The road to Lago di Teleccio: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles

The road to Lago di Teleccio: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles

Italy, europe

Length

11.66 km

Elevation

1,918 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Lago di Teleccio: A Mountain Drive That'll Test Your Nerves

Tucked away in the Metropolitan City of Turin in Italy's Piedmont region sits Lago di Teleccio, a stunning artificial reservoir perched at 1,918 meters (6,292 feet) above sea level. But fair warning: getting there is an absolute beast of a drive.

The Strada al Lago Teleccio has earned its reputation as a humbler of overconfident drivers. This paved mountain road (upgraded in 2006) is relentlessly narrow—so tight that two regular-sized cars literally cannot pass each other. You'll need nerves of steel, solid driving skills, and zero ego to tackle this one. Novices, this isn't your road.

Starting from Casetti-Rosone, you're looking at 11.66 kilometers (7.24 miles) of pure climbing. That elevation gain? A hefty 1,189 meters, averaging a brutal 10.1% grade. But certain sections ramp up to a white-knuckle 15.7%, and you'll navigate 20 hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Expect to creep along at cautious speeds and be ready to pull over and yield to oncoming traffic at a moment's notice.

Set within the spectacular Gran Paradiso National Park, the road typically opens May through October when snow clears. Just a heads-up: the final 6.3 kilometers are off-limits to private vehicles.

If you're a confident driver craving an unforgettable alpine challenge, Lago di Teleccio delivers. Just approach it with respect.

Where is it?

The road to Lago di Teleccio: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.3614, 11.5034

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
11.66 km
Max Elevation
1,918 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.3614, 11.5034

Related Roads in europe

Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Húsavík Mountainhard

Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Húsavík Mountain

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising Iceland's north coast near Húsavík, you HAVE to check out Húsavík Mountain. This peak tops out at 378 meters (1,240 feet), and the views? Unreal! The road to the top is a 3km gravel track that kicks up a gradient of 10.4%. Think bumpy ride in a 4x4 - essential, especially since snow is a real possibility in winter. Trust me, you'll need it! The view from the top is insane, you'll see across Skjálfandi Bay, the stark black deserts leading towards Mývatn, and the serene Botnsvatn Lake. But, heads up - this road is a bit of a wild card. Even a little rain can turn it into a challenge with loose gravel, so keep your eyes peeled. The last stretch is pretty steep, so be prepared for that too. But the panoramic views? Totally worth the white knuckles.

Is Kazmadagi Pass paved?moderate

Is Kazmadagi Pass paved?

🇹🇷 Turkey

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kazmadagi Pass! Snaking its way through Eastern Anatolia in Turkey, this baby climbs to a serious elevation. Yep, it's paved, so you can leave the monster truck at home. But don't think that means it's a walk in the park! This road throws some serious curves your way (you might be braking through some of the ramps). The most intense section hugs the mountainside, high above the river, offering views that’ll make your jaw drop – if you dare take your eyes off the road! Spanning from near the Southeastern Anatolia Region to the heart of the Eastern Anatolia Region, you're in for a good stint on the road. It's a total must-do for anyone who loves a thrilling drive and landscapes that'll etch themselves into your memory forever.

The Road to Coll de l’Arca is a Hidden Gem in Cataloniahard

The Road to Coll de l’Arca is a Hidden Gem in Catalonia

🇪🇸 Spain

# Coll de l'Arca: A Steep Alpine Challenge in Catalonia Tucked away in the Baix Penedès region of Tarragona, Spain, Coll de l'Arca sits at 605m (1,984ft) and serves up some seriously punchy climbing through the Sierra de Montmell mountains. This 6.1 km (3.79 miles) pass connects Aiguaviva and La Juncosa del Montmell, running south to north, and it's not for the faint of heart. The road itself is fully paved, though you'll encounter concrete sections mixed in, with narrow stretches and sections pushing 15% gradient that'll really test your legs. Coming from the Aiguaviva side (via TV-2443), you're looking at a 2.6 km climb starting at 514m elevation. It's relatively gentler here, with an average grade of 3.5% and 91m of elevation gain. But approach from La Juncosa del Montmell (via TV-2401), and things get serious—3.5 km of climbing from 409m elevation with 196m of gain and a punchy 5.6% average gradient. This is proper mountain pass territory in northeastern Catalonia where the scenery is stunning but the road demands respect. Whether you're grinding it on a bike or navigating it in a car, Coll de l'Arca rewards you with that satisfying alpine experience.

Road trip guide: conquering Lake Gruebuhard

Road trip guide: conquering Lake Gruebu

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Grüebusee: Switzerland's Hidden Alpine Gem Tucked away in the Valais region of southern Switzerland, near the Italian border, sits the stunning Grüebusee—a pristine alpine lake perched at a breathtaking 2,862 meters (9,389 feet). The name itself tells a story: in Swiss German, "Grüebu" derives from "Grube," meaning "pit" or "hollow," so you're basically visiting a lake nestled in nature's own depression. Pretty cool, right? Ready for an adventure? The 13.9-kilometer (8.6-mile) drive from Saas-Balen to the lake via Heimischgarten is definitely not your typical Sunday cruise. Starting at the bridge over the Vispa, you'll gain a serious 1,336 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 9.61%—and that's just the average. The steepest sections hit a punishing 20%. Here's the real deal: only the first four kilometers are paved. After that, buckle up for a wild ride featuring 26 hairpin turns on a narrow, unpaved track. Loose gravel, cramped passages, and steep drop-offs make this one a true test of driving skill. This route is strictly 4x4 with high clearance only—no exceptions. One of Switzerland's highest roads, Grüebusee is a serious mountain challenge. Plan your visit carefully though: the road is typically closed from October through June, weather permitting. Time your trip right, and you'll be rewarded with some of the most jaw-dropping alpine scenery imaginable.