A steep road to Lago del Naret in Ticino

A steep road to Lago del Naret in Ticino

Switzerland, europe

Length

21.9 km

Elevation

2,310 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Lago del Narèt: A Alpine Adventure

Nestled at 2,310m (7,578ft) in the Vallemaggia district of Swiss Ticino, Lago del Narèt is a stunning high-altitude reservoir worth the challenging drive. Starting from Lavizzara, this fully paved route (built back in the 1950s) stretches 21.9 km (13.60 miles) and climbs a whopping 1,570 meters—that's an average gradient of 7.16%, though don't let that fool you.

The road gets serious with several sustained pitches hitting 10-12%, and some brutal ramps that spike up to 18%. You'll snake through dense evergreen forests with tight hairpin bends that keep things interesting. The narrow track demands your full attention, but stick with it and you're rewarded with killer views of Lago del Sambuco and the surrounding peaks. As you approach the summit, there's even a short dip before you reach the dam—a nice surprise after all that climbing.

Save the best for last: the final stretch reveals three charming alpine lakes (Lago di Sassolo, Lago Superiore, and Lago Scuro) before you finally arrive at the crystal-clear waters of Lago di Narèt itself. It's a genuine alpine gem that combines challenging driving with some seriously spectacular scenery.

Where is it?

A steep road to Lago del Naret in Ticino is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8087, 7.7222

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
21.9 km
Max Elevation
2,310 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.8087, 7.7222

Related Roads in europe

Driving the road to Col de l’Abelle is not a piece of cakeextreme

Driving the road to Col de l’Abelle is not a piece of cake

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Col de l’Abelle in the French Alps is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a nail-biting 19.7 km (12.24 miles) stretch of pure adrenaline in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Perched at a cool 925m (3,034ft), the D332 winds its way between the Vésubie and Tinée valleys with views that'll make your jaw drop. But hold on tight, this paved road is narrow – seriously narrow! – and not exactly in pristine condition (think potholes). Two cars passing simultaneously? Forget about it. Oh, and did I mention the climb? Get ready for some seriously steep sections, with gradients reaching a thigh-burning 13.3%. It’s a challenging drive from La Tour to Les Granges de la Brasque, but the scenery? Totally worth it! Just remember to take it slow, keep your eyes peeled, and prepare for an unforgettable Alpine experience.

Pennes Pass is a classic Italian road triphard

Pennes Pass is a classic Italian road trip

🇮🇹 Italy

Passo di Pennes is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,211m (7,254ft) above sea level in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region. It's basically the shortcut everyone uses between Innsbruck and Bolzano, and honestly? It's got serious bragging rights. The summit is fully equipped with a massive parking lot and a restaurant where you can refuel (both you and your car), so it's a proper destination rather than just a pass-through. The entire route, known locally as Penser Joch and officially as Strada Statale 508 (SS508), is paved all the way up. You'll wind your way through 28.9 km connecting the charming villages of Rio Bianco and Vipiteno. Now, let's be real—this isn't a Sunday drive. The road throws hundreds of turns at you, with a handful of genuine hairpin bends that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The steepest sections hit 20.7%, which is no joke. Even though they've widened it over the years, it's still pretty tight in places, so you'll want to stay sharp and respect the road. But that's exactly what makes it such an epic alpine experience.

Les 12 lacets de Ceillac: a breathtaking road with 12 challenging hairpinsextreme

Les 12 lacets de Ceillac: a breathtaking road with 12 challenging hairpins

🇫🇷 France

# Les 12 Lacets de Ceillac: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, the D60 road winds its way up to the charming village of Ceillac—and let me tell you, this isn't your typical scenic drive. The route is famous for its 12 hairpin turns that'll keep your hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel. The 8.2km stretch is paved, though you'll encounter some pretty tight sections that demand respect and careful driving. The climb is genuinely steep, gaining 589 meters with an average gradient of 7.18%—and trust me, there are sections pushing 10% that'll make your heart skip a beat. Here's the real talk: skip this road during winter or bad weather. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are genuine hazards here, and the patches of ice scattered throughout can turn a thrilling drive into a nightmare in seconds. Timing is everything on this one. But if you catch it on a clear day? The dramatic Alpine scenery combined with those perfectly engineered hairpins make it an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves mountain driving. Just respect the road, respect the weather, and you'll have an epic story to tell.

Bassa della Sella, a Most Tricky Scenic Roadmoderate

Bassa della Sella, a Most Tricky Scenic Road

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Bassa della Sella: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,138 meters (7,014 feet) in Ticino, Switzerland, Bassa della Sella is a high mountain pass that feels like stepping into another world. The journey starts right from Passo del San Gottardo, and let me tell you—it's absolutely worth the drive. The road itself is mostly paved, though you'll quickly realize this is proper old-school alpine terrain. It winds and snakes its way up the mountainside with sections so narrow that two cars passing each other would require some serious maneuvering. What really gets your heart pumping? Many stretches run dangerously close to water with zero guardrails to cushion any mistakes. Winter visits are a no-go unless the road's been freshly cleared of snow—mother nature has the final say here. Here's the thing though: you'll share this route mostly with hikers and mountain enthusiasts rather than other vehicles. The peaceful atmosphere is almost surreal, with hardly a car in sight (though keep your eyes peeled just in case). It's the kind of road where you can actually breathe and appreciate the raw beauty surrounding you. But the adventure doesn't end at the pass. Beyond the summit lies Lago della Sella, a stunning high mountain reservoir sitting even higher at 2,297 meters (7,536 feet). It's the perfect reward for tackling this epic alpine route.