
Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße
Austria, europe
N/A
2,000 m
hard
Year-round
Austria's mountain roads are calling, and you NEED to answer! Picture this: hairpin turns clinging to cliffs, majestic peaks piercing the sky, and views that'll make your jaw drop. This country is a driver's dream, offering an unforgettable alpine adventure.
Get ready to ascend beyond the ordinary on roads like the Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße (open May-Oct, maxes out at a breathtaking 2,504m with gradients up to 12%) slicing through Salzburg and Carinthia.
For year-round thrills, hit the road that summits at 1,732m with gradients of 10%. Alternatively, there's the road topping 1,628m, another open all year! Or perhaps the one climbing to 2,042m (open May-Oct).
The Goldeck Panorama Road (open May-Oct, peaks at 1,895m) is another must. Don't miss the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße (open June-Oct, hitting 2,032m), or the Kaunertal Glacier Road (open year-round, soaring to 2,750m).
Then there’s the Timmelsjoch Alpine Road (open June-Oct, reaching 2,479m), Schlegeis Alpenstraße (open May-Oct, topping out at 1,806m) followed by the other year round route reaching 1,920m.
The Pustertal High Alpine Road, open year-round, will get you up to 1,441m while the Zillertaler Höhenstraße (open May-Oct) delivers views from 2,020m. Expect winding paths, and pure alpine bliss! These routes offer an incredible chance to experience Austria's beauty from a whole new perspective. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – those views are distracting!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Alto Llano?
🇪🇸 Spain
Calling all adventure seekers! Have you heard of Alto Llano, a hidden gem nestled in the Spanish Province of Segovia? Also known as Navapelegrín, this peak sits pretty at 1,710m (5,610ft) above sea level, right on the edge of the Community of Madrid. The road to the top? Fully paved, though expect some concrete sections and a rather narrow path. While it's generally open year-round, be warned: winter weather can sometimes shut it down temporarily. But let's talk about the climb! Starting from La Pradera de Navalhorno, it's a 6.8km (4.22 miles) grind with an average gradient of 7.5 percent. Don't let that fool you – some stretches crank up to a brutal 12 percent average, with maximums hitting a lung-busting 20 percent. Get ready for a serious workout with some amazing views!
hardWhere is Rolle Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo Rolle: Picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Dolomites, smack-dab in the Parco Naturale Paneveggio - Pale di San Martino. This is Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol at its finest! The SS50 road, or Strada Statale 50, is your path. Built way back between 1863 and 1874 to connect the Fiemme and Primiero valleys, this fully paved road stretches for 43 km (26 miles) from Fiera di Primiero (near Mezzano) up to Predazzo. Get ready for countless curves as you wind serpentine by serpentine through sparse pine forests! Passo Rolle tops out at 1,989m (6,526ft). Cycling enthusiasts, take note: this is Giro d’Italia legend territory. If you're coming from Fiera di Primiero, you'll climb 1,253 meters over 23.1 km, averaging 5.4% with a max of 9.8%. Starting in Predazzo? It's 957 meters over 20.5 km, averaging 4.7% with a max of 11%. Either way, prepare for stunning views and a seriously unforgettable ride!
hardCol de la Lariée: Driving the 1,964m unpaved military border track
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Lariée: A Wild Alpine Adventure Just northwest of Basera Pass sits Col de la Lariée, a rugged 1,964m (6,443ft) mountain pass that sits right on the France-Italy border. This isn't your typical scenic mountain drive—it's a genuine slice of Alpine history and challenge rolled into one. This pass connects the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France with Piedmont's Province of Cuneo in Italy, following an old military route that traces the watershed line through the Ligurian Alps. On a clear day, the views are absolutely stunning—jagged limestone peaks dominating your windshield and glimpses of the Mediterranean coast in the distance. And yes, you'll spot remnants of early 20th-century military fortifications scattered around, adding a fascinating historical layer to the drive. Now, let's talk about what you're actually getting into. This isn't paved—it's a rough-and-tumble gravel and crushed rock track that demands serious respect. We're talking narrow, exposed sections with steep drops and zero guardrails. A high-clearance 4x4 is basically essential here. After rain, the loose rocky surface gets slippery fast, and patches of thin mountain soil turn into genuine mud. You'll need nerves of steel and excellent vehicle handling to navigate this properly. The stretch itself is surprisingly short—just 650 meters (0.4 miles) from Passo di Tanarello—but don't let that fool you. At this elevation with this terrain, those few hundred meters pack serious intensity. The pass typically opens late June and closes by October when heavy snow and ice shut down the high ridgelines. It's a short but genuinely technical section that connects the historic military roads linking Italy and France.
extremeWhere is Col de la Montee du Fond?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Alps, in the Savoie department, ready for an off-road adventure. You're headed to Col de la Montée du Fond, clocking in at a breathtaking 3,007 meters (9,865 feet)! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of Europe's highest roads, a true test of your off-roading skills. Starting near the popular Val Thorens ski resort and winding down to Orelle, this 28.3 km (17.58 mile) unpaved beast is only for 4x4s. Brace yourself for a wild ride with a staggering 55 hairpin turns – each one numbered, just so you know how far you've come (and how much further you have to go!). This road is a beast! Expect an average gradient of 10.4%, but don’t be surprised when it spikes to 17-18% on those crazy corners. But hey, the views! You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of a thousand summits across France, Switzerland, and Italy. Just remember, this road is usually only open in July and August. So, get ready for an epic, high-altitude adventure!