Lago Volaia

Lago Volaia

Italy, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,963 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up to Lago Volaia (or Wolayersee if you're feeling German!), a stunning alpine lake chilling way up at 6,440 feet. We're talking Carnic Alps territory, right on the border of Switzerland and Italy.

Now, heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive! The road? Well, let's just say it's more "adventure" than asphalt. Think gravel, rocks, and a bumpy ride all the way to the top. It's a super narrow path, so get ready for some serious hairpin action. Snow and ice can shut things down in a heartbeat, and usually you can't even get through from September to June. Oh, and pro tip: the final stretch is off-limits to cars, so prepare for a bit of a hike to the lake itself. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and step!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,963 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Where is Faux Col de Restefond?moderate

Where is Faux Col de Restefond?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about the Faux Col de Restefond! Nestled high in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France, this baby sits at a seriously lofty elevation, making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-CĂ´te d'Azur region, smack-dab in the gorgeous Mercantour National Park. Now, the road to the top is paved, BUT here's the deal. It's not *exactly* on the main route to the actual Col de Restefond. However, most people call it good after reaching this point. Be warned, there's a bit of extra gravel road to conquer if you want to claim the true summit. Keep in mind this pass has a mind of its own. Usually, it's closed between October and May, thanks to those pesky winter conditions. So, plan your trip accordingly!

Where is Col de Tende-Colle di Tenda?hard

Where is Col de Tende-Colle di Tenda?

🇮🇹 Italy

Col de Tende (Colle di Tenda) sits way up high at 1,876m (6,154ft), right on the border of France and Italy. Love hairpin turns? This climb is calling your name – seriously, it’s one of the curviest roads *ever*. You'll find it straddling the Alpes-Maritimes (France) and the Province of Cuneo (Italy), acting as the divider between the Maritime and Ligurian Alps. Think of it as the southernmost gateway to all the Alpine adventures. The road up is a real adventure. It's an old military route, mostly paved, but with a gravelly bit at the very end to keep things interesting. Get ready for 48 hairpin turns twisting and turning all the way up! The whole thing is 7.5 km (4.66 miles) long, kicking off from the D6204 (E74) road. You'll climb 603m, with an average gradient of 8.04%, and some seriously steep sections hitting 17%. Give yourself 30-40 minutes to conquer it without stopping, but trust me, you'll *want* to stop. At the top, explore massive 19th-century fortifications built by the Italians. Fun fact: this is rumored to be one of Europe's oldest routes, used by Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. The whole area is dotted with old fortifications, relics of the French-Italian border wars. It's like a free, uncrowded open-air museum. Heads up: this route is a no-go in winter, buried under snow. Coming from Italy, you can usually cruise right to the top. However, there can be issues with construction on the French side. Check ahead before you go, or you might have to turn around and go back the way you came!

Where is Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland?hard

Where is Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Okay, picture this: You're in Switzerland, ready for an adventure. Buckle up, because Route de la Croix-de-Coeur, or Col de la Croix de Coeur, is calling your name! This high mountain pass, sitting pretty at 2,178m (7,145ft), straddles the Entremont and Martigny districts. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road is a bit of a beast, known for being challenging. You'll find a mix of paved sections and hard-pack gravel as you climb. Get ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting gradients of up to 12%! And hold on tight through the 38 hairpin turns—many without guardrails. Oh, and did I mention the 5 tunnels? Starting in Sembrancher and winding up in Riddes, this 43 km (26 miles) stretch is an experience. Trust me, it’s worth it. At the top, you'll find Restaurant La Croix-de-Coeur and a parking area. But the real reward? Jaw-dropping views of the Combins and Mont Blanc to the south, and the Bernese Alps to the north. Get your camera ready!

When was the Old Military Road built?moderate

When was the Old Military Road built?

🌍 Ireland

Hit the R115, aka the Old Military Road, for an epic trek through the Wicklow Mountains! This beauty snakes through Dublin and Wicklow, and get this – it's one of the first purpose-built roads in Ireland, dating back to the early 1800s when soldiers carved it out. Keep an eye out for the old barracks they left behind. Clocking in at almost 40 kilometers, this paved road trip runs from Rathfarnham, just south of Dublin, down to the charming village of Laragh. But don't expect a smooth ride! This mountain route is narrow, twisty, and can get pretty bumpy. The boggy ground makes for a rollercoaster feel, with dips and sags all over the place. While there aren’t many crazy cliffs, caution is key – blind curves are everywhere. Rally car drivers have even put the road to the test! Give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours to drive it without stops, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. Nestled in Wicklow Mountains National Park, the views are breathtaking, no matter the weather. Be prepared for rugged terrain and some serious crosswinds, even in summer. Heads up: at its highest point, the road crests at 500 meters. Winter can bring closures due to snow and ice, and sometimes flooding or fallen trees will block the way. Rainy weather turns the surrounding land into a boggy mess, and sometimes the road sinks a bit.