A paved road to Flexen Pass in the Austrian Alps
Austria, europe
15.6 km
1,781 m
hard
Year-round
# Flexen Pass: A Historic Alpine Adventure
Ready for a thrilling mountain drive? Flexen Pass sits pretty at 1,781 meters (5,843 feet) high in Vorarlberg, Austria, and it's one seriously cool route with some serious history behind it.
This pass has been around for centuries, but the real story starts in 1895 when Johann Bertolini and his crew began carving out the modern road. After fourteen years of hard work, it finally opened to traffic in 1909. Since 1936, the Flexenstrasse has been keeping things moving year-round—yep, even when winter throws a tantrum.
The 15.6-kilometer (9.69-mile) route runs north-south from Warth down to Stuben am Arlberg, and it's completely paved as Road 198, also called the Lechtal Strasse. Fair warning though: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road gets seriously steep, with grades hitting up to 10% on some sections that'll definitely test your nerves and your brakes.
Here's where it gets really interesting—about 300 meters before the summit, the road vanishes into the Flexengalerie, an absolutely ancient 1,550-meter-long avalanche tunnel that's basically held together with old oak wood beams. Inside, it's rough and tumble, with single-lane traffic managed by a traffic light system. It's genuinely wild.
The summit itself has a parking lot and the quirky Restaurant Flexenhäusl if you need a breather. Most drivers take 25 to 30 minutes to cover the whole pass. You can usually drive it year-round, though winter weather can kick in sudden closures. It's an unforgettable Alpine experience.
Where is it?
A paved road to Flexen Pass in the Austrian Alps is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.6256, 13.9294
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,781 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.6256, 13.9294
Related Roads in europe
extremeIs the road to Coll dels Isards unpaved?
🌍 Andorra
Straddling the border between France and Andorra, way up in the Pyrenees, you'll find Coll dels Isards. This isn't your average scenic route, it's a high-altitude adventure right in the heart of the Grandvalira ski domain. This track isn't paved; it's a rugged, unsealed service road used for ski station maintenance. Think loose shale and crushed granite under your tires, making traction a real challenge. A proper 4x4 is essential. Word of warning: this road is usually off-limits to personal vehicles. But imagine tackling it and you'll find yourself in a wild, high-mountain landscape where the wind howls and the views of the surrounding peaks are mind-blowing. Starting near , the road to the top is short, but packs a punch. Over just you climb a seriously steep , resulting in an average gradient of over 15%! That's relentless. Get ready for a constant uphill battle with no breaks. This kind of incline, combined with the loose surface, demands serious driving skills and a vehicle that can handle the torque and keep its cool. Keep in mind, this track is buried under snow for much of the year and is generally inaccessible during winter. It's usually only passable between . But even in summer, the weather can change in a heartbeat, so always check the forecast before heading up.
hardDriving Strada dei Cannoni, a military mountain road in Italy
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada dei Cannoni: Italy's Hidden Alpine Adventure Ready for a road trip that feels like stepping back in time? The Strada dei Cannoni is calling your name. Tucked in the northern Italian Alps between the Maira and Varaita valleys, this legendary 56km route climbs from a modest 680m to a breathtaking 2,287m (7,503ft), delivering some seriously jaw-dropping views of the Maritime and Cottian Alps—with the iconic Monviso dominating the skyline. Here's the deal: about 75% of this road is unpaved, which means you're getting the full off-road experience. What started as a military engineering marvel in 1744 (built by the Piedmontese army to block French-Spanish forces during the War of the Austrian Succession) has evolved into a bucket-list route for adventurous travelers and cyclists. The road wasn't actually completed in its current form until 1893 and was adapted for cars in the 1940s, but it's kept that raw, authentic alpine character that makes it so thrilling. The scenery is genuinely spectacular—you'll follow the watershed ridge with panoramic views at every turn. But here's what you need to know before you go: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. Expect coarse gravel, hairpin bends so tight they'll test your nerves, steep climbs, and unprotected drops that plunge hundreds of meters. You'll need serious off-roading skills and a vehicle that can handle it. Access is strictly managed during summer (July–September). Weekends and holidays see closures from 9am to 6pm for vehicles, and nighttime restrictions apply year-round. Winter? Forget about it—heavy snow makes the route impassable. Stick to clear weather and daylight hours, and only attempt this if you're an experienced off-roader. The historical touches are everywhere—old military barracks dot the landscape, telling stories of its strategic past. A small paved section built in 2014 creates a fantastic loop for cyclists. This is raw, real alpine adventure, and it's waiting for you.
extremeCan you drive through Forcella Lavardet?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Forcella Lavardet, tucked away in the Veneto region of Italy, is a wild ride through the Dolomites. This old military road, officially SP465, climbs up from the tiny village of Campolongo towards the Strada Statale 465. The climb is about 10.4km (6.46 miles) long, with an elevation gain of 599 meters, averaging a 5.75% gradient, and hitting a max of 13% in some spots. At 1,547m (5,075ft) above sea level, it’s not just the altitude that takes your breath away. Now, here’s the kicker: the road is mostly unpaved, with a few paved sections. It's actually closed to vehicles due to past landslides and floods, especially from way back in '93, but it's open for biking or hiking. You’ll be navigating some seriously tight squeezes, crossing wooden bridges (new ones, thankfully!), and keeping an eye out for landslides. This baby is known for its 14 hairpin turns – the *Tornanti della Forcella del Lavardet* – they are super tight and scenic! It's steep, narrow, and you definitely need to take it slow around those blind corners, because you won't see cars coming! So, if you're up for an adventure on two wheels or two feet, Forcella Lavardet promises views and thrills you won't forget.
hardDriving the SH75, one of the most demanding Albanian roads
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for SH75 in Albania! This 170 km (105 mile) stretch from Tepelenë to Korçë isn't just a drive; it's a full-on experience. Think stunning landscapes and a serious challenge, because let's be honest, this road is currently a bit rough around the edges. Mostly paved, but isolated and bumpy? Yep, that's SH75. Picture yourself weaving through rolling hills dotted with old gun turrets, soaking in endless panoramic views as you climb to 1,169m (3,835ft) at the Qafa e Qarrit mountain pass. The scenery is breathtaking, but be prepared for potholes, steep sections, and enough double bends to keep you on your toes. Locals in minibuses are your only company on this blissful but battered road. Allow 3-4 hours for the drive, and definitely avoid it after rain – conditions can get dicey. The road isn't always in the best shape, but trust me, the incredible scenery will make you forget all about it. Plus, rumor has it the Albanian government has plans to improve it! So, if you're up for an unforgettable (and slightly wild) ride, SH75 is calling your name.