Driving the 4x4 road to Collada de la Gallina
Spain, europe
14.4 km
1,912 m
hard
Year-round
Collada de la Gallina is a jaw-dropping international mountain pass sitting at 1,912m (6,272ft) in the eastern Pyrenees, straddling the border between Spain and Andorra. This isn't your average Sunday drive—it's a serious, demanding climb that'll test both your skills and your nerve.
On the Andorran side, you're looking at a fully paved route that typically opens from April through November. The road stretches 14.4 km (8.94 miles) from Bixessarri up to Fontaneda, and it's packed with challenges: 33 hairpin turns and some brutally steep sections that regularly hit gradients above 14.5%. It's been tough enough to feature in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race. The good news? Hardly anyone drives up here, so you'll have the mountain mostly to yourself.
If you're approaching from the Spanish side near Civís, prepare yourself for something different. You're trading pavement for a rough, narrow unpaved road that demands a 4x4 vehicle to handle safely. This shorter route covers just 4.2 km (2.60 miles) but climbs 385 meters with an average gradient of 9.16%—still no joke, even if it sounds easier on paper.
The pass connects Catalonia's province of Lleida with Andorra's parish of Sant Julià de Lòria, making it a thrilling frontier crossing for adventurous drivers who can handle serious mountain terrain.
Where is it?
Driving the 4x4 road to Collada de la Gallina is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.5733, -2.5722
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,912 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.5733, -2.5722
Related Roads in europe
hardLago Nero
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago Nero: A High-Alpine Adventure in Piedmont Ready for a genuine mountain adventure? Lago Nero sits pretty at 2,014 meters (6,607 feet) in the Turin Province of Piedmont, Italy—and getting there is half the thrill. Fair warning: this isn't your typical paved highway. You're looking at a gravel road that's narrow enough to keep you honest behind the wheel, with grades steep enough to make your calves burn just thinking about it. The real wildcard? Winter doesn't mess around up here. Heavy snowfall can shut the road down without warning, so check conditions before you head out—this place has a mind of its own when the snow starts flying. If you're planning a summer visit, watch the sky closely. Afternoon thunderstorms can materialize out of nowhere and transform that gravel surface from drivable to treacherous in minutes. You might find yourself needing serious four-wheel-drive capability or facing an impassable road. It's the kind of place where respect for the mountain isn't optional—it's essential. But if you're up for the challenge? The payoff is a pristine alpine lake surrounded by some genuinely spectacular Piedmont scenery. Just go prepared, go cautious, and definitely go in good weather.
extremeThe dark galleries of Lac de Mauvoisin: A tunnel carved into the Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# The Mauvoisin Dam: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away at the head of Switzerland's Val de Bagnes in Valais, the Mauvoisin Dam is one of Europe's most impressive arched dams—and it's the gateway to one of the Alps' most unforgettable tunnel drives. The service galleries hugging the shores of Lac de Mauvoisin offer a raw, no-frills experience that feels like you're driving straight through the mountain itself. Things get serious the moment you arrive. The entrance is marked by the Arbeiterdenkmal, a sobering monument honoring workers who died during the dam's brutal construction from 1951 to 1958. Past this stone memorial, the pavement disappears and you're plunged into a different world—dark, rocky, and utterly atmospheric. These tunnels were originally carved out for dam maintenance and access to the remote Cabane de Chanrion, but they've become a bucket-list destination for adventure seekers. Here's the reality check: the tunnels are pitch black. Zero light. The moment you leave daylight behind, you're driving or biking in complete darkness with just your headlamp to guide you. Add constant water dripping from above, slippery gravel underfoot, and you've got a properly intense experience. Bring serious lighting—it's non-negotiable. The passages are tooth-shatteringly narrow, originally built just wide enough for maintenance vehicles. Motorized access is tightly controlled these days, but mountain bikers and hikers still treat this route like a badge of honor. The real adrenaline spike comes from the rock-cut windows—massive openings in the tunnel walls offering dizzying views of the turquoise lake hundreds of meters straight down. No safety railings, no glass barriers. Just you and the raw mountain edge. The main gallery stretches roughly 400 meters from the dam crest before spitting you back into daylight, only to plunge you into more tunnels further along. The cold is surprising even in summer, and the symphony of dripping water echoing off stone walls creates an atmosphere that's equal parts beautiful and eerie. You'll need nerves of steel and zero fear of heights. Winter? Forget about it. Heavy snow and avalanche risk make the access road impassable until late June. The sweet spot is late June through early October when conditions are actually manageable. Beyond the main tunnels, the adventure continues along the lake's eastern shore toward the Pont du Lancet. This bridge, perched at the far southern end of the reservoir, is where the dam infrastructure meets genuine wilderness. Getting there isn't casual—the path is exposed to rockfall from the peaks towering overhead, and the bridge itself spans a dramatic gorge where glacial meltwater roars especially fierce during spring melt. This is the only crossing point to reach the Cabane de Chanrion or loop back along the even more remote western bank. The Pont du Lancet has a different vibe entirely. It's colder, quieter except for the sound of waterfalls thundering down cliff faces. The Grand Combin massif casts deep shadows here, meaning ice can stick around on the bridge well into summer. For most explorers, this is where you turn around—it's the perfect endpoint for a mountain bike or hiking adventure, and it's where you really feel the raw power of the Swiss Alps.
moderateWhat’s at the summit of Pezinská Baba?
🌍 Slovakia
Pezinská Baba is a mountain pass at an elevation of above sea level, located in the What’s at the summit of Pezinská Baba? , at the summit there is a . It is the closest mountain road to the capital of . This makes it very popular with amateur racers from Slovakia's most populous city and those of nearby countries. The views are Is the road to Pezinská Baba paved? Set high in the western part of the country, the road to the summit is Why is the road to Pezinská Baba famous? choice for organisers of mountain road known for its , which allow drivers to take their vehicles to the . The road regularly claims victims, especially Is Pezinská Baba used for races? The road is used for the European Championships of Vintage Cars — a regular contest organised by the Slovak National Automotive Association . The road is a popular venue for motoring competitions and test runs . The racing drivers usually have to tackle How long is the road through Pezinská Baba? The road through the pass is long, running west–east from How steep is the road through Pezinská Baba? long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is . The average gradient is . And starting from long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is . The average gradient is Road suggested by: Pavol Holčík A paved road to Velicke Pleso in the High Tatras Mountains 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.
moderateDriving the enthralling unpaved road to Strassberger Fürggli in the Plessur Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Strassberger Fürggli Nestled in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, near the Austrian border, Strassberger Fürggli is a stunning high mountain peak sitting pretty at 2,109 m (6,919 ft) above sea level. If you're up for an adventure, this gem in the eastern Plessur Alps won't disappoint. Fair warning though: the road to the summit is completely unpaved, so you'll definitely want a 4x4 vehicle for this one. Come winter, forget about it—the road becomes impassable, so plan your visit for the warmer months. The drive starts from Berggasthaus-Strassberg and spans just 1.9 km (1.18 miles), but don't let the short distance fool you. You'll gain 189 m of elevation with an average gradient of 9.94%, so it's a proper climb that'll keep you engaged the whole way. What makes this route truly special is the setting. You're driving through an unspoiled mountain landscape that feels worlds away from the typical tourist trail. The views of the Schanfigg Valley are absolutely breathtaking, and if you're lucky—or quiet enough—you might spot some wildlife along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for chamois and ibex roaming the slopes. It's the kind of drive that reminds you why you fell in love with mountain roads in the first place.