Where is Certovica Pass?

Where is Certovica Pass?

Slovakia, europe

Length

20.7 km

Elevation

1,242 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through Slovakia, right in the heart of the Low Tatras. You're headed for Čertovica Pass, and let me tell you, it's a stunner! At 1,242m (that's over 4,000 feet!), it’s supposedly the highest paved pass in Slovakia.

This beauty straddles the Žilina and Banská Bystrica regions in northern Slovakia. And guess what? At the top, you'll find a ski resort, a hotel, and restaurants, so it's the perfect place to chill.

The road? Smooth as can be – it's Route 72, all paved. Just be warned, this isn't a flat cruise. We're talking some serious steepness, with gradients hitting 9% in places! The pass stretches for about 20.7 km (almost 13 miles) between Nižná Boca and Jarabá, and offers some seriously stunning views. Keep an eye on the weather though; while usually open year-round, winter can bring closures.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Slovakia
Continent
europe
Length
20.7 km
Max Elevation
1,242 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Where is C31 Road?hard

Where is C31 Road?

🇪🇸 Spain

Cruising the C31 in Catalonia, Spain, is a must-do if you’re anywhere near Barcelona! This old coastal road hugs the Mediterranean Sea southwest of the city, and it’s a wild ride. This stretch, particularly between Castelldefels and Sitges, will test your nerves if you're prone to car sickness. You'll be winding along cliffs right above the sea, navigating tight curves as the road snakes its way through Parc Natural del Garraf. It's not a long drive, but those curves come at you fast and furious. Plus, it's a single lane each way, so patience is key, especially since it gets super crowded on weekends and holidays. Trucks from the Vallcarca cement company add to the fun on weekdays! Overtaking is pretty much impossible. But oh, those views! The ocean vistas are incredible, and there are several viewpoints with parking where you can safely pull over, soak it all in, and snap some photos. Just remember to keep a cool head, as there's no shoulder to give you any margin for error. It's scenic, bendy, and often congested, but totally worth it for the views.

How to buy an e-vignette in Sloveniamoderate

How to buy an e-vignette in Slovenia

🌍 Slovenia

Okay, so you're heading from Ljubljana to Maribor (or beyond) in Slovenia? Sweet! You're gonna love the drive, but first things first: you NEED to know about the e-vignette. Think of it as your digital passport for the highways. Slovenia's serious about keeping its roads in tip-top shape (and they are amazing!), so they've got this toll system in place. Basically, ALL motorways and expressways are pay-to-play. No physical toll booths here – it's all digital. Messing around and not getting one can lead to hefty fines and, yikes, even your car getting impounded. Not the way you want to start (or end) a road trip! Getting your e-vignette is super easy. Just hop online to the official DARS website. You'll need your car's registration number, country of origin, and what kind of vehicle you're driving. Pay with a credit card, PayPal, or your digital wallet, and boom! You pick how long you need it for (weekly, monthly, or yearly), and your car's details are logged into the system. Cameras along the highways will then automatically check you're good to go as you cruise along. Now, here's the lowdown on what happens if you skip the vignette. Slovenia doesn't play around – fines can be anywhere from EUR 300 to EUR 800! Pay up within 15 days, and you might get a discount, but ignore it, and things get ugly fast. Oh, and a heads-up: the Karawanken Tunnel is a separate charge, so factor that into your budget. Only the short stretch from Austria to Hrušica exit is exempt from the normal vignette. Important note: this e-vignette covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg (think cars and motorcycles). Anything heavier? You'll need a special DarsGo electronic device. Double-check your vehicle's weight class to avoid any dramas. So, get your e-vignette sorted BEFORE you hit the road. Trust me, a little prep work saves you a whole lot of stress (and money) later. Slovenia's roads are some of the best in Central Europe, but they expect you to play by the rules. Get that digital "ticket to ride", and enjoy the freedom of the open road!

Colle di Perascrittamoderate

Colle di Perascritta

🇮🇹 Italy

# Colle di Perascritta Ready for an alpine adventure? Colle di Perascritta sits pretty at 2,154 meters (7,066 feet) in Piedmont, Italy, and it's absolutely worth the journey. The route up—officially called Strada del Lago di Monastero, or Alpe Costapiana if you're feeling local—is a gravel road that doesn't pull any punches. Expect steep grades and surfaces that get sketchy when wet, so timing your visit for dry conditions is pretty important. Winter? Forget about it—this pass is completely inaccessible once the snow rolls in. But here's what makes the effort worthwhile: as you climb, you'll discover the stunning Lago di Monastero, a serene mountain lake near the summit that's the perfect reward for tackling those gnarly switchbacks. The scenery is legitimately gorgeous, with that classic high-alpine landscape that'll have you reaching for your camera constantly. What adds another layer of character to this drive is the presence of several war memorials scattered along the route—quiet reminders of the region's complex history. So grab a full tank of gas, check your tire tread, and head out on a clear day. This is the kind of road trip that sticks with you.

Driving to Kistefjell: One of the Gnarliest Roads in Norwayextreme

Driving to Kistefjell: One of the Gnarliest Roads in Norway

🇳🇴 Norway

# Kistefjell: Norway's Peak with a View Kistefjell is a 1,001-meter (3,284ft) mountain peak that stands out in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway—mainly because of the massive TV mast planted right on top. Nestled between Gisundet to the west and Rossfjordvatnet to the east, this summit has some serious broadcasting credentials. That iconic 78-meter-high transmitter—nicknamed Tårnet på Kistefjell—is basically the mountain's claim to fame. Originally standing at 60 meters, it got a growth spurt in summer 2008 when they extended it to 78 meters for the digital TV network rollout. Since 1964, it's been pumping out FM radio signals, and TV broadcasts started flowing in 1966. The mast is visible for miles around and even hosts one of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute's weather stations. Now, here's where things get real: the road to the summit is no leisurely drive. Built back in the 1960s, this entirely unpaved route climbs a punishing 8.9 km (5.53 miles) from the paved Fv86, gaining 988 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 11.10%. You'll need serious 4x4 credentials and nerves of steel to tackle this beast. The weather up here is absolutely brutal, especially in winter. Ice and heavy snow can make the road impassable without warning, and conditions can shut things down at any moment. Seriously, don't attempt this in winter unless you've got genuine mountain driving experience and a death wish.