Where is Rifugio Auronzo?

Okay, picture this: You're in the Italian Dolomites, right between Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto, heading up to Rifugio Auronzo, a mountain hut perched at a cool 2,340m (7,677ft).

This isn't just any drive. You'll be cruising on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road – also known as the Three Peaks toll road or the Misurina-Auronzo toll road. Keep it slow and steady: the speed limit's just 30 km/h. You'll find the toll booth just north of Lago d'Antorno, a quick hop from Lake Misurina. After the gate, it's a sweet 5km push to the hut.

The full ride, starting from the SP49 north of Misurina, clocks in at about 7.1 km (4.41 miles), climbing 586 meters. Get ready for some leg burn – the average gradient is around 8.25%, but you'll hit some serious 18% sections! Even the Giro d'Italia riders have tackled this road.

Keep in mind: this road is usually snowed in from late October/early November until late May/early June, so plan accordingly.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The top boasts a huge parking area and mind-blowing panoramic views. Think epic landscapes and historical World War I sites. Plus, it’s a hotspot for hikers and via ferrata junkies.

The pavement ends at Rifugio Auronzo, though. If you're feeling adventurous, a tough footpath descends into the valley, or you can take a gentler trail down a gravel road a bit further. But the unpaved road beyond the refuge? That's strictly for serious mountain bikes, not road bikes.