A very steep road to Ronda in the canton of Vaud
Switzerland, europe
15.3 km
1.75 m
hard
Year-round
# Rionda: Switzerland's Ultimate Mountain Challenge
Rionda is an iconic Alpine peak towering at 2,157m (7,076ft) in Switzerland's Vaud canton, sitting pretty near the French-Italian border with sweeping views over Martigny. Fair warning: the climb from Lavey-les-Bains is legitimately one of the most brutal mountain roads you'll encounter anywhere on Earth.
Starting from the small municipality of Lavey-Morcles (just 442m elevation), you're in for a 15.3km (9.5 miles) white-knuckle ascent that'll gain you 1,715 meters with an eye-watering average gradient of 11.2%. The road surface switches between paved and unpaved sections, and here's the kicker—except for a brief reprieve around km 8 and the final kilometer, you're never dealing with anything gentler than 10%.
The first stretch tricks you into thinking it's manageable. Don't be fooled. Things get seriously steep, seriously fast, and stay that way as you navigate an endless series of numbered switchbacks climbing through Lavey-Morcles. It's relentless, it's grueling, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
One heads-up though: there's reportedly a locked barrier at around 1,750m where a car park sits, which may restrict vehicle access to the summit. Worth checking conditions before you make the drive up—you don't want to come all this way only to hit a dead end!
Where is it?
A very steep road to Ronda in the canton of Vaud is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8157, 8.5173
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.75 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.8157, 8.5173
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Congosto de Jánovas?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Spanish Pyrenees on the N-260, aka the "Eje Pirenaico," and suddenly you're plunged into the Congosto de Jánovas. This canyon, carved by the Ara River, is seriously dramatic. The road hugs the cliffside, twisting and turning with hundreds of bends that locals affectionately call it the "Ruta del Retrovisor" (Rearview Route). Why's it so darn narrow? Blame a planned dam that never happened! Back in the day, they were gonna flood the whole area, so why bother improving the road? Now, it's a crazy-narrow 19.5 km (12.11 miles) stretch between Fiscal and Jánovas— barely wide enough for two cars to pass. Reversing skills? You'll need 'em! It's paved, thankfully, but watch out for rock slides! Despite the hazards, it’s popular, especially in summer, so expect some traffic. The scenery, though, is epic! Don't miss the viewpoint at Jánovas for killer views. Trust me, this drive is an adrenaline rush and a feast for the eyes!
moderateTravel guide to the top of Colle Blegier
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle Blegier: Alpine Adventure Awaits Nestled in the heart of Italy's Piemonte region, Colle Blegier sits pretty at 2,381m (7,811ft) and marks the fourth checkpoint on the legendary Assietta Road. This mountain pass is tucked away in the northern part of the country within the stunning Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand, squeezed between Mount Genevris and Colle Lauson. Fair warning: this isn't your typical paved highway. The Strada Provinciale 173 (aka the Assietta Road) is mostly unpaved, stretching a solid 39.3 km (24.23 miles) and keeping you above 2,000 meters for almost the entire ride. Talk about staying high! Access is seasonal—the road opens June 1st and closes October 31st, so plan accordingly. There are also some weight restrictions in place: no vehicles over 3.5 tons and nothing wider than 2 meters. And heads up: during peak summer months (July and August), certain driving hours are restricted on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The road's got real history too. Built back in 1890 by the 3rd Reggimento Alpini to access the Genevris observatory and barracks, this route is a testament to alpine engineering. If you're chasing mountain views, seasonal access, and a taste of Italy's rugged terrain, Colle Blegier deserves a spot on your bucket list.
hardDriving the wild road to Ruen Peak
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Ruen Peak, an epic mountain pass straddling the border between southwestern Bulgaria and northeastern North Macedonia. We're talking serious altitude here, a whopping 2,246 meters (that's 7,368 feet!). Now, hold on tight because the road to the top is completely unpaved. Think rugged, think raw, think unforgettable. This isn't a Sunday drive kind of situation. Winter? Forget about it – you won't be getting through. This trail is tailor-made for experienced off-roaders. If you're not comfortable with rough and steep dirt roads, maybe skip this one. Seriously, a 4x4 is a MUST. Heights make you nervous? Probably not your jam. Expect some seriously steep sections and if it's been raining, prepare for a muddy challenge! But the views? Totally worth it.
moderateWhy is Elma Dağı (Mount Elma) famous?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Elma Dağı (Mount Elma) in Turkey's Ankara Province? This peak clocks in at a cool 1,857m (6,092ft) and boasts a seriously interesting history. Back in the day, during the Cold War, this mountain was home to a NATO radio station. Now abandoned since the 70s, you can still spot the old antennas from the ACE High network – a relic of a bygone era. The road to the top? It was built way back in 1964/1965 to get the NATO station up and running. Starting near Kömürcü, it's a smooth 8.5 km (5.28 miles) of paved road in pretty great condition. Don't get me wrong, though – it's a climb! You'll gain 542 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of around 6.37%. But hey, that just means the views from the top are even sweeter, right? Central Anatolia scenery, history, and a good climb – Elma Dağı has it all!