The Wild Road to Colle del Preit
Italy, europe
5.4 km
2,065 m
extreme
Year-round
# Colle del Preit
Nestled in Cuneo province in southwestern Piedmont, Italy, Colle del Preit sits pretty at 2,065 meters (6,774 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude pass sits just east of Gardetta Pass and offers one seriously challenging ride.
The road up here is legitimately narrow and demanding—we're talking hairpin turns galore and sections that'll make your palms sweat. Good news though: it's been paved in recent years after spending way too long as a rough, unpaved mess. Still, heads up: the final stretch is off-limits to regular cars, so you'll need to hoof it on foot if you want to reach the very top.
It's a pretty solitary drive, though you'll spot the occasional adventurous tourist making the climb. Starting from the small town of Preit, you're looking at 5.4 kilometers (3.35 miles) of uphill action that'll net you 524 meters of elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 9.7%. But here's where it gets spicy: the last push to the summit kicks up to a gnarly 16% gradient on some stretches. Definitely not your grandma's Sunday drive, but if you're into dramatic Alpine scenery and a genuine test of your driving skills, this one's calling your name.
Where is it?
The Wild Road to Colle del Preit is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.4121, 14.0049
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,065 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.4121, 14.0049
Related Roads in europe
moderateIs the F228 Road unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: F228, way up in the South Highlands of Iceland, northeast of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. It's about 29 km (18 miles) of pure, unadulterated F-Road awesomeness, mostly unpaved, kicking off just northeast of Friðland að Fjallabaki. You'll climb to a whopping 627 m (2,057 ft) above sea level, so you know the views are going to be killer. This road's a seasonal beauty, usually open from late June until October, making it a summer dream. But heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive in your city car. You absolutely need a 4-wheel drive beast with mega ground clearance. Why? River crossings! You'll be splashing through a few of them, and while the first one is usually chill, the second one (closer to the Veiðivötn lakes) can be a real challenge. We're talking unpredictable, potentially deep, and definitely requiring some serious experience. Seriously, these rivers can be dangerous. Check the water levels before you even think about crossing, and maybe even ask a pro for some pointers. And a pro tip: rental car insurance likely won't cover water damage, so keep that in mind! But hey, the reward is worth it! You'll be cruising through the Veiðivötn lake area, a natural wonderland born from the Bárðarbunga volcano eruption. Imagine lakes shimmering in old volcanic craters – maars, baby! It's a photographer's paradise, and the whole area stretches about 20 km long and 5 km wide. So, if you're up for an adventure and have the right ride, the F228 is calling your name!
moderateTravel guide to Kesselberghütte
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: South Tyrol, Italy. You're in the Sarntal Alps, and there's this unreal mountain cabin called Kesselberghütte perched way up high at 2,299 meters (7,542 feet!). Getting there is a bit of an adventure, let me tell you. It's basically a super steep, unpaved trail normally used to access a chairlift. Forget your sedan – you’ll definitely need a 4x4 for this one! The road starts near Falzeben and it's about 7.1 kilometers (4.41 miles) of seriously stunning scenery. But don't get too distracted, because you're climbing 682 meters along the way! That gives you an average gradient of almost 10 percent. This isn't a year-round gig either; you're best bet is to try this from June to September, when the weather is kinder. Trust me, the views from the top are absolutely worth the effort.
extremeAlpe Schlappold
🇩🇪 Germany
# Alpe Schlappold: Germany's "Heaven's Ladder" Nestled in the Allgäu Alps near Oberstdorf, Bavaria, Alpe Schlappold towers at 1,740 meters (5,708 ft) and marks one of Germany's highest drivable roads. Perched right on the border with Austria, this alpine gem isn't for the faint of heart. The road itself is paved, but don't let that fool you—it's brutally narrow and relentlessly steep, averaging over 18% gradient throughout. Nicknamed "Heaven's Ladder," it zig-zags dramatically upward for several kilometers directly beneath the Fellhorn cableway, finally ending at the Schlappold station. The asphalt is rough and weathered, demanding serious driving skills and mental fortitude to navigate safely. This climb has crushed the confidence of many seasoned drivers. The road is open to private vehicles and cyclists alike, but inexperienced drivers should seriously reconsider attempting it. You'll need nerves of steel, solid car control, and plenty of respect for the mountain. The narrow switchbacks combined with the steep gradient and deteriorating road surface create a genuinely challenging experience that separates the confident from the cautious. If you're up for an adrenaline-pumping alpine adventure with stunning mountain scenery, Alpe Schlappold delivers—but only tackle it if you're genuinely prepared for one of Germany's most demanding drives.
moderateA paved road to Collado de Llesba with terrific views of Picos de Europa
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado de Llesba: Spain's Scenic Mountain Gem Tucked away in western Cantabria near the Castile and León border, Collado de Llesba sits at a respectable 1,682m (5,518ft) and punches way above its weight when it comes to views. This high mountain pass is your gateway to one of Spain's most spectacular natural viewpoints—the Mirador del Oso—right within the stunning Picos de Europa range. The drive up is refreshingly short. Starting from Puerto de San Glorio, it's just 1.8 km (1.11 miles) of paved road with a gentle 3.94% average gradient and only 71 meters of elevation gain. That said, don't let the mellow stats fool you—the road is genuinely narrow and demands respect. It's mostly smooth asphalt (with concrete at the start), but here's the kicker: there are no guardrails, and the drop-off to your right is seriously substantial. You'll want to take this stretch slowly and stay focused. Once you crest the summit, the payoff is absolutely worth it. The panoramic views of the Picos de Europa from this vantage point are nothing short of extraordinary. There's even a charming bear statue—the Monumento al Oso Pardo—that's become a favorite photo spot for visitors, plus a small parking area to set up base. If you're feeling adventurous, several hiking and mountaineering trails launch from here, including the rewarding ascent to Coriscao peak (2,234m), which offers even more jaw-dropping views across the wider Cantabrian mountain systems stretching into Asturias, León, and Palencia. It's compact, it's accessible, and it's absolutely unmissable.