Driving the steepest road of Poland (24%) to Karkonoska Pass

Driving the steepest road of Poland (24%) to Karkonoska Pass

Poland, europe

Length

12.2 km

Elevation

1,263 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Polish-Czech border, you CANNOT miss Przełęcz Karkonoska, aka the Karkonosze Pass. Perched high in the Giant Mountains at a whopping 1,263m (4,143ft), this international pass is a wild ride.

Stretching 12.2 km (7.58 miles) between Sobieszów (near Jelenia Góra, Poland) and Špindlerův Mlýn in the Czech Republic, it's a true border crossing with views for days. Fair warning: the Polish side is a little rough around the edges road-wise, but that doesn't stop the mountain bikers who flock here.

Speaking of wild rides, this baby is said to be Poland's steepest road. We're talking a gut-busting 24% gradient in some spots, averaging 15% over 820m. So, yeah, maybe double-check those brakes. Weather can be a factor too, so expect some rough patches. But trust me, the scenery in Karkonoski National Park is absolutely worth it!

Where is it?

Driving the steepest road of Poland (24%) to Karkonoska Pass is located in Poland (europe). Coordinates: 51.8543, 18.3979

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Poland
Continent
europe
Length
12.2 km
Max Elevation
1,263 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
51.8543, 18.3979

Related Roads in europe

Why is Loch Naver famous?hard

Why is Loch Naver famous?

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! The B873 in Sutherland, Scotland, is a total hidden gem. Picture this: you're cruising alongside the stunning Loch Naver, a loch famous for its wild, untouched beauty as part of the Flow Country. Now, about the road itself... Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking seriously narrow, single-lane action that can get tricky for two cars to pass. Reversing skills? You'll want 'em! On the plus side, you'll probably have the whole road to yourself. It's mostly flat and paved, but keep an eye out for flooding right by the loch's edge. This unforgettable drive stretches for about 18 km (11.4 miles), connecting Syre on the B871 to Altnaharra on the A836. Get ready for breathtaking views of rugged hills and moorlands – it's a true taste of the Scottish Highlands!

Where is Colle del Ghisallo?easy

Where is Colle del Ghisallo?

🇮🇹 Italy

Cruising through the Province of Como in Italy? You absolutely HAVE to hit Colle del Ghisallo! This mountain pass tops out at 754m (2,473ft) and it's not just about the views (though those are killer!). Near the peak you'll find the Santuario Del Ghisallo, a tiny church dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cyclists, complete with a cycling museum! Talk about a must-see for bike enthusiasts. Located near Lake Como in Lombardy (close to the Swiss border), the road winds for 15.0 km (9.32 miles) between Bellagio and Sormano. The road is paved and generally in good shape. The climb from Bellagio is 10.6 km, gaining 552 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 5.2% and spikes up to 14% in some spots. It's a challenging but rewarding drive. The sanctuary has an eternal flame burning in remembrance of cyclists who've passed. You'll find Fabio Casartelli's wrecked bike from his fatal crash, plus bikes from cycling legends like Giuseppe Saronni, Eddy Merckx, and even Coppi and Moser!

Take An Unforgettable Drive to Dadaş Geçidihard

Take An Unforgettable Drive to Dadaş Geçidi

🇹🇷 Turkey

Dadaş Geçidi is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.357m (7,732ft) above the sea level, located in Erzurum Province in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The road to the summit is asphalted. It’s called . The pass is located between the cities of Köprüköy and Ketenci. The climb is pretty steep. Subject to winter storms. Driving at night, or in poor visibility, is not recommended for drivers unfamiliar with the road. Olgunlar Yaylası-Hüngamek Road, recommended for drivers with strong nerves 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.

A Paved Road to Rifugio Sapienza on Mount Etnamoderate

A Paved Road to Rifugio Sapienza on Mount Etna

🇮🇹 Italy

# Rifugio Sapienza: Sicily's Gateway to Europe's Mightiest Volcano Perched at 1,935 meters (6,348 feet) on the southern slopes of Mount Etna, Rifugio Sapienza is the ultimate launchpad for volcano adventurers. This mountain lodge sits in Catania's Metropolitan City on Sicily, and it's where the magic happens—from here, you can catch the cable car up to even loftier heights on Europe's most active volcano. Getting there is half the fun. The fully paved Strada Provinciale 92 (SP92) stretches a solid 36.5 kilometers (22.68 miles) connecting Nicolosi and Zafferana Etnea. Don't let that distance fool you—this route is no casual Sunday drive. The road climbs relentlessly with some gnarly 13% grades in the steepest sections. Coming from Nicolosi? Buckle up for 19 kilometers of climbing with 1,223 meters of elevation gain (averaging 6.4% gradient). The Zafferana approach is even more intense—18 kilometers gaining 1,305 meters at an average 7.2% grade. The Giro d'Italia has tested cyclists here, and for good reason. The good news? The pavement is solid, and once you climb higher, the panoramic views are absolutely stunning. The not-so-good news? You're driving on the slopes of one of the world's most restless volcanoes. Etna's in a nearly constant state of activity, which means the road can shut down without warning. It technically stays open year-round, but Mother Nature has the final say. That's all part of the thrill.