Where is Colle Lazzara?
Italy, europe
8.3 km
1,595 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Italy's Piedmont region, near Torino, ready to tackle Colle Lazzara, a seriously cool mountain pass. It's also known as Colle Laz Ara, Colle l’Azzara, or Colle La Zará, so you have options!
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about an old military road from the early 1700s, stretching about 8.3 km (5.15 miles) from Rivoira to Ruata. The road is unpaved and super narrow, so if you meet another car, someone's backing up. It can get pretty rough, steep, and rocky, especially after it rains, so be prepared.
But here's the payoff: The views! You're in the Conca Cialancia Natural Park, and the summit has a small parking area. The pass is at 1,595 m (5,232 ft) above sea level. Plus, it's a historic spot from the early 18th century, so you'll find some cool old military buildings along the way. If you're up for a bit of an adventure and some incredible scenery, Colle Lazzara is definitely worth the trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,595 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardTravel Guide to Col du Plateau Rosa in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Col du Plateau Rosa Ready for an adventure that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve? Col du Plateau Rosa sits pretty at a whopping 3,088m (10,131ft) in Italy's Aosta Valley, making it one of Europe's most extreme mountain passes. Starting from the town of Paquier, you're looking at a 12.3 km (7.64 miles) ride that climbs 1,529m with an average gradient of 12.43% — yeah, it's steep. And here's the catch: the entire route is unpaved, so you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to even attempt this beast. This isn't a Sunday cruise; it's a serious mountain challenge. The road winds its way up through the stunning Alps, eventually reaching Cime Bianche as it snakes toward the summit. Fair warning though — come winter, this pass becomes completely impassable, so you'll need to time your visit during the warmer months. But hey, the views? Totally worth it. And once you reach the top, you can reward yourself at Ristorante Ventina for some well-deserved Italian hospitality. The road itself doubles as a service route for a chairlift, so you know the area takes its Alpine credentials seriously.
hardWhere is Seçedil Dağı?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Hey fellow roadtrippers! Let me tell you about a seriously epic drive in the Şavşat District of Turkey, one of the highest roads in the whole country. You'll find this stunner nestled in the northeastern part of Turkey. Heads up: this road is completely unpaved, so you'll need a good vehicle. It's packed with curves, including nine seriously tight hairpin turns that will test your driving skills! The road stretches for what feels like forever, climbing drastically in elevation. The average gradient keeps things interesting, and if you're feeling *really* adventurous, there's a smaller, even more challenging gravel road that branches off to the west and takes you even higher. Keep in mind that because it's set high in the Kackar Mountains, this road is usually closed during the winter. But when it's open? The views are absolutely breathtaking!
moderateWhere’s Hailuoto Ice Road?
🌍 Finland
Picture this: you're cruising across the frozen Baltic Sea on the Hailuoto Ice Road, a 9 km (5.5 miles) stretch of ice that connects the Finnish mainland to Hailuoto Island. This icy highway, part of Road 816, is usually open for a few weeks each winter, a thrilling alternative to the year-round ferry. Keep an eye on your speedometer because the limit is 50 km/h, and remember to keep 50 meters between you and the next vehicle. The weight limit is somewhere between 2000-3000 kg, so check before you go! The road is one-way in each direction. The ice needs to be at least 70 cm thick to open, but ideally 120 cm for heavier timber trucks. While you're driving, take in the surreal beauty of the frozen landscape. The road used to be open 4-5 months a year, but now it's only open for 4-5 weeks. This road is equipped with all the necessary warning and road signs, so pay attention and enjoy the ride!
hardWhere is Puig Falcó?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Puig Falcó, a sky-scraping peak way up in the Spanish Pyrenees (Lleida province, to be exact). This bad boy tops out at 2,754 meters (that's 9,035 feet for you imperial system fans!), so you know the views are going to be epic. Locally known as Cap de les Raspes Roies, it's tucked inside the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici Natural Park, so expect stunning natural beauty. Now, here's the catch: the "road" to the summit is really more of a rugged, unpaved access trail – think chairlift service road. We're talking narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines (up to 25%!), and a surface that's more rock than road. High clearance vehicles are a MUST. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Starting from the parking lot of the ski resort, it's a mere 3.5 km (2.17 miles) to the top, but don't let the distance fool you. You'll be gaining a hefty 699 meters in elevation. The average gradient is brutal, with rocky, slippery sections and occasional spots that feel almost vertical. But, if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with some of the most incredible views in the Catalonian Pyrenees and maybe even a glimpse of the ski resort. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!