Can you drive to Lac d’Emosson?
Switzerland, europe
6.2 km
1,970 m
moderate
Year-round
Lac d’Emosson is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 1.970m (6,463ft) above sea level, located in the canton of Valais, in Switzerland.
Can you drive to Lac d’Emosson?
Set high in the Swiss Alps near the French border,
the road to the reservoir, also known as Barrage Emosson, is totally paved and was built in 1925.
The road is surprisingly quiet and there is little motorized traffic. As you near the summit you will negotiate some switchbacks on the climb. The reservoir can be reached by this road or by the Barberine Railway, the world’s steepest two-carriage funicular (87% gradient), built in 1920.
How long is the road to Lac d’Emosson?
Tucked away on the southern part of the country,
the road to the reservoir is 6.2 km (3.85 miles) long starting at Finhaut. The road is very steep, hitting a 16% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps.
The elevation gain is 576 meters. The average gradient is 9.29%. This is a steep climb, all between 9% and 10% (and much steeper above the lake) – on quiet roads with unbelievable views of Mont Blanc.
It featured as a mountain top finish in the Tour de France.
Is the road to Lac d’Emosson open?
This road is usually open from late May through late October or early November (depending on snow).
The end of the road hosts a restaurant, a little church (Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-neiges de La Gueulaz) and a car park. South to the parking it is possible to continue on further to another dam,
, built in 1955, which is higher up still, at an elevation of 2.205m (7,234ft) above sea level. The road has a limited access.
Pic: Liudmila Nikitina
Driving the Inferno Murren with a 60% of maximum gradient
An iconic road to Simplon Pass in the Swiss Alps
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,970 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
extremeZirmsee
🇦🇹 Austria
# Lake Zirm: A Wild Alpine Adventure in Austria Nestled in the rocky heart of Carinthia's eastern Alps, Lake Zirm sits pretty at a stunning 2,525 meters (8,284 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an adrenaline-fueled mountain experience that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. Starting from the charming town of Heiligenblut am Großglockner, the journey kicks off on smooth asphalt, but don't get too comfortable. Once you hit the parking area at the Fleißbach bridge (1,814m), the real adventure begins. The road transforms into a gravel and rocky beast that demands your full attention. You're looking at a punishing 11.24 km climb with 1,224 meters of elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 10.88%, with gnarly sections pushing 20%. This route snakes through the dramatic Hüttwinkltal valley with hairpin curves that'll make your palms sweat and elevation that'll make your heart race. Sheer dropoffs and steep pitches mean there's absolutely zero margin for error. One slip-up, and gravity wins. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. The concentration required? Absolute and unforgiving. Fair warning: this road is typically closed from October through June due to weather. Don't even think about attempting it in bad conditions or if heights make you queasy. And if unpaved mountain roads aren't your specialty, do yourself a favor and skip this one. This is serious terrain that respects only experienced, fearless drivers who know what they're getting into.
hardGorges of Terminet, a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Clue du Terminet: France's Most Thrilling Canyon Drive If you're chasing that adrenaline rush while exploring southern France, the D40 through Clue du Terminet in the Aude department is calling your name. This 4.5 km (2.79 miles) of pure, paved drama winds through a stunning canyon carved by Le Sou River—and trust us, it's as incredible as it is nerve-wracking. Built way back in 1903, this legendary "balcony road" is literally carved into sheer cliff faces, hugging the mountainside like it's defying gravity. The road snakes northwest-southeast from D212 Road to Termes, featuring hairpin turns, narrow sections, and two single-track tunnels where passing another vehicle is basically impossible. One car at a time, folks. Your hands will grip that steering wheel tight. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking—towering cliffs and dense forests surround you at every turn. Just be aware that summer brings some seriously intense electrical storms to this area, so timing your visit matters. And fair warning: the original road had no barriers, so you can imagine how white-knuckle this experience truly is. Here's what you need to know before you go: caravans and trucks aren't allowed (thank goodness for that rule). The road is paved but narrow, with hairpin curves and unlit tunnels that demand your full attention and careful driving. Make use of those pull-out parking spaces—they're there for good reason. This isn't a road for the faint of heart, but if you love dramatic landscapes and heart-pounding drives, Clue du Terminet delivers in spades.
moderateA4069 Black Mountain Road, Powys
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're cruising the A4069 Black Mountain Road in Powys. Buckle up, because this isn't just a drive; it's an experience! Five miles of pure driving bliss, twisting and diving through the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. Seriously, it's a contender for the most memorable drive, period. Or, how about a jaunt from Abergavenny to Penderyn? It's a pleasant route along the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons. Make sure to stop at the Blaenavon ironworks and snag a photo of Pen y Fan. For a real thrill, tackle the climb from Tregaron to Llyn Brianne reservoir. This road isn't for the faint of heart! Expect hairpin turns, fast straights, bridges, and blind crests all wrapped up in spectacular views. Oh, and keep an eye out for sheep! If you're up for a proper road trip, the A470 from Conwy to Merthyr Tydfil is a must. It carves through almost the entire length of Wales, taking in roadside attractions like the Coed-y-Brenin Forest before ascending to the Oerddrws Pass in the Cambrian Mountains. Craving that Snowdonia magic? Take a spin around Capel Curig. And don't miss the "Ugly House" near Swallows Falls, a quirky building that looks straight out of a goblin's imagination!
moderateSuleskarvegen is the highest road in the south west of Norway
🇳🇴 Norway
# Suleskarvegen: Norway's Mountain Gem Get ready for one of the most thrilling rides in southwestern Norway! Suleskarvegen (also called Suleskardveien or FV337) is a jaw-dropping 41.6 km stretch that'll have you grinning the entire way. This fully paved route connects Suleskard to Rysstad in Aust-Agder county, weaving between dramatic fjords and soaring mountains in the Setesdalsheiene range. Fair warning though—this road is *narrow*. We're talking single-lane sections in places, so you'll want to stay sharp. Plus, it gets seriously steep in spots, with grades reaching up to 12.5%, which keeps things interesting! The real kicker? You're climbing to 1,056 meters (3,464 feet) above sea level, making this the highest road in southwest Norway. Riders absolutely love it—the elevation, the twists, the scenery—it's earned its reputation as one of Norway's best motorcycle routes. Just keep in mind that winter shuts this beauty down from November through mid-May, so plan your visit accordingly. But when conditions are right, Suleskarvegen delivers the kind of riding experience you'll be talking about for years.