A paved road to Puerto de Tarna in Cordillera Cantábrica
Spain, europe
29.5 km
1,492 m
moderate
Year-round
# Puerto de Tarna: A High-Alpine Adventure in Northern Spain
Nestled at 1,492 meters (4,895 feet) above sea level, Puerto de Tarna sits right on the border between Castile and León and Asturias in Spain's rugged north. This mountain pass cuts through the stunning Cordillera Cantábrica range, making it feel like you're truly escaping into the wilderness—especially since it's tucked within the gorgeous Redes Natural Park.
The good news? The entire route is paved, so you don't need to white-knuckle your way up an unpaved track. The pass is accessible year-round, though winter storms can occasionally force temporary closures if conditions get too gnarly.
Here's what you're getting into: The 29.5-kilometer (18.33-mile) journey connects La Foz to Lario, with most of the action happening on the northern climb. From La Foz, you'll tackle 18.2 km of steady elevation gain—pushing up 949 meters total with an average gradient of 5.2%. It's a solid workout for your engine, but nothing that'll make you regret bringing your regular car instead of a mountain goat.
The drive splits into two road designations: AS-117 on the northern side and CL-635 on the southern side. Whether you're chasing dramatic alpine scenery or just want to tick off an epic mountain crossing, Puerto de Tarna delivers the kind of dramatic landscape that'll have you reaching for your camera at every hairpin.
Where is it?
A paved road to Puerto de Tarna in Cordillera Cantábrica is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.8918, -3.7024
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 29.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,492 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.8918, -3.7024
Related Roads in europe
moderateTravel guide to the top of Col des Annes
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Annes Perched at 1,721 meters (5,646 feet) above sea level in Haute-Savoie in south-eastern France, Col des Annes is one seriously impressive alpine pass. The entire route is paved, which is great news—though fair warning, you'll encounter plenty of gravel scattered across the asphalt, so take it easy through the curves. What makes this climb special is the scenery. The road winds through gorgeous alpine pastures as it climbs higher, delivering those classic French Alps views that'll make you want to stop every five minutes for photos. Starting from Le Grand Bornand, you're looking at an 11.96 km climb with 808 meters of elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 6.7%, but here's the kicker: the final stretch ramps up to a punishing 15% average. The good news? The road stays relatively mellow until you pass a golf course at 1,055 meters, where things suddenly get serious and the real climbing begins. You can typically access the pass year-round, which is convenient, though winter storms do occasionally force temporary closures during particularly nasty weather. It's one of the highest paved roads in the region, so the views and the challenge are definitely worth the effort.
hardWhere is Monte Altissimo?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Let's talk Monte Altissimo, a seriously stunning peak nestled in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Northern Italy. Reaching the summit, where you'll find the Rifugio Damiano Chiesa and seriously epic views, isn't a walk in the park. The road starts paved, but don't get too comfy! It quickly throws you into some seriously narrow mountain roads with a relentless 9.4% average gradient. The pavement waves goodbye around Monte Varagna (1,779m), then it's all unpaved, averaging a leg-burning 10.3% gradient to the top of Monte Altissimo. The whole climb? A whopping 19.2 km averaging 10.3% grade! It's known as Strada del Monte Baldo (M. Altissimo di Nago), and it demands your respect. Be extra careful in wet conditions and maybe skip the busiest times to avoid traffic jams on those tight bends. But trust me, those views are worth every white-knuckle moment! Prepare to be wowed by Lake Garda shimmering below, the vast Po Valley stretching out, and the majestic Dolomites and Alps framing the horizon. Seriously breathtaking panoramic views are your reward!
hardWhere is Col de la Chaudière?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about the Col de la Chaudière! You'll find this gem nestled in the Drôme department of France, part of the stunning Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. So, what's it like? This isn't just any drive; it's a 22.5km (13.98 mile) rollercoaster on the D156, connecting Saillans and Bourdeaux in a north-south dance. Expect a fully paved road, but be warned: it's a bit rough around the edges! Think narrow lanes, hairpin turns galore, and views that'll have you pulling over every five minutes. And steep? Oh yeah. Some corners crank up to a solid 10% grade! If you're coming from Bourdeaux, get ready for an 11.6 km climb, gaining 637 meters at an average of 5.5%. Starting in Saillans? Buckle up for an 11.5 km ascent, racking up 773 meters with an average gradient of 6.7%. Traffic is light, making it feel like you've got the mountains all to yourself. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardDriving the Challenging Road F224 in the South of Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Highlands of Iceland, specifically Landmannalaugar, you're gonna encounter the F224 (Landmannalaugavegur). This baby is a short but mighty mountain road leading to the iconic mountain hut nestled in the valley. Forget your rental sedan – you absolutely NEED a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious driving chops for this one. We're talking about a completely unpaved track with massive, immovable rocks playing the part of a "road surface." Expect deep potholes, crazy ruts, and boulders galore. Seriously, don't even THINK about attempting this in a regular car unless you want a rescue mission in your future. This 2.4 km (1.5 miles) stretch connects the F208 at Sólvangur to the Landmannalaugar parking lot. Your reward? A gateway to the famous hut and a natural hot spring bubbling at a perfect 37-39°C. Plus, during peak season, you can snag a coffee and basic supplies at the small shop. Oh, and did I mention the unbelievably breathtaking landscapes? Keep in mind this road is only open during the summer months, usually from late June to early September, thanks to the Icelandic weather. Now, for the kicker: this route includes crossing a double fjord *and* some pretty significant rivers. I can't stress this enough – do NOT attempt these crossings solo or during heavy rainfall. Rising water levels from rain or warmer temps can turn these fords into serious trouble. Only well-equipped jeeps and larger vehicles should even consider it, and smaller jeeps? Forget about it. And if you do get stuck, call 112. Always check the river depth before you go for it – water levels can change *fast*. While the scenery is stunning during the day, this road can be dicey at night. And one last thing: rental car insurance typically doesn't cover water damage, so that river crossing is all on you.