38 hairpin turns to Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland
Switzerland, europe
43 km
2,178 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Croix de Coeur
Buckle up for one seriously epic ride! This high mountain pass sits at 2,178m (7,145ft) in Switzerland's Valais region, straddling the line between the Entremont and Martigny districts in the southwestern corner of the country.
The Route de la Croix-de-Coeur stretches 43 km (26 miles) from Sembrancher up to Riddes, and let me tell you—it doesn't pull any punches. You're looking at a mix of paved and unpaved terrain, with that final stretch rolling along a gravel track that'll keep you on your toes. The gradient ramps up to a gnarly 12% in places, and you'll navigate five tunnels and a whopping 38 hairpin turns. Fair warning: most of them aren't protected by guardrails, so confidence and steady hands are essential.
The payoff? Absolutely stunning panoramas. From the summit, you'll catch incredible views of the Combins and Mont Blanc to the south, while the Bernese Alps dominate the northern horizon. There's even a little restaurant up top (Restaurant La Croix-de-Coeur) where you can celebrate your conquest with a well-deserved meal, plus a parking area to catch your breath and snap some photos.
This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a thrilling mountain challenge that rewards the brave with unforgettable scenery.
Where is it?
38 hairpin turns to Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.5318, 8.3553
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 43 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,178 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.5318, 8.3553
Related Roads in europe
hardFalzarego Pass is a road with 38 sharp hairpin bends
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo di Falzarego is a stunning high mountain pass sitting at 2,105m (6,906ft) in the Belluno province of Italy's Veneto region. Trust us, the views are absolutely worth the climb. This legendary pass has serious historical chops—it was a crucial battleground during World War II's Dolomite war between the Austrians and Italians, and you'll still find moving war memorials scattered throughout the area. The name itself, "false king" in the local Ladin language, adds to its mystique. The road section was inaugurated on September 13th, 1909, making it the final piece of the Great Dolomite Road to open. Over a century later, it's still celebrated as an engineering marvel. Running 37.9 km (23.54 miles) east-west from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Arabba, this fully paved route (Strada Regionale 48) is a rider's dream and a driver's challenge. You're looking at 38 hairpin bends, a handful of tunnels, and a gnarly 12.6% maximum gradient that'll get your heart pumping. But here's the payoff: those 360-degree Dolomite vistas are absolutely breathtaking, and the road itself is a technical masterpiece of curves, sweepers, and straightaways. The pass is so legendary that it's a key stage of the Giro d'Italia—Italy's prestigious cycling tour. From the summit, you can continue north on SP24 toward Val Badia, passing below Sas de Stria and through Valparola Pass for even more alpine adventure.
hardWhere is Panarotta Refuge?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Rifugio Panarotta, a mountain hideaway perched way up high in the Italian Alps. Seriously, we're talking serious elevation here! This climb is a total magnet for cyclists who love a good challenge. You'll find it nestled in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, way up north. It’s right by the old Panarotta chairlift, so you won’t have trouble parking. The road itself? All paved, baby! But don't get complacent. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect a rollercoaster of steep sections, hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, and curves galore. The climb kicks off near Pergine Valsugana, starting at a humble 490m. But hold on tight, because over the next 16.2 km you’ll be gaining some serious altitude. The average gradient is no joke. And those steep parts? Phew! The road really bites halfway up, with some sections hitting double-digit gradients. These killer ramps mostly come in the first half of the climb. Even when you think you're in the clear, the last 2.5km keeps the gradient high. But hey, the views? Totally worth it.
hardWhere Does Sebina Occidentale-SP469 Road Start and End?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Sebina Occidentale, or SP469 if you're feeling official, hugging the western shore of Lake Iseo. This beauty is tucked away in the province of Bergamo, Italy, and it's a total feast for the eyes! Starting in Lovere, up at the northwest end of the lake, you wind your way down to Sarnico at the southern tip (also known as Lago d'Iseo or Sebino). We're talking about a 36.7 km (22.80 mile) stretch of pure driving bliss, dating all the way back to 1910. Now, a word of warning: this road, also called Strada Panoramica 469, isn't for the faint of heart! It's narrow, carved right into the rocks, with a rock wall on one side and the shimmering lake just beyond a small guardrail on the other. Some even say it's the most nail-biting road in Bergamo – but hey, that just adds to the thrill, right? There are some creepy legends about the lake, so keep an eye out! Good news – you can usually tackle this road year-round! But if you're planning a visit between November 15th and April 15th, make sure your ride's equipped with winter tires and snow chains, just in case. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be weaving through tunnels, past charming coastal towns, and along breathtaking stretches of coastline. Think hidden bays, tiny beaches, and trees dipping their toes in the water – seriously romantic vibes. The views south of Lovere are particularly stunning. Fun fact: some of the movie "The International" starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts was filmed here.
hardCan you drive to Mam Tor?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the High Peak of Derbyshire in England, heading for Mam Tor, aka "The Shivering Mountain." This mountain pass climbs to a cool 461m (1,512ft), and trust me, the views are worth it. You can totally drive up Mam Tor Road, which is part of the A625. It's paved, but be warned – it gets narrow and steep! Seriously steep – think a 20% gradient in places. That's why buses, coaches, and heavy vehicles aren't allowed. The road itself is an experience. It slices through this gap, hemmed in by these crazy limestone formations. The eastern side of the mountain is constantly shifting, creating all these cool, mini-hills from past landslides. It’s this instability that gave Mam Tor its nickname. The whole pass stretches for about 17.54km (10.9 miles), running from Chapel-en-le-Frith to Hope. Cyclists love this road, and it's a regular feature in the Tour of the Peak, where it really tests the riders with its tough climbs and maximum 10% gradients. Fun fact: there used to be another road here, built way back in 1819. But the unstable ground meant constant landslides and repairs. They finally gave up on it in 1979, so you won't be driving that route! Get ready for some incredible scenery and a proper driving adventure!