Where is Lago Miserin?

Okay, picture this: You're in the Aosta Valley, Italy, itching for a high-altitude adventure. Head to Lago Miserin, one of the highest lakes in Italy, nestled way up in the upper Champorcher Valley. This beauty sits within reach of both Mont Avic Regional Park and Gran Paradiso National Park, so you know the scenery is epic.

You'll find a cute mountain hut (Rifugio Misérin) and the Santuario Madonna delle Nevi (Our Lady of the Snow) up there, too – the highest sanctuary in Europe! Legend says this spot was chosen because a Virgin Mary statue kept magically returning to the area. Today, the sanctuary is gorgeous, filled with historical art.

But, let's talk about getting there. This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be climbing a whopping 1,164 meters, averaging an 8.13% gradient! The first bit is paved, lulling you into a false sense of security. Then BAM! It turns into a dirt track, often covered in rocks. 4x4 is pretty much a must for most of it.

Beyond the parking lot, it gets even wilder. The last 4km is a seriously rugged dirt track to the right of the refuge, and is closed to private vehicles. We're talking short, steep sections with surfaces that'll make you sweat – even cyclists might have to hop off and push. Some parts of the route even follow the old Royal Hunting Road. Heads up: this road is totally snowed in during winter, so plan accordingly!