
A paved road to Bielerhohe Pass in the Austrian Alps
Austria, europe
35 km
2,071 m
moderate
Year-round
# Bielerhöhe Pass: A High Alpine Adventure
Perched at 2,071 meters (6,794 feet) in Austria's stunning western Alps, Bielerhöhe Pass straddles the boundary between Vorarlberg and Tyrol, just a stone's throw from Switzerland. This isn't your average mountain drive.
The road up here is the legendary Silvretta Hochalpenstraße—a fully paved high alpine route that connects the charming Montafon valley with the scenic Paznaun valley. Starting from Bludenz, you're looking at a 35-kilometer (21-mile) climb with an average gradient of 3.8%, so expect some decent elevation gain as you wind your way upward.
What makes it special? The views are absolutely incredible. As you ascend through the Austrian Alps, the panoramic vistas just keep getting better. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a cluster of restaurants and hotels ready to welcome you with a warm meal and a place to rest those road-weary legs.
Fair warning though: the pass isn't accessible year-round. From November through April, it's typically closed to regular traffic due to snow and winter conditions. And yes, that steady climb can feel pretty steep in places, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
This is Alpine driving at its finest—scenic, challenging, and absolutely worth the effort.
Where is it?
A paved road to Bielerhohe Pass in the Austrian Alps is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.6256, 13.0399
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 35 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,071 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.6256, 13.0399
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe epic unpaved road to Col dei Rossi in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Dolomites, surrounded by some of the most epic mountain scenery on the planet. You're headed to Col dei Rossi (or Col di Rosc, if you prefer), a killer peak sitting pretty at 2,371 meters (that's 7,778 feet!). Now, heads up, the road to the top is a bit of an adventure – it's a 1.1km (0.68 mile) unpaved stretch that kicks off from Rifugio Fredarola. Most cars can handle it when it's dry, but keep in mind this road is usually snowed in from late October until June. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You get this insane, up-close-and-personal perspective of the Marmolada, complete with its impressive glacier. Just remember to take it slow and enjoy the ride – getting to Punta Bianca requires some skill!
extremeWhere is Col de la Montee du Fond?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Alps, in the Savoie department, ready for an off-road adventure. You're headed to Col de la Montée du Fond, clocking in at a breathtaking 3,007 meters (9,865 feet)! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of Europe's highest roads, a true test of your off-roading skills. Starting near the popular Val Thorens ski resort and winding down to Orelle, this 28.3 km (17.58 mile) unpaved beast is only for 4x4s. Brace yourself for a wild ride with a staggering 55 hairpin turns – each one numbered, just so you know how far you've come (and how much further you have to go!). This road is a beast! Expect an average gradient of 10.4%, but don’t be surprised when it spikes to 17-18% on those crazy corners. But hey, the views! You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of a thousand summits across France, Switzerland, and Italy. Just remember, this road is usually only open in July and August. So, get ready for an epic, high-altitude adventure!
moderateIs Anfo Ridge Road unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Lombardy region of Italy, nestled in the province of Brescia, you'll find the wild and wonderful Passo del Dosso Alto. This bad boy tops out at 1,727m (5,666ft) and is traversed by the legendary Anfo Ridge Road! So, is Anfo Ridge Road paved? Mostly, the answer is NO! This is an old military route, maybe even dating back to Roman times, and it feels like it. Think dusty, stony, and raw. The road stretches for 20.1km (12.48 miles) from Anfo, climbing and dipping as it goes. Now, let's be real – this isn't a Sunday drive. You'll be tackling some serious hairpin turns, navigating a narrow path riddled with holes, and praying to the gods of motoring that no rogue rocks decide to join you for the ride. Oh, and did I mention the unsecured precipices and dangerous drop-offs? Maximum grade hits 12% in places. They limit your speed to 20 km/h, and trust me, you won't want to go faster! Keep an eye out for 4 short, unlit tunnels. There are restrictions: vehicles wider than 2.50m and taller than 3.20m need not apply. You'll actually be summiting four passes: Passo del Maniva (1,450m / 4,757ft), Passo di Baremone (1,521m / 4,990ft), Passo di Valledrane (1,527m / 5,009ft), and finally, Passo del Dosso Alto (1,727m / 5,666ft). The road is usually open from June to the end of October, weather permitting. Heavy rains can shut it down, so check conditions before you go. It was closed for 6 years because of a landslide. In short, Anfo Ridge Road is hard, scenic, beautiful, and not for the faint of heart. But if you're craving an adrenaline-pumping, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is your ticket. Just be prepared for a dusty, stony, and unforgettable ride!
extremeWhere is Col des Tempêtes?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the South of France, specifically the Vaucluse department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. You're heading for Col des Tempêtes, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,829 meters (that's 6,000 feet!). The D974 road is your path, all paved and ready to go. Just a hop, skip, and a jump (one kilometer, to be exact) away is Mont Ventoux, a.k.a "The Giant of Provence." From the top, you can even venture off on a 3.9 km (2.42 miles) detour to Col de Moissiere at 1,650 meters. It's a mix of paved and unpaved, adding a little spice to your adventure! Now, heads up: this drive isn't a walk in the park. The road gets narrow, barely wide enough for two cars, and those hairpin turns are no joke. Oh, and the wind? It's legendary. We're talking potential gusts up to 320 km/h (200 mph)! No wonder they call it the "Storm Pass"! Expect closures, especially since the peak likes to wear a snow cap from December to April. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane. Imagine winding through those hairpin turns, climbing higher and higher until you're rewarded with a panorama of the Rhône valley. Just check the weather before you go, and maybe pack a windbreaker!