Where is Cima Grappa?
Italy, europe
18.8 km
1,758 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up Cima Grappa in Italy, straddling Treviso, Vicenza, and Belluno. This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to 1,775 meters (5,769ft) above sea level in the Veneto region!
The road, also known as Strada Provinciale 140 (SP140), is totally paved, snaking up the Grappa massif. Starting from Semonzo, it’s about 18.8 km (11.68 miles) of pure driving bliss...and a bit of a challenge!
We're talking an elevation gain of 1,530 meters, averaging an 8.1% gradient. The first 11km are a steady 7.4%, but don’t get too comfy—the last 7.5km kick it up to 8.9%, with some sections hitting a crazy 14%! Plus, there are around 30 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes, some numbered.
Cima Grappa is famous for the Sacrario Militare del Monte Grappa, a memorial site for soldiers from WWI and WWII. It's a place of remembrance, with Italian and Austro-Hungarian ossuaries holding thousands. You'll also find the Madonna del Grappa statue, a World War Museum, and the remains of a former NATO radar missile base. It's beautiful, humbling, and definitely worth the drive.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,758 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere is Andøya National Tourist Route?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the west coast of Andøya Island, way up in the Vesterålen archipelago of Norway. This isn't just any drive; it's the Andøya National Tourist Route, one of those legendary scenic routes Norway is famous for. This gem is nestled in the northern reaches of the country, a bit off the beaten path. If you time it right in the summer, you can drive under the magical glow of the midnight sun! The road itself is paved, following Norway routes 974, 976, and 82, twisting and turning through landscapes that will leave you speechless. It's generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the wind – it can get pretty wild up here. Spanning 58km (36 miles), the route stretches from Bjørnskinn in the south all the way up to Andenes at the northern tip of the island. You can also connect to the National Tourist Route Senja. So, is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Situated in the Arctic Circle, the views are out of this world. Think rugged coastline, sculpted by the Norwegian Sea. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, whales, and eagles – you might spot them right from your car! Expect stunning white sandy beaches, dramatic peaks, and the endless horizon of the open ocean. There are plenty of charming little towns along the way, so finding a place to stay is a breeze. And a fun fact: Andenes is also home to the Andøya Air Station, a military base. The road tops out at 65m above sea level. Just a heads up, even though it's usually open in winter, it can close temporarily due to severe weather. Be sure to check local conditions before you go.
hardCollado de la Cruz de Guardia
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado de la Cruz de Guardia: A Pyrenees Adventure for the Bold Ready for some serious mountain magic? Collado de la Cruz de Guardia sits pretty at 2,202 meters (7,224 feet) in Huesca, Aragon, nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees. This is the real deal for anyone craving an off-the-beaten-path experience. Here's the honest truth: this gravel and rocky route isn't for the faint of heart. The road gets genuinely tippy and bumpy in stretches, with steep grades that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. Wet conditions? Forget about it—the muddy surface becomes a proper technical challenge when things get damp. **What you need to know before you go:** - **Vehicle requirement:** 4x4 is absolutely essential - **Best season:** Basically summer only—winters make this pass completely impassable - **Skill level:** This is experienced wheelers territory - **Scenery factor:** Spectacular Pyrenees vistas (if you dare to look down) - **Fair warning:** If heights make you nervous, this steep mountain pass will test your nerves This isn't your typical Sunday drive, but if you're confident in your off-road skills and have the right rig, the reward is an unforgettable journey through some seriously stunning mountain terrain. Just go in with eyes wide open about what you're getting into!
extremeWhere is Pista de Ruego?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers! We're heading to Pista de Ruego, a mind-blowing track snaking its way up to the abandoned Minas de Liena, a former mining community chilling at a whopping 8,464 feet in the Spanish Pyrenees. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Starting from the A-138 highway, you'll cover about 10.3 miles, but prepare for a serious climb! The average gradient is pretty intense, and you'll hit sections with an 18% grade that will test your nerves. Parts of the road are paved, but don't let that fool you. Beyond Laspuña, things get REAL narrow – barely enough room for two cars. And hold on tight because there are seriously massive drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. The last bit is super rocky, with loose stones and hairpin turns galore. If you're scared of heights, seriously, this isn't the road for you. You'll be cruising through the breathtaking Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. This track winds through absolutely stunning scenery, but you’ll need a 4x4 with high clearance to handle it. Some sections are closed to regular cars, so a beefy vehicle is a must. Word of warning: at this altitude, conditions can change in a heartbeat. Snow, fog, cold, and rain are common, even in summer. In fact, the road is usually impassable from November to June. The payoff? Unbelievable views of the majestic Monte Perdido mountain. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateA wild paved road through Gorges de la Jonte in Occitania
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de la Jonte If you're looking for a seriously stunning drive through southern France, the Gorges de la Jonte should be on your bucket list. This breathtaking canyon, carved out by the Jonte River, stretches across the Occitania region, straddling the Lozère and Aveyron departments with the river itself marking the border between them. The whole drive is absolutely spectacular — we're talking dramatic cliffs and steep, forested slopes that tower up to 450 metres above you. It's the kind of scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. The good news? The entire 21.5 km (13.35 miles) stretch is fully paved, running east-west from Meyrueis to Le Rozier along the D996 road. But here's the thing — this isn't a straightforward cruising kind of route. The road is seriously curvy and there's a genuine risk of rockslides, so you'll want to stay sharp. The speed limit is 90 km/h for a reason, and larger vehicles really aren't ideal for this one. If you're planning to visit between November and March, make sure you've got winter chains in your vehicle — it's mandatory and absolutely essential given the terrain. But honestly? Winter or summer, this canyon drive is an unforgettable experience that'll remind you why France's back roads are absolutely world-class.