Driving the 5 stars road to Arlberg Pass in Austria
Austria, europe
13.2 km
1,804 m
hard
Year-round
# Arlberg Pass: Austria's Alpine Classic
Want to experience one of Austria's most iconic mountain passes? Head to Arlberg Pass, perched at 1,804 meters (5,918 feet) right where Vorarlberg and Tyrol meet in the western part of the country.
This scenic route has serious history—the original road was built way back in 1787 (it was called the "Josephinische Straße" back then), got paved in 1824, and now you can zip under the whole thing via the Arlberg Road Tunnel if you're in a rush. But trust us, you won't want to skip the actual pass.
The 13.2-kilometer (8.2-mile) stretch from Stuben am Arlberg to St. Anton am Arlberg is an absolute blast to drive. Federal Highway B 197 is completely paved and in excellent condition—wide enough to feel safe, with some thrilling hairpin turns especially on the western approach. Fair warning though: some sections hit a steep 13% gradient, so take it at your own pace. The western side is where things get really fun with those signature switchbacks.
What makes this pass special is that it's nestled in the northern Rhaetian Alps and stays open pretty much year-round. Plus, you get a handy café-bar and spacious parking lot right at the summit if you need a breather and want to soak in the views. Whether you're a road trip enthusiast or just love a good mountain drive, Arlberg Pass delivers the goods.
Where is it?
Driving the 5 stars road to Arlberg Pass in Austria is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.2631, 13.1985
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,804 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.2631, 13.1985
Related Roads in europe
moderateA memorable road trip to Costazza Pass in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo della Costazza: A Hidden Alpine Gem Looking for an off-the-beaten-path mountain adventure? Passo della Costazza, perched at 2,181 meters (7,155 feet) in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region, is calling your name. Also known as Baita Segantini, this stunning pass sits within the Parco Naturale Paneveggio Pale di San Martino, cradled on the ridge between Val Travignolo and Val Cismon. The drive itself is an experience—totally unpaved with chunky stones scattered across the surface and plenty of hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Starting from Passo Rolle on SS50, you're looking at just 2.9 km (1.80 miles) of climbing with a respectable 7.6% average gradient. Nothing too brutal, but definitely a character-building ascent. Once you reach the top, you'll understand why it's worth the bumpy ride. The views toward Cimon di Pala are absolutely breathtaking. There's a charming mountain restaurant housed in a historic shepherd's cottage—yes, the very place where 19th-century painter Segantini once made his home. You'll also find a peaceful little lake, Laghetto Baita Segantini, and a touching monument honoring Alfredo Paluselli, a mountaineer-poet who spent his solitary years here until his death in 1969. Fair warning: this road is completely snowbound in winter, so save this adventure for warmer months when you can fully appreciate the Alpine scenery.
extremeWhere is Pré de Madame Carle?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Pré de Madame Carle, a stunning natural spot way up in the French Alps, in the Hautes-Alpes region. We're talking serious elevation here – over 6,100 feet! You'll find it tucked away in the Pays des Écrins, right at the foot of the Vallouise valley. It's basically ground zero for mountaineers hitting up the Southern Alps, and the trailhead to the epic Glacier Blanc. Now, can you drive there? Absolutely! The D204T, built way back in '34, will get you there, but hold on tight. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think narrow roads, hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, and some seriously steep climbs – we're talking gradients up to 13.4%! The adventure starts in L'Argentière-la-Bessée, and it's about 21.4 km (or 13.3 miles) to the top. You'll know you've made it when you see the Chalet Le Pré de Madame Carle refuge and the huge car park at the end of the road. A heads-up though: this road is usually closed in the winter months from the Claux tunnel, because it's in the heart of the Écrins National Park. Avalanche danger is real, so check the conditions before you head out! Is it worth the white-knuckle drive? Totally! Pré de Madame Carle is the star of the Écrins National Park, and gets PACKED in the summer, with around 150,000 people making the pilgrimage each year. Trust me, the views are worth fighting the crowds for.
hardWhere is the road to Colle Ciarbonet located?
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle Ciarbonet, nestled high in Italy's Piedmont region (Cuneo province), is a real hidden gem! This old military road climbs to a whopping 2,290 meters (7,513 feet) and offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure through the stunning Unerzio Valley, right near the French border. Forget smooth asphalt—this route is all about rugged gravel and dirt! It's a proper unpaved climb from a village that will put your driving skills to the test. Think tight hairpin turns and a narrow track carved into the mountainside. Starting from the tiny village of Chialvetta, the road climbs. Over that stretch, you'll gain some serious altitude, with an average gradient of around 9.5% and some sections hitting nearly 13%! A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here – the road can be steep and rocky. Keep in mind, this route is typically closed from September to June due to snow. The best time to tackle it is during the summer months when the gravel is dry. But the views? Absolutely worth it! Prepare for breathtaking Alpine scenery, jagged limestone peaks, and those classic lush green Italian valleys. Reaching the summit feels like escaping to another world, a tranquil spot far from the crowds!
moderateKadırga Yaylası
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Kadırga Yaylası in Turkey's Black Sea region is calling your name! This high mountain peak clocks in at a whopping 2,414m (7,919ft) – get ready for some serious views! Now, the road to the top is...rustic. Think gravel, and lots of it. Word to the wise: this route is usually a no-go from October through June, weather depending. So plan accordingly! Not a confident driver on unpaved mountain roads? Maybe skip this one. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. This epic high mountain road stretches from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ, and the scenery? Totally worth the bumpy ride!