A narrow road with 15% parts and unlit tunnels to Lac du Vieux Emosson
Switzerland, europe
5 km
2,205 m
extreme
Year-round
# Lac du Vieux Emosson: A High-Alpine Adventure
Perched at 2,205m (7,234ft) in Switzerland's Valais region near the French border, Lac du Vieux Emosson is a stunning alpine reservoir that'll take your breath away—literally and figuratively. The lake sits just 300m above its bigger sibling, Lac d'Émosson, and if you're feeling peckish after the drive, the Old Émosson Cabin Hostel & Restaurant near the dam has got you covered.
Here's where it gets interesting: this vintage road, dating back to 1955, is completely off-limits to regular cars. But if you can hitch a ride with one of the shuttle services or tour operators, you're in for an absolute treat.
The 5km (3.10-mile) route climbs from Lac d'Émosson (1,965m/6,446ft) with relentless intensity. It's paved—so that's a plus—but it's also narrow, steep, and seriously not for the faint of heart. For about 2km, you're dealing with an average gradient of 15%, and the road squeezes through a couple of unlit tunnels that add to the whole otherworldly vibe. The drop-offs? Definitely not something you'll want to test.
Summer is your window to experience this marvel, as the road closes during the colder months. But when conditions are right, the views of Mont Blanc and down toward the lower lake are absolutely mind-blowing. It's a quiet, serpentine climb through some of Europe's most dramatic landscape—the kind of drive that sticks with you.
Where is it?
A narrow road with 15% parts and unlit tunnels to Lac du Vieux Emosson is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.0043, 7.9686
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,205 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 47.0043, 7.9686
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