If you are looking for a thrilling and unforgettable experience, you should not miss Strada della Forra, a road that winds through the wild gorge carved by the Brasa stream, from the shores of Lake Garda to the charming village of Tremosine.
This road is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular in the world, and has been described as the “eighth wonder of the world” by Winston Churchill.
It was also featured in the movie Quantum of Solace, where James Bond drove his Aston Martin at full speed along the narrow curves and cliffs.
How to get to Strada della Forra
Strada della Forra is located in the province of Brescia, in the heart of the Parco dell’Alto Garda Bresciano. You can reach it by taking the Gardesana Occidentale, the road that runs along the western shore of Lake Garda, either from Limone sul Garda, from the north, or from Gardone Riviera or Salò, from the south.
You will find the entrance of the SP38, the road that leads to Tremosine, at the junction for Tremosine. Just follow the short viaduct and you will enter the amazing scenery that made Strada della Forra so famous: hairpin bends, breathtaking views of the lake, bridges suspended in the void, stretches carved into the rock and priceless emotions that, in just over 10 kilometers, climb from 56 meters above sea level of Porto di Tremosine to 674 meters of Tremosine Alta.
How to enjoy Strada della Forra
Strada della Forra can be enjoyed in different ways, depending on your preferences and skills. You can choose to walk, cycle, ride a motorcycle or drive a car, but in any case you will have a unique and memorable experience. The road is about 6 km long, and between tunnels, drop bends and winding curves, it allows you to enter the heart of the mountain, crossing the gorge of the Brasa stream, to reach the beautiful village of Tremosine (423 m asl) from the lakeside road.
On foot
Walking along Strada della Forra is not easy, both for the difference in altitude that you have to cover, and for the narrow road, which leaves little space for pedestrians when it is crossed by motor vehicles. However, difficult does not mean impossible: those who have ventured up the road using only their legs have reported testimonies full of wonder and awe. Walking along Strada della Forra allows you to appreciate the details of the landscape, the sounds of nature, the freshness of the stream and the history of the road, which was built in 1913 thanks to the vision of Arturo Cozzaglio, a self-taught engineer and geologist.
By bike
The charm of a bike ride, alone or in company, on a stunning route is undeniable. Enjoy it without haste, the goal has been reached paradoxically already at the start: maximum caution especially in the hairpin bends, monitor the conditions of the asphalt and use all the necessary precautions. Cycling along Strada della Forra is a challenge for the most trained and adventurous cyclists, who will face a steep climb with a gradient of up to 14%. The reward is a spectacular view of the lake and the mountains, and the satisfaction of having completed one of the most iconic routes in Italy.
By motorcycle
Strada della Forra is a paradise for motorcyclists, who love the adrenaline and the thrill of riding on a road that seems to defy the laws of physics. The curves that lead from 65 meters of the lakeside to 423 meters of Pieve are loved by tourists of all nationalities, who flock to this road especially in the summer months. The road is narrow and sometimes dark, so it is advisable to drive carefully and respect the traffic rules. The road is also subject to some restrictions on the direction of travel, depending on the time of day and the season, so it is better to check the official website of the municipality of Tremosine before leaving.
By car
Driving along Strada della Forra by car is an experience that will make you feel like James Bond, or at least his stuntman. The road is so narrow and steep that it seems impossible that a car can pass through it, but it is precisely this challenge that makes it so attractive and exciting. Of course, you will not be able to drive at full speed like in the movie, but you will still enjoy the thrill of driving on a road that offers incredible views and sensations. Remember to always keep to the right, because the road is very narrow. You can also stop at some panoramic points along the way, where you can admire the lake and the gorge from above.
What to see and do in Tremosine
Strada della Forra ends in Tremosine, a charming village that is part of the club of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Tremosine is composed of 18 hamlets, each with its own identity and attractions. You can visit the historic center of Pieve, with its church, its square and its terrace overlooking the lake, the village of Vesio, with its museum of the First World War and its botanical garden, the village of Campione, with its beach and its water sports, and many others.
Tremosine is also a paradise for nature lovers, who can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, canyoning, climbing and paragliding in the surrounding area. Tremosine also offers a rich gastronomic tradition, based on local products such as cheese, honey, olive oil, truffles and lake fish. You can taste these delicacies in one of the many restaurants and agritourisms in the area, or buy them in the local shops.
Strada della Forra is a road that you will never forget, a road that will make you feel alive and amazed, a road that will make you fall in love with Lake Garda and its surroundings. Whether you choose to walk, cycle, ride or drive, you will have a unique and unforgettable experience, that you will want to repeat and share with your friends and family. Strada della Forra is not just a road, it is a journey into the beauty and the history of Italy, a journey that you should not miss.
