Col du Tronc
Switzerland, europe
N/A
1,612 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Tronc: A High-Alpine Adventure in Valais
Nestled in the Martigny district of Switzerland's Valais canton, Col du Tronc sits at a dramatic 1,612 meters (5,288 feet) above sea level. This pass—also called Col des Planches—is pure alpine adventure.
Fair warning: this isn't your typical highway. The route to the summit is mostly gravel, narrow, and seriously steep. It's only open to vehicles under 18 tons, so don't even think about bringing that RV. Winter is when things get really tricky. The high altitude means heavy snowfall is practically guaranteed, and the road can shut down at a moment's notice when conditions aren't safe to navigate.
If you're after that raw, authentic mountain experience with zero pretense, this wild unpaved road delivers. Just check conditions before you go—timing is everything up here.
Where is it?
Col du Tronc is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.1385, 8.2483
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,612 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.1385, 8.2483
Related Roads in europe
hardKreuzkogel
🇦🇹 Austria
Kreuzkogel is a stunning high mountain peak sitting at 2,643m (8,671ft) above sea level in the High Tauern mountains, just south of Salzburg, Austria. This isn't your typical mountain drive—it's a chairlift access trail that's as dramatic as it gets. The route is rocky and gravelly throughout, with the ski-station service road climbing at seriously steep grades (some sections hitting 30%). As you push higher, things get even more intense, with loose stones and rocky terrain that'll keep you on your toes. Here's the catch: you can really only tackle this in a narrow summer window around late August. The mountain serves up plenty of surprises year-round, with ferocious winds that rarely let up, even during the warmer months. Summer days can throw unexpected snow your way, and if you're thinking winter? Forget it—temperatures here are brutally, unforgivingly cold. It's an adrenaline-pumping adventure for those who time it right and come prepared for whatever the mountain throws at you.
hardThe narrow road through Desfiladero de los Beyos
🇪🇸 Spain
# Desfiladero de los Beyos: Spain's Most Stunning Gorge Drive Picture this: towering vertical cliffs carved by the Sella River over centuries, creating one of Europe's most jaw-dropping canyon roads. Welcome to Desfiladero de los Beyos, nestled between León and Asturias in Spain's Picos de Europa National Park. This place has serious history. For nearly 400 years, a footpath has wound through these dramatic gorges. Back in 1665, an Archdeacon named Pedro Díaz de Oseja decided to fund its reconstruction, and locals spent the next century-plus perfecting it. The path became legendary—locals and livestock relied on it until the modern road showed up at the end of the 1800s. Today, you'll tackle the twisty N625, a well-paved road that hugs the river for 16.6 km (10.3 miles) as it cuts through from Ceneya to Oseja de Sajambre. The views? Absolutely unreal. You're essentially following the Sella River as it winds through one of Europe's most extraordinary natural defiles. Here's the real talk: this road is narrow and winding with virtually no shoulder through most of the gorge. Weekends and summer months bring heavy traffic, so take your time and stay sharp. The scenery is worth the careful driving—we're talking postcard-worthy views around almost every bend. Just respect the road's quirks, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.
hardA gravel road to Col de Cibieres in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Cibières: A True Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious off-road excitement? Col de Cibières sits pretty at 2,525 meters (8,284 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, right in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area. This isn't your typical Sunday drive – we're talking about a genuine mountain challenge. The 7-kilometer stretch (4.3 miles) connecting the north side of the paved D234T Road to Col du Granon is entirely unpaved and absolutely unforgiving. Expect a rough ride over scattered rocks and loose terrain that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. Honestly? A 4x4 is basically essential here. Fair warning: once winter rolls around, you can forget about it – this pass becomes completely impassable. But here's the thing – if you've got the right vehicle and some grit, the payoff is spectacular. You're threading through some of the most dramatic Alpine scenery imaginable, reaching heights that most casual tourists never experience. This is the kind of road that separates the serious adventurers from the casual road-trippers.
moderateWhere is Turracher Höhe?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, buckle up, because Turracher Höhe in Austria is a wild ride! Perched way up high at 1,802 meters (that’s 5,912 feet!), this mountain pass straddles the border between Carinthia and Styria, down in the southern part of the country. You'll find it nestled in the Nock Mountains, part of the Gurktal Alps. The whole route is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but be prepared for some serious inclines! This used to be known as one of the steepest Alpine roads in Europe, with sections hitting a crazy 34% gradient! Thankfully, it's been tamed a bit, but you'll still find a 23% climb on the Carinthian side that will get your engine revving. The Turracher Road (B95) stretches for 34.5 kilometers (21.43 miles) from Patergassen to Predlitz, and you'll probably want to budget around 35-45 minutes to enjoy the views without rushing. Speaking of which, keep your eyes peeled for incredible scenery! Good news: this pass is usually open year-round! However, keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially in winter, as conditions can sometimes lead to temporary closures. That said, they do a great job keeping the road clear, so closures are rare.