
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
hardDriving Through the Felbertauern Tunnel in the Heart of the Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Felbertauern Tunnel: Austria's Alpine Gateway Tucked away at 1,650 meters (5,413 feet) in the heart of Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park, the Felbertauern Tunnel sits right on the border between Salzburg and Tyrol. Before this marvel was completed in 1967, getting from East Tyrol to Innsbruck meant taking a serious detour—either through South Tyrol or tackling the seasonal Großglockner High Alpine Road. Not ideal, especially when winter hit. Named after the nearby Felbertauern Pass (which peaks at a beefy 2,481 meters), this impressive tunnel stretches about 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles) and ranks among Austria's longest road tunnels. It's a single-tube setup with two-way traffic, and yes, there's a toll to use it. The whole experience is surprisingly modern for an Alpine crossing. The road (B 108) is fully paved, with more than a third running through protective avalanche galleries and tunnels—because this is serious mountain terrain. Over half the route actually features three lanes, and you'll find long stretches spanning elegant bridges. The gradient never exceeds 10%, though the approach ramps can hit 9.3% in steeper sections. Running north-south from Mittersill in Salzburg to the medieval town of Lienz in Tyrol, the 65-kilometer (40-mile) route climbs through some dramatic Alpine scenery. The best part? It's open year-round, so you're not stuck waiting for summer to cross. Just pull up to one of the tunnel portals and arrange a shuttle if you prefer—easy as that.
moderateTravelling the General Wade’s Military Road from Inverness to Fort Augustus
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness, camera in hand, ready to capture some serious Scottish magic. That's General Wade's Military Road for you! This road has some history, dating back to the 1720s when General George Wade decided to build a route across Ashie Moor. Turns out the first attempt was a bit of a fail in winter, so they rebuilt it in 1732. Keep an eye out for deer, they love hanging around here. The B862 and B852 combine to make this twisty treat, but don't underestimate it! This road is narrow, like seriously narrow, so be prepared to use those passing places. And with all those blind bends, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you. Snuggled in the Highlands, this 51km (32 mile) stretch between Inverness and Fort Augustus is pure scenic gold. It will take around an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes to drive without stopping, but you will want to stop! Breathtaking views are practically guaranteed around every corner, and the traffic is usually pretty light. Just watch where you park and soak it all in. Trust me, you will need to bring your camera!
hardMontau
🇪🇸 Spain
# Montau Mountain Road: A Thrilling Catalan Adventure Nestled in the Garraf Massif—part of Catalonia's stunning Coastal Range—Montau peaks at 654m (2,145ft) and delivers views that'll make you forget why you ever stayed at sea level. Located in Barcelona's Garraf comarca, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road up is pure adventure: gravel, rocky, and wonderfully unpredictable. Expect switchbacks that'll test your driving skills and surfaces that'll have your suspension working overtime. This isn't a route for nervous drivers or regular sedans—seriously, bring a 4x4 if you want to tackle it comfortably. The steep inclines mean you'll need confidence and proper vehicle clearance. But here's the payoff: reach the summit and you'll find a communication antenna and a fire lookout tower standing sentinel over panoramic views of the Catalan landscape. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a scenery chaser, Montau delivers on both fronts. Just make sure your wheels are ready for the journey—this rocky, bumpy climb is worth every jarring mile.
moderateHow to buy an e-vignette in Slovenia
🌍 Slovenia
Okay, so you're heading from Ljubljana to Maribor (or beyond) in Slovenia? Sweet! You're gonna love the drive, but first things first: you NEED to know about the e-vignette. Think of it as your digital passport for the highways. Slovenia's serious about keeping its roads in tip-top shape (and they are amazing!), so they've got this toll system in place. Basically, ALL motorways and expressways are pay-to-play. No physical toll booths here – it's all digital. Messing around and not getting one can lead to hefty fines and, yikes, even your car getting impounded. Not the way you want to start (or end) a road trip! Getting your e-vignette is super easy. Just hop online to the official DARS website. You'll need your car's registration number, country of origin, and what kind of vehicle you're driving. Pay with a credit card, PayPal, or your digital wallet, and boom! You pick how long you need it for (weekly, monthly, or yearly), and your car's details are logged into the system. Cameras along the highways will then automatically check you're good to go as you cruise along. Now, here's the lowdown on what happens if you skip the vignette. Slovenia doesn't play around – fines can be anywhere from EUR 300 to EUR 800! Pay up within 15 days, and you might get a discount, but ignore it, and things get ugly fast. Oh, and a heads-up: the Karawanken Tunnel is a separate charge, so factor that into your budget. Only the short stretch from Austria to Hrušica exit is exempt from the normal vignette. Important note: this e-vignette covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg (think cars and motorcycles). Anything heavier? You'll need a special DarsGo electronic device. Double-check your vehicle's weight class to avoid any dramas. So, get your e-vignette sorted BEFORE you hit the road. Trust me, a little prep work saves you a whole lot of stress (and money) later. Slovenia's roads are some of the best in Central Europe, but they expect you to play by the rules. Get that digital "ticket to ride", and enjoy the freedom of the open road!