Where is Forcola di Livigno?

Where is Forcola di Livigno?

Italy, europe

Length

18.1 km

Elevation

2,315 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the Livigno Pass, also known as Forcola di Livigno! This high-altitude gem sits right on the border between Switzerland and Italy, topping out at a cool 7,595 feet.

You'll find this beauty nestled in the western Rhaetian Alps, connecting GraubĂĽnden in Switzerland with Sondrio in Lombardy, Italy.

The fully paved road stretches for about 11.24 miles from Livigno to La Motta. The Italian side is all about those long, straight shots, while the Swiss side throws in some fun twists and turns to keep you on your toes.

Word of warning: This pass isn't always open! Usually, it's closed from November to June due to snow. And be ready for some steep climbs; some sections hit a gradient of up to 13%. But trust me, the views are worth it!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
18.1 km
Max Elevation
2,315 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Travel guide to the top of Col du Chasseral in the Jura Mountainsmoderate

Travel guide to the top of Col du Chasseral in the Jura Mountains

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Col du Chasseral Ever heard of Col du Chasseral? This 1,606-meter (5,269 ft) alpine gem sits pretty in Switzerland's Jura Mountains, nestled in the Bern canton near Neuchâtel. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with mountain driving. Here's what makes it special: the summit is home to a charming hotel-restaurant and a communication tower, and the views? Absolutely stunning. You get panoramic vistas over three beautiful lakes, with the massive Biel Lake dominating the landscape right below you. It's the kind of spot that makes you want to pull over and just breathe. The route from Nods is a solid 10.4 km (6.46 miles) of pure alpine driving, climbing 710 meters with an average gradient of 6.82%. The road itself is completely paved, but fair warning—it's narrow and seriously steep. You'll navigate some tight switchbacks that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The asphalt is in decent shape overall, and the drainage systems are helpfully marked with white lines. The real challenge? Those speed bumps between the pass and the hotel are legitimately tall and demand your full attention and a slow approach. The road ends at a parking area at 1,548 meters, where cars have to call it quits. From there, adventurers can hike or bike the final stretch to the actual summit. **Pro tip:** Don't forget to check conditions before you go—this pass is notorious for winter closures, so timing is everything if you're planning a visit in the colder months.

A Very Relaxing Drive with Nice Views to Col des Mosses in the Swiss Alpsmoderate

A Very Relaxing Drive with Nice Views to Col des Mosses in the Swiss Alps

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Col des Mosses: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Ready for an epic drive through the Swiss Alps? Col des Mosses is calling your name. This stunning mountain pass sits at 1,452m (4,763ft) in the canton of Vaud and has become legendary among cyclists and road-trippers alike—it's even a favorite of the Tour de France! The fully paved Route 11 stretches 32.4 km (20.13 miles) between charming Château-d'Œx and the town of Aigle, offering two distinctly different experiences depending on which direction you tackle it. **Coming from Château-d'Œx?** You're in for the gentler ride. The 14 km ascent climbs 521 meters with an average gradient of 3.7% (maxing out at 8%). Sure, you'll encounter more traffic and pass through villages that'll slow you down, but the road quality is solid and the journey feels more relaxed. Plus, there's an absolutely gorgeous section through a gorge alongside a wild mountain river that'll take your breath away. **Attacking from Aigle?** Now that's where things get spicy. The 18.8 km climb gains a whopping 1,028 meters with a steeper average of 5.5%—and this is where the real fun happens. Wind through postcard-perfect villages nestled in the foothills, each one tempting you to slow down and soak in the scenery. The best part? This road stays open year-round, so you can experience Alpine beauty whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're a seasoned driver or just chasing incredible mountain vistas, Col des Mosses delivers on every level.

Cim Fontcaldamoderate

Cim Fontcalda

🇪🇸 Spain

# Cim Fontcalda: A Hidden Mountain Gem in Catalonia Tucked away in the Tarragona province of southern Catalonia, Cim Fontcalda is a charming mountain pass that sits just 488 meters (1,601 feet) above sea level. Don't let the modest elevation fool you—this route packs personality and history in equal measure. The drive itself is a delightful 4.5 km climb from the C-43 road, featuring 20 hairpin turns that wind through gorgeous forested terrain. The paved road (with some concrete sections mixed in) takes you on a pretty mellow ascent, with an average gradient of just 2.46%—until those final 2 kilometers kick up to a maximum of 10%. You'll gain about 111 meters in total, making this an accessible but scenic drive. What makes Cim Fontcalda truly special is where it leads: the Fontcalda sanctuary, home to natural hot springs that maintain a refreshing 25°C year-round. It's the perfect spot to stretch your legs and soak in some local culture. The area sits within the striking Serres de Pàndols-Cavalls mountain range and carries significant historical weight—this landscape witnessed some of the Spanish Civil War's most intense chapters. Expect peaceful driving conditions; traffic here is virtually nonexistent, so you'll have the winding roads largely to yourself. It's the kind of understated mountain pass that rewards those who venture off the beaten path.

A memorable road trip to Col de Riou in the Pyreneeshard

A memorable road trip to Col de Riou in the Pyrenees

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Riou Nestled in the Pyrénées National Park in the Hautes-Pyrénées, Col de Riou sits pretty at 1,949 meters (6,394 feet) above sea level—and trust me, you'll feel every bit of that elevation. This is serious mountain territory in France's stunning Occitan region. Fair warning: the road up here is completely unpaved and narrow as they come, with some seriously exposed drop-offs that'll keep your knuckles white. You're really looking at a summer-only adventure; the pass typically doesn't shake off its snow until late June, and some years you're waiting until July. Plan accordingly! Starting from the Bederet parking area (just north of Ski Resort Luz Ardiden), you've got a punchy 4-kilometer climb ahead of you. That's 265 meters of elevation gain packed into a relatively short distance, with an average gradient of 6.62%—but don't get comfortable because some sections crank up to a gnarly 15.1%. The road is steep, relentless, and genuinely challenging. At the top, you'll find the haunting ruins of L'hôtellerie du Col de Riou, an old hotel that's been abandoned since the German occupation during World War II. It's a poignant reminder of history perched at the summit. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely jaw-dropping. You're staring out at the Cauterets and Luz-Saint-Sauveur valleys with the surrounding peaks stretching out in every direction. It's the kind of panorama that makes the brutal climb totally worth it.