Col de Chanrossa
France, europe
N/A
2,545 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Col de Chanrossa! This epic mountain pass punches through the Savoie region of the French Alps, clocking in at a whopping 2,545 meters (that's 8,349 feet!). You'll find it deep inside the Vanoise National Park.
Heads up: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump and grind. This track is typically closed from October to June, so plan accordingly. Definitely bring your 4x4 and your A-game if you're hitting this one. Not for the faint of heart, especially if heights aren't your thing.
Prepare for a steep climb, and watch out for mud if it's been raining – things can get slick. The reward? An amazing little lake awaits you at the summit. The views? Absolutely priceless!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,545 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhen was Galleria di Rosazza built?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Piedmont region of northern Italy, right in the Province of Biella. You're winding your way between the Cervo and Oropa valleys when BAM! You see it – the Galleria di Rosazza. This isn't your average tunnel, folks. Perched at almost 5,000 feet, this 350-meter long tunnel was hand-dug way back in the 1890s. Senator Federico Rosazza Pistolet had the vision to connect the two sides of the mountain. He even included an inn and laboratory for workers! The Galleria di Rosazza is narrow, damp, and super dark but it’s incredibly charming. It’s a straight shot through the mountain and a total must-do if you’re exploring the area by car, motorbike, or even mountain bike. Just a heads up, campers might want to skip this one. Plus, there’s a restaurant with amazing views right before you enter the tunnel from the east. Keep an eye on the weather. Being in the Alpi Biellesi means things can get dicey, especially in winter when temporary closures are possible. Avalanches and rock slides are also a thing around here. But hey, the tiny cliffside roads on either side of the tunnel are worth it for adventurous drivers.
moderateConquering the highest paved road of the Czech Republic to Praded
🌍 Czech Republic
Okay, picture this: you're in the Czech Republic, itching for an adventure. Head east to the border of Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc regions, and get ready to conquer Praděd, a beast of a peak soaring to 1,489m! Now, here's the cool part. Perched right on top is a massive, 162m-tall broadcasting tower, built way back between 1968 and 1983. But it's not just a tower — it's got a small hotel and restaurant inside! And the tippy-top? A watchtower with insane views. We're talking High Tatras, Malá Fatra Mts., maybe even the Alps on a clear day! The road up here in the Hrubý Jeseník range? Paved, baby! They say it's the highest paved road in the whole country, but here's the catch: it's currently closed to cars and motorcycles. So lace up those hiking boots and get ready to earn those views!
hardHow to get to Peter-Anich-Hutte in Tyrol?
🇦🇹 Austria
# Peter-Anich-Hütte: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Austria's stunning Tyrol region, the Peter-Anich-Hütte sits pretty at 1,909m (6,259ft) in the Innsbruck-Land district, just southwest of the city itself. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—we're talking serious mountain terrain here. The journey to this historic refuge (built back in 1884/85 and named after the legendary Tyrolean cartographer Peter Anich) is pure adrenaline. Starting from Rietz, you're looking at a 9.1 km (5.7 mi) climb with punishing grades that average 14.1% and hit a bone-jarring 30% at their steepest. Yeah, you read that right—you'll definitely need a proper 4x4 to handle this beast. The road itself is mostly unpaved, which adds another layer of challenge to the whole experience. It's a private service road with vehicle restrictions, so you won't find crowds here. The hut sits dramatically on the northern edge of the Stubai Alps, making it a summer-only destination when conditions allow. If you're craving a genuine alpine challenge with breathtaking scenery and serious elevation gains, this is the kind of road that separates the casual drivers from the real adventurers.
hardMonte Novegno
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Novegno Nestled in the province of Vicenza in Italy's Veneto region, Monte Novegno sits at a respectable 1,672 meters (5,485 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—the road to the summit is almost entirely gravel, winding through a series of tight hairpin turns that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The steep gradient means you'll really feel the climb, and the narrow path doesn't leave much room for error. Here's the catch: avoid this route if rain or snow is in the forecast. The conditions make it completely impassable, so timing is everything. The road itself is a relic of military history—it's an old military route that's been around for generations. Once you reach the top, you'll find yourself at the ruins of Forte Rione da Santa Caterina, a WWI-era fortress that adds a haunting historical layer to your adventure. You might also see this pass referred to as Monte Cogolo or Malga Novegno by locals. It's a challenging, character-filled road that rewards patient drivers with both stunning alpine scenery and a tangible slice of history. *Photo credit: Stefano Donazzan*