Writer: Helena Bergström
If you want to experience a truly spectacular serpentine road, drive along Strada della Forra, on the north-west coast of Lake Garda, in Italy. As well as offering dramatic views and breathtaking moments, the road has played an important role in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
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Strada della Forra on Lake Garda
The Strada della Forra was inaugurated in 1913 after several years of construction work. Before that, the village could Tremosine sul Garda, located high up on a plateau above Lake Garda, is only accessible via steep paths and mule tracks.
The Strada della Forra (Ravine Road) was built simply to connect the village to the lake and the outside world, and was considered an engineering feat in its day. Apparently the road was even called, by Winston Churchill, 'the eighth wonder of the world'.
Strada della Forra is located on the north-west side of Lake Garda.
Strada del Forra in the James Bond film
The Strada del Forra features in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace (2008), with Daniel Craig driving at high speed along the Strada della Forra in the film's opening scene.
Car hire to discover Strada della Forra
We were tipped off about the Strada della Forra on Instagram, and Peter was immediately keen to experience this dramatic road. After some research, he came to the conclusion that we not could drive here with our motorhome. Vehicles taller than 3 metres or wider than 2 or 2.20 metres simply don't fit on the narrow roads, or under the low tunnels.
Did we let this stop us? No, we left our motorhome at a car park in Riva del Garda (Area Sosta Camper Brioni) and hired a car at Autonoleggio, a few minutes walk from the car park. The very smallest cars (70 euros/day) were sold out so we had to rent a slightly bigger car for 100 euros/day. Now we were ready for adventure!
Heading towards Strada della Forra
We drove from Riva del Garda, where we were parked with our motorhome, towards the Strada della Forra road. To get here, we drove along Lake Garda, through tunnel after tunnel.
Finally we arrived at Tremosine sul Garda, where the road starts.
Serpentine roads cutting through the mountain
The serpentine road cuts through the mountain, floor by floor. Luckily, it's a one-way street, and there are occasional small parking spots to enjoy the views in a more peaceful setting.
We were here during the high season and there was some traffic, but not too intense, in the form of cars, motorbikes, mops and bicycles.
Fabulous tunnels
After a while you are met by one tunnel after another. It's like small gaps in the rock, swallowing the car, before it hopefully comes out the other side.
The setting is truly magnificent, and time and again you feel you have to go out and soak up the atmosphere, and maybe take a photo or five.
Pieve i Tremosine sul Garda
After driving along the absolutely fascinating Strada della Forra road, we arrived at the village of Pieve in Tremosine sul Garda. This is an incredibly charming village with narrow alleys, flowers, small shops and restaurants.
There are several great viewpoints in the village, looking out over the nearby terraces as well as Lake Garda and the mountains in the background.
There are also very nice views at the village church.
Last but not least, you have great views from Hotel Paradiso, from their Terrazza del Brivido. This viewing area is reserved for guests, and we apologise that we had planned to have lunch here, but they hadn't opened the dining room when we arrived.
The journey down
We arrived in Pieve too early for the lunch restaurants to have opened, and instead we started the journey down. This part of the journey was less dramatic, but we still had a great view of Lake Garda.
A visit to Limone
When we finished the Strada della Forra, we made a stop in the small town of Limone, where we also took the opportunity to have lunch. It was crowded with tourists, but also extremely charming, with a great focus on lemon flavour, lemon scent and lemon patterns.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
What else can you see and do near Strada della Forra? There is a lot to experience around Lake Garda. Here you will find tips and reports:
- Things to do around Lake Garda
- Things to do in Sirmione
- To glow in Riva del Garda
- Parco Giardini Sigurtá.
Have you experienced Strada della Forra?
Have you experienced the Strada della Forra, or maybe some other cool road in the world? Please tell us!
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Strada della Forra
Where is Strada della Forra?
Strada della Forra is located on the western side of Lake Garda in northern Italy. The road leads from the Gardesana road by the lake up through the Brasa gorge towards Tremosine sul Garda and the village of Pieve.
What is the Strada della Forra?
The Strada della Forra is a spectacular mountain road built in 1913. It winds through a narrow gorge with tunnels, cliff walls, sharp curves and very narrow passages.
Is the Strada della Forra open?
Yes, Strada della Forra is open, but special traffic regulations apply on parts of the road. As the road has been closed in the past due to landslides and safety works, it is wise to check the latest information before visiting.
Which direction do you drive on Strada della Forra?
On the narrowest and most spectacular part, traffic is one-way uphill, from Lake Garda towards Tremosine. Please check the current regulations before travelling as traffic conditions may change.
Can you drive the Strada della Forra with a camper?
It depends on the size of the camper. Strada della Forra is very narrow and has both tight passages and low tunnels. Vehicles taller than 3 meters cannot drive on this stretch, and there are also restrictions on width. A smaller campervan or campervan may therefore work, while larger campers may be too high or wide. Always check current vehicle restrictions and road signs before entering the road.
Is Strada della Forra difficult to drive?
The road is narrow and goes through tunnels, sharp curves and very narrow passages between the cliff walls. We drove the road itself by car and found it to be a fantastic experience, but it requires concentration and careful driving.
How long is the Strada della Forra?
The famous stretch up through the gorge is about six kilometers long. Despite the short distance, you should take your time and drive slowly.
Why is the Strada della Forra famous?
The road is known for its dramatic location through the narrow Brasa Gorge. The combination of tunnels, cliff faces, curves and views of Lake Garda has made it one of the most famous roads in the area.
Has Strada della Forra been featured in a James Bond movie?
Yes, the road was used as a filming location for Quantum of Solace from 2008. Parts of the dramatic car chase that opens the film were shot at Lake Garda and on Strada della Forra.
What is there to see after Strada della Forra?
Continue to Pieve di Tremosine and other parts of the Tremosine plateau. Here you will find small villages and fantastic views of Lake Garda. A famous stop is the Terrazza del Brivido, a viewing terrace about 350 meters above the lake.
You might also like:
Millau Bridge in France - Europe's highest bridge
Calanche di Piana - dramatic mountain roads in western Corsica
Visiting Pompeii - a time capsule from the year 79
Sigurtá and Borghetto Garden Park near Lake Garda
By motorhome along the south coast of Norway – coastal roads, fishing villages and white wooden towns
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BP says:
I really like the serpentine road. Majestic and absolutely fascinating. And so nicely organised. Clean was there too, compared to Naples roads. The tunnels looked really modern, even though they are a few years old. The road maintenance there seems to be perfect.
I must say, however, that I would not have sat on that restaurant's glazed free-hanging terrace;-)
06 September 2025 - 19:35
Anna i Portugal says:
So smart to rent a car instead, I have heard about that road and that it has been hard for those who drive there with a motorhome, even if it is up to standard so to speak.
09 September 2025 - 19:48
Lena - gott för själen says:
Oh my God! How is it even possible to build a road like that? I understand that it was seen as a miracle! How beautiful it looked. Thanks for the tip!
Hug Lena
11 November 2025 - 10:25