Alpe Colina
Italy, europe
N/A
2,076 m
hard
Year-round
# Alpe Colina
Tucked away in the Province of Sondrio in Lombardy's Italian Alps, Alpe Colina sits at a seriously impressive 2,076 meters (6,811 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an adventure for those who crave mountain thrills.
The road itself is beautifully rough and raw, mixing asphalt, concrete, and gravel in a patchwork that demands respect. You'll want a 4x4 under you for this one, seriously. Winter? Forget about it—the pass becomes completely impassable when the snow rolls in. Even in better conditions, expect narrow stretches that'll test your nerve, slippery sections that appear after rain, and ridiculously steep grades that hit 20% in spots.
But here's the payoff: near the summit, you'll find Lago di Colina, a tiny alpine lake that makes the white-knuckle drive absolutely worth it. This is the kind of road that'll have you grinning (and probably gripping the wheel tightly) all the way up.
Where is it?
Alpe Colina is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.2885, 10.3011
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,076 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.2885, 10.3011
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is the Felbertauern Tunnel?
🇦🇹 Austria
Cruising through Austria and want to avoid those crazy high alpine passes? Check out the Felbertauerntunnel! Nestled between Salzburg and Tyrol, inside the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park, this tunnel clocks in at a cool 1,650m (5,413ft) above sea level. Before this beauty opened in '67, getting from East Tyrol to Innsbruck was a trek through either South Tyrol or over the Großglockner High Alpine Road (only open in summer!). But now, you can zip right through this 5.3 km (3.3 mile) marvel. The whole Felbertauern road (B 108) experience is about 65 km (40 miles) from Mittersill to Lienz. The road is fully paved and shielded by avalanche galleries, making it a pretty smooth ride. While gradients can hit 9.3% in places, most of the route is modern and easy to handle. Plus, it's generally open year-round, so you can enjoy those mountain views no matter the season. Just be ready for a toll – it's worth it!
hardLago del Diavolo
🇮🇹 Italy
Lago del Diavolo is this stunning high mountain lake sitting pretty at 2,126 meters (6,975 feet) in the Bergamo Alps, tucked away in Lombardy, Italy. If you're thinking about making the pilgrimage out here, buckle up—this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road itself is a thrilling mix of gravel and concrete that gets progressively gnarlier the higher you climb. Think rocky, bumpy stretches with some seriously narrow passages where two vehicles literally cannot pass each other. The trail hugs the mountainside with steep sections that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping, and honestly, some spots demand a proper 4x4 to handle the rocky terrain. This is absolutely not the route for fair-weather drivers or anyone who gets queasy around sheer drops. Conditions here are no joke either. Winter basically shuts this place down completely, and wet weather turns the muddy sections into a real challenge. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, do yourself a favor and skip this one. But here's the reward: you'll reach Lago del Diavolo, a breathtaking alpine gem. Once you arrive, you can grab a bite and some shelter at Rifugio Fratelli Longo, a historic mountain refuge that's been welcoming adventurers since 1923. It's the kind of place that makes the harrowing drive absolutely worth it.
hardLac de Bise
🇫🇷 France
# Lac de Bise Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France's Rhône-Alpes region, Lac de Bise sits pretty at 1,502 meters (4,928 feet) above sea level. This alpine gem is worth every twist and turn to reach it. The journey up is via Chemin Rural dit de Bise, an asphalt road that's definitely not for the faint of heart. We're talking narrow lanes with some seriously steep sections—some hitting up to 12.5% gradient. Your car (and your nerves) will get a proper workout, but the payoff is incredible. Once you summit, you'll find the welcoming Refuge de Bise, a cozy mountain hut perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the stunning alpine views that surround you.
moderateWhere is Fort de la Redoute?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Alps, near the Italian border, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Fort de la Redoute, a seriously cool historical site perched high in the mountains. This place has seen some stuff! It started as a redoubt back in the day, got a French makeover, and then evolved into a full-blown fort with walls, an observatory, even a drawbridge. It was manned by Alpine troops and visited by presidents. It even saw action during World War II! Now, getting there is half the fun. The road is an old military track, so expect unpaved conditions the whole way. We're talking a rough, rugged climb that's only accessible in the summer. Definitely not a drive to attempt after rain! Starting from the paved D1090, the unpaved section stretches for 2.7 km. It's a rideable climb, and the views from the top are insane. And the fort itself? Exploring its ruins is like stepping back in time. Heads up, though: Access is technically prohibited due to unexploded ordnance! After the war, the area became part of the La Rosière ski resort, and the old military track is now a hiking and trail route.