A delightful yet challenging paved road to Monte Bondone in the Alps

A delightful yet challenging paved road to Monte Bondone in the Alps

Italy, europe

Length

40 km

Elevation

1,654 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Monte Bondone: Italy's Alpine Thrill Ride

Nestled in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol in northern Italy, Monte Bondone is a mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping at 1,654 meters (5,426 feet) above sea level. This isn't your average scenic drive—it's a proper Alpine adventure.

The Strada Provinciale 85 (SP85) stretches about 40 kilometers (25 miles) between Trento and Lasino, running east-west through some seriously dramatic terrain. Starting from Trento, you're looking at a 1,463-meter elevation gain with an average gradient of 6.8%—steep enough to keep you on your toes. Coming from Lasino? You'll climb 1,203 meters at a more manageable 5.1% average, though certain sections hit a gnarly 13% grade.

Here's the thing: the road itself is perfectly maintained and fully paved, which is great. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. You'll navigate over 40 hairpin turns as the road snakes its way up through the Alps, testing both your driving skills and your nerve. Every curve brings new vistas of the surrounding mountains, making it a visual feast even as your hands grip the steering wheel.

If you love mountain passes with character and don't mind a technical drive, Monte Bondone delivers.

Where is it?

A delightful yet challenging paved road to Monte Bondone in the Alps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.1577, 13.6310

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
40 km
Max Elevation
1,654 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
41.1577, 13.6310

Related Roads in europe

Jenkin Road in Sheffield is One of the Steepest Roads in the UKhard

Jenkin Road in Sheffield is One of the Steepest Roads in the UK

🇬🇧 England

Okay, buckle up, because Jenkin Road in South Yorkshire is a beast of a climb! This little half-mile stretch north of Sheffield packs a serious punch. You might remember it from the 2014 Tour de France when it was briefly "Côte de Wincobank Hill." Locals know Jenkin Road for its insane steepness. A sign boasts a crazy 33% max gradient, but the *real* peak is closer to 17%, which is still nuts. It's paved, thankfully, but the slightly curved steepest part makes it feel even tougher. As you grind your way up, you'll pass through a normal residential area, with houses lining the road. The average gradient is around 11%. Trust me, your legs will feel every single percent! It’s short, it's brutal, and it's definitely a memorable ride.

Gorges de la Pierre-Lys is a balcony road in Francemoderate

Gorges de la Pierre-Lys is a balcony road in France

🇫🇷 France

# Gorges de la Pierre-Lys: A Canyon Drive You Won't Forget If you're hunting for one of France's most jaw-dropping scenic drives, head to the Aude department in the Occitanie region and buckle up for D117. This 8.2-kilometer stretch of perfectly paved road winds north-south from Quillan to Saint-Martin-Lys, and honestly? It's worth every minute of your travel time. The real magic happens as you cruise through Pierre-Lys, where towering cliffs soar up to 700 meters on either side of you. The road doesn't stop there—continue beyond Axat and you'll thread through two more equally dramatic gorges: Saint-Georges and l'Aude. It's like nature decided to show off, carving these impossibly deep canyons right before your eyes. Here's the thing though: this road demands your full attention. Seriously, don't try to Instagram every curve or admire the views while driving—pull over instead. The road is genuinely too twisty and dramatic to risk distracted driving. Save the sightseeing for pit stops, or better yet, use this as a base for hiking and cycling explorations in the area. Quillan, the gateway town to the south, isn't packed with must-see monuments, but its location is perfect. It sits right between the mysterious Cathar castles to the east and these spectacular gorges to the south—basically an ideal home base for adventure. Pro tip: time your drive for sunset. The red rocks deepen into almost crimson shades, and the jagged shadows create a landscape that'll make you understand why this road has such a legendary reputation among European road-trippers.

Driving the scenic Route 61, a coastal road in Icelandmoderate

Driving the scenic Route 61, a coastal road in Iceland

🇮🇸 Iceland

Hey there, adventure seekers! Let's talk about Route 61, or as the locals call it, Djúpavegur—the "Midnight Sun Road" in Iceland’s stunning Westfjords. This fully paved gem is snuggled in the northwest and stretches for 249 km (155 miles) from Road 60 to Ísafjörður, the biggest town in the Westfjords (population: around 2,600). Think dramatic coastal views and landscapes that’ll make your jaw drop! Keep in mind, though, this route isn't for the faint of heart. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections, climbing up to 440m (1,443ft) at the Steingrimsfjörðurheiði Pass. Winter travelers, listen up: keep a close eye on the weather. This pass can get gnarly with high winds and sudden storms, sometimes leading to closures. On the plus side, ancient stone cairns mark the path, like little breadcrumbs through a Nordic fairytale. Expect a smooth ride, though! The road is generally in great shape. Plan for about 3-4 hours of pure driving bliss. With epic scenery and light traffic, this could easily be the highlight of your Icelandic road trip.

Where is Zlaté Návrší?moderate

Where is Zlaté Návrší?

🌍 Czech Republic

Zlaté Návrší is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.391m (4,563ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Liberec and Hradec Králové regions of the Czech Republic. Where is Zlaté Návrší? The peak is located within the Krkonoše National Park, in the north of the country, near the border with Poland. Is Zlaté Návrší paved? The road to the summit is totally paved but the tarmac conditions are not great higher up the mountain. Is Zlaté Návrší open? Set high in the Krkonoše mountain range, part of the Sudetes mountain system, the road is closed to private vehicles and impassable in winters due to the snow. How long is Zlaté Návrší? The road to the summit is 10.6km (6.58 miles) long starting at Vítkovice. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 760 meters. The average percentage is 7.16%. Vyssi Brod Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide The unfinished Borovsko Bridge (or Hitler's Bridge) Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.