you—it's absolutely breathtaking. This isn't just a pretty road; it's a Hollywood starlet. Porsche, along with other luxury car brands, film high-end commercials here constantly. It even landed a starring role in *No Time to Die*, Daniel Craig's final Bond film, where the iconic 16th-century Torre dei Crivi tower made memorable appearances. Fair warning: bring your A-game as a driver. But if you're up for the challenge, this coastal masterpiece will absolutely steal your heart.
moderateWhere is Lago di Malga Bissina?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, so you're heading to Lago di Malga Bissina, huh? Nestled way up in the Italian Alps of the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, this high-altitude lake sits pretty in the Adamello mountain group. Okay, it's actually a reservoir created by the Diga di Malga Bissina dam, but trust me, the alpine scenery is still totally spectacular – perfect for hiking and snapping some seriously envy-inducing photos. The road in is fully paved, which is a bonus, but be warned: it's narrow and gets pretty steep in places. If you're not a fan of mountain roads that require some serious reversing skills, maybe skip this one. Plus, at around , the drive is fairly long, with a few tunnels thrown in to keep things interesting. Also, pro tip: the road's closed from late November to May, so plan your trip accordingly. When it's open, though, the vibe is wild, silent, and remote. Definitely has a certain charm, you know?
hardPrevoj Tresnjevik is a classic road trip in Montenegro
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Trešnjevik Pass in Montenegro is calling your name. This beauty sits at a cool 1,568 meters (that's 5,144 feet!) and straddles the line between Andrijevica and Kolašin. The M9 highway is your path, and trust me, it's a wild one! Think narrow, winding roads with hairpin turns galore as you climb. It's STEEP, with some sections hitting a 10% gradient! You'll be surrounded by stunning mountain views the whole way, though. The whole pass stretches for about 34.7 kilometers (or 21.43 miles) from Andrijevica to Mateševo. Give yourself about an hour to soak it all in, not counting photo stops, because you'll definitely want to take some. Get ready for a drive you won't soon forget!
hardDiscovering the secrets of Galleria dei Saraceni, a high-altitude tunnel in Piedmont
🇮🇹 Italy
# Galleria dei Saraceni: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Italy's Piedmont region at a whopping 2,224 meters (7,296 feet) above sea level, the Galleria dei Saraceni is the kind of tunnel that'll make your heart race. Originally built as a military road during WWI, this historic route—also called Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau or Strada militare 79—got its finishing touches between 1925 and 1929. Fair warning: this isn't your typical tunnel drive. The Galleria Monte Seguret (yes, it has multiple names!) features a gravelled surface, serious inclines, and a nail-bitingly narrow width of just 3 meters. You'll need nerves of steel, nerves, and serious driving chops to tackle it safely. The golden rule here? Take it slow and steady—no heroics. Stretching 876 meters through the southwestern Alps, this unlit passage is genuinely eerie. Zero electric lights means you're navigating by flashlight (absolutely essential!), and the unlined stone walls weep constantly. Expect potholes brimming with water, dripping echoes overhead, and occasionally water streams inches deep flooding sections of the road. It's atmospheric, moody, and definitely unnerving. Is it exhilarating? Absolutely. Is it for everyone? Honestly, no. But if you're up for an unforgettable adventure through one of the Alps' most character-filled passages, Galleria dei Saraceni won't disappoint.