
Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo
Italy, europe
5.3 km
1,908 m
extreme
Year-round
# Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure
Nestled in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy, Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo sits at a breathtaking 1,908m (6,259ft) elevation—and trust us, the drive to get there is just as breathtaking. This old military road is not for the faint of heart.
What you're getting into: think steep, winding switchbacks that seem to go on forever, with sections so narrow that oncoming traffic becomes a genuine puzzle. In plenty of places, you're essentially driving along a cliff edge with no guardrails between you and a drop that'll make your stomach flip. But here's the kicker—someone recently gave the road a fresh coat of asphalt, which sounds great until you hit those brutal 29% grade ramps covered in loose gravel outside the tire tracks. It keeps things interesting, that's for sure.
The route spans just 5.3km from Misurina (extending to 6.3km if you push to where the gravel begins), climbing over three mountain passes: Forcella Bassa, Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo, and Forcella Àuta/Alta before ending at the Rifugio Bois at Monte Piana.
The payoff? Phenomenal. You're practically neighbors with the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and the views are absolutely camera-worthy. Plus, Monte Piana is steeped in World War I history—this area saw intense battles between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces, and you'll spot remnants throughout. It's a place where adventure meets history, making for an unforgettable drive.
Where is it?
Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.3987, 12.5329
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,908 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.3987, 12.5329
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col de Vergio?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Vergio, perched at a cool 1,478m (4,849ft), is supposedly Corsica's highest road pass! You'll find this beauty straddling the Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud departments in the northwest. The road to the top, also called Bocca à Verghju, is fully paved, but don't let that fool you – there are some wild sections on both sides. Keep your eyes peeled, because you're basically guaranteed to meet some local wildlife. We're talking wild pigs, goats, maybe even cows! As one of Corsica's four major passes, it connects the two sides of the island through a rocky landscape. At the summit, you'll find a huge parking lot and a massive granite statue of Christ the King. The views are unreal because there's hardly any vegetation. This road is open year-round, stretching for 33km (20.5 miles) from Évisa to Albertacce. Be ready for some steep climbs, with gradients hitting almost 8% in some spots. This route takes you up one of Corsica's most incredible mountains.
moderateThe breathtaking Black Mountain Road is the Top Gear road of Wales
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Carmarthenshire, Wales, ready to tackle the legendary Black Mountain Road! This absolute stunner, officially the A4069, is tucked away in the Black Mountains and is pure driving bliss. Clocking in at about 14.8 miles (23.81 km), this paved ribbon of joy connects Glanamman and Llangadog. What makes it special? Think a perfect blend of bends and straights, with visibility for days. Just keep your eyes peeled for those wandering sheep – they're not the best at following traffic laws! Word to the wise: those speed cameras can be sneaky, hiding in the most unexpected places. Nestled in the western part of Brecon Beacons National Park, this route is a playground for driving enthusiasts. The map alone is enough to get your heart racing! Get ready for a mix of fast stretches and those ridiculously tight hairpin turns, all with views that'll make your jaw drop. Low-rider alert: watch out for some bumps along the way. And get ready to climb, reaching a peak of 1,624 ft (495 m) above sea level. It's known as the best driving road in Wales, and for good reason. Since its appearance on Top Gear (where it earned the nickname "Top Gear Road"), it's become a magnet for car magazine test drivers. Be warned, though, it can get crowded! But with scenery like this stretching for miles, it's easy to see why it's considered one of the UK's most beautiful drives. Set aside about 35-45 minutes to drive it without stopping. And be sure to use those laybys – the views are too good to miss! Weekends can get busy, but trust me, this road is worth every bit of the hype. It's a driving experience you won't forget!
moderateIs the road to Vojnovac unpaved?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Vojnovac, a seriously stunning peak in Montenegro's Morača region, clocking in at a cool 1,900 meters (6,233 feet). Now, listen up: the road to the top is a wild one! Forget smooth tarmac – we're talking full-on unpaved action with plenty of rocks and loose stones. This is strictly 4x4 territory, and you'll definitely want some decent ground clearance. Starting near the beautiful Kapetanovo jezero lake, the road stretches for about 2.8 kilometers (1.73 miles), but don't let the short distance fool you. You'll be climbing 321 meters, which translates to a pretty steep average gradient of 11.46%. Expect incredible panoramic views, but keep your eyes peeled for the challenging terrain. This isn't a Sunday drive, but if you're up for an off-road adventure with unforgettable scenery, Vojnovac is calling your name!
hardWhere is the P16 Road?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up, because the P16 in Montenegro is a stunner! This road hugs the southern shore of Shkodra Lake, the Balkans' biggest lake, putting you right on the water's edge near the Albanian border. Clocking in at about 51 km (32 miles) from Virpazar to Vladimir, the P16 isn't just a pretty face; it's a proper driver's road! Think endless curves, hairpin turns, and some seriously steep, narrow bits that'll keep you on your toes. You'll need to be extra cautious around blind corners and maybe even play a little traffic tango in those tighter sections. But trust me, the views are worth it! Shkodra Lake is HUGE and teeming with wildlife, plus there's even a medieval monastery perched on a little island. You'll cruise through charming old villages, and the scenery is just breathtaking the whole way. If you're up for a challenging drive with incredible rewards, the P16 is calling your name!