Where is Mortirolo Pass?
Italy, europe
23.7 km
1,878 m
extreme
Year-round
Mortirolo Pass: Prepare for a challenge in the Italian Alps! This road, also known as Strada del Mortirolo or SP81, snakes its way between Brescia and Sondrio provinces, topping out at a lung-busting 1,878m (6,161ft).
Located in the Lombardy region near the Swiss border, this 23.7 km (14.72 mile) stretch from Mazzo di Valtellina to Monno isn't for the faint of heart. The Mortirolo climb is notorious for its savage gradients, hitting a maximum of 26%! Forget about easy turnarounds; this narrow road doesn't allow them, and 3-axle vehicles are a definite no-go.
This is serious cycling territory, a favorite of the Giro d'Italia. You'll average over 10% gradients, making it arguably Italy's hardest climb. Look out for the memorial to Marco Pantani, "il Pirata," near the summit.
Allow about an hour to drive it non-stop. The views are amazing. For an even wilder ride, a super-narrow, extremely dangerous road branches off at the summit towards Aprica (Valico di Trivigno). This insane 28.5km (17.70 mile) route is paved (barely!) and crazy steep, with sections around 20%. Keep your speed under 20 km/h – and definitely leave the trucks at home. Closed in winter, this old military track rewards the brave with incredible vistas.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,878 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardCam High Road Is the Highest Road in England Outside of the North Pennines
🇬🇧 England
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly epic drive, you HAVE to check out Cam High Road in North Yorkshire, England. Seriously, it's one of the highest roads in the whole country! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Things get real narrow, and you'll be bouncing between paved and gravel sections. I'd highly recommend bringing a vehicle with some decent clearance to handle it. And those hills? Get ready for some seriously steep climbs, with gradients hitting a crazy 16% in spots! Definitely not for the faint of heart (or beginner drivers!). This beauty stretches for about 8.1 miles (13.03 km), starting near the village of Bainbridge and heading towards the legendary Pennine Way. Nestled inside the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales National Park, Cam High Road is said to be the highest road in Yorkshire. You'll be cruising at a whopping 1,932 feet (589 meters) above sea level, so expect some seriously stunning panoramic views! Cyclists, take note: this is one of the highest climbs in England outside the North Pennines.
hardHow to drive the dangerous Ibar Highway?
🌍 Serbia
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers, because the Ibarska Magistrala, or Ibar Highway, is a wild ride connecting Belgrade to western Serbia and Montenegro! Locals sometimes call it the "Black Highway," which should give you a hint about what's in store. Following the path of the Ibar River, this 297 km (185 mile) stretch takes you from Belgrade all the way to the Špiljani border with Montenegro. It's part of the big-league European routes E65, E80, and E763, so expect some company along the way. While the whole route is paved, don't expect smooth sailing everywhere. The parts near cities are generally okay, but things can get a little rough in the countryside, especially after some bad weather rolls through. Trust me, you'll want to stick to daytime driving here – night trips are not recommended due to the tricky road conditions. Most of the highway is single-lane and it gets seriously crowded. In the southern section, you'll have the beautiful Ibar River as your constant companion. Now, for a word of caution: this road sees its fair share of accidents every year. Sadly, between 2017 and 2019, there were over 1,700 accidents, with some resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. So, stay alert, drive carefully, and enjoy the (sometimes hair-raising) adventure!
hardWhich road is Snake Pass?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern England, craving a drive that'll make your palms sweat and your jaw drop. Look no further than Snake Pass! This 26-mile stretch of road, officially the A57, winds its way between Manchester and Sheffield, climbing to a respectable 1,679 feet. Built way back in the early 1800s by the legendary Thomas Telford, Snake Pass earns its name. It's a rollercoaster of bends and blind summits as it crosses the Pennines. Trust me, driving it is an *experience.* Now, let's be real: Snake Pass isn't for the faint of heart. It's known for being hazardous, with tricky curves and elevation changes that can catch you off guard, especially when the weather turns. Expect a maximum gradient of around 10% in places. In winter, it's frequently closed due to snow and ice - on average, it's shut for 70 days a year! It can also get closed due to subsidence after heavy rain, so be sure to check conditions. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane, especially as you descend towards Glossop. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Manchester. Just make sure your car is in tip-top shape, and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding drive.
hardWhere is Tunnel Dingac?
🇭🇷 Croatia
Cruising the Pelješac Peninsula in Dalmatia, Croatia? Get ready for a wild ride through Tunnel Dingac! Seriously, this feels like driving straight into a mine shaft. You'll find this quirky tunnel chilling on the coastal road between Potomje (wine lovers, take note!) and Trstenik. Think of it as a shortcut to paradise, because the exit unveils a view worth a million bucks. Imagine endless vineyards cascading down steep slopes – we're talking a 45-degree angle! Pop out the other side (if you're coming from Potomje) and BAM! Prepare for a panoramic punch to the gut. Mljet, Korčula, a scattering of islands… it's postcard perfection. And you’re smack-dab in Dingač country, the first protected wine region in Croatia. This hand-dug tunnel has a story. Back in '73, local winemakers chipped in to build it, wanting a direct route to haul their grapes. Before? Picture donkeys lugging massive baskets of grapes over a 400m high mountain pass. Some winemakers *still* use donkeys and horses for the harvest – those slopes are too steep for machines! The tunnel itself? Just 400m long, paved, and punches straight through the rocky hillside. It’s a one-way deal, so the local rule is simple: no headlights coming your way? Go for it! See lights? Pull over and wait. Word of warning: it’s unlit, narrow, and dark. If you're claustrophobic, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for a unique adventure, Tunnel Dingac is an unforgettable taste of Croatia.