Where is Pian del Re?
Italy, europe
11 km
2,020 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy, winding your way up to Pian del Re in the Piedmont region. This high-altitude plateau sits pretty at 2,020 meters (that's 6,627 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Valle Po, not far from Crissolo.
Why "Pian del Re?" Apparently, it dates back to when the French army was hanging around during Francis I's reign.
The road itself? It's a fully paved 11 km (almost 7 miles) of pure driving joy, kicking off from Crissolo. Get ready for a climb! You'll gain 878 meters in elevation, so expect an average gradient of around 8%.
It's called Strada Provinciale 234. The road is in decent shape but gets narrow for the last 3 km as you approach Pian del Re. Trucks are a no-go, so you can enjoy a (usually) less crowded drive.
Important note: this road is only open from June to October. You're in the Cottian Alps, after all. Snow chains or snow tires might be necessary, even during the open months, depending on the weather. At the top, you'll find a parking lot, a refuge, and a few buildings. The Rifugio Albergo is the perfect spot to kick off hikes and experience the famous Giro del Monviso.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,020 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is the Via del Sale road?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you, your trusty 4x4, and the legendary Via del Sale, aka the Salt Road. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure straddling the Italian/French border, high up in the Ligurian Alps. We're talking serious bragging rights here. This historic military track kicks off near Limone Piemonte and winds its way to Monesi di Triora. We're talking about 30 kilometers (almost 19 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun on unpaved roads covered in loose gravel and rocks. Don't let the relatively short distance fool you, though. This isn't a Sunday drive! Allocate at least half a day, maybe a full day, to really soak it all in—and tackle those tricky sections. The "Salt Road" moniker? That's a throwback to its days as a vital trade route, moving salt from the Mediterranean to Turin. Later, it bulked up as a key military route, so you'll spot remnants of that history, like hand-carved tunnels and stone walls clinging to the cliffs. Speaking of cliffs, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4, no question. This route demands respect. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and, oh yeah, sections with zero guardrails and serious vertical drops. After a rainstorm, scout ahead on foot, as parts of the path can get dicey! You'll conquer passes like Passo della Guardia and Passo di Collardente, topping out near Colle di Perla at 2,239 meters high! Important deets: this beauty is seasonal, generally closed from October to late May because of snow. Even in summer, double-check if it's open. Since 2019, you need to book your entry in advance, and spots are limited each day. Also, keep an eye out for days reserved for hikers and cyclists, when cars aren't allowed. Remember, you're going off-grid. No gas stations, no repair shops, and iffy cell service. Bring a full-size spare tire, not just a patch kit, plenty of water, and be ready for fog that can roll in fast and thick. But trust me, the views—stretching from the Alps to the Ligurian Sea on a clear day—are worth every white-knuckle moment. Get ready for an epic ride!
hardA brutally steep (28%) climb to Winnats Pass in England
🇬🇧 England
Winnats Pass! Picture this: you're cruising through the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England, and suddenly you're surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. This mountain pass climbs to 416m (1,364ft), and believe me, you feel every meter! Located just west of Castleton, at the edge of the Hope Valley, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The name "Winnats Pass" comes from the swirling winds ("wind gates") that whip through the natural amphitheater. The road is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's only 9.33km (5.8 miles) from Hope to Sparrowpit, but the average grade is over 10%, with sections hitting a whopping 28%! It’s a favorite for motorcyclists exploring the Peak District. Prepare for a challenging drive. The road is narrow, steep, and can get a bit crowded. Watch out for rock slides! Because of the slope and width, buses, coaches, and vehicles over 7.5 tons aren’t allowed. Open year-round (weather permitting, of course – winter can be tricky!), Winnats Pass isn't just a scenic drive. Local legend says a young couple was murdered here in the 1750s. Spooky! The climb is intense, with a 1.6km (0.99 miles) stretch gaining 188 meters at an average gradient of 11.7%. It was tough enough to be a regular feature in the Tour of the Peak cycle race.
moderateThe journey is the destination along the Ă–tztal Glacier Road in the Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# The Ötztal Glacier Road: Austria's Ultimate Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Tyrol, Austria, the Ötztal Glacier Road (Ötztaler Gletscherstraße) is seriously one of the most jaw-dropping drives you can do in the Alps. Fair warning though—there's a sign at the start that reads "Mountain Road Only for Experienced Riders," and they're not joking around. This 13km stretch connects the town of Sölden straight up to two incredible glaciers: Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. The real showstopper? The famous 1.7km-long Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel connecting them—one of Europe's highest road tunnels. When you reach the top at Rettenbach, you'll spot a sign declaring it the "Highest road in the EU." At 2,830m (9,285 ft) above sea level, you're literally driving on top of the world in the Eastern Alps. The entire route is beautifully paved with excellent conditions, featuring a series of dramatic hairpin turns that'll have your hands gripping the wheel. Every curve throws a new breathtaking view at you, so definitely bring your camera. Oh, and here's a sweet perk: skiers with valid passes and cyclists get free access, even though it's normally a toll road. The road's become pretty famous—it even got its moment in the James Bond film Spectre. Built back in 1972 with grades ranging from 11-14%, it handles everything from heavy trucks to buses without breaking a sweat. Traffic stays light in summer, especially once you leave the lower sections. Now, the reality check: weather up here is unpredictable and intense. Snow chains are essential in winter, and the road only opens when avalanche risk is manageable. Bring proper gear year-round—sudden temperature drops and unexpected snow aren't uncommon, even in warmer months. Former cyclist Jan Ulrich famously called this climb "cruelty to animals," so pace yourself and respect the mountain. If you're into high-altitude hiking, this road is basically a gateway to adventure, with countless trailheads waiting to explore.
hardDriving the paved road to Col de Moissiere in the Hautes-Alpes
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Moissière Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Col de Moissière sits pretty at 1,575 meters (5,167 feet) above sea level. This beauty is nestled in the Massif des Écrins within the stunning Alps, right in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The 18.6-kilometer route (about 11.5 miles) stretches north to south, connecting Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes to La Bâtie-Neuve via the fully paved Route Départementale 213. Don't let the pavement fool you though—this road has some serious character. You'll encounter bumpy sections and tight curves that'll keep you on your toes, with gradients reaching a steep 14.6% in places that'll really test your legs (especially if you're cycling). Despite the technical challenges, there's something magical about this route. It's peaceful, genuinely scenic, and perfect if you're looking for a challenging but rewarding bike ride through the Alps. The road demands respect and attention, but rewards you with mountain views that make every steep pedal stroke worthwhile.