When was the Monte Cengio military road built?
Italy, europe
4 km
150 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're hiking in Italy's Veneto region, high above the Val d'Astico, tracing the steps of soldiers from World War I. This isn't just any trail; it's the Mulattiera di Arroccamento al Monte Cengio, a mind-blowing military mule track carved into the cliffs!
Built between 1917 and 1918, this 4 km path, nicknamed the "Granatiera," hugs the mountain's southwest flank. Forget cars – this is strictly a hiking adventure. You'll be blown away by the engineering: tunnels bored straight into the rock (the main one's 187 meters long!), all designed to shield troops from enemy fire.
Starting near Piazzale Principe di Piemonte, you'll gain about 150 meters in elevation. While you won't be driving on this section, you can get close by car on nearby roads. As you walk, you'll pass trenches, artillery positions, and the infamous Salto del Granatiere. The views? Unreal. Think sweeping panoramas of the Astico Valley and the plains stretching out below. This is where history and stunning Alpine scenery collide. A definite must-see for any history buff or hiking enthusiast!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4 km
- Max Elevation
- 150 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Collada Fonda?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Collada Fonda! Nestled high in the Pyrenees near the French border, this unpaved beauty climbs to 6,269 feet. The 12.6-mile journey isn't for the faint of heart – think slow and steady (around 30 km/h) to navigate the rugged terrain. Starting from Espinavell, you'll climb 711 meters with an average gradient of 7.64%. If you're coming from Llano de los Infantes, you'll gain 446 meters. The best time to tackle this route is late spring to early fall – those Pyrenees mountains can get wild in the off-season! But trust me, it's totally worth it. You'll be immersed in a classic Pyrenean high-mountain landscape, and the summit views? Absolutely magnificent. The panoramic vistas from the top are unforgettable!
hardWhere is Dzhanka Saddle?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Dzhanka Saddle in Bulgaria is calling your name! Perched way up high in the Rila Mountains, this pass tops out at a cool 2,346 meters (7,696 feet). That's seriously up there, making it one of Bulgaria's highest roads. You'll find it snaking along the border between Sofia and Blagoevgrad provinces in the southwest, right in the heart of the Rila Mountains. Word on the street is there's a weather station chilling at the summit. Now, for the nitty-gritty: the road is no joke! We're talking seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 12% in places. The climb from Shanovo to Kolena is just 7.6 kilometers long, but you'll gain a hefty 438 meters in elevation. Fair warning, this route is usually impassable in winter. Sadly, it's closed to private vehicles. But the views? Totally worth the trek!
hardWhere is Maloja Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the Maloja Pass! This beauty winds through the Swiss Alps in Graubünden, practically kissing the Italian border at an altitude of 1,819m (5,967ft). Dating back to Roman times (and maybe even earlier!), this route really came alive in the 1800s as a crucial link between Northern Italy and Engadin. While tunnels later diverted heavy traffic, the Maloja Pass remains a classic. Clocking in at 23.8 km (14.78 miles), Route 3 twists and turns from Silvaplana to Bregaglia. Don't let the "pass that never was" nickname fool you; its unique geography offers a thrilling drive. Expect some steep climbs (up to 11%) and tight hairpin turns that demand your full attention, especially if you encounter a truck heading the other way. Motion sickness sufferers, you've been warned! While usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball. Snowfall can lead to temporary closures, so winter tires are a must. Chains might be a good idea, too! Set aside about 30 minutes for this drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views of Lake Sils (Silsersee) and Lake Silvaplana (Silvaplanersee) are simply breathtaking. Plus, you're super close to the swanky resort town of St. Moritz, making this a perfect side trip.
hardBe prepared to drive the F910 road in the Highlands of Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
F910 (Austurleið) is a challenging mountain road located in the Northeastern Region of Iceland. It’s one of the famous F Roads of the country. The road is located in the northern part of the island, in the remote Highlands of Iceland. The road is quite challenging. It has paved sections but also very demanding parts. Most people only drive a small part of Austurleið – the section leading to Askja. However, F910 continues a long way through the central highlands. To drive on this road, you need a high clearance vehicle. It's only open in the summer for 4x4 vehicles. Snow and sandstorms might occur. Expect to be alone; this track is not very busy and is very remote. Travelers need to be well-prepared with enough food, water, and fuel for the drive ahead. This trail goes through complete wilderness without any services whatsoever; travelers have to bring all fuel and supplies. The road is 170 km (105 miles) long. It can be traversed with a decent 4WD vehicle, but it can be slow-going because parts of the road are bumpy. Some sections are extremely rough, especially where it passes over fields of solidified lava. Sand and snowstorms may cause serious problems, even in the summer, as well as several river crossings. It's recommended to travel together with other vehicles.Road suggested by: Glenn FantPic&video: Bas Brand Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.