What’s at the summit of Mauria Pass?
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through northern Italy, right on the border of Veneto and Friuli, heading up Mauria Pass. We're talking serious altitude here!
At the very top, you'll find a cool wrought iron cross – a memorial to local heroes from WWII. It's a somber, but powerful spot, with a parking area and a restaurant nearby for a quick bite. Just south of the pass is where the Tagliamento River kicks off its journey!
The road itself is the SS52, and while paved, it can get a little tight in places. It’s not crazy steep, but be prepared to hug those curves!
From Pelos di Cadore, it's about 10.6 km to the top, climbing
with an average grade of 4.5%. From Forni di Sopra, it's about 10.8 km and climbing
with an average gradient of 4.4%.
It's a stunning drive, so take your time, enjoy the views, and maybe grab a bite at the summit!
Related Roads in europe
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering Puerto de Cienfuegos
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading into the stunning Sierra de Ancares mountains, straddling the border between Asturias and León, Spain, for a wild ride up the Puerto de Cienfuegos – or Alto de Cienfuegos, if you're feeling fancy. Forget smooth asphalt; this baby is a rugged 12.5 km (7.76 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss! Seriously, you're going to want a 4x4 for this one, and keep an eye on that weather forecast because things can get dicey up here. We're talking some serious steepness, with grades maxing out at a butt-clenching 25%! This route connects the lush Luiña valley in Asturias with the remote Fornela valley in León, and it has a cool backstory. It was originally built to haul coal to a massive power station in Anllares, and you can even spot the remnants of a 500-meter tunnel from an old cable car system near the summit. Word to the wise: admiring it from afar is best, though. Think incredible views, raw landscapes, and a real sense of adventure. This is a trek you won’t soon forget!
extremeHow is the drive to Skihaus Schöneben?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in South Tyrol, Italy, practically spitting distance from Switzerland and Austria, about to tackle a seriously epic climb up to Skihaus Schöneben. This mountain hut is nestled high up, serving the Schöneben ski resort, and the road to get there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! Starting from St. Valentin auf der Haide (San Valentino alla Muta), you've got about 7.6 km of winding, ascending road before you. The pavement is your friend...mostly. It's super narrow and crazy steep, with hairpin turns that'll have you working that steering wheel. Get ready to test your brakes on the way down, too! Because of the altitude, you've got to keep an eye on the weather; snow can shut this road down anytime. Once you hit the Skihaus at 2,105m, that's where the real fun begins. The asphalt says "see ya," and a gravel track dares you to go higher. This section is strictly 4x4 territory! You'll need that extra clearance and those grippy tires to handle the loose gravel. Oh, and did I mention the unprotected edges with serious drop-offs? Yeah, it's that kind of adventure. Biggest heads-up: this road is NARROW. Think one-car width in many spots. Be ready to throw it in reverse to find a wider spot if you see someone coming the other way. Winter can bury this road, and even summer storms can make that upper gravel track slick as ice. Check the weather in the Venosta Valley before you even think about heading up. Before you go, make sure your car's cooling system is in tip-top shape; that climb is short, but brutal. And fuel up down in the valley because there are no gas stations up there. If you're rocking a larger van or camper, those hairpins are going to be extra tricky, so take it slow and steady. The road is unlit and has no safety barriers on the highest sections, so focus on the view and the road.
extremeWhere is Stausee Mattmark?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright adventurers, buckle up for a trip to Mattmark See, a stunning alpine reservoir tucked away in southern Switzerland, near the Italian border. The road is a dream – perfectly paved and smooth as butter from start to finish! The climb itself is about 10 km long, starting around 2,100 meters and rising over 600 meters, making for an average gradient of around 6%. Don't let that fool you though, the final few kilometers are where the fun really begins, ramping up to a challenging 12% as the dam looms into view. Just imagine, a straight, steep shot right at the base of a glacier! Seriously epic scenery. While the road is in great shape, keep an eye out for cyclists, and be aware that mountain weather can change rapidly. Pack accordingly and get ready for breathtaking views!
hardIs the road through Hoz de Llanaves paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Get ready for an epic canyon drive in León, Spain! The Hoz de Llánaves is tucked away in the Parque Regional de la Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre, in the northwestern corner of Castile and León. Carved by the Arroyo del Naranco stream, this stretch of the N-621 will leave you breathless. The twisty, winding section between Portilla de la Reina and Llánaves de la Reina is the real heart-pumper, clocking in at just under 3 miles. Now, this isn’t your average Sunday drive. While the road is paved, it's seriously narrow and full of hairpin turns! Keep your eyes peeled for potential rockslides and icy patches. Seriously, check the weather before you go; you don't want to get caught off guard! But trust me, it's SO worth it. The canyon walls are splashed with amazing yellows and greens from all the lichen, giving everything a surreal glow. There’s even a sulfurous spring with a cool history – people used to swear by its healing powers! Plus, you'll be cruising along a branch of the legendary Camino de Santiago. It's more than just a drive; it's an experience!