
Why was the road to Colle d’Ancoccia built?
Italy, europe
37.1 km
2,533 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Colle d’Ancoccia in Italy's Piedmont region is calling! Nestled in the province of Cuneo, this high mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,533m (8,310ft).
Originally built for military use (spot the abandoned bunkers!), this route south of Rocca la Meja and Lago della Meja is not for the faint of heart. We're talking 37.1 km (23.05 miles) of unpaved, rocky terrain that starts from the SP113 south of Marmora. You'll need a trusty 4x4 with high clearance to tackle the precipitous sections and those crazy 25% inclines!
Keep in mind, this beauty is tucked high in the Cottian Alps, so expect it to be closed during the winter months. But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery and a proper off-road adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 37.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,533 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Pic Blanc?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Isère department of France, you'll find Pic Blanc, a beast of a mountain peaking at 3,305m (10,843ft)! Nestled in the Grandes Rousses massif, this is one of Europe's highest roads, offering seriously epic views... if you dare! The road? Oh, it's unpaved, rough as anything, and brutally steep in sections – we're talking gradients averaging 20%! It's an 8.1 km (5.03 miles) climb from a turnoff on the road to Alpe d’Huez. This one's not for the faint of heart; it winds and climbs relentlessly to a chairlift, but is closed to public vehicles. Word to the wise: even in summer, this road can be impassable. So, make sure you check conditions before attempting this ultimate alpine adventure.
moderateA curvy paved road to the summit of Krraba Pass
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Krraba Pass in Albania! This gem sits way up high in Elbasan County, clocking in at a cool 807 meters (that's 2,647 feet for you imperial system folks). You'll find it smack-dab in central Albania, winding along the SH3 National Road. The road is paved the whole way, but don't get complacent! Prepare for some seriously twisty turns and steep climbs. This 25.7-kilometer stretch runs north to south, connecting Mushqeta (near Tirana) to Bradashesh. Heads up: it's pretty isolated out there! This road was originally built way back in 1933. Now, a new four-lane highway (the A3, Tirana–Elbasan Highway) bypasses it, so it's even quieter these days, but if you are in the area it's a nice drive!
hardIs the road to Üzengili Yaylası unpaved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Ready for a ride that’ll test your mettle? Let's talk about getting to Üzengili Yaylası, a high mountain plateau straddling the Trabzon and Bayburt provinces in Turkey. First things first: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking serious elevation. And the road? Completely unpaved. If you get queasy on narrow mountain roads with serious drop-offs, seriously reconsider this one. So, how long is this adventure? The road stretches from Dikenli Dagi (in Trabzon Province) to Erzurum Province (in Bayburt Province). Important note: Mother Nature calls the shots here. You can only tackle this route from roughly June to late October. Winter? Forget about it.
hardWhen was Kozjak Lake built?
🌍 Macedonia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Route 302 in North Macedonia, heading toward the stunning Kozjak Lake. The pavement's smooth, but hold on tight—this road gets *narrow*. We're talking 13.5 km (about 8.4 miles) of winding goodness starting from Nova Breznitsa. Get ready for a bit of a climb too, because you'll be ascending to a lofty 1,049 meters (that's 3,441 feet!) above sea level. The views? Totally worth it. And the best part? You can usually tackle this route any time of year. Just keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the ride!