Conquering the highest paved road of the Czech Republic to Praded
Czech Republic, europe
N/A
1,489 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the Czech Republic, itching for an adventure. Head east to the border of Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc regions, and get ready to conquer Praděd, a beast of a peak soaring to 1,489m!
Now, here's the cool part. Perched right on top is a massive, 162m-tall broadcasting tower, built way back between 1968 and 1983. But it's not just a tower — it's got a small hotel and restaurant inside! And the tippy-top? A watchtower with insane views.
We're talking High Tatras, Malá Fatra Mts., maybe even the Alps on a clear day! The road up here in the Hrubý Jeseník range? Paved, baby! They say it's the highest paved road in the whole country, but here's the catch: it's currently closed to cars and motorcycles. So lace up those hiking boots and get ready to earn those views!
Where is it?
Conquering the highest paved road of the Czech Republic to Praded is located in Czech Republic (europe). Coordinates: 49.4686, 15.4380
Road Details
- Country
- Czech Republic
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,489 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 49.4686, 15.4380
Related Roads in europe
extremePunta Acuta, a road with gorgeous views
🇪🇸 Spain
# Punta Acuta: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for an adrenaline rush? Punta Acuta is a stunning mountain pass sitting at 2,231m (7,319ft) in the northwestern reaches of the Sobrarbe region in Huesca province, Aragon, Spain—right on the border with France. This beast of a route winds through the heart of the Pyrenees within Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The 31.3km (19.44-mile) track is mostly unpaved and connects from the paved HU-631 road near Torla-Ordesa. Fair warning: this isn't for your average sedan. Only bikes, motorbikes, and high-clearance 4x4s are permitted, and it's strictly off-limits to regular vehicles. The pass typically gets buried under snow and ice from November through June, making it impassable during winter months. The real magic? The scenery is absolutely jaw-dropping. You'll traverse ridgelines that hug the Spanish-French border through wild, rugged terrain with mountain vistas that'll take your breath away. From the summit, the Ordesa Valley spreads beneath you like a masterpiece, framed by towering cliff faces that seem to touch the sky. But here's the catch—this drive demands serious respect. Those dizzying drops on both sides of the track mean you'll frequently need to stop and scout ahead on foot before pushing forward. This isn't a casual Sunday drive. You'll need solid off-road experience, sharp driving skills, nerves of steel, and laser-focused concentration every single meter of the way. Stunning? Absolutely. Intense? Definitely.
extremeWhere is Col du Sanetsch?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Col du Sanetsch: Prepare for breathtaking views and a thrilling ride up to 2,250m (7,381ft) in the Swiss Alps! You'll find this hidden gem in the canton of Valais, nestled at the foot of the Tzanfleuron Glacier. This fully paved road, also called Route du Sanetsch, kicks off with a steep climb through vineyards before plunging you into a lush, waterfall-filled forest. But the real adventure begins with an 800m tunnel – pitch black, damp, and barely lit, but with occasional openings offering incredible views (or a place to dodge oncoming traffic!). Starting from Conthey, the 25.9 km (16.09 miles) Route du Sanetsch is not for the faint of heart! It’s known for being the most demanding climb in Valais, with sections hitting a brutal 14.5% gradient. Think of it as Switzerland's answer to some crazy-steep climb. Open only from June to September, the drive itself takes about 45-60 minutes. You'll pass the stunning Lac de Sanetsch (or Lac de Sénin) along the way, a man-made lake created during the road's construction. Once you reach the summit, park your car and brace yourself – the wind can be fierce! The reward? Panoramic views, including the majestic Diableret glacier.
hardHow to drive through Gorges de l'Ardèche?
🇫🇷 France
Ready for a road trip through the "Grand Canyon of France?" Head to the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, where you'll find the Gorges de l'Ardèche. This is one of those classic "balcony roads" you hear about. The D290, also known as the Route des Gorges, is your path. It's paved, but be warned if you're not a fan of heights! This 49.3 km (30.63 miles) stretch winds along the canyon rim inside the Natural Reserve of the Ardèche Gorges, offering incredible views of limestone cliffs that plunge down as far as 300 meters. You'll cruise from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Just-d'Ardèche, passing alluvial deposits, grottoes, caves, and canyons. Give yourself a full day, especially if you want to stop at all 11 viewpoints. This area is a major draw, so start early to dodge the crowds. Parking can be tight, and watch out for potential rock slides – stick to those designated tourist spots! Locals call it the "European Grand Canyon" for good reason, and with over a million visitors a year, you know the scenery is worth it. This is an important historical and archaeological site!
moderateWhere is Port de Tudons?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so you're near Alicante and itching for a ride? Check out Port de Tudons! This popular pass in the mountains of Valencia is a must-do. The pavement is generally good, but don't get complacent – it's a challenging drive! You'll be wrestling with some serious switchbacks and feeling the burn on those 13% grades. This route is super popular with cyclists and motorcyclists, especially as a jumping-off point to climb Aitana, the highest peak in Alicante. It's best to avoid it during the hot summer weekends, as it tends to get crowded. Clocking in at roughly , this south-to-north route from is packed with stunning scenery. Just a heads up - this is a mountain pass, so keep an eye on the weather. It's usually open, but expect heavy snow during winter months, making things tricky. The climate is Mediterranean, but the high elevation brings a continental influence. Summers can be sweltering, and temps vary depending on your altitude. So pack accordingly and get ready for an epic drive!