A lonely drive to Grosse Scheidegg
Switzerland, europe
26 km
1,962 m
hard
Year-round
# Grosse Scheidegg: A Swiss Alpine Adventure
Picture this: a narrow, winding mountain pass cutting through Switzerland's stunning Bernese Alps at 1,962 meters (6,437 feet). That's Grosse Scheidegg, nestled in the Bern canton and absolutely worth the drive.
The 26-kilometer stretch connecting Grindelwald and Meiringen is entirely paved, but fair warning—it's tight and seriously steep in sections. In fact, it's so narrow that private cars aren't allowed, and cyclists need to pull over whenever a postal bus rolls through. It's quirky, but it keeps things safe on this intense climb.
Coming from Grindelwald? Expect a 9.95-kilometer climb with 905 meters of elevation gain and an average grade of 9.1%—that's brutal in the best way. Tackling it from Meiringen instead? You're looking at 16.4 kilometers with 1,262 meters of elevation gain and a slightly more manageable 7.7% average gradient.
Once you summit, treat yourself at the restaurant up top—you'll have earned it. The payoff? Sweeping views of the Alps, hairpin turns that'll get your adrenaline pumping, and roads that look almost too good to be real. This is what Alpine driving is all about.
Where is it?
A lonely drive to Grosse Scheidegg is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.9039, 8.4689
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,962 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.9039, 8.4689
Related Roads in europe
hardA brutally steep road to Bwlch Pen Barras in Wales
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Bwlch Pen Barras! This mountain pass in Denbighshire, Wales, nestled right in the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a proper little gem. Locals also call it Bwlch Penbarras or Old Bwlch. Clocking in at just 5.6km (3.5 miles) from Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd to Tafarn-y-Gelyn, don't let the short distance fool you. This fully paved road packs a punch! We're talking about hitting 360m (1,181ft) above sea level, and let me tell you, some of those climbs reach a leg-burning 25%! Cyclists, this one's for you—and prepare for a challenge! The west side ascent from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd is a beast, gaining 260 metres (853 feet) in just 2.25km (1.4 miles). That first half? Nearly 25%! Then you hit *that* hairpin. Oof! The east side is a bit gentler, but the real reward is that straight-shot mile-long descent after all that climbing! Plus, its location makes it perfect for linking up with other epic climbs like The Shelf and Horseshoe Pass. Get ready for some stunning scenery, but maybe pack some extra gears (and snacks!).
hardTikmataji Pass
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for the Tikmataji Pass! This beauty sits right on the border between Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli in southern Georgia, topping out at a cool 2,171 meters (7,122 feet). You'll find it chilling in the Javakheti Plateau, part of the Lesser Caucasus mountains. The asphalt ribbon winds and climbs, making it one of Georgia's highest paved routes. Think hairpin turns, steep climbs, and views that'll make your jaw drop as you connect Tsalka with Ninotsminda. Word to the wise: this isn't the road to mess with in bad weather. Snow can strike anytime, and those icy patches can be sneaky! You’ll also be sharing the landscape with the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway. Seriously, though, make the drive. It's a lonely, gorgeous landscape of roads, grasslands, mountains, and the stunning Paravani Lake, the country's largest, not far from the pass itself. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled – there's even a 4,000-year-old burial mound hiding somewhere in the lake! Just don't expect to see it clearly - the lake is shallow, but murky. Photo ops galore up here, so don't forget your camera!
hardThe Breathtaking Unpaved Road to Mount Giona
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Giona's Epic Mountain Road Ready for a serious mountain driving adventure? Head to northeastern Phocis in Greece and tackle the gravel road that snakes up Mount Giona—one of the country's most impressive high-altitude routes. This beauty tops out at a breathtaking 2,148m (7,047ft), making it a bragging rights kind of destination. Nestled between the Parnassus and Vardousia mountains in central Greece, this area is a hidden gem. You'll find charming traditional villages scattered around that offer great places to stay, plus endless opportunities for hiking and climbing when you're not behind the wheel. Now, let's be real—this isn't a Sunday drive. Starting from Kaloskopi, the 15.2km (9.44 miles) route absolutely demands respect. You're looking at a gut-wrenching 1,004-meter elevation gain with an average gradient of 6.60%, which translates to countless hairpin turns, steep switchbacks, and narrow sections that'll test your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. The entire road is unpaved gravel, so bring a proper 4x4—seriously, don't even think about attempting this in a regular car. And winter? Forget about it. This route becomes completely impassable when snow and ice move in, so plan your adventure for the warmer months. If you've got the skills, the courage, and the right vehicle, Mount Giona's summit road delivers an unforgettable driving experience.
moderateWhere is Bielsa Tunnel?
🇫🇷 France
The Bielsa-Aragnouet Tunnel is a must-see international tunnel adventure! Perched high in the Pyrenees at 1,820m (5,971ft), it straddles the border between France and Spain, linking the Hautes-Pyrénées in France and Huesca in Spain. This epic shortcut is 3.07km (1.90 miles) long – 1,298m in Spain and 1,772m in France, and the best part? It's toll-free! Just be aware that while cars can cruise through in both directions, larger vehicles like trucks and buses take turns in a one-way system. You’ll approach the tunnel via the A138 from the Spanish side. From Salinas, it’s a 21 km climb with a respectable 4.9% average gradient. If you're coming from the French side via the D173 from Saint Lary Soulan, get ready for 18.93 km of winding ascent, averaging 5.3%, with some sections hitting a steep 11.8%! While generally open year-round, winter weather can occasionally shut things down for a week or so due to avalanche risks. Oh, and a heads-up: no hazardous materials or vehicles taller than 4.3 meters are allowed. But with views like this, who cares? Get ready for an unforgettable Alpine experience!