An iconic road to Glaubenberg Pass in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland, europe
30.4 km
1,543 m
moderate
Year-round
Glaubenberg Pass is a scenic mountain crossing sitting at 1,543m (5,062ft) in central Switzerland, straddling the boundary between Lucerne and Obwalden cantons. You'll find a convenient parking lot and a cozy bar restaurant right at the summit—perfect for catching your breath after the climb.
This pass has serious historical roots dating back to Medieval times, though the road as we know it was built during the late 1800s. Between 1906 and 1920, prisoners actually helped widen and improve the route, adding an interesting layer to its story.
The 30.4 km (18.88 miles) stretch connects Entlebuch in Lucerne with Sarnen, the charming capital of Obwalden canton on the shores of Lake Sarnen. The entire road is fully paved, and it's actually challenging enough to have been featured in the Tour de Suisse race. With a maximum gradient of 11%, it's a legitimate workout for cyclists and drivers alike—though honestly, the real "hazard" here is the surprisingly fearless local cows!
Just keep in mind that winter closures apply, typically from November/December through April/May depending on conditions. The Sarnen side stays open year-round up to Restaurant Langis, but everything beyond that gets shut down when the snow flies. So time your visit accordingly and you're in for a genuinely rewarding alpine experience.
Where is it?
An iconic road to Glaubenberg Pass in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.1374, 8.1901
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,543 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.1374, 8.1901
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Col de Sarenne?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Isère department, heading for the Col de Sarenne. This baby tops out at a cool 2,004 meters (6,574 feet), nestled in the Rhône-Alpes region, high in the Grandes Rousses massif. There's even a tiny parking lot and a restaurant waiting for you at the summit! Heads up though, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The Route du Col de Sarenne is mostly paved, but it throws in some unpaved sections just to keep you on your toes. The road quality can be rough, especially along the edges. We're talking steep drops, no guardrails, and the kind of narrow sections that make you hold your breath – definitely not for larger vehicles or the faint of heart! A slip-up could mean a 30-meter tumble. But trust me, the views are worth it. Even though you're not far from civilization, it feels remote and quiet, especially with those rough patches. The pass stretches for about 20.9 km (12.98 miles) from Mizoën to Huez, and it's a real leg-burner in places, hitting gradients of up to 14.1%! The Tour de France even tackles this beast. Just a heads-up: this road is usually closed from late October to early June. Plus, it parallels the GR54 hiking trail for a good chunk of the way. So, gear up for an unforgettable Alpine adventure!
extremeWhere is the D13 road?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the D13 in the Pyrénées-Orientales, that gorgeous corner of France near the Spanish border. This isn't just any drive; it's a 22.6km rollercoaster snaking from Las Illas up to Llauro, and it's a total balcony road experience! Think seriously curvy. We're talking hairpin after hairpin, barely 200 meters of straight road at any point. The road is paved, but it's narrow, a bit rough, and seriously steep in places, with some serious drop-offs. You'll wind through a cork oak forest – beautiful, but watch out for harvesting vehicles! Locals use this road to get to their weekend chalets, so keep an eye out, especially around blind corners. The views? Postcard-perfect, especially on a sunny day. The stone walls that edge the cliff protect you from taking a tumble, but motorbikers, be extra careful! You might be on your own if you come off. Meeting another car, especially on the "balcony" sections, can be a puzzle. Someone's definitely reversing! But it’s worth it. Pack a picnic, find a safe spot to park, and soak in the views of the gorges below. Just remember to fill up your tank beforehand – gas stations are rare around here. The D13: a truly unforgettable drive!
moderateMount Leinster in Ireland: a steep road to the summit
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Irish countryside, heading towards Mount Leinster, the highest paved road in Ireland! This bad boy tops out at 786 meters (2,578 feet) and straddles the border between Carlow and Wexford counties in the Blackstairs Mountains. The road to the summit, known locally as Stua Laighean, is paved, but let's just say it's seen better days! It's called the 2RN access road, and it's there to service all the broadcast masts at the top, including a 122-meter-tall TV transmitter that's been there since '63. Heads up: the steep section to the top is usually gated off, and the transmitter is fenced off, but don’t let that stop you from soaking in the unreal views. Speaking of views, the Irish countryside unfolds beneath you as you climb, and if you're lucky, you might spot some local wildlife. Keep an eye out for hang-gliders too – this is a popular launch spot! Just be prepared for some classic Irish weather – high winds and rainstorms are pretty common up here. The road itself is a beast. Starting from Nine Stones, a well-known landmark at the base, it’s a short but intense 2.6 km (1.61 miles) climb. Don't be fooled by the length; you're gaining 335 meters in elevation with an average gradient of almost 13% – and some sections hit a crazy 17%! This climb is so legit it's even been featured in the Tour of Ireland. Get ready for an epic drive!
hardRoad R319 Travels by Hairpins to the Edge of the Sea
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: You're on Achill Island, just off the coast of County Mayo in Ireland, ready for one of the world's best coastal drives! This is the R319, a total gem winding along the wild Atlantic shore. This road clocks in at about 35 km, and get ready for some serious views! We're talking dramatic cliffs and the vast expanse of the ocean. The road's paved, but keep your eyes peeled – it can get busy with other drivers, walkers, and the occasional wandering sheep. Expect some narrow sections and a few bridges to keep things interesting. It gets progressively tighter and twistier as you head towards the western edge of the island, eventually ending at a big parking area in Toorglass West. Basically, you'll be cruising from Mallaranny – that cute seaside village connecting Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay – all the way west. Trust me, this drive is pure magic!