Driving the international Pavlic Pass

Driving the international Pavlic Pass

Austria, europe

Length

19.3 km

Elevation

1,349 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Pavlič Pass

Nestled in the stunning Julian Alps, Pavlič Pass sits at 1,349m (4,425ft) and marks the scenic border between Slovenia and Austria. Named after a local farmer, this charming mountain crossing connects Lower Styria in northern Slovenia with Austria's Carinthia region.

The fully paved route stretches 19.3km (11.99 miles) from Solčava in Slovenia to Bad Vellach in Austria, running east-west across some seriously gorgeous Alpine terrain. Known as the Seeberg Highway (B 82) on the Austrian side and Route 428 in Slovenia, this pass has quite the history—the first road opened way back in 1894, though it didn't get fully paved until 2000.

Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The road climbs steeply with some sections hitting a gnarly 15.7% gradient, so grip your steering wheel tight. But that's half the fun, right? You'll weave through dense forests, pop out into charming villages, and cruise past Alpine meadows—the scenery shifts constantly and keeps you engaged the whole way.

Cyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts absolutely swoon over this route when the weather's cooperating. The narrow sections add a bit of technical challenge, making it perfect if you're looking for something with real character. Just pick a clear day, take your time, and soak in those mountain views.

Where is it?

Driving the international Pavlic Pass is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.4640, 13.3464

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Length
19.3 km
Max Elevation
1,349 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
47.4640, 13.3464

Related Roads in europe

Julier Pass is one of Switzerland’s most scenic roadshard

Julier Pass is one of Switzerland’s most scenic roads

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Julier Pass: A Scenic Alpine Classic Nestled in Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland, the Julier Pass sits at a breathtaking 2,287 meters (7,503 feet) above sea level. This iconic route is one of three paved mountain passes that connect the stunning Engadin valley with northern Grisons—alongside the Fluela and Albula passes. The history here is seriously cool. Traders have been crossing this route since prehistoric times, and the Romans actually used it for commerce. The modern road was first carved out between 1820 and 1826, but it didn't get its full asphalt treatment until 1935–1940, making it one of the Alps' first paved traverses. A 2009 renovation smoothed out many of the serpentine switchbacks, giving it a friendlier feel. The 34.2-kilometer (21.25-mile) Route 3 runs from Sursés to Silvaplana and is totally paved the whole way. While the road gets steep—maxing out at a 13% gradient on some sections—it's still totally manageable for regular cars and trucks. Expect about 40 minutes of driving time if you head straight through. The pass typically stays open year-round, though winter can bring occasional closures when weather gets sketchy. If you're going in the cold months, bring winter tires and chains just in case. And here's a bonus: you'll spot the remains of two Roman sanctuary pillars at the summit itself. The real star? Those jaw-dropping Alpine views that'll make you want to pull over constantly.

Crossing the hair-raising Nadym River Bridge in Siberiamoderate

Crossing the hair-raising Nadym River Bridge in Siberia

🌍 Russia

Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the heart of Siberia, right on the Arctic Circle. You're about to cross the Nadym River, but forget your average bridge! This is a pontoon bridge, and "rickety" is an understatement. We're talking about a bridge that's only open in the summer because the river's frozen solid for half the year. Now, I'm not gonna lie, this thing can be a bit of a nail-biter. Parts of it are submerged in over a foot of water! It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it. Think wide-open Siberian wilderness, crystal-clear arctic air, and a serious sense of adventure. Word on the street is they're working on a more permanent solution, but for now, this insane bridge is the only way across. Get ready for a wild ride!

Where is Road SH40?extreme

Where is Road SH40?

🇦🇱 Albania

Ready for a seriously off-the-beaten-path adventure in Albania? Then SH40, aka "The Journey to Hell," might just be your cup of tea! Located between Shkodër and Lezhë counties in the northwestern part of the country, this wild ride leads to the infamous Spaç Prison, a haunting relic of Albania's communist past. Prepare to be transported back in time as you explore this chilling historical site. The road itself? Think 25.9 km (16.09 miles) of pure, unadulterated dirt road stretching from Reps to Kimëz. While most cars can handle it when it's dry, a high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet. Winding its way up to a max elevation of 1,170m (3,838ft), SH40 is a rollercoaster of narrow sections, steep gradients, hairpin turns, and heart-stopping drop-offs. Oh, and did we mention the unlit tunnels? This road ain't for the faint of heart, but the views are killer! Just keep your eyes on the road, not the scenery!

A great paved road to Col de la Faucille in the Jura Mountainsmoderate

A great paved road to Col de la Faucille in the Jura Mountains

🇫🇷 France

Col de la Faucille is a legendary mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,323m (4,341ft) in the Ain department of France, just north of Geneva near the Swiss border. This fully paved beauty—known as RN5-D1005—stretches an impressive 48.4km (30 miles) from the charming town of Gex up to Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux, taking you through the stunning Jura Mountains. What makes this pass special? It's been a Tour de France favorite since 1951, and for good reason. The road winds through countless curves with a handful of thrilling hairpin turns that'll keep you alert and entertained. It's a cyclist's dream and a gear-head's playground, drawing enthusiasts from all over. Fair warning though: traffic can be pretty heavy here, especially on weekdays when trucks treat this route like their personal shortcut to Dijon. If you want a more relaxed drive with better scenery appreciation, aim for weekends. The mountain scenery is absolutely worth the trip whenever you decide to tackle it—it's one of the Jura's most celebrated climbs for a reason.