A steep and busy road to the top of Fern Pass in Austria
Austria, europe
17.7 km
1,212 m
moderate
Year-round
Fernpass is a mountain pass sitting at 1,212m (3,976ft) in Austria's Tyrol region, nestled high in the western Tyrolean Alps.
Here's the thing about this route—it's got serious historical cred. Traders have been using this path since pre-Roman times, and these days it's become one of the busiest alpine passes in the Eastern Alps, connecting southern Germany to Innsbruck and beyond to the Brenner Pass.
The road itself, called Fernpass Straße (B 179), is completely paved and spans 17.7km (10.99 miles) running south-north from Nassereith to Lermoos. While it's well-maintained, we'll be honest—it's not exactly thrilling. You'll encounter steep sections with grades up to 8%, but don't expect jaw-dropping scenery or hair-raising curves. It's more of a straightforward, heavily-trafficked mountain crossing.
The road typically stays open year-round, though winter can bring occasional closures. If you're driving here between November and April, Austria requires you to carry proper winter equipment—no exceptions.
So if you're planning a drive through the Alps and find yourself considering Fernpass, just know what you're getting: a reliable, busy mountain pass with a long history, rather than a scenic alpine adventure. It gets the job done, efficiently, but probably won't be the highlight of your trip.
Where is it?
A steep and busy road to the top of Fern Pass in Austria is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.2549, 13.2491
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,212 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.2549, 13.2491
Related Roads in europe
hardLago di Rochemolles
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Rochemolles: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Piedmont's stunning Susa Valley, Lago di Rochemolles sits at a breathtaking 1,982 meters (6,502 feet) above sea level. But getting there? That's half the fun. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is a gravel and rocky adventure that'll test your driving skills with its narrow, bumpy stretches and genuinely steep sections. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, you might want to skip this one—seriously. The winding path demands respect and, ideally, a capable 4x4 tucked beneath you. Winter? Forget about it. This route becomes basically impassable when snow and ice move in, so save this adventure for warmer months. And if heights make you queasy, the exposed sections might have you gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual. Here's the plot twist though: much of the gravel road is actually surprisingly well-maintained and relatively flat for a mountain route. The real challenge comes when wet conditions turn it into a muddy obstacle course—that's when you'll really appreciate having all-wheel drive. Bottom line? This is prime territory for experienced off-road drivers who crave that adrenaline rush and want bragging rights to a genuinely epic mountain crossing. Come prepared, come confident, and come ready for an unforgettable ride.
easyCol du Galibier is an iconic Tour de France climb
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Galibier: One of Europe's Most Epic Mountain Drives Ready for one of the most legendary climbs in the French Alps? Col du Galibier sits at a jaw-dropping 2,645 meters (8,678 ft) and stands as one of France's highest mountain passes. Located in the southeastern Alps near Grenoble, this beauty marks the boundary between the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie departments. The fully paved D902 stretches 43.3 km (27 miles) from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne up to the Tunnel du Galibier, ranking among the country's loftiest passes alongside the even-higher Col de l'Iseran. Trust us, the views alone are worth every hairpin turn—both climbing up and cruising down, you'll spot incredible peaks including Meije, Grand Galibier, and even Mont Blanc in the distance. Hit the summit and grab a bite at one of the cafes there while soaking in the scenery. But here's the real deal: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road throws steep 13.1% gradients at you, complete with relentless switchbacks. The altitude kicks in around 2,000 meters, so don't underestimate this beast. Nestled between the massif d'Arvan-Villards and massif des Cerces, the pass typically opens June 1st and closes October 31st—snow conditions call the shots. Historically, Galibier is cycling royalty. The first crude road went in around 1876 for military use, with a proper version completed in 1911—the same year it debuted in the Tour de France. Only three riders made it to the summit without dismounting that first time! The road you drive on now was finished in 1976, and the old tunnel (closed until 2002) used to be the only way through. A monument to Tour founder Henri Desgranges still stands at the southern tunnel entrance, a nod to the road's legendary cycling heritage.
