
Driving the scenic Gerlos Alpine Road in Austria
Austria, europe
120.7 km
1,628 m
moderate
Year-round
# Gerlos Alpenstraße: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride
Ready for an exhilarating Alpine adventure? The Gerlos Alpenstraße in Salzburg, Austria is absolutely worth the drive. This stunning toll road connects Krimml to Königsleiten and is one of those scenic mountain routes that'll have you gripping the wheel in the best way possible.
Built back in 1962 according to Franz Wallack's ambitious plans, this 12-kilometer stretch of fully paved road packs serious Alpine charm into a short journey. Don't let the modest distance fool you though—eight hairpin turns and a punishing 9% gradient in places make this a proper mountain driving challenge that'll test your skills and nerves.
The real magic happens as you climb to 1,628 meters above sea level, winding through the stunning High Tauern National Park. The payoff? Breathtaking panoramic views of the Alpine landscape and access to the jaw-dropping Krimml Waterfalls, which plunge an incredible 380 meters down the mountainside.
The best part? This road stays open year-round, so you can experience this Alpine beauty no matter the season. Whether you're a serious mountain road enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable drive, the Gerlos Alpenstraße delivers on every level. Just come prepared for those hairpins and steep grades—they're part of what makes this route so special.
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Gerlos Alpine Road in Austria is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 46.8424, 13.6852
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 120.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,628 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.8424, 13.6852
Related Roads in europe
hardCol Vidal
🇮🇹 Italy
# Col Vidal: A High-Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious altitude? Col Vidal sits pretty at 1,876 meters (6,154 feet) above sea level in the heart of Belluno Province, nestled in Veneto's stunning northeastern corner of Italy. What you're getting here is no smooth cruise—this is an old military gravel track that demands respect. The road is seriously narrow and relentlessly steep, making every switchback feel like an accomplishment. But here's the payoff: when you finally reach the summit, you'll find yourself at Forte Alto di Col Vidal, an impressive WWI fortress that's equal parts history and wow factor. This isn't a route for the faint of heart or your average sedan, but if you're up for a wild, raw mountain experience with incredible views and tangible history waiting at the top, Col Vidal absolutely delivers. It's the kind of drive that makes for unforgettable stories.
hardWhere is Peter-Anich-Hütte?
🇦🇹 Austria
Peter-Anich-Hütte is a above sea level, located in the district of in Austria. Expect sections that are as steep as Where is Peter-Anich-Hütte? southwest of Innsbruck When was Peter-Anich-Hütte built? and was named after the Tyrolean cartographer Peter Anich How long is the road to Peter-Anich-Hütte? The road to the hut is mostly 4x4 vehicle is required Is the road to Peter-Anich-Hütte open? northern edge of the Stubai Alps , accessibility is largely limited to the car-restricted service road Driving the unpaved road to Klammljoch (Passo di Gola) A truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Krummholzhutte 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.
hardThe inhumane climb to Kitzbuhler Horn with 22% ramps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Kitzbüheler Horn: Austria's Most Brutal Alpine Climb Want to tackle one of Europe's most punishing mountain roads? The Kitzbüheler Horn in Austria's Tyrol region will definitely test your limits. This beast of a climb sits at 1,967m (6,453ft) and has earned serious respect in the cycling world for good reason. Starting from the charming alpine town of Kitzbühel, you're looking at a 10.7 km (6.64 miles) journey that climbs a whopping 1,218 meters. The average gradient hovers around 11.38%, but don't let that fool you—the road hits a jaw-dropping 22.4% gradient in places, with the final kilometer above Goinger Alm pushing a brutal 22.3%. The entire route is paved, but don't expect smooth sailing. It's narrow and winds through countless switchback corners, passing a few alpine huts along the way. Here's where it gets spicy: the last 2.2 km is privately owned by Austria's national broadcasting company, and it's off-limits to regular cars. This restricted section is honestly the toughest part of the whole drive—narrow, steep, and rough around the edges. Fair warning: this road is typically snowbound from late October through May, so you'll need to time your visit carefully. But when conditions are right, the panoramic views are absolutely spectacular. At the summit, you'll find a restaurant and chapel to celebrate your conquest, plus a 102-meter TV tower that's impossible to miss. Seriously, this is Austrian cycling legend territory.
extremeHow long is Carretera de las Presas?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up for the Carretera de las Presas (GC-605) on Gran Canaria! This mountain road in the southwest of the island is a real stunner, but definitely keeps you on your toes. Stretching for about 23 kilometers (14.5 miles), you'll climb from the little town of Pie de la Cuesta (325m above sea level) all the way up to Ayacata (1,304m), a cute village where you can grab a bite. That's almost a kilometer of vertical gain! The journey starts with an epic series of hairpin bends winding up the Mogan Valley, past ochre cliffs and massive boulders. Expect a challenging drive. The pavement can be a bit rough in spots, especially the last 8 kilometers, and some sections are so narrow that passing another car can be tricky. We're talking 30+ hairpin turns, with gradients hitting 10% in places. This route takes you straight to the mysterious Las Niñas reservoir, one of the island's largest. Legend has it that a nearby, ancient pine tree witnessed a woman being burned to death centuries ago. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible. However, be aware that this route is prone to landslides, rockfalls, and fog. Keep an eye out for viewpoints with parking spots along the way, but remember it can get very cold and windy up there!