
Where is Valbona Pass?
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alps, specifically the northeastern part of Italy, and you stumble upon Valbona Pass. This beauty, also called Colle Valbona, is a high mountain pass that clocks in at over
above sea level.
Think hairpin turns and stunning views as you drive along Strada Provinciale 92, which is, amazingly, the southernmost paved climb over 1700m in this part of the Alps! It's about
long, connecting Strada Provinciale 64 with the border of the Autonomous Province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol).
Now, here's the scoop: North of the pass, there's this tempting unpaved road that climbs even higher to Monte Martello, reaching over
. Word to the wise, though: private vehicles aren't allowed on this section. It was originally a military road heading to Colle Bandia.
Related Roads in europe
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An iconic road to Simplon Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
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🇪🇸 Spain
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