moderate1. Galway – Clifden – Westport
🌍 Ireland
1. **Galway – Clifden – Westport:** Wind your way through the wild Connemara region on this route, climbing high for panoramic coastal views on your way to Clifden. The return trip towards Westport treats you to the serene Doolough Valley and tranquil lakes. 2. **The Inishowen 100, Donegal:** Clocking in at roughly 100 miles, this coastal adventure hugs Ireland's northernmost point. Starting in Muff, cruise north through Moville and the Malin Head loop, before finishing in Burnfoot. Get ready for jaw-dropping scenery and plenty of reasons to pull over and soak it all in. 3. **The Burren Beauty, Clare:** A 68km loop showcasing North West Clare's dramatic landscape overlooking the Atlantic and Galway Bay. Starting in Kilfenora, venture through Lisdoonvarna and up to Black Head, before looping back through Carran. You'll be flanked by the unique rocky Burren on one side and the vast ocean on the other. 4. **The Sally Gap, County Wicklow:** Escape the city with this east-to-west route across the Wicklow Mountains, easily accessible from Dublin. The Sally Gap offers the best non-coastal lake and mountain views, completing a loop by taking the R759 east across the mountains, head north on the R115 5. **Giant’s Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland:** A 190km point-to-point drive that takes in many of Northern Ireland’s main tourist sites. Starting in Belfast, you drive the Northern coast of the country, stopping by the Giant's Causeway, the Bushmills distillery and the seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart. 6. **Sheep’s Head Peninsula, Bantry – Durrus, Cork:** This ring drive starts in Bantry and loops around the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, eventually finishing up in Durrus. At only 40km long, the loop takes in the whole of the Peninsula, offering fantastic views of the ocean on either side during the drive. 7. **Bray to Dublin City Centre:** Taking the coastal road into Dublin from Bray takes you through Killiney, Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire giving you an epic view over the city and the coastline to your right. 8. **Copper Coast – Dungarvan to Tramore, Waterford:** This 40 km drive between Dungarvan and Tramore in Waterford takes you right along the Southern coastline of Waterford, with spectacular vistas. Just start in either town and stick to the coast all the way along and everything will be grand. 9. **Sperrin Mountains, Tyrone:** Explore Northern Ireland's mountain spectacle. Starting in Strabane, wind your way through the twisty roads towards Sawel Mountain, the peak of the Sperrins. The valleys and peaks above and below make it one of the most memorable landscapes on the whole island. 10. **Kenmare to Bantry:** Crossing the Cork and Kerry border, this drive takes you along the coast for a bit coming out of Bantry town and then past the Glengarriff Nature Reserve. You complete it crossing the bridge into Kenmare with the wonderful Kenmare Bay on your left. 11. **Clonakilty – Old Head of Kinsale:** This scenic route brings you through West Cork and along the sensational coastline starting at Timoleague. Then you follow the coast to the famous Old Head of Kinsale – with views to match those anywhere in the country. 12. **Dollymount to Howth Head, Dublin:** Being so close to the city centre of Dublin, this drive takes you along the coast of the Northside with views stretching out as you loop up and around Howth Head looking down on the city and the Poolbeg Chimneys as you climb higher. 13. **Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula, Kerry:** Starting out in Dingle, this loop around the most westerly point of mainland Ireland takes in the tip of the Dingle Peninsula – giving you beautiful views stretching out over the Atlantic and to the Blasket Islands. 14. **Ennis – Doonbeg, Clare:** Following the line of the Shannon Estuary westwards, this drive will take you around the Southern tip of Clare and onwards to Doonbeg on the Atlantic coast. It’s not the quickest way to get between the two towns, but it’s by far the best.
hardMont du Chat is one of the toughest paved climbs in France
🇫🇷 France
# Mont du Chat: France's Relentless Alpine Beast If you're looking for a climb that'll test every ounce of your driving (or cycling) skills, Mont du Chat is calling your name. Perched at 1,504 meters in the Savoie department of southeastern France, this monster pass has earned its fearsome reputation fair and square. The D42 road winds its way up 22.2 km from Le Bourget-du-Lac to Cremaire, gaining over 1,250 meters of elevation along the way. What makes it genuinely brutal? It averages nearly 9% gradient throughout, but here's the kicker—after the first 2 km, it never drops below 8%, and some sections hit a punishing 15% steepness. This isn't a climb you can coast through; it demands your full attention and respect. Starting from the picturesque shores of Lac du Bourget at just 250 meters elevation, you'll be climbing continuously through stunning Jura Mountain scenery. The good news? The D42 is fully paved in excellent condition, and traffic is minimal on both sides of the col, so you won't be battling other vehicles while battling the gradient. The pass has earned its stripes on the pro cycling circuit, featured in both the Tour de France and Critérium du Dauphiné races—proof that this is legit hard. Reach the summit and you'll find a welcoming bar-restaurant and the Belvédère du Mont du Chat observation deck, where panoramic views of the lake below make all that effort worthwhile. Just keep in mind the road closes from November to March, so plan your visit for warmer months.