
A Wild, Defiant Unpaved Road to Hohsaas in the Swiss Pennine Alps
Switzerland, europe
14 km
3,146 m
moderate
Year-round
# Hohsaas: A Swiss Alpine Adventure
Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Hohsaas is calling—a jaw-dropping peak sitting at 3,146m (10,321ft) in the Valais region of Switzerland, just a stone's throw from the Italian border. This isn't just any mountain road; it's one of Europe's highest, and honestly, it's pretty epic.
Starting from the charming village of Saas-Grund, you're looking at roughly 14km of pure alpine terrain that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves. The elevation gain? A hefty 1,553m with an average gradient of 11.09%—so yeah, it's steep. Fair warning: this entire route is unpaved, and it's technically a chairlift access trail, which means it's rustic and raw. But that's part of the appeal, right?
The road is only accessible during summer months when the snow finally clears, making this a seasonal bucket-list experience. Once you reach the summit, you'll find the cozy Berghütte Hohsaas mountain cabin—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the incredible panoramic views of the Swiss Pennine Alps.
If you're after an unforgettable high-altitude driving experience in one of the world's most scenic mountain ranges, Hohsaas absolutely delivers. Just come prepared for a serious climb.
Where is it?
A Wild, Defiant Unpaved Road to Hohsaas in the Swiss Pennine Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.1828, 8.0965
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,146 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.1828, 8.0965
Related Roads in europe
hardPuerto de Montenegro
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Montenegro (Puerto de las Viniegras) Tucked away in the heart of Spain's Iberian System mountains, this scenic mountain pass sits right on the border between La Rioja and Soria at a respectable 1,582 meters (5,190 feet) above sea level. The climb up via the LR333 is legitimately steep—we're talking sections that hit 10%—so come prepared for some serious elevation gain. The road itself is fully paved, though fair warning: it's got a pretty bumpy, well-worn surface that'll keep you engaged on the way up. The silver lining? Traffic is minimal, so you'll mostly have the mountain to yourself. If you're planning a winter visit, just know that snow closures happen fairly regularly in the colder months, so check conditions before you head out. But during the warmer seasons, this is a fantastic ride with stunning mountain scenery and a peaceful, relatively untouched vibe that makes the effort totally worth it.
moderateWhere is Qafë Botë border crossing?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, globetrotters, let's talk about Qafë Botë, an international mountain pass chillin' at 137m (449ft) right on the Albanian-Greek border. Locals call it the Neck-of-the-World, and trust me, the views live up to the name! This pass connects Vlorë County in Albania with the Epirus region in Greece. The border crossing is open 24/7. You won't be alone: over 600,000 crossings happen here every year! The 19.7 km (12.24 miles) stretch of road is paved and in great condition (it's called SH97 on the Albanian side), winding its way from Asprokklisi, Greece, to Çiflig, Albania. Get ready for some seriously stunning mountain scenery as you cruise along!
extremeHow long is Road F985 to Skálafellsjökull glacier?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Hey adventurers, buckle up for the F985 (Jökulvegur) in Iceland's Eastern Region! This 17 km (10.56 miles) track winds its way from Highway 1 up to the majestic Skálafellsjökull glacier and Jöklasel Hut. Think hundreds of turns and some seriously steep climbs – this one's for 4x4s only. Speaking of challenging, this famous F Road isn't for the faint of heart. It's a rough ride, perfect for adventure seekers, but maybe not so much for nervous drivers or anyone without a proper 4WD. Those hairpin bends and crazy inclines can be a real test! And definitely skip it on foggy days. Trust me, you don't want to be *that* tourist needing a rescue. Reaching a whopping 918m (3,011ft) high, this road gives you insane views. Think lunar landscapes and a seriously bumpy ride. Keep in mind it's only open in the summer (usually late June to early September) – winter is a no-go. Plus, it's pretty remote, so driving solo isn't the best idea due to the lack of traffic and spotty cell service. Oh, and did I mention you'll be driving through movie magic? Keep an eye out for filming locations from Batman Begins, James Bond, Tomb Raider, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and even Game of Thrones! The glacier at the end is the ultimate reward, but the whole drive is an unforgettable experience.
hardSaç Dağı Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits at the Saç Dağı Geçidi in eastern Turkey! This beauty sits way up high in Ağrı Province, practically waving hello to Iran, at a cool 2,207 meters (7,240 feet) above sea level. The road, known as the D100, is paved, so no need for monster truck tires. You'll find this pass connecting Horasan and Eleşkirt. But don't think it's a leisurely cruise – get ready for some serious climbing and hairpin turns that will test your driving skills! Oh, and a heads up: winter storms can throw a wrench in your plans, so check the weather before you go. The views though? Absolutely worth it. Get your camera ready!