Mangartsko Sedlo (from Log pod Mangartom)

The highest paved road in Slovenia begins at Log pod Mangartom in the upper Koritnica valley — a side valley branching east from the Predel route above Bovec. Mangartsko Sedlo (Mangart Saddle) at 2,055m is an extreme climb: 7.2km at 8.9% average with ramps to 18% on the exposed upper switchbacks, on a road that narrows to single-lane above the midpoint with no safety barrier between the tarmac and a drop of several hundred metres into the cirque below. The road was originally a military supply route for Isonzo Front fortifications during the First World War — the engineering required to carve these hairpins into the face of Mount Mangart (2,679m, Slovenia's third highest peak) under wartime conditions remains extraordinary. Above the treeline, the switchbacks are entirely exposed to mountain weather and the consequence of any mechanical failure or navigational error is clear. The saddle itself delivers a panorama extending across the Triglav National Park to the Slovenian-Italian-Austrian tripoint. This is not a climb for wet conditions, uncertain bike handling, or inadequate nutrition — but in good conditions and with proper preparation it is one of the most remarkable paved ascents in Central Europe.