
Travel guide to the top of Colle Blegier
Italy, europe
39.3 km
2,000 m
moderate
Year-round
# Colle Blegier: Alpine Adventure Awaits
Nestled in the heart of Italy's Piemonte region, Colle Blegier sits pretty at 2,381m (7,811ft) and marks the fourth checkpoint on the legendary Assietta Road. This mountain pass is tucked away in the northern part of the country within the stunning Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand, squeezed between Mount Genevris and Colle Lauson.
Fair warning: this isn't your typical paved highway. The Strada Provinciale 173 (aka the Assietta Road) is mostly unpaved, stretching a solid 39.3 km (24.23 miles) and keeping you above 2,000 meters for almost the entire ride. Talk about staying high!
Access is seasonal—the road opens June 1st and closes October 31st, so plan accordingly. There are also some weight restrictions in place: no vehicles over 3.5 tons and nothing wider than 2 meters. And heads up: during peak summer months (July and August), certain driving hours are restricted on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The road's got real history too. Built back in 1890 by the 3rd Reggimento Alpini to access the Genevris observatory and barracks, this route is a testament to alpine engineering. If you're chasing mountain views, seasonal access, and a taste of Italy's rugged terrain, Colle Blegier deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Colle Blegier is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.7831, 11.2277
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.7831, 11.2277
Related Roads in europe
hardBüyükejder Tepesi: this road is not for timid drivers
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've just conquered Büyükejder Tepesi, and you NEED to add this to your bucket list. We're talking a staggering 3,155 meters (10,351 feet) high in the Palandöken Mountains of eastern Turkey's Erzurum province. Forget pavement; this "road" is a wild, unpaved chairlift access trail that'll rattle your bones. Seriously, this isn't for the faint of heart. The slopes are crazy steep, covered in loose rocks that get even gnarlier as you climb. You've got a tiny window of opportunity to tackle this, maybe late August, if you're lucky. The wind is relentless, so be prepared to battle some serious gusts. And don't be surprised if you encounter snow, even in summer! The views from the top are unreal. Plus, there's a communication tower and a little cafe to reward your efforts. Just a heads up: this ski-station service road features sections hitting a brutal 30% incline. So, yeah, courage is definitely required to reach the top of Gök Dağ. Buckle up for a bumpy, unforgettable ride!
hardA delightful yet challenging drive to Forcella Chiandolada
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella Chiandolada Hidden in the scenic mid-Boite valley, Forcella Chiandolada (also called Forcella Ciandolada) sits at 1,582 meters (5,190 feet) and serves as a stunning gateway between two Dolomites giants—Antelao and Pelmo. Located in Belluno province in Veneto, it's about 68 miles north of Venice and just 30 kilometers from Belluno town. The 6.3-kilometer climb from Vodo di Cadore is no joke—expect an average gradient of 12%, with some sections pushing past 17%. The steepest pitches hit a brutal 25-26%, so bring your A-game. The road is mostly paved with stretches of gravel, but here's the thing: it gets *narrow*. Like, uncomfortably narrow for passing other vehicles. If you're not confident reversing a car, you might want to reconsider or time your visit carefully. Once you reach the top, you'll find Rifugio Giampietro Talamini waiting for you—recently rebuilt and perfect for catching your breath and refueling. It's the kind of reward that makes the white-knuckle drive absolutely worth it.
Road trip guide: Conquering Markinkele
🇦🇹 Austria
# Markinkele: An Alpine Adventure Not for the Faint of Heart Perched at 2,545 meters (8,349 feet) in the Alps, Markinkele straddles the Austria-Italy border like a dramatic sentinel. Known by several names—Cornetto di Confine, Marchkinkele, and Marchginggele—this old military road is the real deal for adrenaline seekers and mountain enthusiasts. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. If heights make you queasy or landslides keep you up at night, skip this one. Honestly, only the truly fearless (or those getting paid) should tackle the descent here. The road demands respect and precision. One moment of distraction, one slip of judgment, and you're staring down thousands of feet of empty air. The Italian side is where things get properly intense—narrow, gravel-covered, plastered with hairpin turns, steep as they come, and slick as ice when wet. Winter? Forget about it entirely. The Swiss side? That's essentially a hiking trail. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely jaw-dropping. From the summit, the surrounding mountains unfold in panoramic glory. Vintage military installations dot the landscape, adding a historic layer to your journey. Just don't get too distracted by the scenery—many stretches offer unguarded drops of hundreds of meters straight down. This is mountain driving at its most unforgiving. The landscape is stunning, the challenge is real, and the memories will last forever.
moderateTravelling through the T2709 road to Baidarsky Pass
🌍 Ukraine
Okay, adventure awaits! Let's talk about Baidarsky Pass, also known as Baydar Gate, nestled high in the Crimean Mountains of Ukraine. Picture this: You're cruising along the T2709, an old paved road dating back to the 1830s (talk about history!). This epic route, once the main drag between Sevastopol and Yalta, tops out at 503 meters above sea level. Keep an eye out for the Church of Christ's Resurrection, perched dramatically on a cliff with killer views of the Black Sea. The 38.8-kilometer stretch winds its way from Alupka, a resort town, towards Honcharne, running pretty much parallel to the H19 road. Get ready for some seriously stunning panoramic vistas overlooking the Black Sea coastline. It's a drive you won't forget!