Where is Malga Palazzo?
Italy, europe
8 km
1,571 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Scanuppia-Malga Palazzo in Trentino, Italy! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a climb to 1,571 meters (that's 5,154 feet for my American friends) of pure, unadulterated adrenaline.
Nestled in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, this hidden gem, also called Salita Scanuppia, kicks off near Besenello. The stats? A mere 8 kilometers (or roughly 5 miles), but don't let the distance fool you. You'll be wrestling your way up 1,317 meters with an average gradient of 18.1%.
Why is everyone talking about it? Because it's rumored to be the steepest paved climb in Europe (or even the world!). Seriously, there are sections that hit a mind-blowing 42.8%.
And the road itself? Well, it's paved...sort of. Think concrete with a seriously wavy surface – like giant ripples built in for extra grip, especially useful when snow and ice hit the Dolomite mountain range. So, get ready for a bumpy, breathtaking, and utterly unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,571 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Monte Martello?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the South Tyrol region of Italy, heading into Val Martello. Your destination? Monte Martello, a seriously stunning pass sitting at 2,051 meters (6,729 feet)! The road winds alongside the gorgeous Zufrittsee-Lago Gioveretto for nearly 23 kilometers, starting from Coldrano and taking you up to the Zufallhütte (if you’re not in a private vehicle). The last bit? Gravel – so leave your car behind and hike it! This climb? It’s no joke! It's been featured in the Giro d’Italia. Expect an average gradient of around 6.1%, but don’t get comfy. This road throws all sorts of steep and gentle sections at you. The final 1.3 kilometers are brutal, with gradients exceeding 10%, especially that last stretch with 1km to go! It's a long, irregular climb that feels like it goes on forever! Trust me, the views are worth the effort. Just be prepared for some narrow spots and that final gravel section. It's a ride you won't soon forget!
hardWhere is Dosso dei Galli?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Dosso dei Galli! Nestled high in the Italian province of Brescia, in the Lombardy region, this mountain pass sits at a breathtaking 2,188m (7,178ft). You'll find yourself cruising along Strada Provinciale 345B (aka Delle Tre Valli) for about 17.4 km (10.81 miles). Be warned: this isn't your average Sunday drive! Most of the route hovers above 2,000 meters, clinging to mountaintops with seriously exposed drops. We're talking hundreds of meters down, and sometimes with no guardrails! The SP 345B connects to the SP 345 and ends at the junction with the SP 669 road, so you can tackle it from either direction. While the start and end are nicely paved, get ready for a gravelly middle section! Don't let that scare you off, though. It's totally doable, just watch out for rocks and rough patches, especially on the curves. Keep it slow (20 km/h is the limit), and remember, no passing or impromptu stops unless you're in a designated spot. The scenery is unreal, so take it all in, but keep your eyes on the road!
hardWhere is Monte Zoncolan?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, because Monte Zoncolan in Italy's Udine province is not for the faint of heart! This mountain pass, perched at 1,732 meters (5,682 feet) in the Carnic Alps near the Austrian border, is a wild ride on the SP123. The road stretches for 23.6 km (14.66 miles) from Ovaro to Sutrio, but don't let the distance fool you. This isn't a leisurely cruise. We're talking about a relentless climb with a soul-crushing maximum gradient of 23%! Expect around 45-60 minutes of white-knuckle driving, navigating 38 hairpin turns and squeezing through three short tunnels. Think of it as the "King of the Carnic Alps," a legend among cyclists and a true test for any driver. While the views are undoubtedly epic, you'll be too busy wrestling the wheel to fully appreciate them! The summit rewards your efforts with a parking spot and a monument to cycling climbers. Just remember, this road is brutal, with sections hitting nearly 20% grade. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateWhen was Heidelberger Hut built?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, practically spitting distance from Austria, heading up, up, UP into the Silvretta Mountains. Your destination? The Heidelberger Hütte, a seriously cool mountain hut perched at 2,264 meters (that's 7,427 feet!). Forget your fancy sports car though; the 13.4 km (8.32 miles) road from Ischgl is strictly unpaved and closed to private cars – think rugged 4x4 territory. The climb is a real leg-burner, gaining a whopping 907 meters from the valley floor. We're talking an average gradient of almost 7%! But trust me, the views are worth every bump and jostle. The road winds its way through the Fimbatal valley, with scenery that will leave you breathless. Just a heads up: this adventure is best saved for the warmer months, as the road is usually snowed in during winter. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!