Where is Kronplatz-Plan de Corones?
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so Kronplatz-Plan de Corones is this crazy-high mountain pass in the stunning Italian Alps of South Tyrol. You'll find it nestled right in the autonomous region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.
The road up? Well, it's paved but in two distinct acts. First, you're cruising up from Furkelpass - Passo Furcia. It starts off easy, lulling you into a false sense of security before throwing some serious steepness your way towards the end of the asphalt.
Then comes the real challenge. Picture tons of hairpin bends, each one seemingly steeper than the last. We're talking max gradients of 21-24%! This climb has even tested the legs of pros in the Giro d'Italia bicycle race. If you're tackling it from St. Vigil in Enneberg, it's about long with serious elevation gain.
Related Roads in europe
hardColl de Baretja
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll de Baretja: A Wild Alpine Adventure Sitting pretty at 1,753 meters (5,751 feet) on the Spanish-French border, Coll de Baretja is not your average mountain pass. Nestled in the stunning Aran Valley, this is pure, unapologetic alpine terrain that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Fair warning: the road up here is gravel and rock all the way, with plenty of bumpy, tippy sections that'll test your driving skills. You're looking at a seriously steep climb, so this definitely isn't the place to conquer your fear of heights. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle—there's no way around it. The window to drive this route is tight. October through June? Forget about it. Mother Nature pretty much shuts this place down, though occasionally a break in the weather might open a brief window. Even during the "open" season, thunderstorms can roll in without warning and transform the unpacked dirt into an impassable bog in minutes. This is hardcore stuff. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, save yourself the stress and pick a different route. But if you're an experienced off-roader with solid mountain driving credentials and nerves of steel? Coll de Baretja will reward you with an unforgettable ride through some of the Alps' most dramatic landscape.
hardWhere is The Burway?
🇬🇧 England
The Burway, nestled in Shropshire's Cardingmill Valley in the West Midlands, is a wild ride! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a proper adventure up Long Mynd, a mountain plateau reaching 488m (1,601ft). Clocking in at 7.88km (4.9 miles) from Church Stretton to Longmynd (where it's known as The Port Way), this paved road is narrow. Really narrow. We're talking single-track narrow, with gradients hitting a punchy 20% in places. Inexperienced drivers, be warned! The views from the top are absolutely stunning, stretching across Shropshire and beyond. But getting there? It's not for the faint of heart. One side offers a sheer, unprotected drop into the valley below. Seriously, this "high shelf road" can be intimidating! Forget about bringing a caravan – it won't fit. Starting from Church Stretton, the first 3.24 km (2.01 miles) climb 281 meters, averaging an 8.6% gradient. And a word to the wise: this "highest public road in Shropshire" isn't maintained in the winter. Deep snow and icy conditions can make it totally impassable – and incredibly dangerous. One slip, and you're over the edge. So, check the forecast and drive with extreme caution!
moderateMonte Colmo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Colmo Tucked away in Lombardy's stunning High Camonica valley, Monte Colmo is a serious alpine challenge sitting pretty at 1,933 meters (6,341 feet). This mountain pass in Italy's Brescia province isn't messing around—it's a real test of your driving skills and nerves. The paved route, Via Monte Colmo, climbs an intense 12.5 kilometers starting from the charming town of Edolo (675m). What makes this pass particularly thrilling? Several tunnels punctuate the ascent, including one seriously long stretch that's unlit—so definitely pack some headlights and a sense of adventure. With an average gradient of 9.4% and sections hitting a brutal 12%, this isn't your casual Sunday drive. The consistent, punishing climbs demand respect and attention, making every hairpin and switchback feel like you've earned it. If you're after authentic alpine driving with real elevation gains and dramatic mountain scenery, Monte Colmo delivers the goods.
hardHow challenging is the drive to the top of La Norma?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for La Norma in the French Alps! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude service road that climbs to over 2,584 meters in the Savoie region, right inside the stunning Vanoise National Park. Think you can handle it? The ascent starts near something and goes on for less than 9 kilometers. But here's the kicker: you'll gain almost 1,200 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of over 13%! On loose gravel, that’s a serious test of your machine's grip and power. You absolutely NEED a 4WD with high clearance and low-range gears. The road throws 14 hairpin turns at you as it snakes up the mountain. And get this: it's narrow! One wrong move, and you're staring down a massive drop with no guardrails. If it's wet, the dirt turns to slick mud, making those tight corners even more treacherous. Not for the faint of heart! Beyond the steepness, the weather is the real beast. Up at that altitude, visibility can disappear in seconds, even in summer. And a quick storm can turn the track into a total mess. Plus, you're on your own up there – no facilities, no help. Solitude is cool, but you better be prepared for anything. If you're an experienced off-roader, the panoramic views of the Savoie peaks from the top are absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Just remember, this "chairlift road" is one of the toughest climbs in France.