Where is Saint-Barthélemy?
Italy, europe
33.1 km
1,647 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up, up, UP into the Italian Alps, headed to the charming mountain village of Saint-Barthélemy in the Aosta Valley. We're talking serious altitude here - over 5,400 feet! This isn't just some Sunday drive; the Strada Regionale 36 (SR36) is your path, a paved ribbon that stretches for about 20.5 miles from Nus to Chantignan.
Now, don't get me wrong, the views are breathtaking, especially if you visit the Astronomical Observatory, but this road is no joke. It's steep, like, really steep, with some sections hitting a 12.5% gradient. So, buckle up and get ready for a climb, but trust me, the scenery is worth every hairpin turn!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 33.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,647 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeHow to drive the challenging Road F735 to Þjófadalir?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the F735, also known as Þjófadalavegur, in Iceland's wild Northwest! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious 4x4 territory ONLY. Think rugged terrain, river crossings, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Forget your tiny rental car – you'll need a beast with major fording capabilities. Seriously. This unpaved track is a real rollercoaster. It's a challenging 12.6 km (7.82 miles) stretch of steep sections, deep ruts, rocks galore, and even some muskeg to keep you on your toes. Driving anything less than a full-size, high-clearance 4x4 is just asking for trouble – don't do it. Starting near the awesome Hveravellir thermal pool (hello, natural hot tub!), the F735 takes you east toward the popular Þjófadalir mountain. The scenery is unreal – lakes, mountains, glaciers... Instagram gold around every bend! Hveravellir also has a parking lot, mountain huts, a campsite, and even a café if you need to fuel up. The road tops out at 781m (2,562ft), making it one of Iceland's highest. Keep in mind it's only open during the summer (usually late June to early September). Now, about that river crossing... It's the biggest hazard on this F Road adventure. It's usually shallow, but the bottom is rocky, so tread carefully. NEVER attempt it alone or during heavy rain. Flash floods can happen fast, and only well-equipped jeeps should even think about it. Always check the water level first. And remember, rental car insurance usually doesn't cover water damage, so be smart! While this road is a dream during the day, it can be a nightmare at night.
hardKurubaş Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up for the Kurubaş Geçidi! This awesome mountain pass sits way up high in eastern Turkey's Van Province, clocking in at a cool 7,335 feet above sea level. The good news? It's paved, so no need for a monster truck. You'll find it winding between Van and Gürpınar. But hold on tight — it's a pretty intense climb with some seriously tight hairpin turns. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather, as it can get hit with some nasty winter storms. While you're in the area, be sure to check out Topuzdüzü Tepesi for an ultimate 4WD experience, or embark on a wild adventure to Tobamızga Lake!
hardSnake Pass is one of the best drives in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Want a thrilling drive that connects Manchester and Sheffield? Buckle up for Snake Pass! Officially the A57 (but everyone calls it Snake Road), this 42km (26-mile) route cuts right through the Pennines, hitting a peak elevation of 512m (1,679ft). Built way back in 1821, this pass is no joke. Think hairpin bends, blind summits, and enough twists to make your head spin. The road climbs steeply, hitting a max gradient of 10.2% – those ramps are intense! The ascent from Glossop alone covers 7km with an average gradient of 5.2%. Snake Pass is notorious for closures, especially in winter. Icy conditions and heavy snowfall mean it's often the first road in Britain to shut down. Subsidence after heavy rain can also cause longer-term closures. On average, it's closed for around 70 days each year. But if you catch it on a good day, the views are absolutely stunning. The scenery is exceptional, particularly as you descend towards Glossop, where you can see all the way to Manchester on a clear day. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this is one drive that demands your full attention!
hardWeissfluhjoch
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Weissfluhjoch: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled in the heart of the Graubünden canton in Switzerland's majestic Alps, Weissfluhjoch stands at a commanding 2,666 meters (8,746 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical mountain drive—it's a chairlift access trail that'll test your mettle. The route itself is pure alpine drama: rocky, gravelly terrain that gets progressively gnarlier as you climb. The grades are seriously steep, with some sections hitting a brutal 30% incline as you navigate this ski-station service road. Loose stones and exposed rocky sections characterize the upper stretches, making this one wild ride. Here's the catch—you've got a narrow window to attempt this. Late August offers your best shot, when summer conditions briefly align to make the route passable. Outside that sweet spot? Forget about it. Even during summer months, surprise snowfall can ambush you, and the wind here is no joke. We're talking relentless gusts year-round that'll keep you honest. Winter? Absolutely brutal. Temperatures plummet to genuinely punishing levels, transforming this already-challenging route into something for serious mountaineers only. But man, the payoff. The panoramic views sweeping across the peaks surrounding Davos are absolutely breathtaking. For those willing to tackle this beast during that fleeting summer window, Weissfluhjoch delivers an unforgettable Alpine experience.