Where is Col del Sommeiller?
France, europe
13.7 km
2,993 m
hard
Year-round
Col del Sommeiller: an absolute stunner straddling the French-Italian border! This isn't just any mountain pass; at almost 10,000 feet, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Europe.
Starting near Bardonecchia, Italy, you're in for a 16-mile climb that's pure eye candy. Think hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, picturesque alpine dams, and a turquoise lake shimmering at the summit that's begging for a photo. The views? Unreal.
Now, a heads-up: only the first few miles are paved, and not well, at that! After Rochemolles, the rest is a rocky, unpaved adventure that's best tackled with a 4x4. Expect some steep sections—grades can hit almost 20%!
Keep in mind that this road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. It usually doesn't get cleared until late July. Also, there can be partial closures on Thursdays between July and September.
But trust me, if you're up for a challenge and crave epic scenery, Col del Sommeiller is an unforgettable ride.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,993 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Cerro del Moro?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Cerro del Moro, a mountain peak chilling high up in the Province of, Spain. The locals call it something else, but trust me, the views are worth the tongue-twister! You'll find this gem nestled along the south-eastern coast of Spain, in the autonomous community of. Picture this: you make it to the top and BAM! Stunning panoramas unfold, stretching all the way down towards the. Keep your eyes peeled for the local mountain goats – they might just make a cameo! The road? It's a winding, paved ribbon leading straight to the summit. Freshly repaired, it's in great shape, though a bit narrow, and trucks are a no-go. But hey, that just means less traffic to share the road with. Plus, it's open year-round! Now, buckle up because this climb is legit. You'll start your ascent at around 427m above sea level and in just, the road climbs to the peak. That's an average gradient of, with some sections hitting a crazy. Get ready for a thrilling ride!
hardAurafreida
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Aurafreida Pass Ready for a real adventure? Aurafreida is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,160m (7,086ft) in the Bernina district of Graubünden, Switzerland. Here's where things get interesting: the road starts off all civilized and nicely paved, then suddenly says "nope!" and turns into rugged gravel. We're talking seriously steep and narrow—like, barely-one-car-wide narrow. There are stretches so tight that when two vehicles meet, one driver might need to reverse for several kilometers along the twisting road just to find a spot wide enough to squeeze past each other. The scenery is absolutely worth it, but fair warning: this elevation comes with serious winter weather. Heavy snowfall hits regularly, and the road can shut down without warning when conditions get sketchy. So if you're planning a visit, check conditions first and go prepared—this pass demands respect.
moderateWhere is La Cuevona?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northern Spain, in the Asturias region, near the sweet little town of Ribadesella. You're headed toward Cuevas del Agua, and suddenly...the road disappears into the mouth of a massive cave! This isn't just any cave; it's La Cuevona, a natural wonder about 300 meters long. Forget your average scenic route — this one takes you right through the heart of a mountain, with the Sella river tagging along! The road itself? Well, it's paved, but definitely a bit on the wild side — narrow, twisty, and requires a turnaround at the end. Think orange glow from the tunnel lights, and some pretty awesome rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites all around. It's more than just a drive; it's an experience. Park the car and take a stroll to really soak in the cave's atmosphere. Just watch out for traffic, it can get busy! Seeing nature's art carved into the rocks is truly a sensational experience.
hardIs the road to Puerto de Navafría paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Spain, right on the border between Castile and Leon and Madrid. You're headed for Puerto de Navafría, a mountain pass that tops out at a cool 1,775 meters (5,823 feet). The road? Totally paved, so no worries there. But get ready for a bit of a roller coaster! It's narrow in spots, and the pavement's a little rough around the edges, which just adds to the charm, right? This beauty is known as M-637 on the south side and SG-612 up north. The whole shebang stretches for about 23 kilometers (14 miles), winding from the N110 near Navafría all the way down to the M604 near Lozoya. And hold on tight, because this climb gets seriously steep in sections, hitting a max gradient of 10%! This climb is so epic, it's even been featured in the Vuelta a España. So, is it worth the drive? Absolutely! You're smack-dab in the Sierra de Guadarrama, surrounded by trees and epic panoramic views. And at the summit? A ski station! Perfect for snapping some pics and soaking it all in.