Coll de Creu
France, europe
22.7 km
1,708 m
hard
Year-round
# Coll de Creu: A Pyrenean Adventure
Ready for a proper mountain challenge? Coll de Creu sits pretty at 1,708 meters (5,603 ft) in the heart of the Pyrenees, that stunning mountain range that forms the natural border between France and Spain.
The road itself is quite the character. Starting from Olette, you're looking at a 22.7 km climb that'll test your driving skills. The first part treats you to smooth asphalt, but once you pass Col de Jou, things get properly rugged—the road turns to gravel and narrows considerably as it steepens. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise.
The numbers tell the story: you'll be gaining 1,100 meters of elevation over those 22.7 km, averaging 4.85% gradient. The steepest sections hit 9.0%, so low gears and steady nerves are your friends here. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention but rewards you with incredible mountain scenery and the satisfaction of tackling one of Europe's more challenging passes.
Where is it?
Coll de Creu is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.0046, 1.3488
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,708 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.0046, 1.3488
Related Roads in europe
hardNedeia
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk about the Nedeia Pass in Romania, straddling Vâlcea and Gorj counties. This baby climbs up to a whopping 2,085 meters (that's 6,840 feet!), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Now, don't get any ideas about cruising in your grandma's sedan. This is a gravel road, and it's bumpy. Plus, being so high up, it gets hammered with snow in the winter, so it might be closed without warning. Seriously, come prepared. You'll absolutely need a 4x4. And if it's rained recently? Forget about it – things get tricky with the loose gravel. Do your homework, pack right, and you might just have an unforgettable (and safe!) trip.
hardAdventure along the wild road to Tobamızga Lake
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've just discovered the most unbelievably gorgeous high-altitude lake in the Ardeşen district of Rize, Turkey: Tobamızga Gölü. We're talking serious off-the-grid beauty at a whopping 2,720m (8,923ft) above sea level. Now, the road to get there? Woah. It's a totally unpaved, heart-pounding, 4.58 km (2.84 mi) stretch of narrow, steep track with some serious drop-offs. You'll gain 347 meters in elevation, averaging a 7.57% gradient, so a 4x4 is non-negotiable. This trip is strictly a summer affair, folks. But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Starting from Yayla, you'll be treated to unbelievably stunning scenery. Tobamızga Gölü is a hidden gem that will leave you breathless!
hardSchneibsteinhaus
🇩🇪 Germany
# Schneibsteinhaus: A High-Alpine Adventure in Bavaria Perched at a breathtaking 1,679 meters (5,508 feet) in Bavaria's Berchtesgadener Land district, the Schneibsteinhaus road ranks among Germany's highest drives. Nestled within the stunning Berchtesgaden National Park and part of the dramatic Berchtesgaden Alps, this gravel route is definitely not your typical scenic byway. The road itself is seriously steep—no gentle climbs here. What makes it truly special (and challenging) is how moody the weather can be. Conditions shift on a dime, and when you're this high up, things can turn harsh pretty quickly. Winter brings significant snowfall, which means the road frequently closes when snow hasn't been cleared. If you're planning to tackle this one, timing is everything. But here's the thing: if you're up for the challenge and conditions cooperate, the views from this alpine refuge are absolutely worth the effort. Just come prepared, check conditions beforehand, and respect what this mountain throws at you.
moderateWhere is Lac de Roterel?
🇫🇷 France
Nestled high in the French Alps, within the stunning La Vanoise National Park near the Italian border, lies the breathtaking Lac de Roterel. This alpine gem sits pretty at a cool 1,941 meters (6,368 feet) above sea level. Heads up: the route up to this lake is no joke! We're talking about a seriously old-school military road, dating back to the 1910s. You might even spot remains of an old railway line along the way! Forget smooth asphalt; this is an unpaved, bumpy adventure that demands a 4x4. Think of it as an awesome, rugged alternative to the busy main roads. You'll be traversing an old supply route, passing forts around Mont Cenis, and tackling some seriously tight hairpin turns with cool retaining walls. The road follows a ridge just before the border passes through the small lake. Word to the wise: after you round the lake, the road gets even more challenging! But hey, the scenery is totally worth it.