A brutally steep (35%) road to Col de Tanay
Switzerland, europe
10.4 km
1,440 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col de Tanay
Nestled in Switzerland's Valais canton at 1,440m (4,724ft), Col de Tanay is one seriously steep mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Located south of Lake Geneva near the French border, this road is absolutely wild—we're talking sections that hit 35% gradient. Yeah, you read that right.
Starting from the village of Vouvry, you're looking at a 10.4km (6.46 miles) climb with an average slope of over 20%. The road starts off fairly normal—decent asphalt, decent width, plenty of hairpins to keep things interesting. But then? It all goes sideways. The surface deteriorates pretty dramatically, and the gradient becomes absolutely bonkers. It's narrow, barely traveled, and totally paved throughout, but those road conditions will definitely test your nerves and your vehicle's brakes.
Once you crest the pass, you'll discover something special. A small trail (closed to vehicles) leads down to Lake Tanay, tucked away in the Chablais Alps. It's a charming little spot—modest in size but surrounded by cozy chalets and a restaurant where you can catch your breath and celebrate surviving that insane climb.
If you love steep alpine roads and don't mind white-knuckling your way up a mountain, Col de Tanay delivers an unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
A brutally steep (35%) road to Col de Tanay is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.6958, 8.2256
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,440 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.6958, 8.2256
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to drive the paved road through the Therisos Gorge
🇬🇷 Greece
# Therisiano Gorge: Crete's Hidden Canyon Drive If you're cruising around western Crete and want to experience something truly spectacular, the Therisiano Gorge (also called Venizelos Gorge) should be on your list. Nestled in the foothills of the impressive Lefka Ori mountain range near Chania, this 6-kilometer canyon is the only gorge in Crete you can actually drive through—which is pretty cool if you ask me. The gorge is carved out by the Kladissos River, and especially during spring snowmelt, this little river transforms into quite the dramatic torrent. You'll be treated to towering vertical cliffs and lush vegetation the entire way, with plane trees and oleanders creating this gorgeous natural tunnel at the narrowest sections. **Getting There** Located just 15 kilometers from Chania, the drive is accessible to anyone with a vehicle. Not feeling the drive? A quirky little tourist train runs from the seaside village of Platanias straight through to Theriso, so you've got options. **What to Expect** The 10-kilometer paved road winds from Garipa to Theriso, climbing to 580 meters where you'll find the charming historic village of Theriso perched at the mountain's base. Fair warning though: the road is narrow and twisty, and it gets seriously sketchy after rain. At the tightest spots, cars coming from opposite directions literally can't pass each other, so you'll need to stay sharp and move cautiously. Watch out for goats wandering the road and locals who might be taking those curves with a bit too much confidence. It's a must-do if you want dramatic scenery without the extreme factor.
extremeIs Road 610 in Slovenia paved?
🌍 Slovenia
Okay, picture this: Road 610, snaking its way through Slovenia where Inner Carniola kisses Upper Carniola. This baby's paved, so no need for a monster truck, but hold onto your hat! We're talking some seriously steep climbs and hairpin turns that'll make you giggle. You'll climb to a cool 713 meters (that's 2,339 feet!) above sea level. Get ready for curves galore! This 11.7-kilometer (or 7.27-mile) stretch runs from near Spodnja Idrija (tucked away on the Idrijca River) all the way to Žiri. So, buckle up and get ready for a scenic Slovenian adventure!
hardHow long is the road to Col de la Buffaz?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Col de la Buffaz in the French Alps is calling your name! Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,502 meters (that's 4,927 feet!). The road? Well, it's an experience! Think mostly unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy (but scenic!) ride. The first section is a real leg burner, seriously steep! Starting from Thônes, you're looking at a 6.4 km (almost 4 miles) climb. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll gain 900 meters in elevation, averaging a pretty intense 14% gradient. So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! At the summit, you'll find the Chalets de la Buffaz, a mountain hut with postcard-worthy views, especially of La Croix du Lachat. The path itself is gorgeous, winding through lush undergrowth before opening up to breathtaking alpine scenery. Get ready for a taste of real mountain life!
hardWhere is Dzhanka Saddle?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Dzhanka Saddle in Bulgaria is calling your name! Perched way up high in the Rila Mountains, this pass tops out at a cool 2,346 meters (7,696 feet). That's seriously up there, making it one of Bulgaria's highest roads. You'll find it snaking along the border between Sofia and Blagoevgrad provinces in the southwest, right in the heart of the Rila Mountains. Word on the street is there's a weather station chilling at the summit. Now, for the nitty-gritty: the road is no joke! We're talking seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 12% in places. The climb from Shanovo to Kolena is just 7.6 kilometers long, but you'll gain a hefty 438 meters in elevation. Fair warning, this route is usually impassable in winter. Sadly, it's closed to private vehicles. But the views? Totally worth the trek!