A 5-star road to Passo Campo Carlo Magno in the Italian Alps
Italy, europe
30.6 km
1,682 m
moderate
Year-round
# Passo Campo Carlo Magno: Where Legend Meets Alpine Roads
Perched at 1,682 meters (5,518 feet) in Italy's stunning Trentino-Alto Adige region, Passo Campo Carlo Magno is a mountain pass with serious historical swagger. According to legend, Charlemagne himself crossed here in 800 AD on his way to Rome for his coronation—though historians might roll their eyes at that claim. What we do know for sure is that the pass got its official name in 1909, inspired by a gorgeous fresco of Charlemagne hanging in the nearby church of Carisolo, painted by the famous Baschenis family from Bergamo.
This isn't just any mountain road. We're talking about the Adamello-Brenta region of the northern Italian Alps, where serious cyclists tackle the pass during the Giro d'Italia. The fully paved Strada Statale 239 (SS239) connects Val Rendena and Val di Sole with a respectable 30.6 km stretch.
Coming up from Pinzolo? You're looking at 15.3 km of climbing with 932 meters of elevation gain—that averages out to a manageable 6.1% gradient, though the steepest sections will push you to 11.4%. From the Dimaro side, it's nearly identical: 15.2 km with 917 meters gained and a 6% average grade. Either way, the road's in pretty solid condition, making this an epic alpine drive through some truly breathtaking scenery.
Where is it?
A 5-star road to Passo Campo Carlo Magno in the Italian Alps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.2054, 12.5618
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,682 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.2054, 12.5618
Related Roads in europe
moderateVaranger National Tourist Route
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in Norway, and not just *anywhere* in Norway. We're talking about the designated National Tourist Routes – 18 absolute stunners that show off the country’s best scenery *and* incredible road design! Forget boring highways; these are journeys through landscapes that will leave you speechless. Think fjords, mountains, and coastlines that’ll make your jaw drop. Ten of these epic drives are right here in Western Norway. So grab your car or motorbike and let’s explore! **Varanger National Tourist Route:** 160 km of pure Arctic bliss between Varangerbotn and Hamningberg. Imagine: dramatic landscapes, rich birdlife, and long summer nights bathed in the midnight sun. Heads up, though, Hamningbergveien between Smelror and Hamningberg is closed in the winter. **Havøysund National Tourist Route:** Buckle up for 85 km of wild, windswept coastline from Kokelv to Havøysund. This is the far north, folks, so prepare for that incredible Arctic light. It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. **Senja National Tourist Route:** Get ready for 90 km of striking scenery along the outer coast of Senja Island, stretching from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take the detours to Mefjordvær and Husøya, adding an extra 12 km to your trip! This one’s usually open, but watch out for winter closures. **Andøya National Tourist Route:** Calling all beach lovers! This 58 km coastal route between Andenes and Bjørnskinn on Andøya Island is all about wide-open seas and long, white beaches. It’s typically open year-round, but winter weather can cause short closures. **Lofoten National Tourist Route:** Prepare to be amazed by the beauty of the Lofoten Islands! This 230 km route from Raftsundet to Å is one of Norway's most iconic. It’s open most of the time, but keep an eye on the weather reports in winter. **Helgeland Coast National Tourist Route:** Spanning 433 km between Holm and Godøystraumen, this route is a journey through cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the Svartisen Glacier to the Vega Islands, you're in for a treat. Open most of the year, but be aware of possible winter closures. **Atlantic Road:** This 8 km stretch between Kristiansund and Molde is an experience! Sharp turns, wild nature – this is a road trip you won't forget. Open year-round, but watch for winter weather. **Geiranger - Trollstigen National Tourist Route:** Get ready for two of Norway’s most dramatic attractions! This 104 km route takes you to the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord and the thrilling Trollstigen Mountain Road. Note that Langvatnet to Geiranger is closed from November to May, and Trollstigen closes from October to May. **Rondane National Tourist Route:** This 75 km route from Muen and Sollia Church to Folldal offers a peaceful alternative to the main highways. Open most of the year, but winter closures are possible. **The Old Strynefjell National Tourist Route:** Step back in time on this 27 km masterpiece of road-building between Videseter and Grotli. Normally closed from October to June, so plan accordingly! **Sognefjellet National Tourist Route:** Climb high into the Jotunheimen mountains on this route between the Sognefjord and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. It’s the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe! Liasanden to Turtagrø is usually closed from November to May. **Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route:** Follow the waterfalls on