Lago del Diavolo
Italy, europe
N/A
2,126 m
hard
Year-round
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.
Where is it?
Lago del Diavolo is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.4115, 12.8922
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,126 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.4115, 12.8922
Related Roads in europe
hardMutkogel
🇦🇹 Austria
# Mutkogel: Not for the Faint of Heart Nestled in Austria's Tyrol region, Mutkogel is one of Europe's most exhilarating mountain passes, sitting pretty at a whopping 2,972 meters (9,750 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a serious adventure. Starting from the summit of the Ötztal Glacier Road and winding through the stunning Ötztal Valley, this gravel and rocky trail is genuinely challenging. The road is rough, tippy, and bumpy in places, demanding serious respect and driving skills. You'll need a solid 4x4 vehicle and nerves of steel—this route definitely isn't for anyone with a fear of heights. The steep, unpaved mountain terrain is no joke. Fair warning: this pass is mostly inaccessible from October through June, so plan your adventure for the warmer months (weather permitting). It's essentially a chairlift access trail that's only suitable for experienced off-road drivers who know their way around unpaved alpine roads. If you're the type who gets nervous on narrow mountain passes, skip this one entirely. But if you're looking for a genuinely thrilling high-altitude experience and have the skills and vehicle to back it up? Mutkogel delivers the kind of adrenaline-pumping mountain driving that most travelers only dream about.
hardTravel Guide to Col du Plateau Rosa in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Col du Plateau Rosa Ready for an adventure that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve? Col du Plateau Rosa sits pretty at a whopping 3,088m (10,131ft) in Italy's Aosta Valley, making it one of Europe's most extreme mountain passes. Starting from the town of Paquier, you're looking at a 12.3 km (7.64 miles) ride that climbs 1,529m with an average gradient of 12.43% — yeah, it's steep. And here's the catch: the entire route is unpaved, so you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to even attempt this beast. This isn't a Sunday cruise; it's a serious mountain challenge. The road winds its way up through the stunning Alps, eventually reaching Cime Bianche as it snakes toward the summit. Fair warning though — come winter, this pass becomes completely impassable, so you'll need to time your visit during the warmer months. But hey, the views? Totally worth it. And once you reach the top, you can reward yourself at Ristorante Ventina for some well-deserved Italian hospitality. The road itself doubles as a service route for a chairlift, so you know the area takes its Alpine credentials seriously.
moderateWhere is Certovica Pass?
🌍 Slovakia
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through Slovakia, right in the heart of the Low Tatras. You're headed for Čertovica Pass, and let me tell you, it's a stunner! At 1,242m (that's over 4,000 feet!), it’s supposedly the highest paved pass in Slovakia. This beauty straddles the Žilina and Banská Bystrica regions in northern Slovakia. And guess what? At the top, you'll find a ski resort, a hotel, and restaurants, so it's the perfect place to chill. The road? Smooth as can be – it's Route 72, all paved. Just be warned, this isn't a flat cruise. We're talking some serious steepness, with gradients hitting 9% in places! The pass stretches for about 20.7 km (almost 13 miles) between Nižná Boca and Jarabá, and offers some seriously stunning views. Keep an eye on the weather though; while usually open year-round, winter can bring closures.
hardHow long is the Panoramastrasse Oberaar?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: the Panoramastrasse Oberaar, snaking its way up in the Grimsel area of Switzerland's Bern canton. This isn't just any mountain road; it's a 5.8km (3.6 mile) ribbon of pure adrenaline, leading to the Oberaarsee reservoir. Now, a heads-up: this road is paved, but it's narrow – seriously narrow – with some wild drop-offs and hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. It's one-way only, adding to the excitement. The road climbs to a breathtaking 2,401m (7,877ft) above sea level. There's a toll booth right at the traffic light you need to pass. Built back in '53, it throws some steep sections your way, with gradients hitting over 10%. It's a blast if you're into challenging, twisty mountain roads! Keep in mind this beauty is usually closed from late September to late June/early July because of snow, so check conditions before you go. Even fog can shut it down. When open, traffic lights control access. You can drive from Grimsel Pass to Oberaar between xx.00 and xx.10, and back from Oberaar to Grimsel Pass between xx.30 and xx.40. No access between midnight and 6 a.m., and vehicles can't be longer than 10 meters. The drive itself? Figure 15-25 minutes without stops. Parking along the road is a no-go, but there are a few tiny viewpoints where you can pull over briefly. Trust me, the payoff is HUGE. The views from the top are insane, especially the Oberaar glacier on the lake's west side. Seriously stunning!