Strada degli Eroi is a military mule road built during WWI
Italy, europe
2 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
# Strada degli Eroi: Italy's Epic Mountain Road
Want to experience one of Italy's most legendary drives? Head to the Pasubio massif in the Vicentine Alps, where the stunning Strada degli Eroi awaits. This 10.5km road winds through the dramatic landscape straddling Trentino-South Tirol and Veneto in the Eastern Alps, climbing 838 meters with an eye-watering average gradient of nearly 8% and peak sections hitting 12%.
Built in 1922 after World War I, this route honors 12 soldiers who earned gold medals for valor during the Great War—their names are etched into the rock face along the way. The road was initially just a mountain trail, but between 1937 and 1938, engineers transformed it into a proper route, complete with the impressive Galleria Generale Achille d'Havet tunnel. The ceremonial opening on June 26, 1938, marked a turning point for accessing the summit region.
Starting from a small parking area on Strada Statale 46, the road climbs relentlessly toward the Rifugio Generale Achille Papa hut, with kilometer markers every step of the way. Most of it remains unpaved (except for some asphalt hairpin turns), and prepare yourself for a shock: the temperature difference between the base and top is absolutely dramatic.
Fair warning: this road has a serious reputation. Closed to vehicles since the 1980s due to safety concerns, much of it has deteriorated significantly, with cracked surfaces and loose rocks making driving treacherous. Today, it's a favorite haunt for hikers and mountain bikers seeking adventure—but it demands respect and caution.
Where is it?
Strada degli Eroi is a military mule road built during WWI is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.3157, 11.2689
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.3157, 11.2689
Related Roads in europe
hardHow challenging is the drive to the top of La Norma?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for La Norma in the French Alps! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude service road that climbs to over 2,584 meters in the Savoie region, right inside the stunning Vanoise National Park. Think you can handle it? The ascent starts near something and goes on for less than 9 kilometers. But here's the kicker: you'll gain almost 1,200 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of over 13%! On loose gravel, that’s a serious test of your machine's grip and power. You absolutely NEED a 4WD with high clearance and low-range gears. The road throws 14 hairpin turns at you as it snakes up the mountain. And get this: it's narrow! One wrong move, and you're staring down a massive drop with no guardrails. If it's wet, the dirt turns to slick mud, making those tight corners even more treacherous. Not for the faint of heart! Beyond the steepness, the weather is the real beast. Up at that altitude, visibility can disappear in seconds, even in summer. And a quick storm can turn the track into a total mess. Plus, you're on your own up there – no facilities, no help. Solitude is cool, but you better be prepared for anything. If you're an experienced off-roader, the panoramic views of the Savoie peaks from the top are absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Just remember, this "chairlift road" is one of the toughest climbs in France.
hardA narrow road to the summit of Monte Altissimo in Trentino
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Altissimo: A Thrilling Alpine Climb Above Lake Garda Perched at 2,069m (6,788ft) in Trentino, Italy, Monte Altissimo is an absolute beast of a drive—and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. If white-knuckle mountain roads aren't your thing, you might want to skip this one. The adventure kicks off in Torbole, right near the stunning shores of Lake Garda. You'll start at just 70m elevation, which means there's a *lot* of climbing ahead. The first stretch is deceptively nice—smooth asphalt with a steady 9.4% average grade over 15.4 km. But then things get real. Once you hit Parcheggio Stanga, the pavement ends and you're onto gravel (sterrato). From there, it's a hair-raising 3.8 km scramble to Monte Varagna and the summit, with an eye-watering 13.7% average gradient. All told, you're looking at 19.2 km of climbing at a gnarly 10.3% average. Fair warning: the Strada del Monte Baldo is seriously narrow with some brutally steep sections. Larger vehicles should be extra cautious, and timing matters—hit it during off-peak hours to avoid nerve-wracking encounters with oncoming traffic. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely worth every tense moment. On a clear day, you'll spot the Adamello, Brenta Group, Pasubio Massif, and the Small Dolomites. From the top, the panorama is jaw-dropping—Lake Garda spreads out below you while the Dolomites and Alps frame the horizon. Plus, the summit has a mountain refuge, chapel, museum, and even a heliport if you're curious about the infrastructure up there.
moderateShipka Pass
🌍 Bulgaria
# Shipka Pass: Bulgaria's Most Historic Mountain Drive Sitting pretty at 1,185 meters, Shipka Pass cuts right through the Balkan Mountains and connects the charming Rose Valley town of Kazanlak with Gabrovo up north. But here's what makes this route truly special – it's basically Bulgaria's Mount Rushmore moment. This is where some seriously intense battles went down during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, ultimately freeing Bulgaria from Ottoman control. Heavy stuff. The southern approach is genuinely thrilling, winding through lush beech and oak forests with a jaw-dropping 17 hairpin bends that'll keep you gripping the steering wheel. Just when you think you've conquered it all, you'll spot the Freedom Monument – a stunning 31.5-meter stone tower that's basically a giant tribute to the Bulgarian and Russian soldiers who refused to budge when the Ottoman army showed up. Climb up here and you get these absolutely stunning vistas spreading out across the Rose Valley, where locals have been growing those famous damask roses and producing liquid gold (aka rose oil) for centuries. Once you head down the northern side through the Uzana recreation area, you'll understand why locals rave about this road. It's honestly one of Bulgaria's best drives – the kind of route that hits every note: dramatic peaks, incredible views, and enough history to keep you thinking about it for weeks.
moderatePoço do Inferno Waterfall, a sensational drive
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Portugal's Centro Region, headed for a hidden gem called Cascata Poço do Inferno – yep, Hell's Well! Don't worry, it's more breathtaking than terrifying. This little ravine/waterfall sits pretty in the Serra da Estrela Mountains, inside the Serra Estela Natural Park, formed by the Leandres stream. The road in is an adventure in itself – think a twisty-turny, zigzagging beauty, totally paved and snaking through the trees. Now, a heads-up: it gets *narrow*. Like, squeeze-your-side-mirrors-in narrow, and not ideal for two mid-size cars to pass at once. So, brush up on your reversing skills, trust me on this one. But the views, oh the views! Prepare for jaw-dropping panoramas of the Zezere valley. Seriously, the forest road alone is worth the drive. It leads to a parking area, and from there, it's a short walk to the waterfall itself. The road's usually in good shape, but those super-narrow sections can be a bit hairy. If you're not a confident driver, maybe sit this one out. Starting from Manteigas, just head south on the N338 towards Torre, and you'll find it about 5.7 km down the road. It's open year-round, but might be closed temporarily in winter if the weather gets wild. Word on the street is that the waterfall can freeze solid in brutal winters, and sometimes dries up in summer. Spring is the sweet spot, especially late May or June. Happy travels!