this 114 km route between Balestrand, Moskog, and Sande, taking you past the mighty Sognefjord. The road over Gaularfjellet is closed during winter from Mel to Mjell. **Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route:** Experience a barren plateau on this 49 km route between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdal. Closed over the mountain during the winter season, so plan ahead! **Valdresflye National Tourist Route:** Endless vistas await on this 49 km stretch between Garli and Hindsæter. Parts of the route are closed during the winter between Garli and Maurvangen. **Hardangervidda National Tourist Route:** Drive through Hardangervidda National Park, across Northern Europe's largest mountain plateau! This 67 km route runs between Eidfjord and Haugastøl. It's open year-round, but watch out for short winter closures. **Hardanger National Tourist Route:** Follow the scenic Hardangerfjord on this 158 km route east of Bergen. Expect mountains, fjords, and waterfalls galore! Open year-round, but be prepared for possible winter closures. **Ryfylke National Tourist Route:** This 260 km route between Oanes and Hordalia in Røldal offers a mix of green landscapes and dramatic mountains and fjords. From Helandsbygd to Røldal is normally closed from November to June. **Jæren National Tourist Route:** Open skies, wide horizons, and endless ocean await on this 41 km route between Ogna and Bore. Think sandy beaches and dunes for days! Open year-round, but may be closed for short periods in winter.
hardWhere is Colle d'Esischie?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Let's talk about the Colle d'Esischie, a high-altitude stunner nestled in the Piedmont region of Italy. We're talking serious elevation here, so be prepared for some thin air! You'll find this beauty winding through the southwestern Alps, specifically the Maritime Alps in northwestern Italy. Now, the road itself? Let's just say it's seen better days. Paved, yes, but with some rough patches to keep you on your toes. And hairpin turns? Oh, you bet! They just keep coming and coming. It's quite steep too, so your car will definitely get a workout! No wonder the Giro d’Italia has tackled it. I don't have specifics on how long this road is or if it is open during the winter. As for the scenery? Expect panoramic vistas that will take your breath away. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, because this one demands your full attention! Prepare for pure adventure.
hardWhere is Finstertalspeicher?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: Austria, high up in the mountains, and you're headed to Finstertalspeicher, a stunning reservoir nestled at over 7,800 feet! They sometimes call it Kühtai Reservoir, but whatever you call it, getting there is an adventure. The road? Mostly paved, which is a relief, but keep an eye out because it can be closed, especially the little tunnel section about halfway in. Winter? Forget about it – this road is snowed under. Even when it's clear, watch for potential rock slides. The road winds for about 3.6 miles from the base of the dam near Oetz, and trust me, it's a climb! You'll gain almost 2,000 feet, making for an average grade of around 10%. But the views? Absolutely worth the effort. Seriously, the scenery is postcard-perfect!
hardMonte Chaberton: Get behind the wheels for one of the planet’s most challenging trips
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Chaberton: A Wild Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 3,131 meters (10,272 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Monte Chaberton is one of Europe's most legendary high-altitude destinations. The summit crowns this dramatic peak with Fort du Chaberton—a fascinating fortress that once served as a military stronghold and now stands as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of WWI and WWII history. The story behind this place is genuinely wild. Built between 1900 and 1914, French engineers actually had to blast away 6 meters from the summit just to make room for the fort's construction. Imagine the logistics: 300 workers and engineers labored to create this underground marvel, complete with eight masonry turrets that earned it the poetic nickname "Fort of the Clouds"—a name that stuck because the summit sits so high, the guns were literally hidden in the mist. The path up here is equally storied. The Strada Militare dello Chaberton is a 12.3-kilometer (7.64-mile) military road originally carved out by Italian troops between 1896 and 1898. It once held the title of the Alps' highest unpaved road, and honestly, it still feels like you're driving through history. Getting to the top is an adventure unto itself. The route starts near the village of Fenils in Italy's Susa Valley, beginning as paved road before transforming into rough unpaved terrain. By the time you hit 2,300 meters, things get seriously challenging. Most of the route is now closed to motor vehicles, though the final push—a punishing 17% slope from Colle delle Chaberton at 2,674 meters—can be tackled by bike or foot. Crumbling walls, collapsed structures, and debris-covered sections paint a picture of a road time and nature are slowly reclaiming. This is raw, unfiltered alpine exploration.