Where is Orrido della Val Taleggio?
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps, specifically the Bergamo province, when BAM! You stumble upon the Orrido della Val Taleggio – a mind-blowing canyon carved out by the raging river.
This road, Strada Provinciale 25 (SP25), is pure driving bliss (if you're up for a challenge). Built way back when by some electrical company (go figure!), it's completely paved but get ready for a wild ride! We're talking a non-stop party of curves and bridges clinging to the side of the Enna river, which has spent centuries sculpting this epic gorge. Seriously, the road is literally carved into the rock face!
The gnarliest part of this adventure is only a few kilometers long, snaking its way from west to east. Think of it as Italy's answer to those crazy balcony roads in France! It's super narrow, with blind corners aplenty. Leave the SUV at home – a motorbike is your best bet. Just keep an eye out for falling rocks, and, for goodness sake, don't get distracted by the INCREDIBLE scenery!
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extremeHeightington Road will take your breath away with 19% ramps
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moderateExploring the abandoned military Vecchia Strada della Fricca in Trentino-Alto Adige
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# Vecchia Strada della Fricca: A Hidden Slice of Alpine History Tucked away in the stunning Venetian Prealps of northern Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, the Vecchia Strada della Fricca is a fascinating relic of WWI military engineering. This 2km (1.24 miles) narrow ribbon of road was literally carved straight out of the mountainside, complete with 9 unlit tunnels burrowed through solid rock. Originally paved, this route was a lifeline during the First World War—connecting the highlands to Valsugana and down to Trento for troops and supplies. Fast forward to November 1918, and this same road became an escape route for Austrian soldiers heading home as the war wound down. Here's the catch: Mother Nature reclaimed her territory. Falling rocks and rockslides pose a serious threat, so the old road is now completely off-limits to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Barriers block access to protect would-be explorers from the hazards above. The good news? The modern SS349 highway bypasses it entirely via the 904m long Fricca Tunnel, so you're not missing out on connectivity. If you're a WWI history buff or mountain architecture enthusiast, this abandoned gem represents a fascinating chapter in Alpine military history—even if you can only admire it from a distance these days.
moderateDriving the brutally steep (45%) Rua da Barreira
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