Strada della Forra — Attraction in Comunità Montana Parco Alto Garda bresciano

Strada della Forra, also known as the Forra Road, is a mesmerizing mountain route nestled along the side of the mountain by Lake Garda in northern Italy. Let me take you on a virtual journey along this remarkable road:

Overview:

The Strada della Forra stretches for about 10 kilometers (6 miles), winding through breathtaking scenery near Lake Garda, which happens to be the largest lake in Italy.

This road is no ordinary route; it has earned accolades as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Winston Churchill himself referred to it as the “eighth wonder of the world.”

Imagine driving through narrow bends, tunnels carved into sharp rock, and serpentine curves that seem to defy gravity. At times, you’ll feel suspended above the shimmering waters of Lake Garda, surrounded by awe-inspiring panoramas.

Historical Significance:

The Strada della Forra has a rich history dating back to 1889 when the idea for its construction first emerged.

Prior to the road, people could reach Tremosine sul Garda only on foot, using trails like the Porto Pieve path and other back roads. Supplies were transported via a rudimentary cable car.

Visionaries such as Don Giacomo Zanini, the parish priest of Vesio, and Don Michele Milesi, a local politician, championed the road’s construction.

In May 1913, the Strada della Forra was officially opened, fulfilling the dreams of generations who had long awaited this engineering marvel.

The road features majestic bridges and steep curves that plunge into the Torrent Brasa.

Scenic Delights:

As you drive along the Strada della Forra, the landscapes shift dramatically. Sometimes, you’ll hug the water’s edge, while at other times, it feels like you’re navigating through a lush jungle.

The road leads to Tremosine sul Garda, perched on a structural terrace overlooking the upper Lake Garda. This charming village is among the most beautiful in Italy.

Getting There:

Strada della Forra, officially named SP38, is located in the Lombardia region of Italy.

It runs along the shores of Lake Garda, close to Verona.

If you’re in major cities like Milan, Bologna, or Venice, consider embarking on a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to experience this unforgettable road trip.

The northern part of Italy boasts several incredible roads, including the famous Stelvio Pass and the scenic Via del Sale. And if you head south, don’t miss the Amalfi Coast Drive.

So, buckle up and immerse yourself in the wonder of the Strada della Forra—a road that defies expectations and leaves an indelible mark on all who traverse its twists and...

This a truly breathtaking route that winds through the wild gorges carved by the Brasa torrent, from the lake to Pieve di Tremosine sul Garda. Indeed, its curves lead from the 65-meter shores of Lake Garda to the 423-meter altitude of the town of Pieve, through a tangle of overhanging cliffs, tunnels in the dark, gorges, and climbing plants !

The Strada della Forra was named by Winston Churchill as the eighth wonder of the world and, before that, "one of the most beautiful roads in the world" by a correspondent for the famous German newspaper Frankfurter Zeitung on the day of its inauguration.

Its history begins in 1889, the year the first project was conceived. Previously, people reached Tremosine sul Garda exclusively on foot, via the Porto Pieve path and other secondary roads, while goods arrived in Pieve by a rudimentary cable car! The project was strongly supported by Don Giacomo Zanini, parish priest of Vesio, Don Michele Milesi, local politician, Arturo Cozzaglio, designer, and many other prominent figures of the time, with the support of Giuseppe Zanardelli, Prime Minister. The road was officially inaugurated on May 18, 1913, with a huge celebration. The dream of an entire population, who had been waiting for centuries for this engineering masterpiece, composed of breathtaking bridges and steep curves plunging into the Torrente di Brasa, had come true.

The route from Campione to Pieve, along the SP38, is approximately 6 km long. For those who ride motorcycles, the Strada della is a true paradise: in all seasons, you'll encounter centaurs determined to navigate its curves. But the more athletic can explore it by bike or on foot. The pedestrian path starts from the first tunnel and winds along the old road, offering a unique view of Garda in the first section.

It's such a unique location that it has been chosen as the setting for numerous films and television commercials. Do you know which ones? First and foremost, the film 007 - Quantum of Solace, which sees protagonist James Bond engaged in high-speed chases along the curves of the Forra. The road, featured in hundreds of YouTube videos each year, is one of the most popular locations for advertisements by prestigious car...

Fun driving this route. It's from a James Bond movie. There's a lot of people on this road; either driving a car, motorcycle or walking so pay attention. It is a narrow road but it is no more difficult to drive than the country roads here so don't be afraid you will get stuck here if you are not to comfortable with navigating tight spaces (there were even some small coaches driving this road). It is also just a short road so you will be through in I guess about 15 - 20 minutes. What other reviewers forget to mention and is IMPORTANT to understand is; this is NOT a one way road ENTIRELY; only up to a certain point (café/restaurant in a gorge), from that point expect oncoming traffic as the road widens!!! Otherwise you will be in for quite a startle and/or a crash around the next corner.

The driving direction of the one way stretch changes at certain hours so depending on what time you go you might find the road closed at one end (check website for more details). Obviously you can not use the one way road to get back so once you get to Pieve, set your navigation to Limone first (this is also a very nice town so you might want to include a visit to...