
The Wild Road to Selleries Refuge
Italy, europe
5 km
2,023 m
moderate
Year-round
# Rifugio Selleries: A Mountain Adventure in Northwestern Italy
Tucked away in the Metropolitan City of Turin, near the French border, Rifugio Selleries sits pretty at 2,023m (6,637ft) in the stunning Piedmont region. This relatively new refuge—opened in 2006—is a year-round gem nestled within Parco Naturale Orsiera Rocciavrè, where alpine meadows and dramatic ravines create an unforgettable landscape.
Getting there is half the fun. Starting from Strada Provinciale 23 del Colle di Sestriere (just south of Fenestrelle), you've got a 12.9km (8.01 miles) drive ahead. The journey begins on smooth asphalt with a series of sweeping bends as you steadily climb toward the old Agnelli Sanatorium. After a couple more curves, things level out briefly—but don't get too comfortable. At the Forte turnoff, keep your eyes peeled for the Selleries Refuge crossroads and hang a right.
Here's where it gets real: that final 5km transitions to dirt track, and the ascent in the middle section is no joke. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it demands respect and attention. But push through, and you'll be rewarded with mountain air, alpine scenery, and a refuge that feels like a proper adventure destination rather than just another pit stop.
Where is it?
The Wild Road to Selleries Refuge is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.4376, 12.7298
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,023 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.4376, 12.7298
Related Roads in europe
extremeIs the road to Forcella d’Entova unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Forcella d’Entova! Nestled high in Lombardy, Italy, in the Province of Sondrio, this mountain pass sits at a whopping 2,802m (9,192ft). Reaching the top is no joke, though. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking extreme 4x4 territory ONLY. Think super narrow tracks, deep ruts, and gravel that's just begging to send you sliding. The road gets progressively gnarlier, with stones, rocks, and even landslide debris to navigate. Rain? Forget about it – you'll be dealing with mud slicker than an eel. Apparently, it was built for a ski station that never materialized, which explains…a lot! Clocking in at just under 12 km (7.4 miles) from San Giuseppe, you'll be climbing a hefty 1203m, making for an average gradient of 10.10%. And don't think you'll catch a break – some sections max out at a leg-burning 10%! FYI, you can only access this road in the summer months, as it’s usually blocked off by a barrier to private vehicles from September to June. But when it’s open, the views and the bragging rights are SO worth it. Plus, there are mountain refuges near the top where you can soak it all in. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
extremeWhere is the D13 road?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the D13 in the Pyrénées-Orientales, that gorgeous corner of France near the Spanish border. This isn't just any drive; it's a 22.6km rollercoaster snaking from Las Illas up to Llauro, and it's a total balcony road experience! Think seriously curvy. We're talking hairpin after hairpin, barely 200 meters of straight road at any point. The road is paved, but it's narrow, a bit rough, and seriously steep in places, with some serious drop-offs. You'll wind through a cork oak forest – beautiful, but watch out for harvesting vehicles! Locals use this road to get to their weekend chalets, so keep an eye out, especially around blind corners. The views? Postcard-perfect, especially on a sunny day. The stone walls that edge the cliff protect you from taking a tumble, but motorbikers, be extra careful! You might be on your own if you come off. Meeting another car, especially on the "balcony" sections, can be a puzzle. Someone's definitely reversing! But it’s worth it. Pack a picnic, find a safe spot to park, and soak in the views of the gorges below. Just remember to fill up your tank beforehand – gas stations are rare around here. The D13: a truly unforgettable drive!
hardIs Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch) paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Dolomites in South Tyrol, headed for Passo delle Erbe – or Würzjoch, if you're feeling local. This baby's a fully paved road (SP29), clocking in at around 45 km (28 miles) between Brixen and San Martino in Badia, linking Val Badia and the Lüsen valley. At the top, you're rewarded with a sweet 1,993m (6,538ft) elevation, plus a hotel, restaurant, and plenty of parking. Heads up though, this road is a bit of a wild child! Expect narrow sections where you might be playing the waiting game with oncoming traffic. And those ramps? Let's just say they can hit a seriously steep 16.3% gradient, so be prepared for a climb! Good news: the eastern side's generally open year-round. The western side? It's more of a fair-weather friend, usually accessible from mid-spring to late autumn. Trust me, the views of the Dolomites are worth the potential nail-biting moments!
hardA very steep road (15%) to Ffynnon Llugwy
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're in Snowdonia, Wales, ready for an adventure. You're headed up to Ffynnon Llugwy, a hidden gem of a lake nestled high in the mountains at 554 meters. This isn't just any lake; it's deep, like 45 meters deep, and it sits right at the base of Carnedd Llewelyn. Now, the road to get there… It's paved, sure, but hold on tight. This is a super steep and narrow climb. Think switchbacks and stunning views, if you dare to take your eyes off the road! The power/water company owns it, and it’s not open to all vehicles. The climb kicks off from the A5 and stretches for about 2.54 kilometers. In that short distance, you'll gain 262 meters in elevation – that's an average gradient of over 10%, with some sections hitting a wild 15%! So, get ready for an intense, but totally rewarding, drive to one of the highest and most scenic spots in Wales.