Can you drive through Forcella Lavardet?

Can you drive through Forcella Lavardet?

Italy, europe

Length

10.4 km

Elevation

1,547 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Forcella Lavardet, tucked away in the Veneto region of Italy, is a wild ride through the Dolomites. This old military road, officially SP465, climbs up from the tiny village of Campolongo towards the Strada Statale 465.

The climb is about 10.4km (6.46 miles) long, with an elevation gain of 599 meters, averaging a 5.75% gradient, and hitting a max of 13% in some spots. At 1,547m (5,075ft) above sea level, it’s not just the altitude that takes your breath away.

Now, here’s the kicker: the road is mostly unpaved, with a few paved sections. It's actually closed to vehicles due to past landslides and floods, especially from way back in '93, but it's open for biking or hiking. You’ll be navigating some seriously tight squeezes, crossing wooden bridges (new ones, thankfully!), and keeping an eye out for landslides. This baby is known for its 14 hairpin turns – the *Tornanti della Forcella del Lavardet* – they are super tight and scenic! It's steep, narrow, and you definitely need to take it slow around those blind corners, because you won't see cars coming! So, if you're up for an adventure on two wheels or two feet, Forcella Lavardet promises views and thrills you won't forget.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
10.4 km
Max Elevation
1,547 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Collado la Gitana, a gravel mountainous track in southern Spainmoderate

Collado la Gitana, a gravel mountainous track in southern Spain

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Spain, in the Granada province of Andalucia, heading towards a hidden gem called Collado la Gitana. This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,714 meters (that's 5,623 feet!), nestled within the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is unpaved, so ditch the sports car and grab an SUV or all-road vehicle. I'd recommend hitting this spot from late spring to early fall, because winter brings snow to these winding mountain roads. Trust me, though, the views are SO worth it. You'll be treated to mind-blowing scenery of Mulhacén and Veleta's snowy peaks. Seriously, it's a photographer's dream! Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and prepare to be amazed.

Driving the scenic A888, a loop road around Barraeasy

Driving the scenic A888, a loop road around Barra

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, picture this: you're in the Outer Hebrides, on the stunning island of Barra. Buckle up, because you're about to cruise the A888, also known as the Barra Ring Road! This paved loop is your ticket to exploring the island's coastal villages. Clocking in at just under 13 miles (20.8 km), it's a quick trip – you can easily drive the whole thing in about half an hour. Now, a heads-up: it's a single-track road with passing places, so be prepared to share. The highest point reaches about 100m, just northeast of Castlebay. But the views? Oh, they're worth it! Think dramatic North Atlantic ocean views, rocky bays, and those incredible white sand beaches that Barra is famous for. The road makes most of the island very accessible, which encircles a mountainous interior. It’s easy to jump on the loop wherever you are. Get ready for an unforgettable island adventure!

Olgunlar Yaylası-Hüngamek Road, recommended for drivers with strong nerveshard

Olgunlar Yaylası-Hüngamek Road, recommended for drivers with strong nerves

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself in the Artvin Province of Turkey, clinging to the Black Sea coast, and you're feeling brave, I’ve got a road for you. Forget paved perfection, this is raw, untamed Turkey at its finest – the road from Olgunlar Yaylası to Hüngamek. Clocking in at just over 10 miles, this wild ride climbs sky-high. We're talking over 10,000 feet above sea level! Think breathtaking views, but also, gulp, serious drop-offs. And hold on tight because there are 28 hairpin turns thrown in for good measure. Did I mention it’s unpaved? Yeah, you’ll definitely want a 4x4 for this steep climb. Summer is your only window of opportunity here. Trust me, this road is an experience you won't soon forget!

Driving the curves and tunnels of Malta High Alpine Roadeasy

Driving the curves and tunnels of Malta High Alpine Road

🇦🇹 Austria

# Malta-Hochalmstraße: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride Ready for one of Austria's most exhilarating drives? Head to Carinthia in the southern Alps, just north of the charming village of Malta in Spittal an der Drau District, and discover the Malta-Hochalmstraße—a spectacular toll road that'll have you gripping the steering wheel in the best way possible. This 14.4km (8.94 miles) beauty climbs high into the majestic Hohe Tauern range, winding its way up to Kölnbreinsperre, Austria's highest concrete dam sitting at a jaw-dropping 1,902m (6,240ft) elevation. Originally built to help construct that engineering marvel, the road was later opened to the public as a tourist attraction—and honestly, it's worth every detour. Buckle up for a driving experience that's part scenic tour, part adrenaline rush. The road hugs the Malta river as it snakes through six dramatic natural stone tunnels carved directly into the rock face, complete with tight switchbacks that'll test your skills. With gradients reaching 13% and some hairpin sections narrowing to single-lane, you'll need focus and respect for this road. Two strategically placed traffic lights manage flow at the trickiest points, keeping everyone safe. Just a heads up: this route is only open May through October, between 7 am and 6 pm, and the entire road is perfectly paved. Whether you're driving a car or riding a motorcycle, this is the kind of journey that reminds you exactly why you love the open road.