
Where is Dordona Pass?
Italy, europe
21.5 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Dordona Pass sits high in the mountains at a lung-busting elevation. You'll find this beauty nestled in the Bergamo Alps of northern Italy. It's a wild ride connecting the upper Val Brembana and Val di Scalve valleys.
Heads up, adventurers: the road to the top is entirely unpaved. This route, also known as Strada del Passo Dordona and Strada della Val Madre, officially opened sometime in the past.
Trust me, the views are worth it. Close to the summit, you can find a cozy mountain refuge. As you ascend, keep your eyes peeled for old military constructions. Right at the pass, there's even a bunker carved right into the rock, offering incredible views over a huge chunk of the surrounding landscape.
Keep in mind that winter conditions may make this pass impassable.
This is a journey for experienced drivers. While the road is unpaved, the payoff is a mind-blowing high alpine landscape.
Clocking in at 21.5 km (13.35 miles), this route requires some serious focus. You might encounter a military paved road to Teglia Pass along the way.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.5 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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