Where is Passo della Mulattiera?

Where is Passo della Mulattiera?

Italy, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,412 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Passo della Mulattiera, a crazy high mountain pass chilling at 2,412 meters (7,913 feet) in the Turin province of Italy's Piedmont region.

You'll find this gem nestled near the French border, right by Bardonecchia in the Susa Valley. Getting there? Buckle up, because the road is unpaved, rocky, and seriously narrow. Think old military road turned mule track – built way back in 1939, and ending right at the pass.

You can kick things off in Bardonecchia, winding through Mount Colomion, or hop on midway from Beaulard. Is it worth it? Absolutely! At the top, you'll stumble upon a massive barrack ruin. Plus, this trail cruises through seriously remote areas, so come prepared!

Perched just below the stunning Punta Charra cliff (2,844 m), south of Bardonecchia, you're treated to killer panoramic views. We're talking the Valle Stretta (Vallée Étroite in French), and all the surrounding mountains of the Bardonecchia, Beaulard, and Oulx valleys. Trust me, the views are worth the white-knuckle drive!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,412 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

What are the highest roads in Spain?hard

What are the highest roads in Spain?

🇪🇸 Spain

# Spain's High-Altitude Roads: A Driver's Paradise Spain might be famous for its gorgeous coastlines and beach vibes, but here's the plot twist—it's actually Europe's second-most mountainous country after Switzerland. Seriously! The interior is a jaw-dropping mix of sprawling high-altitude plateaus and dramatic mountain ranges that'll make your jaw drop. The Pyrenees dominate the north with their sheer size, while the Sierra Nevada in the south rises majestically with snow-capped peaks that look straight out of a postcard. This wild, rugged terrain has created an incredible network of high-altitude roads and mountain passes—locals call them "Puertos"—that climb to some of Europe's most breathtaking elevations. For drivers looking for an adrenaline rush combined with mind-blowing scenery, these routes are absolutely calling your name. Ready to hit these legendary roads? Use our interactive map to explore some of the world's most thrilling driving routes and discover the challenging, vertical heart of Spain. There's nothing quite like navigating switchbacks with panoramic mountain views that stretch for miles. Found an amazing road that's not on our radar yet? We'd love to hear about it! Share your discovery and help us grow our collection of the world's most exciting drives.

Pas des Sables, a road through a lunar landscapeeasy

Pas des Sables, a road through a lunar landscape

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Pas des Sables, a lunar landscape right here on Earth! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,374m (7,788ft) on the east side of Réunion Island. You'll cruise along Route Forestière 5 du Volcan, or Volcano Road as the locals call it. Don't let the "paved" part fool you – it's steep and otherworldly! Pro-tip: even on a sunny day, that lava reflects like crazy, so sunscreen and a hat are a must. And trust me, the weather can change in a heartbeat. Fog rolls in, visibility drops, so give yourself plenty of time. This area gets serious rain, especially during storm season. The road stretches for about 16.7 km (10.37 miles), climbing 757 meters along the way. That's an average grade of 4.53%, so hold on tight! You'll find a bunch of parking up top, and the road actually ends at a similar spot, Col de Saint-Barnabé, just a bit lower at 2,361m (7,746ft). Get ready for views you won't believe!

Little Saint-Bernard Pass is an absolute must for road loversmoderate

Little Saint-Bernard Pass is an absolute must for road lovers

🇫🇷 France

# Little St Bernard Pass: A Alpine Adventure Worth Every Hairpin Turn Nestled on the Italian-French border at 2,188m (7,178ft), the Little St Bernard Pass—or Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard if you're feeling fancy—is seriously one of the most jaw-dropping mountain drives you'll ever experience. This legendary route connects France's Savoie region with Italy's Aosta Valley, linking the charming town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice with Morgex. Fun fact: historians reckon this might be the very route Hannibal took with his army (and yes, elephants) back in ancient times. ## The Drive Itself Coming from the French side? You're looking at 16.46 miles with a solid 4,423-foot elevation gain—average gradient of 5.1%, though it gets spicy at 8.1% in the most spectacular sections. The first 9.6 miles to La Rosière is the famous Montée d'Hauteville climb. From Italy's side near Pré-Saint-Didier, it's 14.6 miles with 3,885 feet of climbing. Either way, plan for roughly two hours of driving bliss. Fair warning: the Italian side treats you to some seriously intense hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat in the best possible way. ## When to Go June through September is prime time—everything's blooming, the weather's crystal clear, and visibility stretches for miles. Winter? Forget about it. This area gets buried in snow, typically closing by October and not reopening until June. Want a magical experience? Hit it in late May or early June when you might drive through a 10-foot snow corridor. Check conditions before you go because the scenery changes dramatically day to day. ## What You'll See The vistas are absolutely stunning. From the French side, you get an incredible view cascading down into the Aosta Valley. There are serpentine sections, a few tunnels, and charming traditional homes dotting the mountainside—a reminder that some brave souls actually live off-grid up here. The pass sits just south of the Mont Blanc Massif, so you're genuinely in the heart of Alpine beauty. ## Worth Your Time History buffs should definitely stop at L'Hospice du Gd-St-Bernard, a combo museum, monastery, restaurant, and hostel where the famous St. Bernard dogs originated. You can grab a great meal and check out the museum in under an hour. Halfway through, the adorable town of La Thuile awaits with world-class skiing, excellent restaurants, and cozy hotels—perfect for breaking up your drive. Whether you're a gearhead craving those thrilling mountain switchbacks or just someone who loves a scenic road trip, this pass delivers. The elevation, the natural beauty, and those legendary turns? They'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Roc d'Orzivalhard

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Roc d'Orzival

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Roc d'Orzival: Alpine Adventure in Switzerland Ready for one of Switzerland's most intense mountain drives? Head to the Sierre district in Valais, where you'll find Roc d'Orzival towering at 2,814 meters (9,232 feet) above sea level, nestled in the stunning Pennine Alps. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. The 9.3-kilometer (5.77-mile) route starting from Grimentz takes you up Route de Beauregard on an unpaved, rocky chairlift service road that demands serious respect. You're looking at an elevation gain of 1,053 meters and an intense average gradient of 11.32%—this road doesn't mess around. Steep switchbacks and rough terrain mean you'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle, and heads up: private vehicles aren't allowed here. But here's the payoff: the panoramic views across the Swiss Alps are absolutely breathtaking. The journey is best tackled during summer months when the road is accessible; winter conditions make this route pretty much impassable. This adventure will land you on one of the country's highest roads, so if you're chasing that ultimate alpine experience with views that'll blow your mind, Roc d'Orzival delivers in spades. Just come prepared, pack your sense of adventure, and bring that 4x4.