Lago di Fontana Bianca

Lago di Fontana Bianca

Italy, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,900 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Lago di Fontana Bianca: A Mountain Drive Worth the Challenge

Tucked away in South Tyrol's stunning Alpine landscape, Lago di Fontana Bianca (known locally as Weißbrunner See) sits pretty at 1,900 meters (6,233 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude reservoir is the destination for one seriously impressive mountain drive.

The road up is paved—thank goodness—but don't let that fool you into thinking it's an easy cruise. This narrow ribbon of asphalt kicks up some seriously steep sections, with grades hitting 13.3% in places. Built between 1957 and 1962, the road is a testament to mid-century engineering ambition, carving its way through some genuinely dramatic terrain to reach this alpine gem.

Where is it?

Lago di Fontana Bianca is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.5494, 12.1372

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,900 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
43.5494, 12.1372

Related Roads in europe

Where is Pesica Lake?hard

Where is Pesica Lake?

🌍 Montenegro

Okay, picture this: You're heading to a ridiculously gorgeous high mountain lake. It's tucked away way up high, above sea level, deep in the heart of the country, chilling in the shadow of the country's tallest peak. Seriously stunning. Oh, and locals whisper about a winged white horse with piercing blue eyes that rises from the lake at night – how cool is that?! Now, the road...let's just say you'll want a 4x4. It's unpaved, a bit rough around the edges, and gets super narrow in spots, with some seriously steep climbs. Pro Tip: Check conditions before you go, because once winter hits, it's usually closed. The whole adventure is only about a handful of miles, but you'll gain a fair bit of elevation, so expect a constant, noticeable climb. The average gradient is what it is, so keep your eyes peeled. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and turn!

Where is Vale Street?moderate

Where is Vale Street?

🇬🇧 England

Okay, picture this: you're in Totterdown, a quirky suburb of Bristol in the southwest of England, and you stumble upon Vale Street. Forget gentle slopes – this isn't your average residential street. We're talking seriously steep. This little paved climb is only about 200 meters long, but in that short distance, it gains a whopping 17 meters in elevation! That's an average gradient of 22%, but at its steepest, it hits a butt-clenching 25.6%. Seriously, it's like driving or walking up a ski slope. This road, only 427 feet in length from Park Street to Balmain Street, is so intense that residents park their cars sideways to stop them from rolling away! And when the ice hits? Forget about it – cars get tethered to lampposts. Lined with charming terraced houses and steps for the brave pedestrians, Vale Street is a favorite with cyclists looking for a lung-busting challenge. If you're up for an adventure (and maybe a serious leg workout), this street offers a driving or walking experience you won't soon forget.

Where is C31 Road?hard

Where is C31 Road?

🇪🇸 Spain

Cruising the C31 in Catalonia, Spain, is a must-do if you’re anywhere near Barcelona! This old coastal road hugs the Mediterranean Sea southwest of the city, and it’s a wild ride. This stretch, particularly between Castelldefels and Sitges, will test your nerves if you're prone to car sickness. You'll be winding along cliffs right above the sea, navigating tight curves as the road snakes its way through Parc Natural del Garraf. It's not a long drive, but those curves come at you fast and furious. Plus, it's a single lane each way, so patience is key, especially since it gets super crowded on weekends and holidays. Trucks from the Vallcarca cement company add to the fun on weekdays! Overtaking is pretty much impossible. But oh, those views! The ocean vistas are incredible, and there are several viewpoints with parking where you can safely pull over, soak it all in, and snap some photos. Just remember to keep a cool head, as there's no shoulder to give you any margin for error. It's scenic, bendy, and often congested, but totally worth it for the views.

Col de Corobinhard

Col de Corobin

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Corobin Ready for a thrilling alpine adventure? Head to southeastern France and tackle Col de Corobin, a 1,230-meter mountain pass tucked away in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This isn't your average Sunday drive—it's a proper alpine challenge that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Starting from the charming town of Digne-les-Bains, you've got a solid 9.31 km climb ahead of you. The road, D20, winds its way up the mountainside with a respectable 5% average gradient, gaining 472 meters of elevation. Now here's the thing: this isn't a wide, modern highway. The asphalt is real, but narrow and seriously steep in places. You'll need sharp focus and confident driving skills to navigate the tight bends and steep sections. The pass sits between Digne-les-Bains to the northwest and the small village of Chaudon-Norante to the southwest, making it the perfect detour if you're exploring this stunning corner of the French Alps. The scenery rewards your effort—mountain views, winding roads through dramatic terrain, and that incredible sense of accomplishment when you crest the summit. This one's best tackled in good weather with a well-maintained vehicle. Take it slow, enjoy the ride, and soak in those alpine views.