Where is Colle del Mulo?
Italy, europe
N/A
2,523 m
hard
Year-round
Colle del Mulo—or Mule Pass—is a seriously high point in the Italian Alps, clocking in at 2,523m (8,277ft)! You'll find it nestled in Piedmont's Cuneo province, practically kissing the French border.
Okay, real talk: getting to the top is an *adventure*. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking full-on unpaved, super-narrow roads with heart-stopping drop-offs and seriously steep climbs. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential.
And heads up, this isn't a year-round trip. Being high in the Hautes Alpes means heavy snow, so the road is usually closed from late October until late June or even July, depending on the year.
Here's a cool piece of history: the southern side of the road is an old gravel military road built way back in the '30s and '40s. The northern side? Well, it's a bit of a relic! Construction was abandoned during the war in 1943, so you'll have to hike the last bit. Even with the challenging drive, the views from the top are totally worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,523 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateA classic road trip to Col de l’Homme and Notre-Dame de la Salette
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Homme: A Pilgrimage Drive with a View Tucked away in France's Isère department, Col de l'Homme rises to 1,766 meters (5,793 feet) in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It's a spot where spirituality meets stunning Alpine scenery—the summit is crowned by Notre-Dame de la Salette, a gorgeous 19th-century basilica that's been drawing pilgrims for generations. You'll find a gift shop, some charming buildings, statues, and a substantial parking lot once you reach the top. The drive itself is a pleasant surprise. The 14.3-kilometer (8.88-mile) Route de la Salette (officially D212C) climbs steadily from the village of Corps, but it's done in the friendliest way possible. Fully paved, nicely wide, and peppered with gentle curves, this road won't have your knuckles white on the steering wheel. You'll gain 822 meters of elevation at an easy 5.74% average gradient, and traffic is refreshingly light. The area has a poignant history too. In 1950, a tragic plane crash claimed 51 lives near the nearby Grande Tête de l'Obiou peak—49 of the victims were Canadian. A memorial cemetery a few kilometers along the road honors those lost. It's the kind of drive that rewards you with both inner peace and mountain-top views.
moderateWhat’s the history of Old Tragjas?
🇦🇱 Albania
Old Tragjas, Albania is an eerie, ruined village with a powerful story. This town was abandoned after being bombed in 1943 because of partisan sympathies, so tread carefully among the ruins. Old Tragjas played a key role in Albanian history as the site of a battle where Albanian resistance fighters took down Italian troops. The village was bombed in 1943 due to its anti-fascist ties and has been deserted ever since. You'll find these ruins nestled on hills overlooking the Bay of Vlora, about 25 km from the city of Vlora. It was named a cultural monument in 1980 for its architecture – a classic representation of the region's cultural roots. Historians believe that Gjergj Arianiti, Donika Kastrioti’s father, founded the settlement around the turn of the 15th century. The mountain village has a fantastic location for both beauty and strategic reasons. Beautiful buildings with complex designs once stood here, blending into the landscape. However, three fires and WWII bombing runs left the village in ruins. Even after six decades, the village still holds secrets, with a long street and former homes. It’s a fascinating spot for history and architecture buffs. Artifacts found here hint at a long history dating back to ancient times. Now, about that road! Located in the south-western part of the country, the road to Old Tragjas is completely unpaved and treacherous, with lots of narrow sections. A 4x4 is usually best, but motorhomes should stay away. But the drive is visually rewarding! Starting from the new Tragjas village, the road is roughly 5.1 km (3.16 miles) long, climbing 263 meters with a 5.15% average grade. The road climbs to Qafa e Asters, named for the tombs scattered about. The pass offers views of ancient Orikum and the coast. Be careful and have a great trip!
hardHow to get by car to Mont Faron in Toulon?
🇫🇷 France
# Mont Faron: A Mediterranean Gem Above Toulon Perched at 584 meters (1,916 feet) above the glittering Mediterranean, Mont Faron is Toulon's most iconic landmark. This peak dominates the landscape of southern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and comes crowned with a WWII memorial honoring Operation Dragoon and the 1944 liberation of Toulon. The road up? It's legendary among cyclists. Known by several names—Chemin du Fort Rouge, Chemin de la Baume, and Route du Faron—this narrow, one-way ribbon of asphalt is genuinely challenging. Fair warning: the tarmac's a bit weathered in places, and the pavement gets rough, but that's all part of the authentic experience. Starting from Toulon's western side, you're looking at 5.5 kilometers (3.41 miles) of pure climbing with a punishing 494-meter elevation gain. The average gradient sits at 9%, but some sections crank up to a brutal 11.4%—brutal enough to make this route a favorite stage in the grueling Paris–Nice and Tour Méditerranéen races. Trust us, your legs will feel this one. But here's the magic: those sweeping views across Toulon's naval harbor and the Mediterranean beyond make every pedal stroke worthwhile. The bay stretches out like a sparkling jewel, one of Europe's most gorgeous stretches of coastline. Hit it at sunrise or sunset, and you'll see why people rave about this place—the azure waters and verdant cliffs glow with an almost unreal beauty. From the summit, gazing down at France's bustling military port and the city sprawling below? Absolutely splendid.
hardNational Tourist Route Valdresflye is a scenic drive in Norway
🇳🇴 Norway
# Valdresflye: Norway's Epic Mountain Drive Craving one of Norway's most iconic scenic drives? Look no further than Valdresflye, a stunning 49km (30.44 miles) mountain road that'll blow your mind. This gem winds through Innlandet county in eastern Norway, connecting the charming town of Garli near Beitostølen to Besstrondsæter in Vågå. What makes this route so special? It's totally paved and sits perched high on the eastern slopes of the Jotunheimen mountains, topping out at an impressive 1,393m (4,570ft) above sea level. You're literally driving one of the country's highest roads. The road gets narrow in spots, but it's mostly smooth sailing across rolling terrain that feels absolutely effortless—like it's floating above the landscape. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. From the mountain plateau, you'll catch stunning vistas of Jotunheimen National Park, then swoop down through gorgeous cultivated valleys dotted with mountain pastures. The contrast is incredible—wild, jagged peaks to the north giving way to serene rolling hills to the south. It's like you're getting two completely different landscapes in one drive. The route typically opens in early May and stays accessible through November, though the summit weather can shift in a heartbeat, so come prepared. The plateau is a legendary launching point for spring skiing expeditions and hikes into the Jotunheimen peaks. **Quick Details:** No ferries, but note that winter closures affect some stretches between Garli and Maurvangen (though the Hindsæter to Gjendesheim section stays open). Keep your eyes peeled for reindeer herds along the way!