Discovering Austria's Nockalm Road: An Unforgettable Drive with 52 Hairpin Bends
Austria, europe
34 km
2,042 m
easy
Year-round
# Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)
If you're craving one of Austria's most stunning Alpine drives, head to Carinthia in the Karnten region and prepare yourself for the Nockalmstrasse. This 34km (21.12 miles) toll road stretches north-south from Innerkrems to Ebene Reichenau, winding through the incredible Nockberge National Park.
Completed back in 1981, this lower alpine route is an absolute dream for drivers who love curves. We're talking 52 hairpin bends here—double that if you're doing the round trip! The road is silky smooth with beautifully spaced turns that make the whole experience feel effortless, even as it climbs at gradients up to 12%.
Sitting in the heart of Carinthia's Nock Mountains, the road peaks at 2,042m (6,699ft) near Eisentalhöhe. You can tackle it from early May through late October, though fair warning: motorcycles are banned between 6:00 pm and 8:00 am. Weekends and holidays get pretty crowded, but if you go on a quieter day, you'll have plenty of chances for those jaw-dropping photographs.
What makes this drive truly special is the landscape itself. The Nockbergs are famous for their distinctive rounded summits called 'Nocken'—you won't see anything quite like them elsewhere in the Alps. You're driving through Europe's only national park set in high mountains, surrounded by spruce and stone pine forests. Scattered along the route are charming mountain huts dishing up authentic Carinthian specialties, and viewpoints offering 360-degree vistas that'll take your breath away.
Where is it?
Discovering Austria's Nockalm Road: An Unforgettable Drive with 52 Hairpin Bends is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 48.0687, 13.0590
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 34 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,042 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 48.0687, 13.0590
Related Roads in europe
hardA Roman path to Puerto de la Fuenfría
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de la Fuenfría Tucked away at 1,796 meters (5,892 feet) above sea level, Puerto de la Fuenfría sits right on the border between Madrid and Castile and León in central Spain. This mountain pass cuts through the stunning Sierra de Guadarrama range, and you'll find a sculpture here honoring José Antonio Cimadevilla Covelo, the visionary who breathed new life into the ancient pilgrimage route from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela. Here's the cool part: you're literally walking (or hiking) on history. This route traces an ancient Roman path that connected the southern Meseta de Castilla la Mancha with the northern Meseta de Castile and León centuries ago. It was *the* way to cross until 1788, when the newer Navacerrada Pass opened and this historic track took a backseat. Fair warning though—this isn't a scenic drive. The road is completely unpaved and off-limits to regular cars, which honestly adds to its charm if you're into hiking or mountain biking. The 25-kilometer route stretches north-south from Revenga to La Fuenfría, and it's seriously steep. We're talking an average gradient of 10%, so bring your stamina and sturdy shoes. But if you're after an authentic slice of Spanish history combined with dramatic mountain scenery, this ancient pass delivers the goods.
extremeWhere is Dyatlov Pass?
🌍 Russia
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! There's this totally eerie mountain pass way up in the northern Ural Mountains. It's perched at a seriously high elevation, smack-dab on the border of some Russian districts. Now, what makes this place legendary? Well, it's all about the mystery. Back in the day, nine hikers met a very strange end here. We're talking unsolved deaths, bizarre circumstances, the works! Some say an avalanche forced them out of their tents into the freezing cold, which could explain the hypothermia, but still! It's the kind of story that gives you chills. The pass is named after the leader of that unfortunate group, Dyatlov. Getting there? That's an adventure in itself! You'll want a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, or even better, a snowmobile. It’s a wild ride to Ushma from Ivdel, passing through Severnyy, Burmantovo, and Vizhay. From Ushma, the last 35 km or so are seriously steep, so you're hoofing it! Expect heavy snowfall and sub-zero temps, so pack accordingly. But hey, if you're into extreme travel and creepy scenery, this might just be your dream trip!
hardWhen was the Georgian Military Road built?
🇬🇪 Georgia
The Georgian Military Road (aka Georgian Military Highway) is an absolute MUST if you're hitting up Georgia – seriously one of the most scenic routes in the South Caucasus! This ancient path linking Georgia and Russia is packed with history and legends, a total adventure. We're talking about a 212km (131 mile) stretch that winds its way from Tbilisi (Georgia's capital) all the way to Vladikavkaz in Russia, right through the heart of the Great Caucasus Range. The road's mostly paved, but heads-up: you'll find some rougher gravel sections, especially after snow or bad weather. It's a busy route, so expect to share the road with plenty of trucks. Get ready for some serious elevation! The road peaks at a whopping 2,395m (7,857ft) at Cross Pass. This area is notorious for avalanches, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. It's usually open year-round, but snowstorms and low visibility can cause temporary closures. The views? Unbelievable! You'll catch stunning glimpses of Mt. Kazbek and traverse some seriously challenging terrain. The dramatic scenery, fresh air, and the sheer scale of the Caucasus Mountains are something else. Make sure you stop at the viewpoints along the way – you can even find natural mineral water at one spot! It's easy to see why writers like Tolstoy, Dumas, and Gorky were so inspired by the incredible mountains, gorges, and valleys along this route.
easyA sensational road to Lac de Fabreges in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
Lac de Fabrèges is a stunning mountain lake sitting pretty at 1,241 meters (4,072 feet) above sea level in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of southwestern France. Nestled in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region within the gorgeous Ossau valley, it's positioned right at the foot of the Artouste ski resort—perfect if you're planning a mountain adventure. The drive to get there is an absolute treat. The D934 is a fully paved road that stretches 27.9 km (17.33 miles) from the Spanish border at Col du Pourtalet all the way north to the charming village of Laruns. Running through some seriously impressive Pyrenean scenery, this route stays open year-round, though you might hit the occasional closure during sketchy winter weather. It's definitely a drive that rewards you with those jaw-dropping mountain views at every turn.