How long is Strada Provinciale 96 in Basilicata?
Italy, europe
55 km
872 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! SP96 in Basilicata, Southern Italy, is not for the faint of heart. This 55 km (34-mile) stretch of pure, paved adrenaline runs from Bivio di Tricarico all the way to the border of Apulia, winding its way through the mountaintop town of Tolve.
Located north of the stunning Parco Regionale di Gallipoli Cognato Piccole Dolomiti Lucane, this road is a wild ride. We're talking seriously steep climbs, squeezes through super-narrow sections, and a never-ending series of twists and turns.
Speaking of turns, hold on tight – this route boasts a staggering 56 hairpin bends! Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale or just skip this one.
The views? Incredible! But you'll be too busy wrestling the steering wheel to fully appreciate them. SP96 tops out at 872 meters (2,860 feet), so you know you're in for some serious elevation. Get ready for an unforgettable, white-knuckle adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 55 km
- Max Elevation
- 872 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Bielerhöhe Pass?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, buckle up, because the Bielerhöhe Pass in Austria is calling your name! Perched way up at 6,794 feet, this mountain pass straddles Vorarlberg and Tyrol, putting you practically spitting distance from Switzerland. Think alpine views and charming vibes, because the summit is dotted with restaurants and hotels – perfect for soaking it all in. You'll be cruising along the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße High Alpine Road, a totally paved beauty that links Montafon and the Paznaun valley. Word to the wise: plan your trip for the warmer months, because this stunner is usually snowed in from November to April. The climb? It's a solid 21 miles from Bludenz, with an average grade of around 3.8%. Get ready for some serious vistas!
hardCol de Savel
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Savel Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes of southeastern France, Col de Savel sits pretty at 972 meters (3,188 feet) above sea level. This scenic mountain pass connects Coarze to the southwest with Col St-Roch to the northeast via the D15 road. Fair warning: this isn't your typical cruise down a highway. The D15 is narrow and seriously steep—think white-knuckle switchbacks and tight corners. The road is paved, which is a plus, but don't expect wide shoulders or any hand-holding from the road designers. You'll need to keep your wits about you and your eyes on the road. What makes it worth the effort? The stunning Alpine scenery unfolds as you climb, with panoramic views that'll make you forget all about those hairpin turns. It's the kind of drive that feels like a proper adventure—challenging, rewarding, and absolutely gorgeous.
hardBakke Bro
🇳🇴 Norway
# Bakke Bro: Norway's Stunning Historic Crossing Bakke Bro is an absolutely breathtaking suspension bridge spanning the Sira River in Vest-Agder county, Norway. It's honestly one of the most jaw-dropping bridges you'll ever lay eyes on. This beauty dates back to 1844, featuring two impressive stone arches held up by naturally constructed towers. The bridge itself stretches 53.5 meters between those towers, with a modest width of just 4.35 meters—giving it that authentic, intimate feel of a historic crossing. Here's where it gets really intense: this bridge carries the legendary Tronåsen (Fv946), which ranks among the world's steepest roads with gradients hitting a mind-blowing 25-33%. The road's been pushing adrenaline junkies' limits since 1791, though the current version was formally completed in 1844 alongside the bridge itself. It's narrow, it winds like crazy, and it demands respect from anyone brave enough to take it on. If you're seeking a truly unforgettable drive that combines history, engineering marvels, and heart-pounding elevation changes, Bakke Bro and its legendary road are calling your name. This is the kind of journey that reminds you why road trips exist in the first place.
moderateTravel guide to the top of Col des Embrasures
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Embrasures Want to experience something truly wild? Head to the Savoie department in southeastern France, where you'll find Col des Embrasures perched at a jaw-dropping 2,305 meters (7,562 feet) in the Cottian Alps, practically on the doorstep of Italy. Here's the deal: this isn't your typical paved mountain pass. The route is an old military track, completely unpaved and absolutely brutal in winter when snow shuts it down entirely. Seriously, this is 4x4 and Enduro bike territory only, and after heavy rain, you can forget about access altogether. But if conditions are right? The ride is genuinely rewarding with absolutely stunning alpine views. The real draw is Le Fort de la Redoute waiting at the summit. Built way back in 1630 by the House of Savoy, it originally went by the name Fort Traverset. When France absorbed Savoy in 1860, they weren't taking chances with their Italian neighbors—a brand new fort went up in 1892 as a defensive stronghold. Fast forward to World War II, and this strategic border position became the scene of intense fighting. Today, the fort is off-limits due to structural concerns, but the history saturating this place is palpable. The steep, narrow climb rewards you with incredible scenery and centuries of European history. This one's definitely for the adventurous types who appreciate both a challenging route and a good story.