Where is the Great Saint Bernard Pass?
Switzerland, europe
74.6 km
1,915 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Swiss and Italian Alps on the Great Saint Bernard Pass, straddling the border at a cool 8,100 feet. This isn't just any mountain road; it's *the* mountain road.
The pass itself is about 46 miles of paved goodness, connecting Martigny in Switzerland to Aosta in Italy. This route is ancient, like Julius Caesar ancient (he and Napoleon both took their armies through here!). It's been a trade route for millennia, and now it's a playground for those seeking epic views.
You can expect switchbacks galore as you climb. If you're cycling from the Swiss side, you're looking at a 30.6km climb with an average grade of 5.7%. From the Italian side, it's a 32km ride at 5.9%.
Up top, you'll find a stunning mountain lake, hotels, restaurants, and the famous hospice, founded way back in 1049. Oh, and did I mention the St. Bernard dogs? The monks here bred them for rescue missions, making them an icon of the Alps.
The road's generally open from late May to mid-October, weather permitting. Even in summer, the Alps can get chilly, so pack layers! You might even spot some snow. Winter can bring up to 10 meters of snow and temps plummeting to -30°C. If you're visiting in the colder months, a tunnel bypasses the pass and ensures safe travels. The opening scene of the original *Italian Job* was filmed here too! Get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 74.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,915 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to Get by Car to Lac d'Aumar, One of the Highest Paved Roads in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Lac d'Aumar: A High-Altitude Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, near the Spanish border, Lac d'Aumar sits pretty at 2,192 m (7,191 ft) above sea level. This pristine mountain lake—sometimes called Lac d'Aumer—lies just east of its neighbor, Lac d'Aubert, in the Occitania region. The Route des Lacs, combining the D177 and D929 roads, is your fully paved ticket to this alpine gem. But don't let the pavement fool you—this drive is seriously exhilarating. We're talking steep climbs, relentless curves, and hairpin turns that'll keep you gripping the wheel. The finale? Pure magic. As the cliff-hugging road wraps around the dam, you'll tackle some genuinely thrilling switchbacks that make the whole journey worthwhile. Starting from Aragnouet, you're looking at a 15.7 km (9.75-mile) push uphill with a staggering 1,097 m elevation gain and an average gradient of 6.98%. Some sections hit a punchy 15% gradient, so this isn't a leisurely cruise. This isn't just any mountain road—it's one of the highest paved routes in the entire French Pyrenees, sitting even higher than the legendary Col du Tourmalet. That altitude comes with a trade-off: the road is typically closed during winter, so plan your visit for warmer months if you want to experience this spectacular drive.
extremeHow long is the Assietta Road?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Strada dell'Assietta, a seriously epic military road clinging to the mountain ridges in northern Italy's Piedmont region. We're talking the Cottian Alps here, people! This isn't just a drive; it's a freakin' experience. This historic route basically connects Pian dell’Alpe to Sestriere, but the best part? You're cruising almost entirely *above* 2,000 meters! Seriously, prepare for some serious high-altitude driving. **Road Stats:** * **Where:** Piedmont, Italy (Cottian Alps) * **Length:** Almost 40 km (about 24 miles) of pure mountain bliss! * **Elevation:** Sustained ridge, hovering around 2,000 meters. Monte Gran Costa is the highest point at 2,615m. * **Surface:** Unpaved, baby! Gravel and rocks all the way. * **Width Alert:** Max width is only 2 meters, and weight is limited to 3.5 tons. You'll be tracing a jagged ridge separating Val Chisone from Val Susa. This area is part of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Park, meaning you're surrounded by insane natural beauty. Built way back in the 1890s by the military, this road still shows off its strategic past with ruins of forts and defensive walls dotting the landscape. Is it worth the drive? A resounding YES! Think sweeping panoramic views, legendary passes like Colle dell'Assietta, Colle Lauson, Colle Blegier, and a challenge that will keep you on your toes. Be prepared to share the road with mountain bikers, hikers, and even horseback riders. **Important Deets:** * **Open Season:** Usually only from June to October (check local updates before you go!) * **Restrictions:** Limited width and weight. Closed to motor vehicles on Wednesdays and Saturdays during July and August. * **Heads Up:** This drive isn't for the faint of heart. The surface is rough, with loose rocks and ruts. High clearance is definitely recommended. Speed limit is 30 km/h. Basically, if you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Italian Alps, the Strada dell'Assietta is calling your name. Just be prepared for some serious driving!
moderateWhere Is the Road F207 (LakagĂgavegur)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: you're in the wild, wild Southern Region of Iceland, ready to tackle the F207, also known as LakagĂgavegur. This ain't your average Sunday drive; it's a full-on adventure demanding a serious 4x4 with high clearance. We're talking *rugged* rivers and landscapes that'll leave you speechless. You'll find this beast of a road smack-dab in Vatnajökull National Park. It's remote, so embrace the solitude – you'll likely be on your own for most of the journey. The road kicks off near the, winding its way through some seriously challenging terrain. Now, be warned: this road is riddled with potholes, ruts that could swallow a small car whole, and boulders just waiting to test your suspension. Seriously, leave the compact car at home. Anything less than a well-equipped 4x4 is just asking for trouble. Expect your ride to bounce, rattle, and roll – it's all part of the fun (or at least the experience!). But is it worth it? Absolutely! The F207 unlocks the LakagĂgar volcanic fissure area, granting access to some of the most epic, jaw-dropping scenery Iceland has to offer. Keep in mind, this road is a fair-weather friend, only open during the summer months, roughly from late June to early September. Outside of that, Mother Nature reclaims it. Speaking of Mother Nature, there are rivers to cross, particularly in the western section. Approach these with respect and caution. Never go it alone, especially not during heavy rain when water levels can rise fast. Always check the depth before you commit – and remember, rental insurance probably *doesn't* cover water damage. While the daytime views are incredible, things get a whole lot trickier after dark, so plan accordingly.
hardWhere is Dossaun Mountain?
🌍 Ireland
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to Dossaun Mountain! This mountain pass sits high up, offering killer views. You'll find it smack-dab in the heart of the country, straddling the border between two counties and nestled within the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Locals call the road snaking through this pass "The Cut," and it's paved the whole way. But don't think it's a cakewalk! Prepare for some seriously steep climbs and a nail-bitingly narrow path. If you get sweaty palms just thinking about squeezing past oncoming traffic, this might not be your cup of tea. "The Cut" stretches for a good 35 km (22 miles), connecting a couple of cute villages. One is in County Offaly, and the other. So, get ready for an epic road trip filled with stunning scenery, just be prepared for a slightly white-knuckle ride!